Upper Mustang, which is locally referred to as the “Forbidden Kingdom,” is a gem hidden away in Nepal’s remote corner. It was once ruled by the Tibetan Kingdom and was cut off for centuries from the outside world, and this gave the land a sense of forbiddenness to it. 

Situated in the northern region of Nepal, bordering Tibet, Upper Mustang provides trekkers with an exceptional and unparallel experience unlike any other trekking route in Nepal. Its harsh terrain, old monasteries, and the unique Tibetan culture make Upper Mustang a place to visit for those who look for adventure, history, and spirituality in a single trek.

The journey to Upper Mustang takes visitors through parched desert-like terrain with great snow peaks and unique rock formations. This tough terrain being a different story, the journey to Upper Mustang has gained popularity over the last few years due to its virgin scenery and vibrant culture.

Its rich history dates back to the 8th century, and thus is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic destinations in Nepal. For adventurers who desire to trek into a region of Nepal untouched by the trappings of modern civilization, Upper Mustang offers an experience of trekking into a mystical, ancient world.

History and Culture of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang has a unique and intriguing history, unlike the rest of Nepal. The isolated area, once a part of the old Kingdom of Lo, was a vital trade route between Nepal and Tibet for centuries. Due to the geographical remoteness, Upper Mustang was almost isolated from the rest of the world until 1992, when the area was finally open for foreign trekkers. 

Prior to that, the region had been a “Forbidden Kingdom,” preserving its unique culture and way of life, uninfluenced by the outside world to a great degree. The limited foreign entry helped maintain Upper Mustang’s Tibetan characteristics intact, and they are evident in architecture, language, and culture today.

The Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang is affluent and evident in nearly every aspect of life. The people of Upper Mustang are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and the region is dotted with very ancient monasteries, some of which are as old as the 8th century.

One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist festivals, the Tiji Festival, is one of the most significant cultural festivals in Upper Mustang, attracting locals and visitors. Not only are these monasteries religious centers, but they are also guardians of the region’s history, containing centuries-old manuscripts and artifacts.

Culturally, Upper Mustang is rich in traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. Upper Mustang’s residents, who are predominantly of Tibetan descent, continue to practice subsistence farming, herding, and trading, with the majority of them living in far-flung villages.

Their homes are built of stone and wood, and their lifestyle remains the same as it has been in the past. The Upper Mustang people continue to wear traditional attire, with women sporting colorful dresses and jewelry, which reflects their affluent cultural tradition. Their lives revolve around Buddhist rituals, communal activities, and harmony with the existing nature.

This combination of history, Tibetan culture, and stubborn local traditions makes Upper Mustang not only a trekker’s paradise but also a living museum of the past, where time seems to stand still, offering an authentic window into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

The Trekking Experience

The trek to Upper Mustang experience is simply stunning. From Jomsom, the trek carries one through some of the remotest and most stunning vistas in Nepal. Jomsom can either be accessed by air or by a two-day trek from Pokhara and is the typical start point for most trekkers into Upper Mustang.

It is here that the trek begins, the trail gently ascending through the Kali Gandaki valley, a stunning view where the mighty Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna form a breathtaking backdrop.

Jomsom to Lo Manthang, capital of Upper Mustang, is usually a 5 to 7-day trek. Along the route, trekkers pass through a series of picturesque villages, including Kagbeni, Chele, and Tsarang, each of which offers an insight into the local people’s traditional way of life. These villages have their characteristic mud-brick houses, narrow streets, and old monasteries.

The route to Lo Manthang passes through arid desert-like landscapes, with rocky tracks, imposing cliffs, and dramatic geological formations, adding to the sense of adventure. The gem of the trek is undoubtedly Lo Manthang, a medieval-style fortified town on a hill surrounded by tough mountains, a glimpse into the past with its old monasteries, traditional architecture, and religious significance.

The Upper Mustang hike is moderately to very difficult. The hike is most suitable for experienced trekkers as the terrain is rough and difficult. The path is a mix of steep uphill and downhill and flat paths, with rocky and exposed terrain. But what makes the hike so challenging is the altitude.

Upper Mustang is at heights ranging from 2,800 meters (Jomsom) to over 4,000 meters (Lo Manthang). Acclimatization is necessary to avoid altitude sickness, and trekkers need to take time to rest and acclimatize to the high thin air. 

Preparation needs to be done well for the trek, especially in physical fitness and high-altitude acclimatization. Cardiovascular and endurance training before the trek need to be completed to achieve stamina. In addition, bringing warm clothing, sufficient trekking gear, and plenty of water is necessary to overcome the challenging conditions.

The dry, windy weather and the harsh sunbeams make it necessary to keep your skin protected and hydrated during the trip. The Upper Mustang trek is not only a physical test but also a chance to discover a secluded area of Nepal, where history, culture, and nature come together.

Flora and Fauna

Upper Mustang is highly diverse in flora and fauna due to its climate and geography. The dry nature of the climate and high altitude of the region have led to a special ecosystem, and the vegetation has adapted to the surroundings. 

Upper Mustang offers a combination of medicinal plants, bushes, and alpine flowers, which are tough in nature. Some of the prominent plant species include the Tibetan wild rose, juniper, and rhododendron species, which thrive in the sheltered valleys and higher altitudes.

Wildlife-wise, Upper Mustang boasts a variety of rare and endangered species. The region is renowned for its snow leopard population, which is elusive and rarely seen but inhabits the upper parts of the region. 

The argali sheep of Tibet, a wild sheep species, is also found in Upper Mustang, in addition to Himalayan thar and the seldom spotted Himalayan wolf. Upper Mustang birdlife is also quite fascinating, with circling lammergeier, Himalayan griffon vulture, and golden eagle.

Upper Mustang diversity creates it a very special option amongst wildlife watchers and trekkers, an encounter of pristine earth that has noticed little from current civilization.

Best Time to Trek

The most appropriate time for trekking to Upper Mustang is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) season. Both seasons have the best weather with good skies, appropriate temperatures, and stable weather.

The spring season of Upper Mustang has pleasant temperatures during the day, which offers easy walking for the trekkers, and autumn offers clear views and stunning vistas of the surrounding high mountains, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.

The Upper Mustang climate would be harsh and unpredictable in summer and winter with heavy snowfall and monsoon rains, and it would be challenging for the trekkers. 

There are slim chances of receiving rain or snow during spring and autumn, and the trails get open. They are also the most suitable seasons for observing the rich local culture and festivals, which makes spring and autumn the best seasons to trek in Upper Mustang.

Practical Information

Upper Mustang trekking requires a couple of required permits to ensure that the trekkers follow the regulations of the region. The two principal permits are the Trekking Permit, which is mandatory for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the Upper Mustang Permit, which grants permission to enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang.

The Upper Mustang Permit is more expensive and must be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. The permits are available in Kathmandu or Pokhara, but it’s better to pre-book them to avoid delays.

Trekkers tend to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom to access Upper Mustang, a short 20-minute flight over the stunning views of the Himalayas. Or trekkers can take bus or jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom, which takes a day or two.

From Jomsom, the trek begins, with meals and accommodation in basic tea houses en route. The tea houses offer basic rooms and serve plain Nepali fare, including dal bhat (lentil soup), rice, vegetables, and Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa.

The price of trekking in Upper Mustang varies with the duration and kind of services you choose. On average, the flights to Jomsom and permits are a significant portion of the cost. 

To be cost-effective, it is possible to trek in a group, which will reduce the permit and transportation expenses. Although the trek is not very affordable, the excitement of trekking in the “Forbidden Kingdom” is worth every rupee.

Conclusion

Upper Mustang continues to be Nepal’s most tempting trekking place today, with the combination of rich history, Tibetan culture, and dramatic landscape. From the ancient monasteries and enigmatic villages to barren landscapes and mountain views at high elevations, Upper Mustang is a trek that will never be forgotten. 

The solitude of the country has served to preserve it with its original nature, and that makes it the treasured diamond for adventure enthusiasts and those searching for cultural immersions. Whether it’s the challenging trek, the stunning landscapes, or the vibrant local culture, Upper Mustang is a place that needs to be visited. Plan your journey to Upper Mustang and enter the very heart of Nepal’s “Forbidden Kingdom.”