Upper Mustang Trek: Explore Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom

Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the classic trekking routes get a lot of attention, but Upper Mustang feels like another world altogether. Once you step into this region, the landscape flips from green forests to dramatic desert cliffs, ancient caves, windswept valleys, and villages that still protect centuries-old Tibetan culture. The entire journey feels like entering a hidden Himalayan kingdom because, for a long time, that’s exactly what it was.

The Upper Mustang Trek gives you a rare chance to walk across a place that has stayed isolated for centuries. You’ll explore old monasteries, pass chortens that stand like silent guardians, and reach the walled city of Lo Manthang, the heart of the former Kingdom of Lo. Trekkers often describe this route as surreal, mysterious, peaceful, and deeply cultural.

If you want a trek that’s totally different from Everest or Annapurna, something raw, spiritual, and visually stunning, Upper Mustang delivers that experience from the very first day.

Where Exactly Is Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang lies in the northern part of the Mustang district, near the Tibetan border. The area sits in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which keeps it dry, windy, and dusty.
This region is culturally Tibetan, with traditional houses, prayer walls, ancient monasteries, and a lifestyle that hasn’t shifted much for generations.

You start your journey from Jomsom and move north toward Kagbeni, the official gateway to Upper Mustang.

Why People Call Upper Mustang the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”

Upper Mustang stayed closed to outsiders until 1992. The local culture remained untouched for centuries because the region operated as a separate kingdom, ruled by the King of Lo. Even today, locals proudly protect their traditions, languages, architecture, and festivals.

The title “Last Forbidden Kingdom” comes from:

• Its former status as the Kingdom of Lo
• Centuries of isolation
• Controlled access for foreigners
• Limited tourism even today

The moment you walk into these villages, you can feel that sense of history everywhere.

Trip Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek

This trek feels unique because of the combination of culture, geology, and remoteness. Some of the top highlights include:

1.    Lo Manthang — The Royal Walled City

Walk through narrow alleys, visit ancient monasteries, and explore the old palace. Lo Manthang stands like a living museum.

2.    The Sky Caves of Chhoser

These mysterious caves hang on cliff walls and contain ancient paintings, artifacts, and old meditation chambers.

3.    Tibetan-Style Villages

Villages such as Charang, Ghami, and Tsarang offer a close look at traditional Mustang life.

4.    Desert Canyon Landscapes

Expect red cliffs, deep gorges, eroded rock formations, and dramatic skies.

5.    Tiji Festival (If You Visit in May)

A major cultural festival that draws travelers and photographers from around the world.

Best Time to Do the Upper Mustang Trek

One of Mustang’s biggest advantages is its monsoon-friendly weather.

Best Months:

May to October

Since the region lies in the rain-shadow area, heavy monsoon rainfall doesn’t affect it like other trekking routes.

Avoid:

Late December – February because of the cold and icy winds.

Permits Required for Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you must obtain:

1.     Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

·        Expensive compared to normal treks

·        Mandatory for all foreign trekkers

·        Issued only through registered trekking agencies

2.     ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

3.     Guide Requirement:

A licensed guide is compulsory. Independent trekking is not allowed.

These requirements protect the environment, support locals, and ensure safety in remote regions.

How Difficult Is the Upper Mustang Trek?

Upper Mustang sits at a moderate altitude (3,500–4,200m).
There are no extreme passes like on the Everest or Manaslu routes.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Daily walking hours: 5–7 hours

1.     Main challenges:

• Strong afternoon winds
• Dry, dusty trails
• Long walking days

If you have basic fitness and trekking experience, you can complete this trek comfortably.

Upper Mustang Trek Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimate)

Costs can vary, but here’s a clear and realistic overview:

2.     Permits

·        RAP: High cost per person

·        ACAP: Standard fee

3.     Guide & Porter

·        Licensed guide daily rate

·        Porter optional but helpful due to long days

4.     Transportation

·        Pokhara ↔ Jomsom flights

·        Jeep options (weather-dependent)

5.     Accommodation & Meals

·        Teahouses with simple rooms

·        Meals include Tibetan bread, dal bhat, noodles, soups, etc.

6.     Miscellaneous

·        Wifi and battery charging (extra cost)

·        Hot showers

·        Snacks and drinks

Overall, this trek sits on the higher side due to permits and transportation.

Culture & People of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang carries deep Tibetan influence. Locals practice Tibetan Buddhism, speak a Tibetan dialect, and follow traditions passed down for centuries.

What makes the culture special:

• Monasteries dating back hundreds of years
• Carved mani walls and prayer wheels
• Ancient sky caves
• Traditional mud-brick houses
• Warm hospitality from locals

You can feel the connection between people, land, and spirituality at every step.

Packing List for Upper Mustang Trek

Here’s what trekkers need the most:

1.     Clothing

·        Good layers

·        Warm down jacket

·        Windproof jacket

·        Trekking trousers

·        Comfortable boots

2.     Gear

·        Strong backpack

·        Trekking poles

·        Headlamp

·        Water purification tablets

3.     Personal Items

·        Sunscreen

·        Lip balm

·        First-aid kit

·        Electrolytes

The region stays dry, dusty, and windy, so pack accordingly.

Why Upper Mustang Feels Different from Any Other Nepal Trek

Upper Mustang doesn’t offer snowy peaks around every corner like Everest or Annapurna. Instead, it gives you:

·       A raw desert environment

·       Tibetan-style villages

·       Deep cultural immersion

·       Weather-friendly monsoon trekking

·       Ancient history preserved in daily life

Trekkers often say Mustang feels like stepping into an ancient movie set, quiet, spiritual, and surreal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can beginners do the Upper Mustang Trek?

Yes. The trek suits beginners with basic fitness.

2. How high is Lo Manthang?

Around 3,800 meters, which keeps the altitude risk moderate.

3. Can I trek Upper Mustang without a guide?

No. A licensed guide is mandatory because Upper Mustang is a restricted area.

4. Is Upper Mustang open during the monsoon?

Yes. Since it’s in a rain-shadow area, the monsoon doesn’t affect the region much.

5. What is Upper Mustang famous for?

Lo Manthang, sky caves, desert landscapes, Tibetan culture, and the Tiji Festival.

6. How many days are enough for the trek?

10–14 days is ideal.

7. Is the trek expensive?

Yes. Mainly because of the Restricted Area Permit and internal flights.

Conclusion

If you want a trekking experience that feels remote, cultural, historic, and visually unique, the Upper Mustang Trek is one of the best options in Nepal. The journey gives you a taste of ancient Himalayan traditions, dramatic landscapes, and a side of Nepal that still holds onto its past with pride.

Every day of the trek tells a story, and by the time you reach Lo Manthang, you’ll understand why trekkers call this region the Himalayas’ hidden jewel.