Mustang is a remote district in Nepal, located in Gandaki Province in the north of the country, close to the border with Tibet. It sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, which gives it a dry, desert like landscape unlike anywhere else in Nepal. The district covers about 3,573 square kilometers and has a small population of just over 14,000 people. The land here ranges from about 2,010 meters to over 8,000 meters in height. Mustang is divided into two parts. Lower Mustang is easier to reach and includes the towns of Jomsom and Kagbeni. Upper Mustang, also called the former Kingdom of Lo, was closed to outside visitors until 1992 and still needs a special permit to enter today. Its walled capital, Lo Manthang, sits at about 3,840 meters and still holds onto old Tibetan Buddhist traditions, monasteries and ancient cave art. Mustang is also home to Muktinath Temple, a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists, and every year Lo Manthang hosts the Tiji Festival, known for its colorful masked dances.
Mustang's dry landscapes and strong Tibetan culture make it one of Nepal's most rewarding destinations to combine with trekking or pilgrimage. Travelers wanting a spiritual journey can join our Pashupatinath and Muktinath darshan tour or our broader Nepal religious tour, both centered on Muktinath's significance as a sacred pilgrimage site. For those wanting to witness Upper Mustang's most important cultural event, our Upper Mustang Tiji Festival jeep tour takes you into Lo Manthang for the festival's masked dances and rituals. Adventure travelers looking to combine multiple experiences in one trip can join our 18-day Annapurna Circuit, Mustang, rafting and Chitwan safari tour, which links high-altitude trekking with Mustang's desert landscapes, whitewater rafting and jungle safari. With Thamel Travels & Tours, you can explore Mustang's ancient monasteries, unique landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
