Upper Mustang

Lying in the remote northern region of Nepal, Upper Mustang, also formerly known as the “Kingdom of Lo”, is a land of pristine value, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient Tibetan culture. Upper Mustang was once a restricted region and remained isolated from the outside world until 1992, making it one of the most preserved regions in terms of culture and its unique heritage.

With its fascinating caves, ancient monasteries, legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, and off-the-beaten path, the Upper Mustang Trek can be the perfect getaway for trekkers seeking a culturally rich and unique trekking experience. Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, meaning it receives little to no rain in comparison to other trekking regions of Nepal, making it a perfect trekking destination during the Monsoon season and one of the best summer treks in Nepal.

Upper Mustang is a place blessed by nature. The number of visitors to this legendary place keeps on increasing yearly. The place has seen an approximate 14% increase in the growth of foreign visitors from 2023 to 2024, slowly making it a popular trekking destination for travelers looking for a dry climate trek in 2025. Efforts in media coverage and increased publicity have raised the popularity and awareness about Upper Mustang’s natural beauty and its offerings.

History of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”, has a rich and unique history. Deeply connected to the Tibetan culture and Buddhism, the once-independent kingdom remained isolated from outsiders for centuries, until 1992, preserving its unique culture and heritage.

Upper Mustang was historically known as the Kingdom of Lo and was part of the Tibetan empire. The empire played a crucial role in ancient trade routes between Tibet and Nepal tour and specialized in salt and wool trade. The Upper Mustang region’s early settlements date back over 2,000 years, indicating its long history. Numerous cave dwellings, artifacts, and ancient monasteries are still found in the cliffs of the region.

History suggests that in 1380 AD, a Tibetan warlord named Ame Pal founded the rich Kingdom of Lo and built the capital, Lo Manthang. The city of Lo Manthang developed as a walled city to protect Mustang from external invasions. The kingdom of Lo Manthang maintained close relations with Tibet over the years and later flourished as a key trade route for various edibles such as salt, grain, and wool between the two countries. The kingdom of Lo Manthang was influenced by the Tibetan culture and it still retains the culture, even today.

For decades, Upper Mustang was a restricted area, and no foreign visitors were allowed to enter the place until 1992. However, Nepal opened Upper Mustang to controlled tourism with a special permit system for sustainability and safety concerns.

Climate of Upper Mustang

It usually has a cold desert climate. Because of its location in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it receives very little rainfall throughout the area, making it one of the driest areas in Nepal.

• Spring Season (March to May): During the Spring Season, the temperature in the daytime ranges from 10 to 20°C, and during the night, it can drop below -5°C. The Spring season offers clear skies and stable weather conditions, making trekking conditions favorable.
• Summer/Monsoon Season (June to August): In Nepal, the Summer season coincides with the Monsoon season. The Upper mustang temperature can rise to 25°C during the day and can fall below -10°C at night. Unlike other trekking regions, It is perfect for trekking during this time due to its rain shadow effect as it receives little to no rain.
• Autumn (September to November): During the Autumn season, the Upper Mustang temperature lies in the region of 10 to 20°C during the day and can drop below -5°C at night. The climate offers clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it one of the best times to trek in Upper Mustang.
• Winter (December to February): During the Winter season, it gets very cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 10°C during the day, and at night, it can drop to below -20°C. Many locals migrate to lower altitudes during this time to avoid the cold.

Climate Chart of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular getaway in the remote region of the northwestern part of Nepal. It is a unique and culturally rich trekking experience, offering breathtaking views of the desert-like landscapes. The Upper Mustang Trekking Journey takes you to the former Kingdom of Lo, which is an area that remained restricted from the outside world until 1992.

Upper Mustang, with a height of 4,000 meters, is a remote region in Nepal. The height of in feet is 13,123 feet. It is also considered as the Tibetan Plateau.

On average, the Upper Mustang Trek costs around $2590 per person. This includes accommodation fees, full-board meals, guides and necessary permit fees, porter’s charges, and transportation costs. Usually, the Upper Mustang Trek is a journey between 18 to 20 days, including various sightseeing days, visits to famous monasteries, trekking to various hidden beauties of Upper Mustang, and flights.

At Access Nepal, your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary starts with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You will have an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley on your second day. Then, you will officially start your Upper Mustang Trek with a drive to Pokhara in a private vehicle.

On your fourth day, you will fly to Jomsom and trek to the famous Kagbeni. From here onwards, you will be engaging in heavy trekking for some days. On your fifth day, you will trek to Chele, then continue on your journey to Syangboche on your sixth day. Then, you will continue trekking consecutively to reach Ghami and Tsarang until you finally reach the legendary Lo Manthang on your ninth day. You will spend an extra two days for exploration in the famous Lo Manthang area.

On your twelfth day, you will trek to Surkhang and spend an extra day there to visit the famous Lori Gompa and Yara Gompa (Monasteries). You will then continue your trek to Tange on your fourteenth day and then to Tetang the following day. You will be trekking to the famous Muktinath Temple on your sixteenth day and then driving back to Jomsom. You will be concluding the Upper Mustang Trek by flying to Pokhara and then with a drive back to the Kathmandu Valley before your departure.

It takes you to a maximum altitude of 3,840 meters at Lo Manthang, making it a perfect trekking journey for beginner trekkers as well. The region lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, meaning it receives very little to no rain during most of the year, and heavy rainfall is usually considered rare. That is why this trek is an ideal pick for trekkers who prefer dry weather.

Upper Mustang Trekking Permits

Trekkers will be required to obtain special permits for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. Since Upper Mustang is a restricted area, the Nepal Government regulates access for protection of Mustang’s unique culture and traditions, conservation of environment and its heritage. These permits contribute significantly to the protection of the area’s biodiversity and boots local ecosystem.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Restricted Area Permit or RAP costs about $500 per person for the first 10 days, and you have to pay an extra $50 for extra days at Upper Mustang. Trekkers can obtain the RAP permit from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

Rules and Requirements:

• The Restricted Area Permit must be obtained via a Government-registered trekking agency.
• Solo trekking is not allowed, as a minimum of two trekkers is required to obtain the permit for trekking in Upper Mustang.
• A Licensed Trekking Guide is Mandatory.
• Trekkers must enter and exit the trekking route through Kagbeni, the official checkpoint.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit or ACAP costs NPR 100 per person for Nepali citizens, NPR 1,000 per person for SAARC Nationals, and NPR 3,000 (USD 22) per person for Foreigners. ACAP can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board Office located in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The permit helps in cultural and environmental protection of the area and contributes to controlled Tourism activity. The fees generated by obtaining such permits also help in maintaining the region’s rare heritage and culture.

Rules and Requirements:

• A valid copy of your Passport (carry the original in case of any emergencies).
• Valid Nepal Visa for the Trek duration.
• Passport-sized Photos (At Least two).
• Trekking Agency Details (As Restricted Area Permit cannot be issued to individuals).

Transportation in Upper Mustang

Transportation in Upper Mustang involves a combination of various flights, drives, and trekking in the remote region. At Access Nepal, every transportation starting from your arrival in Kathmandu up until your departure is covered by the agency itself. Although the road conditions at Upper Mustang have improved in recent years, the remote location and the off-road experience still make it an adventure people want to take on.

To reach Upper Mustang, trekkers can choose to fly or drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Then you will fly to Jomsom from Pokhara and continue on foot for trekking or travel in a private vehicle to reach Lo Manthang.

Another option to reach Upper Mustang is to completely avoid any flights and reach Mustang entirely by road. This is the perfect option for travelers seeking an adventure on the road, witnessing the natural beauty, and especially for those who don’t mind the long, bumpy drive.

On Mustang, trekkers can travel in various ways, and the most common way is trekking itself. One can enjoy the scenic views of Upper Mustang and what it has to offer best while trekking. Travelling via Jeep is also available but is usually expensive. Another unique way one can travel in Upper Mustang is by hiring Horses and Mules. Horseback riding is especially common in Mustang for locals, and travelers can also rent one for short trips for around $20 to $50 per day.

For adventure seekers, Motorbike tours are also a common and adventurous means of travel for the Upper Mustang Trek. Travelers can rent motorbikes in Pokhara or Jomsom for a cost of $50 to $100 per day and take on the off-road thrill experience. Upper Mustang road conditions offer a unique thrill for Motorbike lovers and people who prefer travelling on two wheels.

Demographics of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, due to its remote location, cold and dry climate, has quite a small population. Many locals migrate to lower altitudes during the winter to avoid the extreme cold. The total population is estimated in the region of around 7,000 to 8,000 people. The major ethnic group, the Loba or Lo people have lived in Mustang for centuries. Other groups include the Thakali people (mostly in lower Mustang) and other Nepali-speaking communities.

Official Language

The official language spoken in the Upper Mustang region includes the Lowa, a Tibetan dialect. The Lowa language is spoken by the Loba people. The language is closely related to the Tibetan language and is used in daily communication and religious rituals.

Some of the other secondary languages spoken include Tibetan because of Mustang’s historical ties with Tibet. Other languages spoken are Nepali and limited use of English, mainly in Tourism areas.

Religion

Upper Mustang is a sacred region spread with Tibetan Buddhism religion. Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion followed in Upper Mustang, practiced by the Loba people. The Loba people celebrate festivals like the Tiji Festival to celebrate Buddhist mythology and the victory of good over evil.

Because of the long and rich religious history, there are many ancient monasteries with huge cultural significance. Some of the major monasteries include Thubchen Gompa, Ghar Gompa, and Tsarang Monastery.

Another famous religion followed in Upper Mustang is the Bon Religion. Bon is an ancient animistic and shamanistic belief system that originated in Tibet over 3,000 years ago. The concept of Bon revolves around the worship of nature, spirits, and ancestral deities. It emphasizes the balance between humans and the natural world. Some villages still practice Bon, which is often blended with Buddhist rituals.

Total Area

Upper Mustang comprises a total area of approximately 2,020 square kilometers (780 square miles). Upper Mustang is located in the northwestern part of the country, bordering Tibet (China). It lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Is Upper Mustang Restricted?

Yes, Upper Mustang is a restricted area in the Gandaki province of Nepal. You will require special permits to visit the remote area as these permits help protect Tibetan Buddhist culture and Heritage, regulate tourism, ensure environmental conservation, and maintain border security near Tibet.

You will require two special permits, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), to visit the legendary Upper Mustang. These restrictions are a source of protection for these areas rich in history and traditions and to preserve them for longer generations. The permits to visit Upper Mustang must be obtained through a government-licensed trekking agency, and a minimum of two trekkers are required to receive the permits as solo trekking is prohibited in this region.

Upper Mustang is in the Rain Shadow of Annapurna. What’s a Rain Shadow?

It is true that Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges. But what is a rain shadow?

A rain shadow is a dry area on the downwind side of a mountain or a mountain range, receiving very little to no rain. and forms when moist air from the upwind side rises, cools, and releases precipitation. In simple terms, a rain shadow is a region that has very little rainfall because it is sheltered from prevailing rain-bearing winds by a range of hills.

A Rain Shadow is an effect formed when moist air rises from an ocean or a large body of water and is pushed toward a mountain range by prevailing winds. Then, as the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation. Once the air passes over the peak, it descends, warming and losing its remaining moisture. This phenomenon creates a dry, often desert-like area on the leeward side.

How to reach Upper Mustang?

One can reach Upper Mustang with a combination of flights, road travel, and trekking. To reach Upper Mustang, first, you must reach Pokhara via a flight from Kathmandu or a drive. Then, from Pokhara, you will have to travel to Jomsom, also by flight (fastest option), or by road travel on a vehicle. Once you reach Jomsom, you can either reach Lo Manthang (Upper Mustang) by traveling on a vehicle or by trekking.

Upper Mustang is Part of What Country?

Upper Mustang is part of Nepal. It is located in the north-central region of the country. Upper Mustang borders Tibet (China) to the north and is famous for its Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, and desert-like landscapes.

Upper Mustang is located in the Mustang District and lies within the Gandaki Province of Nepal.

How to go to Pokhara from Upper Mustang?

The trek back to Pokhara from Upper Mustang involves two options. You can travel either by road, by Jeep, which takes about 6-8 hours of driving. Although the drive can be rough due to the dusty and bumpy routes, it offers beautiful, scenic views of Mustang’s desert-like landscapes.

Another way you can reach Pokhara is by direct flight from Jomsom. This is one of the fastest options to reach Pokahara, and the flight only takes about 30 minutes in total. You will have to travel on a Jeep to Jomsom from Lo Manthang and then board your flight back to Pokhara.

How hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?

The Upper Mustang Trek is considered a moderate to challenging level of trek, considering factors such as trekkers’ fitness levels, past trekking experience, and weather conditions. The trek’s duration is usually about 12-15 days, depending on the itinerary. Trekkers must cover a total distance of 160 km (round trip).

The highest point you will reach during the trek is at Lo Manthang, sitting at 3,840m. The altitude is not extreme as compared to other treks such as the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Base Camp, but proper acclimatization has to be followed to prevent any symptoms. Travelling to Upper Mustang during the Winter season can be quite challenging as the weather can get extremely cold during the weather. Even the locals migrate to lower altitudes during winter to prevent such cold.

The trek is ideal for trekkers with some basic experience in trekking and acclimatization. With proper fitness and endurance training, one can easily complete this trek.

Why is Upper Mustang famous?

Upper Mustang is a place blessed with natural beauty and a unique culture. The place is famous for its unique desert-like landscapes and the rich Tibetan culture. The region remains one of the most mysterious and restricted trekking regions of Nepal.

Upper Mustang is also home to thousands of man-made caves, ancient paintings, and rare artifacts. Unlike the blooming, lush green trails of other treks in Nepal, Upper Mustang offers something different. As the region lies in the rain shadow area, it remains dry even during the Monsoon season, making it a great year-round famous trekking destination.

What is the best time for the Upper Mustang Trek?

The best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons. These times offer clear skies for the best views and warm temperature trekking. However, since the region receives very little to no rain, all year round, it is also surprisingly a great choice to trek during the Summer/Monsoon season because of its dry weather.

It is highly recommended to avoid the Winter season as the temperature can get very cold during this time.

How Long is the Upper Mustang Trek?

Depending on factors such as the starting pace, itineraries, acclimatization needs, and whether you fly or drive to Jomsom, the Upper Mustang Trek takes about 14 to 20 days on average to complete. The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate-length journey exploring the ancient city of Lo Manthang and unique desert-like landscapes that trekkers around the world come to witness.

At Access Nepal, the Upper Mustang Trek is a 19-day journey into the rain shadow area, exploring various ancient caves, legendary cities, and beautiful landscapes.

How much does the Upper Mustang Trek cost?

The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate to a bit expensive trek as compared to most treks in Nepal due to its restricted area status and special permits required for trekking here. Due to the remote location, services and facilities are quite rare, and that is why the trek itself falls on the bit expensive side.

On average, the cost for the Upper Mustang Trek is about $2,590 per person. This cost includes all the necessary permit fees, guides and porter charges, accommodation cost, as well as full-board meals throughout the trek. You also get to enjoy some group discounts for bringing in more people for the Upper Mustang Trek.

What will you find high in the valley walls of Upper Mustang?

High in the valley walls of Upper Mustang, you will find various ancient cave dwellings. Some of the cave dwellings are man-made and carved into the cliffs. The caves were used as homes, meditation chambers, and burial sites over centuries.

Some of the caves, especially around places like Chhoser, contain various ancient Buddhist paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts dating back over a thousand years, offering glimpses of the place’s rich spiritual and cultural history.

Conclusion

Summing up the blog, the Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations going into 2025. With its rich and significant cultural history and how it has still preserved it over the years, the place offers an experience unlike any other. Mustang is a place blessed with the goodness of nature. Many people simply visit the place to experience the famous desert-like landscapes alone, exploring the natural beauty of the place.

Another key highlight is the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, with its rich history. With its Tibetan-influenced culture still getting passed down to further generations, this city holds a significant place in making the Upper Mustang a legendary place. The Upper Mustang bike tour is another experience few get to indulge in and feel the thrill of the off-road trail experience. Many bikers dream to go on a solo bike tour to this legendary place at least once in their life.

Whether you’re trekking through the rugged terrain, exploring centuries-old caves, or witnessing the famous Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, every moment you spend at this magical place will be one you will remember for a lifetime. At Access Nepal, we currently have our bookings open for the Upper Mustang Trek for 2025 and 2026. With flexible itineraries and personalized services to meet your needs, we aim to give you the best trekking experience you can ask for.