Upper Mustang Trek – A Journey into the Hidden Kingdom of Nepal
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most unique and fascinating adventures. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Upper Mustang lies beyond the Annapurna region, close to the Tibetan plateau. Trekking here feels like stepping into another world—where centuries-old Tibetan culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and ancient monasteries remain untouched by modernity. For trekkers seeking something different from the crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna, the Upper Mustang Trek offers raw beauty and cultural depth.
Why Choose the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is more than just a hiking experience—it’s a journey through history and spirituality. Until 1992, foreigners were not allowed to enter this restricted region. Even today, trekkers need a special permit to explore Upper Mustang, making it an exclusive adventure. The controlled tourism helps preserve the area’s unique traditions, which makes trekking here a privilege.
The highlight of the trek is Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Mustang. This medieval town is home to whitewashed mud-brick houses, royal palaces, and monasteries dating back to the 15th century. Festivals like Tiji Festival bring the entire region alive with vibrant colors, sacred dances, and Buddhist rituals.
Why Upper Mustang Trek is Different from Other Treks in Nepal
The Upper Mustang Trek stands apart from other trekking routes in Nepal for several reasons. While most treks like Everest Base Camp Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek are famous for snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and high mountain passes, Upper Mustang offers a completely different landscape and culture.
- Desert-like Terrain – Instead of green valleys and rhododendron forests, Upper Mustang is filled with barren cliffs, red canyons, eroded sandstone formations, and vast plateaus. The scenery is often compared to Tibet or the Grand Canyon rather than the typical Himalayan trails.
- Tibetan Buddhist Culture – Upper Mustang is a living museum of Tibetan heritage. Villages, monasteries, and festivals like Tiji showcase centuries-old traditions that remain unchanged. Other treks may pass monasteries, but here the entire lifestyle revolves around Tibetan Buddhism.
- Lo Manthang – The Walled City – No other trek in Nepal takes you to a medieval walled city like Lo Manthang, with its royal palace, ancient monasteries, and unique architecture. This makes the trek not just about nature but also about history and culture.
- Restricted and Exclusive – Because of its Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Upper Mustang sees far fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna. This exclusivity creates a sense of adventure and solitude that is rare in Nepal’s popular trekking routes.
- Summer Trekking Possibility – Most treks in Nepal are avoided during monsoon season, but Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it one of the only treks ideal for summer trekking.
- Caves and Ancient Archaeology – The cliffs of Mustang hide mysterious caves, some of which contain Buddhist relics and ancient manuscripts. This archaeological richness is unique compared to other trekking regions.
Trekking Route and Duration
Most itineraries for the Upper Mustang Trek start with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. From there, trekkers pass through Kagbeni, the official entry point to Upper Mustang. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River valley and moves north toward Lo Manthang.
The trek usually takes 12 to 15 days, depending on the route and pace. Along the way, trekkers cross barren cliffs, red canyons, hidden caves, and windswept plateaus that resemble Tibetan landscapes more than the lush green hills of Nepal. The dry terrain and wide valleys make the region suitable even during the monsoon season, unlike other trekking regions in Nepal.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
The best seasons for the Upper Mustang Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). However, unlike other trekking routes, Upper Mustang is also ideal during summer (June to August), since the region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. This makes it one of the few treks in Nepal where summer trekking is not only possible but rewarding.
Culture and Lifestyle
The culture of Upper Mustang is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Villages are decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. Monasteries like Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Lhakhang showcase ancient murals and scriptures. The people of Mustang, known as Lobas, maintain traditional lifestyles—farming barley, herding yaks, and practicing rituals that have been passed down for generations.
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour – An Alternative to Trekking
For travelers who want to explore Mustang but prefer not to trek for two weeks, there is also the option of an Upper Mustang Jeep drive. With the construction of roads connecting Jomsom to Lo Manthang, it’s now possible to experience the Upper Mustang tour by Jeep in fewer days.
A Jeep trip to Upper Mustang usually takes 7 to 10 days, starting from Pokhara or Jomsom. The route follows the same trail as trekkers, passing through Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, Tsarang, and finally reaching Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital. Along the way, travelers can stop in villages, monasteries, and viewpoints, enjoying the culture and landscape at their own pace.
