Heard about Nepal? It's this awesome country tucked away in the Himalayas. Those majestic mountains reaching for the skies? The stunning beauty of Nepal is made up of huge icy mountains, thick forests and cozy valleys with friendliness all around.
Imagine VIP zones that most people can't walk into freely. The government protects the special restricted areas to let their ancient culture and wild nature remain protected. It's like an exclusive club that only a few fortunate are allowed into in a year.
One such restricted area is the Upper Mustang region in the northern part of Nepal, near Tibet. Some also call it the "Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo." Why? Because it was off limits to outsiders for quite some years. There are now only 1,000 visitors allowed in an entire year. Upper Mustang appears as a desert from a distance, but it is very high up in the mountains. The people there have their own culture and way of life- they speak Tibetan and practice ancient Buddhist traditions. The scenery is striking, with red cliffs lining deep valleys and numerous ancient caves.
The Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect wander path to explore this wonder of a place. Walking past ancient villages, monasteries, and landscapes that completely steal one's breath would take about 12 to 14 days to complete the whole trek. There’s more to this walk than simply walking. You step into a place that very few people have the opportunity to enter.
This blog will share with you 10 reasons why you should visit Upper Mustang, Nepal. Prepare to find out why this hidden kingdom is one of Earth's most amazing places!
A Real “Lost Kingdom” Adventure
An Upper Mustang Valley is an old movie where you wander into a lost kingdom. Until 1992, this place was closed to outsiders. Can you believe that? For countless years, only inhabitants of Mustang lived on its hills. Even the big names who conquered Everest could not get permissions. While trekking here, very few others would count their footsteps alongside you. Unlike the pretty busy trails of Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Campthat see about hundreds of trekkers, Upper Mustang could see you without another tourist in sight for hours! It is simply because they issue only about 1,000 permits annually, which is below three per day!
And behold, there's still a real king in the kingdom. The Raja of Mustang and his family have ruled this land for over 600 years. When you visit Lo Manthang capital city, you can actually view the palace of the king. You might think it was a museum with life-size exhibits, since ancient royal events are still conducted. It becomes even more exciting because you feel disconnected from the outside world. You're walking through villages that have been around for centuries and have been hidden from the world outside. Every path has been walked upon for hundreds of years by kings, monks, and traders. The trails are a connection between ancient trade routes that once linked Tibet and India.
Red shrines, small gompas along the Upper Mustang route
Modern facilities with luxury hotels, internet charging, and wifi signals will be seen in any other places of Nepal but Upper Mustang region still holds the old-world aura. Traditional guesthouses run by local families will be the lodging of choice there. Meals are served that have been cooked in the same way for centuries. Every single day feels like you're discovering secrets that have been locked away from the rest of the world.
Ancient Tibetan Culture and Festival
The Upper Mustang area is where you can find authentic Tibetan traditions untouched for centuries. The area belonged to the Lo, which was a Tibetan kingdom long ago. The region was part of the Lo, an ancient Tibetan kingdom. When it remained closed to outsiders until 1992, something truly incredible happened-two communities perfectly preserved their traditional ways.
It's a time travel for the visitor while passing through the villages here. The people speak a Tibetan dialect of pure origin, which is dying in the rest of the world. You find locals in their woolen long robes called "chuba" enjoying a cup of yak butter tea, which keeps them warm in the crisp mountain air. Women carry a charm of their own- wonderful turquoise jewelry handed down for generations.
The Tiji Festival is the most exciting time to visit. It lasts three days every spring in Lo Manthang, the former capital. Imagine hundreds of people in colorful costumes dancing in the dusty streets while the monks recount ancient tales of good versus evil. The whole town bursts into life with music, prayers, and happiness.
Spiritually, what distinguishes Upper Mustang from any other place is fully felt. Everywhere you go, you would see prayer flags fluttering, carrying wishes into the sky. People in Lubra Village still practice the Bon religion-the world's oldest spiritual tradition. Local healers called "amchis" cure and comfort sick persons with ancient herbs and chants. Unlike other treks, where cultures get mixed up, Mustang is purely Tibetan. It's not just tourism, but rather, for some precious days, you enter into their living history.
Historic Monasteries and Caves
The Upper Mustang Trekking route boasts some of the most wonderful monasteries and some mysterious caves. There are more than 20 ancient monasteries hidden across the desert and every monastery stores a story of its own. The area includes Niphu Gompa, Garphu Gompa, Luri Gompa, Ghar Gompa, Tsarang Monastery, Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Lhakang Monastery in the central valley.
These aren't just plain prayer rooms but treasure houses containing marvelous works of art. Once you step in, you will enjoy vibrant art murals, figurines of old age and the many carvings that might have required a century. The building of a number of these monasteries was guided by mighty kings or wise monks, originating in the 8th century after Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism to this land.
Now for the mind-boggling part: the caves! Some caves, such as Luri Cave Monastery and Chosar Cave, are carved right into the tall cliff faces. Imagine monks, hundreds of years ago, climbing ropes just to meditate inside these sky-high rooms. These caves have ancient paintings and sacred objects, which show how people lived and prayed a long time ago. Families lived in some, monks meditated in others, and grain was stored in yet others during harsh winters. Walking around these places puts you in the shoes of a sort of archaeologist, unveiling some secrets from the past.
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour with Destination Himalaya Treks will give you proper time to visit those magical places within 8 days. Even though, other restricted treks emphasize historic monasteries, nothing comes near the ancient caves and shadowy gompas of Upper Mustang.
Diverse and Unparalleled Landscapes like Mars
The different kinds of landscapes on the Trek to Upper Mustang seem like walking onto another planet. The Himalayas cover the horizon, letting the desert shine through. The rock walls of red and white are as if painted by Mother Nature while the Kali Gandaki River has gradually carved a narrow canyon over many years.
The reason this area is special is that the huge Himalayan ranges keep out all the rain, leaving behind dryness and beautiful, eroded rocks in place of verdant forests. We often see extreme winds that howl all through the day, shaping the weak limestone over and over. Now, the landscape is constantly changing color from bright orange in the morning to a deep red at night.
The sky caves are a great mystery, as many small caves were created by carving holes into cliff sides as ancient people lived or meditated. With the surroundings of the dry Tibetan Plateau, it seems like Mars. Caves are scattered throughout the region, much like windows in a big apartment built into the mountainside. From almost any area, snow-topped mountains line the horizon, giving it a perfect photo opportunity. The landscape changes completely as you walk. One day, rivers' wild horses run free across flat desert plains. The very next day is narrow walls towering high above your head. And then, suddenly, there you stand on a hill looking across endless rows of snow-covered peaks stretching all the way over to Tibet.
Experience the Off-Beaten Wilderness Adventure
What makes trekking in Upper Mustang among the most magical experiences is the ambience of total peace. Trekkers will mostly find hundreds of their ilk every day on famous trails like Annapurna Region Treks, but Upper Mustang lets one breathe and think. Only 1,000 people are allowed to visit by the government, creating a scenario where one may go hours-long without seeing another tourist! This restricted area permit system is a great way to keep the masses away and protect the local culture. Pushing through crowds to take pictures while walking through ancient villages or sitting in old monasteries is not something you would ever do; instead, you get to enjoy the tour with calm, spirituality, and personal experiences.
These trails are slightly easier and not as steep and sharp as a technical itinerary, which actually gives one time to enjoy the scenery compared to worrying with every step ahead. There will be time to chat with the guides and snap some photos-well-worthy moments to mention, enjoying soaking in the immense desert landscapes all around. Even tea houses and guesthouses look more relaxed. Since there aren't crowds crowding for rooms, the local families get to spend some real time with their guests. You have your meals together, hear about their day-to-day life, and maybe get involved in trivial chores such as Yak feeding or drying barley.
Compare this with the completely overcrowded and noisy Poon Hil Trek or Mardi Himal Trek tea houses of annapurna region. The dinner feels like visiting an old friend rather than staying in a hotel in Upper Mustang. This quietness allows you to connect with yourself, the landscape, and the incredible people who call this high desert home.
The Walled City of Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is probably the coolest place you'll ever visit in all of Nepal. Imagine an ancient walled city sitting at 3,840 meters, just as it looked 600 years ago. Today, only the one-meter-thick mud-brick walls that used to protect the city in ancient times are keeping it safe once again. Coming through the main gate feels like we’re going back hundreds of years. On both sides of the narrow streets, traditional houses with flat roofs and brightly colored sides fill up the area. On both sides of the narrow streets, traditional houses with flat roofs and brightly colored sides fill up the area. With barely 150 families inside the walls, it has all the intimacy of a small town where everyone knows about everyone.
The best thing about the town is the royal palace in the very middle of town. The present Raja of Mustang resides here with his family, which marks the continuous royal lineage of over 600 years. You can visit parts of the palace and view how Himalayan royalty lived for centuries. Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa are inside the compound of the city and possess ancient art and sculpture from centuries ago. It takes about five minutes on foot to walk there from the palace, but you are crossing centuries of history.
The Upper Mustang Trek alongside Destination Himalaya Treks will give you enough time to fully appreciate this walled city. Some treks to beautiful places, but nowhere else will afford you the privilege of enjoying a night inside a medieval fortress city that is very much alive and thriving.
Easy to Customize Your Trip
Mustang Trek Nepal offers ways of exploring this fascinating region, depending on how much time you have and your budget constraints. If you want the full experience, the 14-day Upper Mustang Trek takes you into almost every nook and cranny of this lost kingdom. Visiting remote villages and hidden monasteries and spending some quality time with local families will be the highlights. The longer itinerary gives you the luxury of a comfortable walking pace and opportunities to places that are missed by the shorter ones.
If you cannot possibly spend two weeks, then there is the next best thing which is the 13-day Upper Mustang Overland Tour, whereby one has a fair bit of trekking interspersed with rides in a Jeep, so covering more ground in less time. All the main highlights, including Lo Manthang and the ancient caves still get covered, just a wee bit less walking and a wee bit more comfort. For the time-bound explorers, a 6-day Pokhara to Upper Mustang Tour fits the bill. This quickie uses flights and vehicles to whisk you there in no time, giving you a quick taste of the magic without draining too much time from work.
Fixed itineraries, like the fixed itineraries on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, give everyone the same schedule to stick to. Upper Mustang is highly flexible in that your trip can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be. So, for the serious trekker or the culture explorer, relaxation comes with just the right way.
The best thing is that these packages can be modified to suit your needs. Want an extra day or two at Lo Manthang? That's easy to arrange. Want to spend more time at monasteries and less time hiking? They can put the route together for you. Prefer to start off from Kathmandu, rather than Pokhara? No biggie. Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition can make it happen!
Great for All Seasons
Trekking Upper Mustang Valley is among the rare treks where you can trek almost the entire year. Other prime trekking routes tend to get wet during the monsoon, but Upper Mustang remains dry and the tallest of the Himalayas sees to it that the rain clouds do not reach this high desert area.
The spring months from March to May are just heavenly. You can expect it to be warm during the day and cooler at night. The Tiji Festival which draws people from all over, might be something you see in Lo Manthang. With blue skies, the desert landscapes look spectacular, and the mountain vistas are crystal clear.
The place is fine in summer as well, much to the surprise of many. While most of Nepal experiences heavy rainfall from June to August, Upper Mustang receives less than 10 inches of rain a year as it is a rain shadow area. You will enjoy trekking while other areas are all muddy and cloudy. Days are sunny and warm, great for exploring ancient caves and monasteries.
The season of autumn, between September and November, is the very finest combination for clear mountain views. The air is crisp and clean. You can view snow-capped peaks all the way to Tibet. Most photographers go at this time since the light is thus perfect. Trekking is possible even in winter, but the cold sets in heavily. From December to February, the whole trail is all yours with solitude. With the desert landscapes having a sprinkle of snow, an incredible experience awaits.
Destination Himalaya Treks runs its Upper Mustang packages throughout the year, changing the itinerary according to the season. Other Nepal treks nearby within this territory, such as Annapurna Circuit Trail, are strictly seasonal, whereas Upper Mustang, given its unique location, allows you the freedom of visiting whenever ever fits your schedule.
Meet Friendly Locals
Among the warmest people to meet in Nepal are the folks of Upper Mustang. Most of them belong to the Loba community and have kept Tibetan culture and tradition alive for the last few centuries. As you enter their villages, a wide smile and a warm welcome will greet you, immediately making you feel that you belong to their family.
These are little tea houses or lodges run by local families with whom you stay during your trek. These aren't premier establishments. They are super cozy homes, and you become a part of the household. The ladies will prepare local food-from dal bhat, thukpa to steamed momo filled with vegetables or yak meat. These evenings are seasoned with laughter around the fire, sipping warm buttered tea, and hearing great stories about their lives in this high desert.
What makes this experience unique is its genuineness. Locals get very excited to meet people from foreign lands and teach them their ancient culture, since Upper Mustang attracts a number of tourists. Occasionally, you might get lucky and be invited to join them in a festival or ceremony. Imagine dancing with the villagers during harvest celebrations or watching monks conduct traditional rituals. The Loba have an intense pride in their culture and are eager to instruct visitors about their way of life. They exhibit traditional craft techniques, share their religious philosophies, and might even teach you a little of their Tibetan dialect. Getting to know the locals makes your Upper Mustang Trail very personal and meaningful.
Feel Like an Explorer
Trekking in Upper Mustang is an adventure into a hidden land that has a deep-rooted history. Everything about this place, from the culture to the landscape! At the very beginning, amazing wall paintings along the 1,000-year-old caves in Chhoshar will sweep you off your feet. Days roll into nights, walking in the land of majestic mountains and fascinating valleys; you come across unexplored monasteries high up in the mountains, yet to be explored by any guide, let's say. These wild valleys, curious rock formations, and panoramic views are so beautiful that weary words cannot do justice to them.
You do not find cell service here in most areas, there are no internet cafes, and no souvenir shops selling the same mass-produced stuff at different price tags. You will be surrounded by pure culture, ancient architecture, and landscapes just as they were hundreds of years ago. The feeling of being privileged is what really makes a person feel like an adventurer as you walk through the unique landscape with diverse flora and fauna. Being amongst only a thousand people permitted to visit each year makes every moment feel special.
There truly are some very wonderful adventures in Nepal treks, and just like that, Upper Mustang really gives you that edgy feeling of going to one of the last hidden kingdoms in the world. With every step, it is as though you are penning your adventure story.
Conclusion
A visit to Upper Mustang is not a normal hike as it takes you to one of the world’s few untouched kingdoms. Exploring Lo Manthang and the extraordinary caves makes everything seem like finding a long-hidden treasure. The charming Loba people open their homes and hearts to you, sharing tales and customs that have been passed down through the ages. Whether you set off trekking for a complete adventure or tour through jeeps or a short 6-day trip from Pokhara, you'll have memories for life.
Are you ready to visit this magical kingdom? Upper Mustang awaits someone to open its secrets with you.
