A remote region with desert-like landscapes, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan culture.
Region
Gandaki Province
Altitude
2,800–4,000m
Best Season
March to November is the main trekking season
Activities
6+ Available
Mustang is Nepal's last forbidden kingdom — a high-altitude desert valley carved by the Kali Gandaki River and culturally more Tibetan than Nepali. Hidden behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, Mustang was closed to foreigners until 1992, and its restricted access has preserved an extraordinary living Tibetan culture, ancient cave dwellings, and medieval walled cities that seem untouched by time. Upper Mustang, with its capital Lo Manthang, requires a special restricted area permit and offers some of the most dramatic desert landscapes in Asia — eroded cliffs, layered sedimentary mountains in red, orange, and white, and sky-blue skies that are rare elsewhere in Nepal. Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, draws pilgrims from across South Asia.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a 14-day restricted area adventure through the ancient kingdom's landscapes.
Explore centuries-old Buddhist monasteries with rare art collections and living monk communities.
Investigate prehistoric sky-caves carved into towering red cliffs, some hiding ancient manuscripts and skeletons.
Ride the famous Mustangi horses across open desert plains — the traditional mode of transport in this region.
Capture otherworldly landscapes of eroded canyons, rainbow-coloured cliffs, and ancient mud-brick villages.
Experience Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang — a three-day masked dance ritual unique to Upper Mustang.
The walled capital of the ancient Mustang Kingdom, with a royal palace, four monasteries, and whitewashed houses.
A sacred pilgrimage site at 3,800m where an eternal flame burns from natural gas and holy water springs flow.
A medieval walled village at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers — the gateway to Upper Mustang.
A remarkable complex of over 10,000 caves dug into towering cliffs, some used as burial chambers and meditation retreats.
March to November is the main trekking season. Mustang lies in a rain shadow so it remains accessible during monsoon (June–August) when other trekking regions are wet — making it a popular choice in summer.
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then fly to Jomsom in Lower Mustang (40 minutes). Alternatively, trek from Pokhara via the Annapurna Circuit. A special restricted area permit ($500 for 10 days) is required for Upper Mustang.
Let our expert team craft your perfect Mustang itinerary. We handle everything so you can focus on the experience.
