Discover Upper Mustang: A Journey You Shouldn’t Delay

“The best time to go somewhere magical is always now.”

Upper Mustang is a lost Tibetan kingdom that has remained untouched by time, nestled behind the powerful Annapurna and Dhaulagiri hills. Even though the majority of Nepal is overrun with hikers, this isolated area retains its ethereal quiet.

Now is the ideal time to hike to Upper Mustang if you’ve ever wanted to explore a living museum of Himalayan culture and surreal landscapes. Let’s explore Upper Mustang and discover the reasons to visit.

Upper Mustang: A Vanishing Kingdom Preserved in Silence

The Kingdom of Upper Mustang was a restricted kingdom until 1992. Even today, it remains a protected cultural zone, and the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, ancient Lo Manthang, and centuries-old cave paintings transports you back to another era.

Ghar Gompa, a 1,200-year-old monastery dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, holds deep spiritual significance in Upper Mustang. In 1380, the warrior Ame Pal established the Kingdom of Lo and made Lo Manthang its capital. The iconic five-story white palace in Lo Manthang was constructed in 1442, and the surrounding wall once served as a defensive fortress. Close to the palace, one can find three monasteries, twelve chortens, and a mani wall. The fortress structure includes 60 spouts and 25 entryways.

Ame Pal also constructed a 2,472-foot-long and 26-foot-high wall encircling Lo Manthang, safeguarding the capital for generations. The village could be accessed only through a single wooden gate on the eastern side, which was heavily guarded in earlier times.

The Mustang district was a separate kingdom within the borders until 1950. The Mustang area was opened to non-Nepali trekkers in 1994. The district consists of three rural municipalities, namely Lo Manthang, Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda, and Varagung Muktichhetra.

Reasons to Visit Upper Mustang

A Trek Through an Alien World on Earth

Forget green forests and alpine lakes, Upper Mustang offers something entirely different. The landscapes of Upper Mustang don’t look like the average Nepal. The cracked cliffs, red-and-yellow eroded hills, deep canyons, and barren valleys stretch before you like a painting that even looms.

This unique geography has a stillness that soothes the soul. And with fewer trekkers compared to Everest or Annapurna, you often feel like you have the entire world to yourself.

Ancient Caves Resembling Maya Civilization

Another important discovery was made in 2007 when a shepherd found an ancient cave complex in Mustang. The 55 cave paintings depict the life of the Buddha. The Chhoser Cave, near Lo Manthang.

And it is still unknown why they are there. These caves are some of the oldest structures that you can see in Lo Manthang.

Witness the Hidden Buddhist World Before It Changes

From the moment you enter Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, spiritual energy begins to shift. Monasteries hum with chants. Mani walls and prayer wheels line your path. The Chortens and stupa are decorated with beautiful fluttering preying flags, prayer wheels, murals, and religious artifacts.

The region is rich with monasteries, including Thubchen, Jampa Lhakhang, Namgyal Gompa, and Ghar Gompa. Whether you’re religious or not, this journey awakens deep inside a deep sense of peace and presence.

You’ll visit the ancient Ghar Gompa, believed to fulfill wishes, and the walled city of Lo Manthang, where monks carry forward centuries-old wisdom. The Amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school must not be forgotten, and know how it is being adapted to meet modern-day situations.

Tiji Festival: A Sacred Time Capsule

In the month of May, the people of Mustang celebrate Tiji for three days with masked dances, drums, horns, and ancient rituals. This year, plan your trip for May 24–26, to witness the vibrant Tiji.

Tiji, also called Tenpa Chirim, meaning “Prayer for World Peace.” The myth says Dorje Jono vanquished a demon to restore harmony on this day. This festival has its roots in Vajrayana Buddhism and is celebrated with chants in the courtyard of the Lo Manthang palace.

Watching locals in traditional dress, young monks dancing with fire in their eyes, and chants echoing off ancient walls is like opening a portal to the past.

Exploration of Shaligram

The exploration of Shaligram in the Kali Gandaki River of Mustang holds deep religious, geological, and cultural significance. Shaligrams are sacred black stones believed to be manifestations of Lord Vishnu, found exclusively along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, particularly in the high-altitude region of Mustang.

Pilgrims, geologists, and curious travelers alike are drawn to this unique site, where these naturally fossilized ammonites are embedded in riverbed rocks, dating back over 140 million years.

For Hindus, collecting or worshipping a Shaligram is an act of devotion, while for scientists, these fossils offer rare insights into the ancient marine life that once existed in the Tethys sea that existed once.

You Can Trek Even During the Monsoon

Since Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, this region remains dry even during the monsoon months of June and July.

While the rest of Nepal gets wet and slippery, the Mustang region remains open and reveals vibrant colors, dramatic skies, and fewer crowds for you to savor the journey.

Traverse the Kali Gandaki River Gorge: The Deepest Gorge in the World

The Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, is a breathtaking experience that takes you between the towering peaks of Annapurna(8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri(8,167 m). Trekking or travelling through the gorge offers dramatic landscapes, rugged trails, and rich cultural encounters with the local people of Thak Khola.

Unique Vegetation and Fruit Vines

Agricultural Farms cultivate exceptional crops in the stunning region of Upper Mustang. The people of Upper Mustang mainly grow high-altitude farm-fresh products and fruits like apples and apricots. They also grow potatoes and millet, as not much vegetation grows in this region. They mainly trade apples, apple juice, apple wine, yak meat pickles, and dried apples and apricots.

Bhote pipal is the most common tree found here, which can grow in the arid zone with little water. This tree is used in the construction of buildings, huts, and for firewood.

Go Now, Before Roads Change the Rhythm of the Land

It is sad to say, with new roads creeping in, parts of the trail can now be done by jeep or bike, making the region more accessible, which also means that the raw trekking experience is slowly disappearing. The road now reaches Lo Manthang while Jeeps and motorbikes are replacing horses and foot trails.

If you want to experience Upper Mustang the way it was meant to be seen, on foot, with silence and slow awe, go now. In a few years, it may feel more like a drive-through destination than a pilgrimage.

Logistics Made Simple, But Permits Are Mandatory

For non-Nepali, you will need the following documents to travel to Upper Mustang.

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• TIMS Card
• Valid passport, travel insurance, photos

The trek typically starts from Jomsom, after a ride/flight from Pokhara, and winds through Kagbeni (gateway to Upper Mustang). If you need a full itinerary, check out our Upper Mustang Trek package.

Final Words: Don’t Just Visit. Witness.

The highest point to reach during the Upper Mustang tour is only 3,800 m, still some of the trekkers might get altitude sickness. With a little physical preparation and staying hydrated can make your journey safer and enjoyable. Upper Mustang is more than a trek. It’s a witness to a culture, a land, and a way of life that may soon vanish. It’s your chance to walk through a forgotten place. Book your tour to Upper Mustang with Awesome Holidays for an awesome experience.

So, if you’re asking, “Why now?”
I ask you back — “If not now, then when?”