Upper Mustang Trek - 0 Days

About Trip:

Known as The Lost Kingdom, Upper Mustang is an astonishing land of high-desert scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The unique culture and natural beauty of this pristine area are like nothing else in Nepal. The Tibetan frontier is at the northern border of Upper Mustang and the area shares strong Tibetan ties and influences. It was opened to visitors in 1992 and very few tourists have reached Upper Mustang. The land still retains much of its mystique and is full of adventure.

The people have a strong Buddhist culture and monasteries grace the villages. In the striking ochre cliffs of the area, ancient paintings and manuscripts have been discovered and are providing more and more clues about the history of this isolated and mysterious region and the people who have called it home.

A centuries old trade route passes through Upper Mustang. Traders once made their way to and from Tibet from India, bartering highly prized salt and goods from the Tibetan plateau for Indian goods. Nowadays, a vehicle road has been built although yaks are still the locally preferred way of hauling goods through the high elevation trails and we will see many on our trek.

The magnificent landscape includes canyons, cliffs, pastureland and the adjoining Himalayan Mountains. Much of the area is barren with bright patches of green around villages and streams. In ancient times, the area used to be a vast sea and fossils, still abundant and cherished by Hindu pilgrims who see them as a sign of their deity Vishnu. Buddhism is predominant and monuments and shrines are evident throughout the terrain including Nepal’s longest prayer wall, monasteries, Mustang-style chorten and colorful prayer flags.

The ancient capital of Upper Mustang is Lo Manthang, surrounded by an earthen wall in another worldly setting that has to be seen to be believed. The former king still holds regular office hours and we will have a chance to meet and talk with him. The traditions are strong here and the former royal family is still revered by the people.
We begin our journey with a flight to Jomsom, the headquarters for all Mustang District. We then make our way to ancient Kagbeni at the gateway of the Lost Kingdom. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable exploration of a timeless land!

There are many choices for more trekking in the Annapurna area, and if you would like to extend your travels, just let us know and we will arrange according to your schedule!

We have fixed departures and custom treks that can be arranged any day to suit your needs and schedule. Himalaya Hikes looks forward to guiding you into the spectacular Annapurna Region andthe most exhilarating scenery in Nepal!