Restricted Area
Upper Mustang
Gandaki Province
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The forbidden kingdom of high desert canyons and Tibetan culture
Overview
Once a restricted kingdom only opened to outsiders in 1992, Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert landscape of eroded canyons, wind-carved rock formations, and centuries-old cave dwellings. At its heart lies Lo Manthang, the walled former royal capital.
Because it sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang stays dry even during Nepal's monsoon, making it one of the few treks possible year-round — and one of the last strongholds of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Things to See & Do
- •Walled city of Lo Manthang
- •Sacred Muktinath Temple
- •Centuries-old cave monasteries
- •Dramatic red-rock canyons
- •Trekkable during the monsoon season
- •Authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture
Packages & Treks in Upper Mustang
Quick Facts
Region
Gandaki Province
Elevation
3,810 m (Lo Manthang)
Best Season
Year-round (best June – September)
Ideal Duration
10 – 12 days