Gandaki Province, Nepal
Mustang Travel Guide
The arid, Tibetan-influenced rain-shadow region north of the Annapurnas — from freely accessible Jomsom and Muktinath to the restricted walled city of Lo Manthang.
Mustang is the arid, Tibetan-influenced region of Gandaki Province that sits in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, strung along the deep Kali Gandaki valley. Eroded ochre cliffs, whitewashed villages, painted chortens and fluttering prayer flags give it a feel far closer to the Tibetan plateau than to the green hills further south.
Travel here splits in two. Lower Mustang — Jomsom, Kagbeni and the sacred temple at Muktinath — is freely accessible on the standard Annapurna permit, and easily reached from Pokhara by flight or jeep. Upper Mustang, the desert kingdom around the walled city of Lo Manthang, lies in a restricted area that needs a special permit and a registered guide. It is one of the most rewarding regions in our best treks in Nepal round-up. Below are our picks for what to see and do.
Where to stay in Mustang
Trekking & treks in Mustang
What to do in Mustang
The Best Things to Do in Mustang
The Best Time to Visit Mustang
Chhoser Sky Caves
Dhumba Lake
Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar)
Jharkot Monastery
Jharkot
Jhong Cave & Village
Jomsom
Kagbeni
Kali Gandaki Gorge
Lo Manthang Walled City
Lo Manthang
Lower Mustang & Jomsom
Lubra Village
Marpha Village
More Things to Do in Mustang
Muktinath Temple
A Mustang Itinerary
Mustang Permits and Access
Tangbe Village
Thini Village
Upper Mustang Highlights
Festivals & events in Mustang
Getting around in Mustang
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mustang in Nepal?+
Mustang is a high, arid district in Gandaki Province, tucked behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the deep Kali Gandaki valley. It sits in the Himalayan rain shadow, so it stays dry while the rest of Nepal is under monsoon, and its landscape and culture feel distinctly Tibetan.
Do you need a permit for Mustang?+
It depends where you go. Lower Mustang — Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath — is freely accessible on the standard Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Upper Mustang and the walled city of Lo Manthang lie in a restricted area that needs a separate, more expensive special permit and a registered guide.
How do you get to Mustang?+
Most travellers reach Mustang from Pokhara, either on the short flight to Jomsom or by jeep up the rough Kali Gandaki road through Beni and Tatopani. From Jomsom you continue overland to Kagbeni and Muktinath, or trek further north into Upper Mustang.
When is the best time to visit Mustang?+
Mustang is one of the few Nepal regions you can visit in the summer monsoon, as it stays dry in the rain shadow. March to November is the broad window; spring and autumn give the most settled weather, while winter is cold and many villages partly empty out.
Is Mustang worth visiting?+
Yes, especially if you want a different side of Nepal. The Tibetan-influenced villages, ochre cliffs, painted chortens and the sacred temple at Muktinath make it feel closer to the Tibetan plateau than the green hills of Pokhara, and Upper Mustang is one of the country's most atmospheric trekking regions.