The Upper Mustang Trek, also known as “The Journey to the ‘Forbidden Kingdom,’” is one of Nepal's most diverse and breathtaking trekking routes. The Upper Mustang trek takes you through the former Kingdom of Lo, with its fortified capital Lo Manthang, which is home to the uniquely Tibetan-influenced culture and desert-like climate of the Himalayas – all quite different from the green trekking routes found in the Annapurna and Everest regions.
Introduction to Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is in a rain shadow area of the Himalayas, north of the Annapurna range, north of Dhaulagiri, and near the Tibetan border. Historically, it was a part of an independent kingdom that had its own royal family and was closely linked with Tibetan culture. Upper Mustang was a forbidden area for foreign tourists until well into the 1990s.
In contrast to most other trekking areas of Nepal, Upper Mustang has an even semi-desert type terrain, with degraded landmasses, canyons, and red, brown, and ochre-colored rocks that have been shaped by wind action over thousands of years. This striking contrast will be evident with the white-capped mountains and the white-washed villages lining the Kaligandaki valley.
Why It’s Called the Forbidden Kingdom
Historically, this area was known as the Kingdom of Lo, whose capital was the fortified city of Lo Manthang. Founded in the 15th century, this area was deliberately kept isolated owing to its geographical location and cultural affinities with Tibet. The area was strictly forbidden to foreigners until 1992; to this day, it is mandatory to hire a trekking company to enter this restricted area.
This is why it has been given the name ‘Forbidden Kingdom,’ and it is also why many monasteries, cave dwellings, and traditional ways of life are still intact there. When you are trekking into this region, you can observe prayer wheels, mani walls, and chortens that are characteristic of this cultural heritage of praying Buddhists living in these villages.
Lo Manthang: The Forbidden Kingdom's Heart
Lo-Manthang is the centre of the Upper Mustang Trek and the symbolic centre of the "Forbidden Kingdom." Lo-Manthang is a walled city with a complex of narrow streets, white-painted houses, monasteries, and a palace, formerly the home of the Lo royal family.
In and around Lo Manthang, there are various places of interest that can
- Ancient monasteries such as Jampa, Thubchen, and Chode with breathtaking frescoes and statues
- The four-story palace comprises the former monarchy’s icon in Mustang.
- Caves nearby, villages, and day jaunts or horseback rides invite recognition or visits.
- "Living culture that reflects Tibetan influences: people dressed in traditional clothing, tending livestock, and performing Buddhist daily practices."
Lo Manthang is a hub for festivals such as Tiji, which is a three-day long ritual of masked performances, blessings, and ceremonies—a unique experience if your trekking schedule coincides with the festival.
Culture, Religion, & Tradition
Upper Mustang is one of the final holdouts of Himalayan Tibetan Buddhist tradition. All along the trekking routes, there are Buddhist monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls, and religious ceremonies occur in an antique Tibetan Buddhist calendar system.
Everyday activities revolve around:
- Farming Barley, Buckwheat, and Potatoes in terraces
- Yak, sheep, and goat rearing in higher ranges.
- Exchanging goods over well-established trade routes (now complemented by modern transportation modes)
- Monastic education and religious ceremonies
Trekker enthusiasts are warmly welcomed into homes and teahouses where they get a chance to consume butter tea and meals while sharing stories with the people of Mustang to acquire a deeper insight beyond mere sightseeing.
Landscape & Trekking Experience
The landscape in Upper Mustang is unlike Nepal's rhododendron and rice fields. Instead, trekkers will find
- High, arid plateaus with sparse vegetation
- riverine gorges, and riverine canyons where ancient rivers created very steep-sided landforms
- Cliffs colored in red, yellow, and brown, interspersed with man-made caves.
- Breathtaking views of the Nilgiris, Annapurna ranges, and other Himalayan peaks on the horizon
The trekking route is differentiated by constant passes and descent routes that lie between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Some knowledge and acclimatization with high altitude miles would help greatly, but it is much easier than other Himalayan routes.
Permits & Regulations
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so trekking there requires some specific things: It requires a Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang, for which a fixed rate per person applies for a predetermined number of days - A TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), in general, are always necessary, as the route goes through the Annapurna region - You are required to trek accompanied by an approved trekking agency and guide. Solo trekking inside the restricted area is prohibited. This regulation also helps manage the number of visitors and protects the sensitive environment of the region.
Best Time to Trek Upper Mustang
The one distinctive characteristic about Upper Mustang is that it remains relatively dry during Nepal’s monsoon rains due to being in a rain shadow area. Therefore, the best time for trekking in Upper Mustang is a bit different from the usual trekking routes.
- Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, sunny, and visibility is good. The land begins to turn green, and the high desert scenery is beautiful.
- Summer/Monsoon (June-August): Interestingly, this can be one of the finest seasons to visit Mustang, as there’s very low rainfall in Mustang while the rest of Nepal gets wet and cloudy during these months.
- Autumn (September-November): Another good time with bright weather, cooler temperatures, and stable climate.
- Winter (Dec.-Feb.): It is a cold season with chances of snow. This is a less-visited time, as there will be less service. It is suitable only for the experienced.
Upper Mustang’s long trekking season also makes it a preferable destination for those who wish to go on a trek when the climate in other regions becomes less than ideal.
Difficulties and Accommodation, and Tips
The level of the Upper Mustang Trek is generally moderate. Trekking hours per day are normally between 5 to 7 hours, and the altitudes are not as high as in EBC or the Three Passes treks.
Accommodation
The main type of accommodation is in teahouses and lodges, and this is simpler and more basic than in the most popular areas but still quite comfortable. Expect community dining areas, simple rooms with twin beds, and local cuisine of dal bhat, soup, noodles, and Tibetan cuisine.
Food and Water:
Local teahouses serve hot meals, snacks, and beverages. Trekkers can just use either boiled or purified water; some trekkers bring water purification tablets or filters.
Fitness and Preparation:
A good level of fitness, some experience with trekking, and proper acclimatization are recommended. Though it is not very technical or high, the climate conditions, along with some climbing, might prove to be strenuous.
Responsible Tourism:
Be respectful of local traditions, dress modestly, ask for permission when photographing locals, and adhere to Leave No Trace. It is essential that you support local facilities that ensure this area is maintained as it is.
Who is the Upper Mustang Trek for?
The Upper Mustang trek is suited for trekkers who:
- Want a strong cultural focus as much as, or more than, a purely scenic high-altitude challenge
- Prefer quieter trails compared with classic routes like Everest or Annapurna Base Camp.
- Are interested in Tibetan Buddhism, ancient kingdoms, and isolation communities
- Prefer being on treks that are more desert-like rather than forested hills.
It is especially suitable for those who have already done a mainstream Nepal trek and are seeking a deeper, less commercialized Himalayan experience.
Conclusion
It is as if trekking in Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang allows one to walk into a living museum of Himalayan history and culture. The walled city, ancient monasteries, and cave dwellings against starkly beautiful desert landscapes evoke a rare glimpse of a world that remained shielded from outsiders for centuries. While trappings of modernity have slowly reached the region, the core essence of its Tibetan-influenced Buddhist identity and traditional lifestyles still feels remarkably intact.
With its blend of moderate physical challenge, deep cultural encounters, and distinctive geography, the Upper Mustang Trek probably defines a trek in Nepal that sets it aside, perfect for trekkers and cultural explorers who want to go beyond the usual trails and into the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang. Ready to step into this forbidden realm? Book your Upper Mustang Trek with Third Eye Adventure today
