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A mother and child walk across a rocky landscape in Upper Mustang, Nepal with a steep cliff backdrop.

Gandaki

Mustang

A walled kingdom on the Tibetan plateau, in the Himalaya’s rain shadow.

Photo: Rajan Pun · Pexels(opens in a new tab)

Region
Gandaki
Best time to visit
March to November; the rain shadow keeps summer dry.
How long to stay
10–14 days for Upper Mustang
Experiences
3 nearby
Treks
1 from here

Overview

North of the Annapurnas the landscape turns to ochre cliffs, cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Lower Mustang around Jomsom and Muktinath is open to all; Upper Mustang is a restricted area that requires a special permit and a registered guide.

Because it lies in the rain shadow, Mustang is one of the few parts of Nepal that trekkers can enjoy during the monsoon months.

Where is Mustang?
KathmanduAnnapurna RegionPokharaMustang
  1. Mustang
  2. Annapurna Region
  3. Pokhara
Open in OpenStreetMap (opens in a new tab)

Plan your visit

Tours to Mustang

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Why visit Mustang

  • Tibetan Buddhist culture largely unchanged for centuries
  • Dramatic desert canyons very different from the rest of Nepal
  • One of the few regions trekkable during the monsoon

What to see

  • Lo Manthang

    The walled former capital of the Kingdom of Lo, with 15th-century monasteries and a royal palace.

  • Muktinath

    A temple complex sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists at 3,800 m, famous for its 108 water spouts.

  • Kagbeni

    A medieval village at the gateway to Upper Mustang on the Kali Gandaki river.

  • Jomsom

  • Sky caves

Good to know

  • Upper Mustang permits are issued for a minimum of ten days and require a minimum group size; check current rules.
  • Afternoon winds in the Kali Gandaki valley are fierce; walk in the mornings.

Frequently asked questions

Photo gallery

Mustang in pictures

Things to do

Experiences in Mustang

A detailed view of a historic temple in Kathmandu's Durbar Square featuring traditional architecture.

Easy

Cultural Tours

Heritage squares, living temples, monasteries and craft traditions.

Typical duration
Half day to several days
Cyclist on rugged mountain trail in Khangsar, Nepal with snow-capped peaks.

Challenging

Mountain Biking

Valley-rim singletrack near Kathmandu and the epic descent through Mustang.

Typical duration
1–12 days
Backpacks rest at Annapurna's base under the snowy peaks, capturing trekking adventure in Nepal.

Moderate

Trekking

Multi-day walks between mountain lodges, from gentle ridges to high passes.

Typical duration
4–18 days

Trekking

Treks from Mustang

Breathtaking rock formations under a blue sky in Lo Manthang, Nepal.
Moderate

Upper Mustang (restricted area)

Upper Mustang Trek

Across a high desert to the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Duration
12 days
Max altitude
4,200 m

From travellers

Stories from travellers who went to Mustang

First-hand accounts from people who visited recently. Read one, then plan a trip like it.

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Guides and stories

Directional sign leading to Everest Base Camp with mountains in monochrome setting.
Permits

Travel guide

Nepal Trekking Permits Explained

TIMS cards, conservation area permits, national park fees and restricted area permits: which ones you need and where to get them.

Verified
Checked Jun 2026

Nearby

Often combined with

Annapurna Region
Region

Gandaki

Annapurna Region

Rhododendron forests, Gurung villages and treks for every level.

Peaceful scene of blue rowboats on a calm lake at sunset with mountain backdrop.
City

Gandaki

Pokhara

Lakeside calm beneath the Annapurna skyline.