Imagine being taken through a forbidden kingdom, with both cliffs and canyons rising to lead the way.
Mustang region promises an unforgettable adventure into the pristine and untouched beauty of Nepal.
From windswept valleys to high altitudes snow capped mountains, explore the realm of ancient culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Nestled in the rain-shadow of the Himalayas, Mustang strikes a unique difference against the lush greenery of other areas of Nepal.
It is here that timelessness brings together the aesthetic beauty of Tibetan-influenced culture with a vast, desert-like terrain.
More than any other part of Nepal, Mustang houses very unique beauty and a culture inspired by Tibetan Buddhism.
Ancient monasteries, walled cities and mystic caves will take you on a journey back in time through this once-forbidden territory.
From the trek to Lo Manthang in the Upper Mustang to Lower Mustang trekking, you will get to witness the unseen Nepal.
BEST PACKAGES FOR MUSTANG EXPEDITION
Soak in all the cultural and landscape goodness with a dash of history as well.
Book your spot with Trek Me Nepal today for epic adventures such as:
Upper Mustang Trek
- Walk through the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, which is the capital of Upper Mustang.
- Visit historic monasteries and enjoy the culture of the Tibetan Buddhist community.
- Trek across dry, desert-like landscapes while high peaks of the Himalayas surround you.
Jomsom-Muktinath Trek
- A pilgrimage trek to the sacred Muktinath Temple, considered by Hindus and Buddhists alike a place of great sanctity.
- Passing through the beautiful town of Jomsom, the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
- Catch the stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges while walking up the cultural treasures.
Heaven Hikers Mustang Region
- The Mustang area can be toured by jeep, making the journey extremely comfortable and scenery breathtaking.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge and peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri present a breathtaking sight.
- Capture panorama view of Gaugiri Peak and unique desert terrain of Mustang in camera.
Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
- A marvelous three-day celebration of Tibetan Buddhism, known as Tiji Festival, shows the triumph of good over evil.
- The dance, prayers, and rituals breathe life into the ancient walls of Lo Manthang.
Kagbeni: Entrance to Upper Mustang Nepal
- An exploration of the Kagbeni village-a medieval village that guards the entrance toward Upper Mustang.
- Labyrinthine narrow alleyways wind their way around this quaint town, which is resoundingly Tibetan in both architecture and culture.
Explore Caves of Mustang
- Weird-looking caves carved out of high cliffs of Mustang used as meditation sites and burial sites and inhabited since ancient times.
- These caves tell stories of the long-obliterated civilizations in Mustang.
FLORA IN MUSTANG REGION
Despite the arid deserts, Mustang contains a very unique and interesting flora.
The valleys will take you through the landscapes of stark contrasts between the abandoned dry landscape and vibrant greenery in the lower altitudes
Here are some list of plant life in Nepal Mustang:
- Juniper
- Rhododendron
- Bamboo
- Oak
- Wild Rose
- Pine
WILDLIFE IN MUSTANG REGION NEPAL
Mustang Nepal has its own conservation area known as Mustang Conservation Area.
With its unique geographical location, it shelters various endangered and rare species of wildlife.
Some of those wildlife, including animals and species of birds, are:
- Snow Leopard
- Himalayan Tahr
- Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Red Fox
- Pikas
- Himalayan Griffon
PREPARE FOR TREKKING MUSTANG REGION NEPAL
BEST TIME TO VISIT MUSTANG
When considering the best times to visit Mustang, Spring and Autumn are always the priority.
The Mustang region weather is usually stable with clear skies.
Also, the temperature is stable for Mustang region trekking or exploring.
Spring – March to May
Spring is one of the peak seasons to visit Mustang.
It will be mild weather all together with daytime temperatures, fluctuating between 16° to 20° C.
The valleys wear red due to rhododendrons and other alpine flowers in bloom, especially in Lower Mustang.
The trek routes are less crowded compared with the autumn season, which means you can fully appreciate the landscape and culture.
Autumn – September to November
This is the best season to trek to Upper Mustang.
Right after the monsoon, the skies are clear, and one gets great views of the Himalayas, particularly Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks.
The temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C, thereby making the daytime pleasant for trekking Mustang.
Monsoon – June to August
Much of Nepal gets affected with heavy rainfall during the monsoon.
However, Mustang falls in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning it is comparatively dry.
Nevertheless, some sections of trails become slippery during this period.
Additionally, visibility may be poor due to cloud formations at times.
Winter – December to February
Visitation in winter is possible, especially in Lower Mustang.
However, freezing temperatures set in and a number of guest houses close down for the season.
The trails are difficult and perhaps risky because of snow and there is limited transport access.
DOCUMENTS AND PERMITS FOR MUSTANG TREKS
To trek in the Mustang region, especially the Upper Mustang Nepal trek, you will need specific permits and documents.
Here’s the breakdown of documents and permits required:
- Passport and passport-sized photos
A passport that is valid at least 6 months before the trekking adventures in Nepal.
Additionally, bring passport sized photos or you can get it here in Nepal for permits applying.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
As the Mustang region falls under Annapurna Conservation Area, you will require a ACAP.
It costs around 30$ for foreigners which helps fund the conservation effort and trekking routes maintenance.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
A mandatory card, which helps authorities track the trekkers in case of emergencies.
This is for your safety and costs around 10$ for group trekkers and 20$ for solo trekkers.
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
The Mustang upper region lies in a restricted area and you require this permit to trek in the upper Mustang.
It costs around $500 for 10 days (50 dollars additionally per day if staying longer).
The fees are high to limit the visitors and preserve the environment and culture of the region.
You need a trekking agency to get this permit, as solo trekkers are not permitted.
- Travel Insurance
For Mustang trekking, travel insurance is mandatory as the region is remote and helicopter rescue is expensive.
So, you need to buy an insurance plan that covers high altitude trekking, medical treatments and emergency rescue operations.
- Special Research Permits (optional)
This permit is required for groups conducting environmental, academic or scientific research in the Mustang region.
The researchers need Nepal’s government approval to make sure their work aligns with local laws, customs and conservation efforts.
- Nepal Visa
You can get a tourist visa after arriving in Nepal for 15, 30 or 90 days with costs ranging from 30$ to 125$.
Get it in Tribhuvan International Airport or online at Nepal immigration website.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOODS
The Mustang region housings range from traditional tea houses to guesthouses as well as luxury lodges, depending on the area.
The remotest Upper Mustang region has simpler accommodations, whereas Lower Mustang offers a broader range.
Mustang meals are filling and mostly based on the local cuisines of Tibetans and Nepali.
These foods will offer trekkers the energy needed to go through a very long day on the trail.
Housings
- Tea Houses
Tea houses are basic, family-owned lodges offering a simple room shared with other people as well as a shared bathroom and a dining area.
These are the most common forms of housings, especially in remote Upper Mustang.
Rooms usually come with a bed, blankets, and sometimes electricity for a fee.
In Lower Mustang, you might find rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Generally, the price ranges from $5 to $10 per night, but often higher in the remote areas of Lo Manthang and Ghar Gompa.
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Guesthouses
A better category of housing with private rooms and attached bathrooms, especially in Lower Mustang.
The guesthouses can include Wi-Fi, electricity, hot showers and more comfort for trekkers.
Some of these provide private dining spaces.
The price ranges from $10 to $30 per night, depending on location and services.
- Luxury Lodges
Luxury lodges in more developed areas, like Jomsom, offer trekkers comfort at a higher price.
You will get private rooms, attached bathrooms with hot showers, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi and more options in food.
These housings can range from $100 to $300 per night.
Foods
- Dal bhat
- Tsampa (roasted barley flour)
- Yak Cheese
- Momo
- Thukpa (hot noodle soup)
- Tibetan bread
- Pizza and pasta
PLAN YOUR MUSTANG ADVENTURE TRIPS WITH TREK ME NEPAL
Let Trek Me Nepal take you into one of the most breathtaking regions for a lifetime journey.
From mystical treks into Upper Mustang to cultural gems that lie in Lower Mustang, we will be ensuring your journey is smooth, incomparable and filled with unique experiences.
Book your adventure in Mustang today! And let the Himalayas inspire you!
FAQs
What country has a region called Mustang?
The area of Mustang is an ancient region lying within the Himalayan rain shadow of Nepal.
Where is Mustang located in Nepal?
Mustang is a region in north-central Nepal and between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, bordering Tibet.
The area of the district falls into two parts: Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang.
What is the capital of Mustang Nepal?
The capital of Mustang Nepal is an ancient walled city known as Lo Manthang, rich in Tibetan Buddhists culture, centuries old monasteries and royal palaces.
What is Mustang famous for?
Mustang is famous for its Tibetan influenced culture, desert like landscapes and the former kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Additionally, the ancient Buddhist monasteries, the Tiji festival and the Nepal Upper Mustang trek attracts thousands of people.
How to reach Mustang Nepal?
Most trekkers fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, an entry point to Lower Mustang.
From there, you can trek or drive by jeep to Kagbeni and Upper Mustang, including the Lo Manthang.
The area is accessible at any time of the year, including during the monsoon period.
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What is the highest point of Mustang Nepal?
The highest point of Mustang Nepal is Mt Nilgiri North, standing at 8,167 meters.
For trekkers, you will reach an altitude of 4,300 meters in Upper Mustang trek.