Home to some of the world’s most stunning trekking in Nepal, the Mustang Region seamlessly mixes the raw Himalayas with tremendously Tibetan influences. The Mustang region is situated in north-central Nepal as more of a semi-arid desert. It is, in fact, in the rain shadow of two of the highest mountains in the world, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, allowing for entirely different trekking experiences than the rest of Nepal’s lush tropical green landscapes and trekking routes.
The region is divided into Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang (restricted area). Interesting features in the area include caves of ancient dwellings, red-walled monasteries (also known as gompa), and beautiful wind-eroded cliff formations. Also, the trek continues to the former walled capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lo, Lo Manthang, which seems to be stuck in time. The views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri are exceptional on the burnished blue-sky days spent trekking through centuries-old villages with Tibetan Buddhism present.
The Mustang region is a remarkable place to be if you are an adventure-addicted explorer, a cultural anthropologist, or a high-altitude remote desert trekker.
The Mustang region is definitely the place to be if you want to go on a range of treks from easy moderate tea house trek to more remote, isolated, and strictly regulated treks in Upper Mustang that need permits.
Mustang is giving you the following: breathtaking views, spiritual importance, and ancient unusualness. It is, therefore, no surprise that Mustang is today one of the most uniquely and indelibly trekking regions in Nepal.
What Visit Mustang Region, Nepal?
- Situated in the trans-Himalayan region, Mustang is a desert-like place with deep gorges, colourful cliffs and eroded rock formations.
- It is located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which makes it the driest trekking area in Nepal.
- The region is like a living museum of ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, language and traditions, also they are the ones who are still speaking the former Kingdom of Lo's language.
- Lo Manthang, the walled city in Upper Mustang, is the last of the surviving medieval kingdoms; thus, it is filled with palaces and monasteries.
- Mustang is the place where there are ancient cave dwellings that people have carved into cliffs; they are so old that some of them even go back more than 2,000 years, which were used for meditation, burial, and shelter.
- Those who are on the trek get the chance to see and be a part of centuries-old festivals like Tiji, wherein the festival people of different areas come together and, through masked dances and rituals, the victory of good over evil is celebrated.
- Limited access to Upper Mustang has definitely been a boon to the area as it has helped in both preserving the culture and the environment, allowing tourists to have a more genuine and less crowded experience there.
- The place is decorated with traditional architecture like whitewashed mud-brick homes, mani walls, chortens, and they have colourful prayer flags everywhere.
- The broad view of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri Range, and other peaks is very nice, and they add to the barren landscape to look extra dramatic.
Quick Facts About Mustang Region
- Location: Northern Nepal, located along the Tibet border
- District: Mustang District, Gandaki Province
- Divisions: Lower Mustang, Upper Mustang
- Elevation Range: 2800 m to 4200 m (approximately)
- Capital of Upper Mustang: Lo Manthang
- Climate: semi-arid and has dry and windy conditions
- Restricted Area: Upper Mustang (heavy access restriction)
- Major River: Kali Gandaki River
- Language: Tibetan dialects, Nepali.
Best Mustang Region Treks and Tours Packages
Upper Mustang Trek – 14 Days
Through 14 days trek in Upper Mustang is a path where one gets a really deep experience of Nepal's trans-Himalayan and untouched region, which is sometimes referred to as the "Forbidden Kingdom". Beginning from Jomsom, the trekkers cross through semi-arid lands, get acquainted with the lifestyle of Tibetan Buddhist villagers, and even travel through the colourful barren hills.
The trek is going to Lo Manthang, which used to be the ancient Mustang Kingdom's walled city and the capital. Those places are indeed the ones where the traditional culture and architecture are the most deeply ones.
Travelers sharing the same trip with you, they not only beautify their experience, but their eyes are fed with fresh doses of the spectacular Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountain ranges, their souls are invigorated by high mountain passes such as Marang La (4230 m), and their minds are filled with wisdom during the visit to the sacred place of Muktinath Temple.
The route that the trek takes is along the old salt trade paths, and such a journey might be interrupted by the sight of yak caravans that pass through, seeing the picturesque lakes, or even being surprised by the unique Tibetan Buddhist festivals such as Tiji.
Highlights:
- Go on a trek through the dry semi-arid Mustang and Tibetan-influenced villages.
- The Lo Manthang visit is definitely going to be enjoyable, because of its simple and beautiful whitewashed buildings.
- Pass over Marang La at an altitude of 4230 meters.
- Visit deeply respected places such as Muktinath Temple and Shaligram fossil banks.
- Be a witness to the Tiji Festival, a one-of-a-kind cultural affair.
- On a clear day, feast your eyes on the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountain ranges.
Upper Mustang Jeep Overland Tour – 8 Days
The 8-day Upper Mustang Jeep Overland Tour is a thrilling and cozy journey through Mustang's difficult terrains and old culture without extensive hiking. Visitors drive a jeep through the Kali Gandaki valley, they go through Lower Mustang villages like Jomsom, Marpha, and Kagbeni, before they enter the restricted Upper Mustang region.
The tour further entails going to Lo Manthang, the old royal capital, and the most important cultural places such as the ancient monasteries and the Tibetan villages of the local people. This overland route is a visual feast that shows the vistas of the deep gorges, the desert kind of nature, and the snow of the Himalayan peaks.
The jeep tour is perfect for those who want to take in the uniqueness of Mustang's culture and natural landscape in a shorter period and with less effort. Permits are necessary for the restricted areas.
Highlights:
- Travel along the Kali Gandaki valley and Mustang's diverse terrain in a Jeep.
- There are a few villages in Lower Mustang: Jomsom, Marpha, and Kagbeni.
- With special permits, we will enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang.
- We will spend time in Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city and cultural centre of Mustang.
- We will see Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, chortens, and mani walls.
- Expect stunning scenery: deep gorges, barren hills, and incredible mountains.
- Enjoy true Mustangi culture and hospitality.
- This trip is for travellers who like comfort and want less time on the journey.
- You may also see yaks, and limited desert species flora and fauna along the way.
The Soul of Mustang: Tibetan Culture, Spiritual Rituals, and Indigenous Identity
Tibetan Influence
The Mustang region and particularly Upper Mustang may be more Tibetan than Tibet because it has been geographically remote for so long, culturally and religiously, it is more Tibetan than all except the most ancient.
This area once belonged to the ancient Kingdom of Lo, a nominally independent Tibetan Buddhist enclave, and for many centuries, there have been major cultural Tibetan influences.
Tibetan Buddhism characterises religion in the region and extends to architecture, festivals, languages, arts, and how people live in the region. The people speak a form of Tibetan dialect, dress in traditional garb and live in mud-brick homes patterned in a style similar to western Tibet.
Then there are the numerous ancient monasteries (gompas) like Thubchen, and Jampa Lhakhang, which are not only functioning temples and community centres for religious life, but they house sacred texts, thangkas (baintings), and of course, in some cases, relics, that are hundreds of years old.
The Mustangis with an Indigenous Identity
The Mustangi, or Mustang people, or Lopa, are an indigenous Tibetan-influenced population. The Mustangis have applied clever and imaginative ways to prevent the influences of Nepal's modernisation, capitalism, and cultural invasion and retain a significant degree of autonomy from their pre-modern past.
Some of their characteristics include:
- Language: The common people use a Tibetan dialect called Loke.
- Clothing: They wear formal chubas (similar to robes), wool boots, and especially a style of distinct silver jewellery.
- Economy: Though tourism is slowly growing, many still make their living with farming barley and buckwheat, raising yaks and sheep; a lifestyle unchanged for probably a thousand years.
Monasteries
Mustang is home to some of the oldest and most valuable monasteries in the Himalayas. These monasteries have significance in the spiritual sense (as a place for devotional practice) and also in the cultural sense (as a place of ancient traditions/teachings, and arts).
Some of the most prominent (but there are many) monasteries are:
- Thubchen monastery: Built in a large courtyard, with large pillars, walls are decked in colour cloths, and curated artefacts. Established in the late 15th Century.
- Ghar Gompa: Some of the oldest monasteries in Mustang and connected to Padmasambhava.
- Chhoser cave monasteries: Very old caves that monks would use to meditate, as well as use for retreat through the cave system.
Rituals and Festivals
Cultural festivals and/or rites are one of the most important elements of the cultural landscapes of Mustang. While not specifically tourist spectacles, these events highlight the spiritual dimensions of the local community.
Tiji Festival – the most famous festival of Mustang, each year in Lo Manthang. Tiji represents the triumph of good over evil and involves the following elements:
- Elaborate masked dances
- Monastic ritual, with blessings
- Chants and mantras that have been passed down through the generations
And a selection of other rituals/customs are followed, such as:
- Sky burial, a traditional funerary custom that intersects with Buddhist belief systems.
- Cham dancers, whose ceremonial role is to purify evil energy through ritual acts.
Why Is Mustang One of Nepal’s Top Tourist Destinations?
Mustang has emerged as one of the premier trekking destinations in Nepal and achieved international prominence when The New York Times listed it as 37th among the 52 places to go in 2024.
The designation has given worldwide exposure to a region that, until now, tourists (outsiders) could only experience from a distance. The area is more famously known as the Forbidden Kingdom. Mustang was closed to outsiders until 1992, but explorers of its Tibetan cultural heritage and somewhat otherworldly landscapes.
Because of its remoteness and limited restrictions, Mustang is an exhilarating destination for those wanting adrenaline in overdrive.
One day you can be absorbing the remoteness of high-altitude high-desert terrain, and the next day visit how hundreds of years old peoples lived and thrived in impossibly awe-inspiring monasteries and village culture.
Best Time to Visit Mustang Region
The ideal time to go to Mustang is during the Spring months (March-May) and during the Autumn months (September-November). These months will provide you with the most settled weather, blue skies, and the most comfortable temperatures for trekking and sightseeing. You will get blooming wildflowers and colourful landscapes in Spring, and crisp air and fabulous mountain views in Autumn.
Mustang is located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and can still be visited even in the monsoon months (June-August), although you will experience quite a bit of wind and dust on the trails. The Winter months (December - February) are very cold and harsh and are not ideal for travel to Mustang, especially Upper Mustang. Temperatures in Upper Mustang can be freezing, and it could snow, which is almost guaranteed.
How to Reach a Mustang Region?
From Kathmandu:
- By Air: An overseas visitor can make their journey to Jomsom quicker by flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara (approximately 30 minutes) and then from Pokhara to Jomsom (15-20 minutes). Flight schedules are weather-dependent, but the view from the plane as you cross into the Himalayas is unbelievably beautiful. A one-way Kathmandu to Pokhara flight will be about $120 in low season, and about $150 in high season. A one-way flight from Pokhara to Jomsom will be about $150.
- By Road: For travelers who do not mind extra travel time, there is another, more scenic and lower-priced way to travel to Jomsom. An option is to travel by tourist bus or rent a private jeep from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-8 hours); and then from Pokhara to Jomsom by bus or jeep (8-10 hours). Tourist buses are generally the cheapest option (less than $20 most times) for international travelers, while private jeeps can cost around $150 a day for private rentals.
From Pokhara:
- By jeep: People often travel from Pokhara to Mustang in a jeep. This journey can take you about 3-4 days (depending on your stopovers; some jeep trips will take you to villages in Mustang like Kagbeni and Jomsom). One of the benefits of traveling by jeep is that you have travel flexibility and so the ability to stop off as and when in Mustang. Private jeeps run in the order of $150 a day for hire.
- By flight: The other option is to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom. This option is definitely quicker, and it provides an extra layer of convenience as it is a direct access portal to Jomsom. The cost is in the order of $150 one way.
Accommodation in Mustang
The Mustang area of Nepal offers accommodations suitable for trekkers or cultural travellers. These accommodations may include very basic tea houses to lodges and hotels that offer a bit more comfort. The accommodations are all positioned on or near the well-travelled trek routes: Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang.
Tea Houses/Guest Houses:
Teahouse is by far the most used accommodation throughout Mustang. They provide simple basic accommodation with twin beds, blankets and basic meals. The accommodation may be basic, but the hospitality is warm and friendly, and the shared dining rooms provide a good atmosphere for fellow trekkers travelling together.
Lodges:
Lodges have more comfort than normal tea houses and will often have private rooms, hot showers, and maybe Wi-Fi. These options come into play and are more easily available in lower areas such as Jomsom and Kagbeni.
Homestays:
In Lower Mustang towns, homestays are available that allow guests to stay with locals. This is real cross-cultural interaction and allows you to eat traditional food from the region and experience life in rural Mustang.
Hotels:
There are a few mid-range hotels in towns such as Jomsom that provide a higher level of comfort with attached bathrooms and restaurants/bars, etc. These can be handy for people who want 'home' comforts (or something close to it).
Permits and Entrance Fees For Lower and Upper Mustang region
Lower Mustang is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, and therefore, you will need to get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) before entering Lower Mustang ($30). If your trek continues to visit Upper Mustang, this is a little more complicated.
- You will not only need the ACAP, but you will also need to get a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card ($10/person).
- For Upper Mustang, you will also need to get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The RAP is $500 for the first 10 days/person, $50 /day after the first 10 days.
Foods in Mustang region
Mustang's food is a representation of the geography and influences in food culture. The food in Mustang can also be looked at as a larger representation of food culture, which can also consist of Tibetan, Thakali, and Himalayan. The basic Thakali Thali meal consists of rice, dal (lentil soup) and tarkari (vegetables) together with meat (if eating meat). All meat and vegetables are prepared with the seasoning jimbu (Himalayan leaf garlic), timur (Nepali pepper) and ghee (clarified butter).
In addition to rice and braised meat or vegetable curries, there are staple traditional food choices such as Dhindo (porridge-like food made of buckwheat or millet), and Fapar ko Roti (buckwheat flat bread) to add to the tradition. There is also Sukuti, dried spiced meat often eaten alone or as a side dish, and Gundruk soup made from fermented leafy greens, another sour-tasting soup which may contain timur and ginger seasoning.
As well as curries, there are other traditional foods in the form of Aloo Tama - potatoes and fermented bamboo shoots, sayings and creation, Momos - steamed dumplings that contain either meat or vegetables, are only a few other food traditions. Also, traditionally served there is butter tea, along with Marpha brandy, a locally derived fruit liquor.
What Flora and Fauna Can Be Found in Mustang region?
Upper Mustang is a remote trans-Himalayan region that has a distinctive array of plants and animals that are adapted to harshly, dry conditions. The vegetation consists primarily of juniper, rhododendron and Himalayan cedar, and a variety of lesser scrub species: Cardiophylla, Rosa sericea, and several species of Ephedra and Lonicera. There are few forests, strictly speaking, especially in upper Mustang, where they consist of oak, pine and birch.
The region also has a wealth of medicinal plants, some of which are already threatened (e.g. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Panchaule), Nardostachys grandiflora (Jatamanshi), and Aconitum spicatum (Bikh)
Upper Mustang is inhabited by wildlife such as shy snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, blue sheep and Himalayan black bears. There's also a large number of bird life with over 200 species such as Himalayan griffons vulture, lammergeiers, golden eagles, Tibetan snow finches and fire-tailed sunbirds. It has insects such as Common Peacock and Dark Clouded Yellow butterflies, grasshoppers and praying mantis in the grassland and shrubland.
Traditional Dances and Rituals of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang, Nepal, has its own distinct culture, and the traditional dances in the area have also incorporated the cultural practices surrounding Tibetan Buddhism and incorporate the stories that are told through the local oral tradition. The dances are present at many of the traditional festivals throughout the year, with the most notable being the Tiji Festival, where ancestors are remembered and cultural and spiritual life is celebrated as one.
Tsa Chaam (First Day of the Tiji Festival)
The dance Tsa Chaam marks the first day of the Tiji Festival. Tsa Chaam includes the masked dancers who are the monks, and Tsa Chaam is a colourful retelling of the story of Dorje Sonam, who is a reincarnation of Buddha, as he overcomes a demon that haunted the land of Mustang. The dance is an expression of the good winning against evil, as the monks move around the space, sometimes shaking rock horns and often banging drums and cymbals.
Nga Chham (On the Second Day of Tiji Festival)
Represents Dorje Sonam's attempts to return the demon to the fallen Buddha. The monks of Choedhe Monastery are the specific actors of the story of the returned demon, through movement and rituals that represent a spiritual performance of good versus evil.
Rha Chham (On the third Day of Tiji Festival)
Then follows Rha Chham on the last day, which represents success over the demon by Dorje Sonam. The monks use the dance to celebrate peace and prosperity in the region after this ritual.
The ceremony ends with throwing a barley effigy of the demon, which signifies the demon has been removed from the more of Mustang.
Cham Dance
Cham dance is a type of traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual that is performed by monks on certain occasions, such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Saka Dawa. Cham dances, with their varied ceremonies (qualified as Cham), are performed in conjunction with music and chanting. Cham performances have intricate costumes and masks representative of deities and demons. Cham dance is believed to purify the mind and spirit and signify good luck and blessings for the community.
Top Attractions in Mustang Region
Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang, a region that was officially off-limits to foreigners until 1992, is a high-altitude desert that holds tight to its Tibetan Buddhist culture and is known to be the cradle of its ancient traditions. Lo Manthang, the walled city, is the place that represents this area most culturally. Lo Manthang is not only the place of ancient monasteries and various royal palaces, but also a place of intricate architecture. Among the monasteries, the 15th-century Jampa Lhakang Monastery is the one that stands out with its extensive collection of mandalas and the Thubchen Lhakang Monastery, which is known to have the ancient wall paintings and history that it is rich in. In addition to that, the area is the place where the caves in the sky are. These mysterious caves were thought to be the work of humans over 2,000 years ago. They are located on the cliffs of Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Lower Mustang
Lower Mustang has more accessible features and thus presents a less inaccessible but equally charming attraction. Kagbeni is a scenic village, and it is the place where the Kali Gandaki River flows; it thus serves as the gateway to the Upper Mustang region. Marpha is known as the “Apple Capital of Nepal”, and it thus alludes to the delicious apple products that are made there, along with the beautifully arranged stone-paved streets that are created there. At these villages, visitors can learn about the lifestyle of the Thakali people.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters and is a significant pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a temple recognised amongst 108 Divya Desams of Hinduism. The temple is called Chumig Gyatsa, meaning the place of dakinis in Tibetan Buddhism. The Muktinath Temple includes 108 water spouts, and has a continuous flame and is the only site of its kind with conventional influence, with this dual religious importance.
Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang, a cultural and heritage site - the old capital of the Mustang kingdom. The Lo Manthang Palace is a five-story structure of mud, stone and timber, built in the 15th century, housing many undiscovered wooden carvings and painted murals. The Lo Manthang Palace and the walled City of Lo Manthang display the grand and beautiful things about Château style architecture.