Overview
Lomanthang in the Upper Mustang is one of the few places in the world that is still mysterious to
the tourists as its history is shrouded in legend, myth and mystery. Mustang is one of the 77
districts of Nepali that lies along the Kali Gandaki River and shares not only geographical border
but cultures and tradition with Tibet in the north. The capital of the Mustang district is Jomsom;
the region of Tibetan influence north of Kagbeni is generally referred to as “Upper Mustang”.
Until 2007 when the monarchy was abolished from Nepal, Lomanthang was a principality and a
seat for a king.
Although one can drive all the way upto the Tibetan border from Pokhara the entire district of
Mustang is popular among the trekkers. The government has designated Upper Mustang as one
of the restricted trekking areas to preserve its cultural and natural heritages.
Being in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, there is a very little rain and vegetation and the
landscape resemble that of Tibet, with endless expanses of gray rolling hills. Apart from the
walled city of Lomanthang, there are numerous caves gompas and chortens to explore for the
trekkers.
Apart from the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the other popular treks include Annapurna Base Camp
Trek, Annapurna Panorama Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Upper Mustang Treks etc.
