Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and enthralling excursion into one of Nepal’s most secluded and pristine places. Known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," Upper Mustang was off-limits to outsiders until 1992, when it was still home to centuries-old monasteries, breathtaking arid landscapes, and an ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. This journey offers a very different experience from other Himalayan excursions, with its location in the rain shadow of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You will encounter arid deserts, wind-eroded cliffs, and deep gorges that are contrasted with snow-capped peaks.

The walk leads you to the capital of Upper Mustang, the old kingdom of Lo Manthang, where the Tibetan empire's heritage continues to this day. An unforgettable experience awaits anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path excursion into a mysterious area rich in history, culture, and unadulterated beauty—the Upper Mustang Trek.

Some of the Upper Mustang Trek's highlights

1. Lo Manthang: The City Enclosed

The medieval walled settlement of Lo Manthang serves as the focal point of the Upper Mustang Trek. Lo Manthang, the cultural and religious center of Upper Mustang, was established in the fourteenth century and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Lo. Travelers are taken back in time by the city's towering whitewashed walls, winding alleyways, and historic palaces. You can tour monasteries in the city, such as Thubchen Gompa and Chhoede Gompa, where Buddhist monks carry out historic rites. This area's well-preserved culture provides a unique window into an unexplored area of Tibetan history.

2. Ancient Monasteries and Caverns

Mustang is well-known for its enigmatic caves—some of which date back thousands of years—carved into the side of cliffs. These caves served as homes for people and monks, as well as places to meditate and be buried. The Chhoser Cave, located near Lo Manthang, is particularly remarkable, with numerous levels of rooms and tunnels that have been beautifully kept. You'll also pass by a number of historic monasteries on the journey, including Ghar Gompa, which was constructed in the eighth century by the fabled Guru Rinpoche and is thought to be among the oldest in the area.

3. Magnificent Scenes in the Desert

Its bleak, desert-like scenery sets the Upper Mustang region apart from the verdant, forest-covered paths of many other treks in Nepal. The landscape is dominated by red rock formations, wind-sculpted cliffs, and desolate plains; deep canyons and vibrant hills add to the bizarre setting. Trekkers get to see majestic mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, but from the distinct viewpoint of Mustang's dry landscape. The scene is breathtaking, with the untamed terrain juxtaposed against the far-off snow-capped peaks.

4. Tiji Festival: An Extraordinary Cultural Event

Held annually in Lo Manthang, usually in May, the Tiji Festival is one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Upper Mustang. With colorful masked dances performed by monks that tell the tale of a deity named Dorje Jono who battled to prevent the Mustang region from being destroyed, the festival honors the victory of good over evil. Trekkers have a unique opportunity to see firsthand centuries-old customs and ceremonies against the backdrop of the ancient kingdom by participating in the Tiji Festival.

Hiking in the Kingdom of the Forbidden

The primary entry point into Mustang, Jomsom, is reached by plane from Pokhara at the start of the Upper Mustang Trek. Trekkers departing from Jomsom traverse the blustery Kali Gandaki valley, passing through the settlements of Kagbeni, Chele, and Tsarang, each with its own distinct history, culture, and topography. The hike usually lasts 10-14 days, covering a distance of about 160 kilometers, depending on the route and pace.

Trekking in Upper Mustang will take you across high mountain passes, across desert plateaus, past yak caravans, and past local farmers tilling the parched land. The people in this area are few in number, and their way of life hasn't altered much over the ages. The building, the prayer flags waving in the breeze, and the locals' traditional clothing all bear Tibetan influences.

Permits and Conditions for Restricted Areas

Entry into the Upper Mustang region is limited and requires specific authorization. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang is required for trekkers, and it costs $500 USD per person for the first 10 days, with additional fees for each additional day. Furthermore necessary are an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card. Trekkers must be escorted by a registered guide in order to maintain the area's preservation. Solo hiking is prohibited.

Ideal Season to Visit the Upper Mustang Trek

The spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) seasons are the ideal times to go on the Upper Mustang Trek. The best vistas of the surrounding landscapes, beautiful skies, and pleasant temperatures are all present during these months. Mustang is one of the few trekking destinations in Nepal that may be visited from June to August during the monsoon season because of its rain shadow location, which results in very little precipitation in the area.

In summary

The Upper Mustang Trek is a remarkable excursion into a world that appears to be stuck in the past. With striking desert vistas and towering Himalayan peaks as a backdrop, this journey gives a unique window into the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, from the historic walled city of Lo Manthang to the mysterious caves and monasteries. Trekkers who are looking for an experience in a distant and unexplored area of Nepal should definitely try the Upper Mustang Trek, which combines raw beauty with cultural immersion in one of the last undiscovered kingdoms in the world.