Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary – Complete Guide, Cost & Permit

Introduction to the Upper Mustang Kingdom

The Kingdom of Lo was established in the 14th century and ruled by a monarchy until Nepal became a republic in 2008. Due to its strategic position along the ancient salt trade route between Tibet and Nepal, Upper Mustang flourished culturally and economically. Even today, the region retains a distinct identity, preserved through restricted access and strong cultural traditions.

The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique journey into Nepal’s remote trans-Himalayan region, offering a deep exploration of Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, dramatic desert landscapes, and the historic Kingdom of Lo. This restricted area trek takes you to Lo Manthang, one of the last preserved Himalayan kingdoms.

Upper Mustang Culture, Religion & Landscapes – The Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

Upper Mustang, once known as the Kingdom of Lo, is a remote trans-Himalayan region in northern Nepal bordering Tibet. Isolated from the outside world until 1992, Upper Mustang has preserved a way of life that remains deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, ancient trade traditions, and a stark high-altitude desert landscape. Trekking in Upper Mustang is not just a physical journey but a cultural immersion into one of the most well-preserved Himalayan societies.

Upper Mustang Trek Culture and Traditions

The culture of Upper Mustang is strongly influenced by Tibetan traditions, as the region lies north of the main Himalayan range. Local communities speak Loba (a Tibetan dialect) and follow centuries-old customs passed down through generations. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and traditional mud-brick villages reflect a lifestyle shaped by isolation and resilience.

People of Upper Mustang practice seasonal farming, animal herding, and small-scale trade. Festivals such as Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang are major cultural highlights, featuring masked dances performed by monks to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

Upper Mustang Religion & Spiritual Heritage

Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Sakya and Nyingma traditions. Throughout the trek, travelers encounter ancient monasteries, mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers, chortens, and caves used by monks for meditation.

Important religious sites include:

• Lo Gekar Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, believed to predate Samye Monastery in Tibet

• Thubchen and Jampa Monasteries in Lo Manthang

• Chhoser Cave Monastery (sky cave)

Religion plays a central role in daily life, influencing rituals, architecture, and social structure.

Landscapes of Upper Mustang

The landscapes of Upper Mustang are dramatically different from other trekking regions in Nepal. Located in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the region features a high-altitude desert terrain with eroded cliffs, deep canyons, colorful rock formations, and vast open valleys.

The trek offers constant views of:

• Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges

• Wind-carved cliffs and red-orange canyon walls

• Kali Gandaki River valley, one of the world’s deepest gorges

The barren beauty, combined with sudden green oases around villages, creates a unique and unforgettable trekking experience.

Major Places Highlighted During Upper Mustang Trek

Kagbeni

Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang and a culturally rich medieval village located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Its narrow streets, monasteries, and traditional homes mark the transition into the restricted Upper Mustang region.

Chele & Syanbochen

These villages introduce trekkers to Mustang’s dry landscapes and traditional farming settlements, with striking cliff formations and chortens along the trail.

Ghami

Ghami is known for its long mani wall, one of the longest in Nepal, and its traditional mud-brick houses surrounded by barren hills.

Tsarang (Charang)

Tsarang is an important historical village featuring a large monastery and an ancient fortress (dzong). The village sits above a dramatic canyon and serves as a former administrative center of the Kingdom of Lo.

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is the walled capital of the former Upper Mustang Kingdom and the cultural heart of the region. Enclosed by ancient walls, the town houses royal palaces, historic monasteries, and vibrant local traditions. It remains the most significant cultural and spiritual destination of the Upper Mustang Trek.

Chhoser (Lo Manthang Side Trip)

Located north of Lo Manthang, Chhoser is famous for its ancient sky caves, some believed to be over 2,000 years old, offering insight into early human settlement in the region.