Mustang Region

Mustang region, one of the most popular touristic destinations of Nepal lies beyond the Annapurna Massif and stretches out into the vast Tibetan Plateau. It has been a part of  Nepal but its location and its forced status as a ‘forbidden kingdom’ has protected it from the influences of the western world.

geologically, topographically and culturally quite distinct from much of the rest of Nepal, Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning that the warm, wet monsoon that sweeps up the Indian subcontinent and into Nepal between June and August is stopped by the Himalaya, keeping Mustang dry.

Upper Mustang is popular as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal where organized treks began in 1992 and only fewer numbers (less than 3000) visit each year. It is a restricted region of Nepal and requires a special trekking permit to enter. It is steeped in unscathed Tibetan Buddhist culture with prehistoric monasteries, traditional villages, and cave dwellings high up on the cliffs, as well as the fabulous architecture on view in the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Upper Mustang Trek, Upper Mustang Overland Tour, Lower Mustang Trek, Muktinath Tour, and, Upper Mustang Bike tour are some of the most popular activities that can be done in this region. Many travelers feel that visiting the Mustang region is like arriving at the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Still, life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry, and trade.