Upper Mustang, often referred once as the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal, is a hidden gem with some of the last vestiges of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.  If you’re a traveler seeking an unparalleled adventure, Mustang promises an experience with housing countless spellbinding attractions with rich historical tales and cultural values. 

Previously known as the Kingdom of Lo, the traditional Upper Mustang region comprises northern two-thirds of the present day Mustang District. Foreigners were only allowed to visit in 1992 which is why it is called the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal. The capital, Lo Manthang, is the heart of this ancient kingdom, offering a glimpse into a world that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Where is the forbidden city of Nepal located?

Upper Mustang, situated in the north-central part of Nepal lies beyond the 8000m peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. This hidden gem of Nepal lies just inside Nepal’s border with Tibet and it extends deep into the vast Tibetan plateau. It is divided into Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang, with Upper Mustang being the more remote and culturally rich area. 

nature

It is a semi-arid desert with unique rock formations, deep gorges, and breathtaking scenery , making it perfect for amazing trekking adventures. Hidden from the world until 19992, Mustang has a unique charm. Most people here speak Tibetan, making it the best preserved Tibetan culture in the world

The History of Upper Mustang

The Kingdom’s richness dates back to the 15th century when Mustang was an important stop on the salt trade route between Tibet’s dry saline lakes and the large markets in India. Mustang was once an independent kingdom, founded by Ame Pal in 1380 as the Kingdom of Lo and built Lo Manthang as a walled city that served as its capital. 

Although Mustang became a part of Nepal in the 18th century, it was allowed to keep its hereditary rulers as long as Nepal remained a kingdom. The royal family ruled from the walled city of Lo Manthang, tracing their lineage back 25 generations to Ame Pal. The last official and current unofficial King ( Gyelpo) is Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (born 1933) who traces his lineage directly back to Ame Pal, the warrior who founded this Buddhist kingdom in 1380.

The Kingdom statues ended in 2008 after Nepal transitioned from a kingdom to a republic country.  Even today, Mustang has more ethnic and cultural ties to Tibet’s capital, Lhasa than Nepal’s capital Kathmandu.

The Kingdom of Lo

Should you choose to travel into Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom? The answer whispers through the winds of the mountains- a resounding yes. Inside the citadel a settlement of no more than 200 households makes up the population of Lo Manthang.

The city is full of breathtaking sights, intertwined with the natural, historical, cultural and spiritual threads. It offers a unique walking experience exploring many walls, chortens and monasteries that have housed veiled Buddisht texts and artwork for centuries.

It is also known for its mysterious sky caves which are approximately 10,000 in number. These caves are dug into the cliffs of the mountains.

How to reach Mustang Nepal

The Upper Mustang trek starts from Pokhara. If you’re in Kathmandu, you can either drive to Pokhara or take a 25 minute flight. 

 

From Pokhara , you have several options to reach Jomsom like fly, take a public bus, rent a jeep or bike. Once in Jomsom, you’ll need to trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, you’ll hike north to enter Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang permits

To explore Upper Mustang, you need a special permit from the Nepalese government in Kathmandu, requiring you to travel in groups of at least two people with a guide. The permit costs USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day. You’ll also need an ACAP entry permit, costing around USD 30 for foreigners and NPR 200 for SAARC nationals. 

This permits a glimpse into Upper Mustang’s stunning landscape of eroded sandstone pillars and moraine terraces, as well as its rich culture, ancient monasteries, and welcoming Thakali and Gurung communities. Tailor-made trips are available for a more relaxed, hassle-free experience.