The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang: An Unforgettable Journey
Start your adventure by exploring Nepal’s extraordinary capital, Kathmandu. You’ll discover the charm of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and one of the world’s largest stupas – Boudhanath. We’ll spend some time in Thamel, the city’s tourist district, where life bustles through a maze of narrow streets, amongst colourful market stalls, little shops and cafés. We’ll also wander to the royal Durbar Square and visit the Monkey Temple – Swayambhunath – which offers a beautiful view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.
Next, we’ll set off along a mountain trail through the mysterious and truly unique region of Mustang. We’ll travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then head into the mountains!
During trekking You’ll trek along rocky, steep trails and admire panoramic views of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other surrounding peaks. The route takes you past mountain peaks, glaciers and picturesque valleys. You’ll see Annapurna from a different perspective to that from the base camp at the foot of the mountain, allowing you to appreciate its sheer scale and magnificent face.
The forbidden kingdom of Mustang, which has been isolated for thousands of years, has preserved a unique culture and way of life, virtually unchanged for centuries. The houses in the kingdom of Mustang are mostly built of stone and sun-dried mud bricks. You’ll appreciate the architecture of the city walls and the four-storey palace in Lo-Manthang, which are among the most beautiful historical monuments in the region. Mustang is a place where people have preserved age-old traditions and ways of life, including family life. Some traditions are quite controversial, such as the practice of polyandry (where all the brothers in a family are married to the same woman).
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, was closed to foreigners until October 1991. In Mustang, the people call themselves Lobas and have their own king, Jigme Palbar Bista. When Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the government officially stripped him of this title; however, the inhabitants of the Forbidden Kingdom continue to respect him and regard him as their leader. Bista also extends hospitality upon request. Entry to the Kingdom of Mustang is controlled and requires a special permit. The inhabitants strive to protect their traditions from outside influences and take care to maintain the balance of the environment.
During the trip, we’ll also find time to explore Muktinath, a well-known pilgrimage site, and the capital of Upper Mustang – Lo Manthang – where we’ll stay for a while, as it’s really well worth a visit! We’ll finish our mountain trek in Jomsom, from where we’ll head off to explore Pokhara, before returning to Kathmandu.
Our 15-day trek is an excellent choice for those who wish to explore the region’s less-travelled, trans-Himalayan trails. It is an excellent choice for enthusiasts or anyone interested in Tibetan culture and the Buddhist faith. The trek is not difficult, so it will suit any active person. A stay in the Kingdom of Mustang promises extraordinary experiences and an interesting insight into the region’s history and culture, all set against a backdrop of majestic, mysterious natural scenery.
Updates and Important Information
We offer a tried and tested programme that is highly appreciated by our guests. Bearing in mind the rapidly changing situation in the region, the route has been modified to ensure you get the very best experience and to avoid sections of road that are undergoing major development. The itinerary below has been updated for the 2024 season based on additional information from our guides, so you can be sure you’ll be travelling on the most optimal itinerary.
We warmly invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey to the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang! It’s an incredible adventure just waiting to be experienced!
