Upper Mustang is a remote desolate and extremely fascinating region of Nepal set amongst wind eroded hills on the northern borders of Tibet. It was previously a forbidden Kingdom, it is now a Kingdom within Nepal that still retains its own King.Upper Mustang was only opened ( officially ) to tourists in 1992, then with strict limits on the amount allowed in one year. The destination is the historic walled city of Lo Mangtang.

Life in Lo-Manthang has continued much the same as it has for centuries. People are steeped in religion here with numerous Gompas, Mani walls (prayer walls) and chortens adorning the Kings palace and surrounds. Prayer flags flutter above each household, spreading good blessings to all corners of the world and the universe beyond. This area can be trekked all year round regardless of season. August is the mildest month,  in winter there can be 30 to 40cms of snow to negotiate. The people are well adapted to the region after  many centuries of experience surviving the harsh climate.They survive by practicing a form of  agro-pastoralism and seasonal migration, farming is done whenever irrigation is possible, only one crop (barely) can be produced. The barely supports the local population for only 6 months a year with severe food shortages the rest of the time. As a result, during the winter months almost 70 percent of the local people emigrate to either the lower part of Mustang, Pokhara, Kathmandu or India, for employment and trading. 

If you are planning a visit to Mustang you need to be in good physical condition. The tour commences with a flight from Katmandu to Jomsom via Pokhara.If you want to extend your time, It is possible to trek in for nine days from Pokhara.

 The trekking route crosses the villages of Tangbe, Samar and Geling to reach Tsarang . The settlement of  Tsarang is considered as one of the highlights of the tour, a day before Lo Mangthang.

In ancient Tsarang a set of human hands remains said to belong to the site’s master builder. According to legend, the King cut the builder’s hands off to stop him from constructing another masterpiece to compete against it. 

It is expensive to visit the region, a single permit cost $700 U.S. for ten days, extendable at a further $70 U.S. a day. All provisions must be carried in, accommodation is under canvas with full Nepali support staff.