Upper Mustang

In the district of Mustang in northwestern Nepal lies the once-forbidden ancient Tibetan kingdom of Lo. Now called Upper Mustang, the region is no longer a formal kingdom. Upper Mustang encompasses the northern half of the Mustang district bordering Tibet. The region is dry and mountainous, and is often referred to as a desert.

The region is also known as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom’ and it is steeped in undisturbed Tibetan Buddhist culture with ancient monasteries, traditional villages and cave dwellings high up on the cliffs, as well as the stunning architecture on view at the walled city of Lo Manthang- capital of Mustang region.

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted.

The Upper Mustang trek in to the remote Trans-Himalayan Region of this semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom offers an adventurous 14 day itinerary with spectacular trekking through striking semi-arid desert with colourful rock formations, deep ravines and snow-capped peaks surrounding you. The history, culture, myth and legend blends perfectly with the stunning scenery.

Upper Mustang is a continuation of Lower Mustang on the Annapurna Circuit yet its people and landscape are much different. Formally, and still locally, known as the Kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992.

This was because of its close proximity to Tibet. Today the local population still speak Tibetan based languages, follow Tibetan culture and preserve Tibetan culture in their homes. In the year 2008 when Nepal became a republic, Lo also lost its status as a kingdom.

Upper Mustang Trekking Permit

The Upper Mustang region is classified as a restricted area, and much of the region, including its trekking trails, also lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Foreigners are required to obtain a Restricted Area Permit in addition to an ACAP entry permit to trek in Upper Mustang.

The trekkiing permit you can get it in Kathmandu or in Pokhara in the Department of Immigration or with the help of a travel agency. Upper Mustang is a restricted area so the permit must be obtained through a TAAN registered trekking agency.

Region and Area

Upper Mustang (Province No. 4):
a) Lomanthang Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
b) Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
c) Baragung Muktichetra Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 and Satang Village of ward no.5)

Permit Fee

USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days)
USD 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days)

You can visit the following site of Trekking Agents Association of Nepal for more information on trekking permits in Nepal and their member services.

https://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees

Enjoy the rare privilege of trekking to the mystical land beyond the Himalayas.

UPDATED: December 1, 2020