
Plan your Upper Mustang Trek, famous for its unique culture, history, and stunning desert landscapes. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” it offers a rare glimpse into centuries-old traditions. Explore detailed information including itinerary, cost, highlights, and the best time for a hassle-free trekking experience.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular trekking route in the Mustang region of Nepal. This remote and restricted area lies to the north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. This trek offers the opportunity to witness local festivals and cultural events, providing a deeper understanding of the region's traditions.
Trekking in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege where you can experience the true aroma of isolated Himalayas in Nepal. Located at the border of the Tibetan Plateau, trekking in Mustang in many ways resembles trekking in Tibet. Upper Mustang Trek is an ancient Buddhist kingdom of LO-LO which used to be part of the Tibetan empire so it is closely associated with Tibet in terms of culture, dialects, and geography.
Since Upper Mustang Trek was a restricted and demilitarized territory up until 1992, it has managed to maintain a high level of cultural preservation, with the bulk of its inhabitants still adhering to Tibetan traditions and speaking distinct languages. Mustang is nestled in the rain-shadowed area of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif making it a suitable region for trekking in monsoon. Upper Mustang is also well-known for its unique beauty and unspoiled nature comprising the majority of the area festooned with ruggedly barren land engulfed by rocks in different kinds of colors and impressive formations. The arid landscapes are dotted with small settlements of white-washed houses, barley fields, and many Monasteries and Chortens decorated with fluttering prayer flags. Additionally, it captures the admirable view of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, and multiple other Himalayas.
The Upper Mustang Trekking trail traverses an ancient salt trading route which used to be a well-traveled route for people of Mustang to trade grain from the lowlands. It starts from Jomsom and ends at Jomsom again, which is the main highlight of the trek. There are itineraries available for the route to Lo-Manthang ranging from moderate to strenuous grades. It is possible to conduct a trek in completely tea-house mode, camping is not needed unless you go for a beaten-off track. Trekking to Upper Mustang goes through an almost treeless barren landscape and steep rocky trail along with a dominating view of soaring Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
Lo-Mantang is a semi-autonomous and heavily Tibetan-influenced village decorated with desolate but incredible landscapes interspersed with treeless barren land and lush culture. The hamlet is well-known for white-washed mud bricks, Gompas, and the Royal King Palace built in the 14 century. Also Known as the “God House '', this place is dotted with numerous gracious temples and Gompas including Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, Jampa Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and the Choprang Gompa. Travelers can wander around town and visit the Amchi museum and Amchi School. Amchi is a traditional doctor of Lo-Manthang.
Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate trek ideal for passionate trekkers who have the ability to walk for 6 hours a day with a light rucksack. The best time to go for Upper Mustang trekking is during the monsoon months (June-August) as this region is located in the rain shadow area of Nepal. However, it is possible to conduct the trek throughout the year. It is mandatory to obtain a trekking permit for Upper Mustang from the department of immigration in Nepal. Permit for trekking in Upper Mustang Trek is only issued to a group of at least 2 people accompanied by a guide. US $ 500 per person is charged for the first 10 days in Upper Mustang and after 10 days US $ 50 is charged per day per person. Restriction starts after Kagbeni, the small town of Mustang.