Things to do · Mustang
The Best Things to Do in Mustang
Sacred Muktinath, medieval Kagbeni and the restricted trek to Lo Manthang — the highlights of arid Mustang.
Mustang serves up a side of Nepal most visitors never see — a high desert of eroded cliffs, Tibetan-influenced villages and centuries-old monasteries behind the Himalaya. Here are the highlights, from the sacred to the spectacular.
The short answer
The three things you should not miss are the pilgrimage temple at Muktinath, the medieval village of Kagbeni on the Kali Gandaki, and the restricted-area trek into Upper Mustang to the walled city of Lo Manthang. The first two sit in freely accessible Lower Mustang; the trek north needs a special permit and a guide.
Tap any spot below for what to expect, how to get there and what it costs. For where it fits in the bigger picture, see our guide to the best treks in Nepal.
Good to know
- Permits: Lower Mustang runs on the standard Annapurna permit; the Upper Mustang trek needs a separate restricted-area permit and a registered guide.
- Season: Mustang stays dry in the monsoon rain shadow, so March to November all work — spring and autumn are the most settled.
- Getting around: A growing road network means Jomsom, Kagbeni and even parts of Upper Mustang can now be reached by jeep, though walking remains the classic way to see the sacred temple at Muktinath and the villages between.
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Sights & attractions
Trekking & treks
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Mustang?+
The headline sights are the sacred temple at Muktinath, the medieval mud-brick village of Kagbeni at the gateway to Upper Mustang, and the multi-day trek north to the walled city of Lo Manthang. Lower Mustang is open to everyone; the far north needs a restricted-area permit.
Can you visit Mustang without trekking?+
Yes. Lower Mustang is increasingly road-accessible, so you can reach Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath by jeep without a long trek. Upper Mustang can also be done partly by jeep now, though many travellers still prefer to walk it for the landscape and villages.
How many days do you need in Mustang?+
For Lower Mustang — Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath — two to three days is enough. A full Upper Mustang trek to Lo Manthang and back typically runs ten to fourteen days, depending on whether you walk in both directions or use jeeps for part of the route.
Is Muktinath open to non-Hindus?+
Yes. Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and welcomes visitors of all faiths. It is one of the few major pilgrimage sites in Nepal where the two traditions share the same complex, and there is no entry restriction by religion.
