Kathmandu, 15 April: Tucked away in the rain shadow of the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges lies Mustang, one of Nepal’s most mystical and awe-inspiring destinations. Often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Mustang remained closed to outsiders until the 1990s, preserving its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and medieval villages.
Mustang is approximately 160 to 200 kilometers (100 to 125 miles) north of Pokhara, depending on the specific destination within Mustang (e.g., Jomsom, Muktinath, or Lo Manthang).
If you ride a bus Pokhara to Mustang through lower Mustang, it is 160 km. It takes 8-10 hours by bus. If you travel through upper Mustang it is 22o km far from Pokhara and it takes 2-3 days by jeep to reach the destination. Pokhara to Jomsom flight takes 20 minutes.
Why Mustang is special to visit because of Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city, still echoes with royal history and Tibetan architecture. Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges, carves its way through the land. Centuries-old monasteries like Thubchen and Jampa Lhakhang reflect Mustang’s deep spiritual roots. And The Tiji Festival, celebrated annually in Lo Manthang, is a vibrant expression of culture, faith, and tradition.
Whether you’re trekking the Upper Mustang trail, biking across the barren cliffs, or exploring hidden caves once used by monks and shamans, Mustang offers a raw, untouched beauty unlike anywhere else in Nepal.
Every season, hundred of thousands tourists visit Mustang. The tourists are local and foreigners.
The region is divided into Upper Mustang (ancient Lo Manthang) and Lower Mustang (more accessible and less restricted). Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992, requiring special permits for foreigners, which helps preserve its unique culture. The landscape resembles the Tibetan Plateau, with barren cliffs, eroded canyons, and ancient cave dwellings.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a famous but challenging journey, offering a mix of adventure and cultural immersion. Due to its rain-shadow location, Mustang is ideal for trekking even during Nepal’s monsoon season (June-August).
The people of Mustang (Lobas) follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak a dialect similar to Tibetan. Traditional Thakali cuisine (like buckwheat pancakes and apple brandy) is a highlight for visitors.
