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Mustang Region - Upper Mustang Jeep Tour & Upper Mustang Trek for Tiji Festival

Mustang Region, Nepal – The Forbidden Kingdom Beyond the Himalayas

Mustang Region, often dubbed the "Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal," is a mystical and majestic land nestled in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Known for its stark desert landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and centuries-old cave monasteries, Mustang is a dream destination for trekkers, culture lovers, and adventure seekers.

Why Visit Mustang?

Mustang offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual depth. Unlike the green, lush trails of the Annapurna or Everest regions, Mustang unveils a high-altitude desert, with red cliffs, wind-swept valleys, and eroded canyons that feel more Tibetan than Nepali.

Here’s why Mustang stands out:

Authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture untouched by modernity

The walled city of Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Upper Mustang

Incredible trekking routes, including the classic Upper Mustang Trek

Mysterious sky caves that date back over 2,000 years

Breathtaking Himalayan views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna

Unique festivals, like Tiji, are celebrated with colorful rituals and masked dances

Upper Mustang vs. Lower Mustang

Lower Mustang

Accessible and less restricted, Lower Mustang includes places like Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha, and Muktinath—ideal for short treks and spiritual journeys. The sacred Muktinath Temple is a major pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Upper Mustang

Restricted and more remote, Upper Mustang requires a special permit and a registered guide, offering a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. The region is less crowded and retains its ancient Tibetan roots with traditional villages, cave monasteries, and the royal palace of Lo Manthang.

Top Attractions in Mustang

Lo Manthang – A walled city with royal heritage, monasteries, and authentic Tibetan culture

Chhoser Cave Dwellings – Thousands of years old man-made caves carved into cliffs

Muktinath Temple – Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, known for 108 water spouts and an eternal flame

Marpha Village – Famous for apple orchards and traditional whitewashed houses

Kagbeni – A picturesque medieval village on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River

Tiji Festival – A spectacular three-day Buddhist celebration held in Lo Manthang during May

Best Time to Visit Mustang

Thanks to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, Mustang is one of the few trekking regions in Nepal that is ideal during the monsoon (June to August). The best months, however, are:

Spring (March to May) – Blooming wildflowers, clear skies, and the Tiji Festival

Autumn (September to November) – Mild weather and panoramic mountain views

Monsoon (June to August) – Perfect for Upper Mustang as it stays dry

Trekking in Mustang

Upper Mustang Trek

Duration: 12–17 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits: ACAP, RAP (Restricted Area Permit)

Highlights: Lo Manthang, monasteries, caves, desert landscapes, and Tibetan villages

Jomsom Muktinath Trek (Lower Mustang)

Duration: 7–10 days

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Permits: ACAP, TIMS

Highlights: Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni, Muktinath Temple

Mustang Trekking Permits & Cost

To visit Upper Mustang, you need:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – USD 500 for the first 10 days, USD 50/day after

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25)

TIMS Card – NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 15) (required for Lower Mustang treks)

Trekking in Upper Mustang is more expensive due to its restricted status, but the experience is unmatched.

How to Get to Mustang

By Air: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (20–25 minutes)

By Road: Drive from Pokhara or Kathmandu via Beni, Tatopani, and Marpha

Trek: From Beni or Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki Valley

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation ranges from basic tea houses to comfortable guesthouses. Traditional Tibetan and Nepali meals like dal bhat, thukpa, momos, and apple pie are commonly available. In Lo Manthang, some lodges even offer Wi-Fi and private rooms.

Tips for Mustang Travel

Carry enough cash, especially in Upper Mustang, where ATMs are unavailable

Hire a licensed guide for Upper Mustang—it's mandatory and enhances the experience

Respect local culture and dress modestly

Pack for cold weather—even in summer, nights can be chilly

Prepare for altitude—acclimatization is key above 3,000 meters

Related Trips

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour : Itinerary, Best Time & Cost for 2025, 2026 & 2027
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Upper Mustang Trek
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From US$ 2090 US$ 2050

Upper Mustang Trek

Duration
17 Days
Grade
Moderate
Activity
Trekking

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Associated and Recommended On

  • Nepal Mountaineering Association
  • Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal
  • Nepal Tourism Board
  • Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
  • Tripadvisor
  • Trust Pilot