Trekking in Upper Mustang takes you on a rare and amazing trip through a surviving Tibetan kingdom in Nepal, which is commonly termed the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." The journey into a restricted area brings you through a beautiful desert with cliffs carved by the wind, old cave houses, and walled cities from the Middle Ages. It ends in the capital of Lo Manthang. The Upper Mustang trip is different from any other trip in Nepal since it takes you to a place and way of life that hasn't changed much in hundreds of years. You need a special Mustang Restricted Area Permit to go on this trek.
Why should you choose the Upper Mustang Trek?
An Upper Mustang Trek is for the culturally curious traveler who wants to go back in time instead of climbing a high mountain. It allows you to experience a living museum of Tibetan culture that hasn't changed since it was hard to get to and cut off from the rest of the world. The walk goes to altitudes that aren't very high (max ~3,800m) and has beautiful desert canyon scenery. It also goes deep into old Buddhist history, including the enigmatic sky caves of Chhoser. Our authorized packages take care of all the important details for getting special permits, give experienced guides who know the local customs, and make sure you have a respectful, immersive experience in this delicate and amazing area.
The Best Time to Trek in Upper Mustang
Because it is under a rain shadow, the best time to visit Upper Mustang is quite lengthy. The best time is from Spring to Autumn. May and June are quite popular because the weather is lovely, the skies are clear, and you can see the colorful Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, which lasts for three days and includes prayers and dances. July and August are the best months to visit here, while other parts of the world are dealing with monsoon rains. Upper Mustang is dry and open. September and October have excellent, consistent weather and fewer people. The area is cold and difficult to navigate from November to April, with numerous guesthouses closed.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
The Upper Mustang hike offers a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhist culture. Lo Manthang is the crown jewel of the walled city. It has the old King's Palace, the Thubchen Gompa from the 15th century, and the beautiful ChampaLhakang monastery with its elaborate mandalas. The trail goes through old villages like Ghami and Charang, which have tall Mani walls and a unique way of running things. Exploring the Luri Gumba and Chhoser Cave Complexes reveals centuries-old religious art and ancient human settlements cut into sheer cliffs. These sites give us a glimpse into the region's fascinating past.
