Upper Mustang Trek: Journey to Nepal’s Forbidden Kingdom

The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is the perfect destination for those who dream of exploring an ancient kingdom surrounded by serene mountains. This offers not only a spectacular walk, but also a cultural experience of jaw-dropping, unlike anything else.

The mysterious and quiet region is coupled with Tibetan culture, which makes the upper Mustang look like a different world, rich in history.

Where is Upper Mustang?

Falling under the region of north-west Nepal, bordering Tibet. Upper Mustang is a hidden gem yet to be discovered by tourists. Previously, it was an autonomous kingdom encapsulated by a wall designed to keep strangers away.

Due to its isolated place, the ‘forbidden kingdom’ was coined, which has become reality, as outsiders were not allowed to visit until 1992. Even now, the area remains restricted by the government and is only open to some tourists who are willing to pay an exorbitant amount.

The upper landscape of Mustang has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other parts of Nepal. While Nepal is commonly known for its vegetation, rivers, and forests, Upper Mustang resembles a high-altitude desert.

The area is dotted with dry, rocky topography and old caves as it contains colorful cliffs. This reason, combined with the arid climate and a rain shadow created due to the Himalayas, further contributes to the dry landscape devoid of water during monsoon season. 

Visitors today can explore the majestic beauty of Upper Mustang not only by trekking but also through exciting jeep tours and motorbike adventures, making it accessible for all types of travelers seeking both adventure and cultural exploration.

Why is it called the Forbidden Kingdom?

The Upper Mustang region was considered a forbidden kingdom until 2008, when a royal family resided in the ancient town of Lo Manthang.  It does not help that the king loses his power, but it still holds importance for most of the people in that region.

For many years, the outside world was never able to access that area, making the region a preserved cup of traditions, culture, and authentic lifestyle. The forbidden kingdom is what people used to call this region for a long time, especially to foreigners who were not given access to Upper Mustang before 1992.

The long period with very little government control made the region truly secluded and untouched. Even now, the region is still looked after by the government as a restricted area, traveling freely is not possible, and special gases are mandatory.

The region has kept the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the area intact. Ancient monasteries can be seen throughout the villages alongside the carved walls, spinning prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags that adorn the area.

Unlike the rest of the world, Upper Mustang moves slowly and peacefully. The heritage of Tibet is preserved effectively, making the entire region feel like a living museum.

How to Get There?

Northeast of Nepal, you can find the city of Pokhara which is famously known for its beautiful lakes. The diverse meals provided both in the city and globally on the other hand makes it a food lover’s paradise and a must-visit for tourists and trekkers.

Most prefer stopping for a few days to regroup their energy before heading further. During the breathtaking flight from Pokhara to Jomsom which takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes, there is scenic beauty unmatched to any other place. 

However small aircraft built to cruise through towering ranges of mountains offer the tourists a glimpse of some of the major attractions in the world such as the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki River Gorge, Dhauligiri and Annapurna. 

Located at an altitude of approximately 2700 meters above sea level, Jomsom is a beautiful town and the starting point to the Mustang region. Now the trek officially begins after landing in Jomsom. The first step is Kagbeni and it gets better. Kagbeni is an exquisite medieval town, preserved very well, and you can further pedal all the way to the Upper Mustang region further north.

Regardless of how many rest days, leisure days, or diversion days you choose, it will take you anywhere between 10 to 15 days to complete the whole hike which is filled with stunning views, thrilling adventures, and rich diverse culture.

Explore the Key Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek.

Below is a list of breathtaking places you can find during the trek:

1. Lo Manthang – The Walled City

Lo Manthang, as an ancient walled city and the prime capital of the Mustang kingdom, marks the highlight of the trek. Moving around the Lo Manthang walls makes you feel like you are morphing into a different fantasy world.

The highlight of the trek, Lo Manthang, features an ancient Royal Palace Mud-brick Houses. It gives one the feel of sliding into a different realm paved with a lot of sequenced bricks.

2. Tibetan Culture

The people around this region still practice Tibetan Buddhism and speak Tibetan dialects, which keeps this region attached to Tibet. This place is filled with Monasteries, Nuns, and even Prayer wheels.

Tiji Festival is a unique event that takes place every May in Lo Manthang. The festival itself is a blend of music, dance, ancient rituals, along good versus evil storytelling.

3. Monasteries and Caves

Upper Mustang has some of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, such as Ghar Gompa and Choser Cave Monasteries. Numerous of them have beautiful paintings and ancient scriptures of Buddhism. The region is also famous for its sky caves: hundreds of caves hollowed out within the cliffs.

Some served as homes while others were used for burial or meditation by monks. The caves near Choser are particularly renowned.

4. Unique Landscape  

The Upper Mustang landscape resembles a desert located inside the mountains. You will notice the presence of windy cliffs, colorful rocks, and dry canyons. This place is arid, dusty, and dramatic, unlike anything else in Nepal. 

The views of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and Damodar Himal are breathtaking and leave him speechless.

5. Friendly and Approachable Locals 

An incredible highlight of the Upper Mustang is finding the local inhabitants. Villages in this area are relatively small and everyone recognizes themselves. Most people are simple farmers or herders and receive high marks when it comes to hospitality and kindness.

People are usually kind, educated and welcoming. They are proud of their culture so that visitors can hear stories of their past. The connection with the local inhabitants can be made effectively by residing in their tea homes.

6. Mystical Wind and Stillness

Upper Mustang is infamous for the strong afternoon winds in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Trekkers begin their walks in the early morning since the strong winds are predicted to start around midday.

The region is also calm and quiet, apart from the wind. There is very little traffic, no major crowds, and no noise pollution. The silence is closer to spiritual as opposed to deafening. One can only hear the wind, one’s footsteps, and the distant sound of yak herd bells or those from monasteries. There is no better place to seek clarity and peace of mind.

7. Distinctive Construction

Compared to the rest of Nepal, the buildings in Upper Mustang are completely different. The mudbrick and stone walls are ringed by red and black stupas, which along with the flat-roofed whitewashed houses give the region its striking aesthetic. The designs are also extremely functional, keeping the homes warm during winters and cool through summer.

Monasteries and caves have been carved into rocks and cliffs. Many structures are hundreds of years old, and that still remain in good condition today. The architecture represents Tibetan style and merges seamlessly with the arid and rugged terrain.

Final Thoughts

Upper Mustang Trekking is more than just a walk – it is a spiritual journey to one of the richest and richest culturally in the world. You will experience a way of living that has still been preserved for centuries, friendly and warm people, and you will see landscapes which look like masterpieces.

Searching for something out of the ordinary? Journey-shy but adventure-rich? Upper Mustang is a must for your travel list – it’s not just a walk, it’s an adventure of a lifetime.

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