The Mustang region trek is popular in Nepal through the former Kingdom of Mustang, known for its arid, desert-like landscape, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and unique geological formations like red cliffs and ancient sky caves.

  1. Upper Mustang Trek: Into the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

  2. Lo Manthang: A Kingdom in the Clouds

  3. Upper vs. Lower Mustang Trek – Which to Choose?

  4. Best Time to Visit the Mustang Region

  5. How to Obtain Mustang Trek Permits

  6. The Tiji Festival of Lo Manthang Explained

  7. Mustang Trek Itinerary – From Jomsom to Lo Manthang

  8. Mustang’s Caves of Sky – Ancient Mysteries Revealed

  9. Lower Mustang Highlights: Jomsom to Kagbeni

  10. Local Cuisine of Mustang – What to Eat on the Trail

Upper Mustang Trek: Into the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

A Timeless Himalayan Journey with Robinson Crusoe Holidays

Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most legendary trekking destinations—a land of dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, walled medieval cities, sacred caves, and the mystical aura of the “Forbidden Kingdom.” Once closed to the world until 1992, this remote region still preserves its untouched beauty, authenticity, and centuries-old traditions.

At Robinson Crusoe Holidays, we bring you a fully guided, immersive Upper Mustang experience designed for adventurous trekkers who want something beyond the usual trails of Nepal.

🌄 Why Upper Mustang is Truly Unique

Upper Mustang is unlike any other trekking region in Nepal.
Instead of lush forests and snowy passes, you’ll walk through:

  • Wind-eroded cliffs

  • Red and ochre canyons

  • Medieval mud-walled villages

  • Sky caves carved thousands of years ago

  • Hidden monasteries draped in prayer flags

  • Barren yet breathtaking Himalayan desert landscapes

The culture, language, and traditions here reflect pure Tibetan heritage, making it feel like a living museum.

🏰 Lo Manthang – The Lost Walled City

The highlight of the journey is Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang.
This 600-year-old walled city is home to:

  • The Royal Palace

  • The ancient monasteries of Jampa, Thupchen & Chode

  • Narrow alleys that transport you centuries back

  • Traditional stone houses

  • Friendly locals who still follow ancient Tibetan customs

Walking inside Lo Manthang feels like entering a timeless world untouched by modernity.

🧭 A Perfect Trek for Adventure Lovers

Upper Mustang is ideal for trekkers who want:

✔ Less crowded trails
✔ Dramatic Himalayan desert landscapes
✔ Tibetan Buddhist culture
✔ Archaeological wonders
✔ Mystical caves and sacred sites
✔ A moderate adventure (no high passes like Annapurna or Everest)

The trek is suitable for anyone with basic fitness and a love for slow, immersive travel.

📅 Best Time to Trek Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, meaning the region is dry even during monsoon.
Best seasons:

  • Spring (March–May)

  • Autumn (September–November)

  • Monsoon (June–August) — perfect for those who want to avoid crowds

  • Tiji Festival Season — usually in May, the grand cultural highlight

🎫 Restricted Area Permits (RAP) – What You Need

Upper Mustang is a restricted travel zone.
The required permits include:

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 500 for 10 days

  • ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area)

Robinson Crusoe Holidays handles all permits for you—no hassle, no stress.

🏞️ What You’ll See on the Upper Mustang Trek

A typical Upper Mustang itinerary takes 12–14 days, covering:

  • Jomsom

  • Kagbeni

  • Chele

  • Ghami

  • Tsarang

  • Lo Manthang

  • Chhoser Sky Caves

  • Marang La viewpoints

  • Cultural villages and ancient monasteries

Expect clear skies, magical sunsets, and massive open landscapes.

🕍 The Sky Caves of Mustang

Upper Mustang is home to more than 10,000 ancient sky caves, many dating back thousands of years.
These caves hold:

  • Ancient Buddhist murals

  • Mummified remains

  • Archaeological artifacts

  • Hidden meditation chambers

Exploring these caves with our expert local guides feels like stepping into a lost civilization.

🎉 Experience the Tiji Festival

If you trek during the Tiji Festival, you’ll witness:

  • Masked dances

  • Ancient rituals

  • Colorful costumes

  • Spiritual performances in the courtyard of Lo Manthang

This is one of the most spiritually profound experiences in Nepal.

🍽️ Taste Mustang’s Local Cuisine

During your trek, enjoy:

  • Thakali meals

  • Buckwheat bread

  • Local apples and apple brandy

  • Tibetan-style noodles

  • Himalayan herbal teas

Our guides ensure you enjoy fresh, hygienic, and authentic meals in the best teahouses.

🧾 Why Trek Upper Mustang with Robinson Crusoe Holidays?

  • Licensed local guides with Mustang expertise

  • Hassle-free permit arrangement

  • Comfortable teahouse and lodge selections

  • Flexible itineraries

  • Ethical tourism and cultural respect

  • Personalized customer support

  • Safety-first trekking approach

We ensure your journey into the Forbidden Kingdom is comfortable, meaningful, and unforgettable.

🧭 Ready to Explore Upper Mustang?

The Upper Mustang Trek is more than an adventure—it’s a cultural pilgrimage into one of the most untouched corners of the Himalayas. If you’re seeking raw beauty, spiritual richness, and off-the-beaten-path trekking, this journey is for you.

👉 Plan your Mustang adventure with Robinson Crusoe Holidays today.
Your unforgettable Himalayan journey begins here.