Upper mustang also known as "last forbidden kingdom" an ancient land with own distinct history and traditions. Upper mustang is a remote and culturally rich region in northern western Nepal, bordering Tibet. Upper mustang remains one of the few areas in Tibet’s original sphere of influence where Tibetan cultures continues to survive in. The rain of shadow in the Himalayas, making it dry and barren like a desert. The area was restricted to foreigners until 1992 then ACAP, an important supporter works here, after then it requires a special permit to visit here. Upper mustang is famous for its ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, cave monasteries, dramatic landscapes, lifestyle, unique environment and the walled city of Lomanthang, the formal royal capital. It’s a unique destination for those who are seeking for history, raw beauty and spirituality.

Areas and inhabitants of upper mustang:

Upper mustang spans approximately 2020 sq. kilo meters in the Trans Himalayan regions at northern part of Nepal. It consists of three rural municipalities with 31 settlements. This restricted area includes 12 villages in Nepal, form south of Ghilling to north of Jomsom. This remote and mystical landscape is home to around 7000 people, primarily of Tibetan origin. The people of Tangbe, Chhuksang, Tetang, Tsaile and Ghayakar speak (Seke) a language closely related to Thakali. The Buddhist society of upper mustang is divided into groups comparable to the caste of Hindu culture. The inhabitants preserve a century old culture influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with unique tradition, language and architecture village like lomanthang. The place offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely untouched my modern urbanization.

Locals Daily life:

With the glimpse of early morning locals of upper mustang goes to the monasteries for prayers with the incense in hands. In the old age winter was the time for trade with Tibet. Now a days greater part of upper mustang villagers trek south after October and spend the cold month earning a livelihood in Pokhara and Kathmandu city. But still there is no barter with Tibetan neighbors. In villages cattle are kept for milk, meat and fuel. In dry climate agriculture is impossible without irrigation. Women, men and children work together in the field. Barley, buckwheat, peas and potatoes are the main crops here. Now a days in tourist season there are more flow of tourist so they are engaging in hospitality sector like travel business, hotels and some of them have occupation like guide and porters as well.

Festivals:

Upper mustang is a remote and culturally rich region in Nepal. It is known for its ancient Tibetan Buddhist heritage, majestic landscapes and vibrant festivals. Festivals such as loshar (Tibetan new year, Jan/February), Sakaluka (rites for timely rains and a good harvest, February/march), Duk chhu (monks dance and payer for a prosperous year, November/December), Yartung festival (dedicated to local deities and end of harvest, involves horse racing, archery, dancing and feasting by Thakali and Tibetan, august). Tiji festival is a sacred and colorful festival celebrated annually in Lomanthang (May). 

Major monasteries in upper mustang: 

• LoGekar Monastery (Ghar Gompa) one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries associate with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
• Thubchhen Monastery (Thubchen Gompa) which was built in 15century. It has giant statues with large frescoes but recently it was re constructed with international help.
• Jampa lakhang (Jampa gompa) it is also known as god house. Also known for clay statues of Buddha and beautiful mandala painting on it.
• Chosaar cave monastery, this cave is a five story cave with 40 rooms in it. Saint use it for meditations, rituals and also as a shelter.
• Tsarang Monastery is known for its huge collection of ancient scriptures, paintings and statues.

Biodiversity:

Upper mustang itself a high altitude and very dry mountainous area and its Trans Himalayan ecosystem, which bends Tibetan plateau landscapes with Himalayan ecology. Despite with a cold desert, with low rain fall and high terrain vegetation is limited but specialized. Medicinal herbs like yarsagumba, panchaaule, jatamashi. Shrub like Rhododendron (national flower), juniper, caravans. Crops like barley, buckwheat, potatoes, golden apple and mustard, also thorny bushes and dwarf plants dominate the higher elevations. Endangered species like blue sheep (Ghoral) marmots, musk deer, foxes, snow leopard, vulture, Tibetan snow cock. Upper mustang act as a biological plateau between central Himalayas. Despite to its isolation region and pressure from its climatic change it sustain to, preserve ancient plants and animals.

Special Permit Requirements for Upper Mustang Tour 

To enter Upper Mustang, travelers must obtain a special restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. 
Here are the key requirements:

• Minimum of two people: Solo travelers cannot get a special permit. You must be in a group of at least two people, accompanied by a registered guide through a licensed tour or trekking agency. 
• Fully registered Tour operator agency: The permit must be arranged through an authorized tour operator agency in Nepal.
• Guide mandatory: Travelling to Upper Mustang government licensed holder guide is compulsory. 
• Permit Costs: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days.
• Additional Day: USD 50 per person, per day beyond 10 days.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3000 (approx. USD 25) per person.
   

Popular Trip Packages for Upper Mustang:

1. Upper Mustang 4x4 Jeep Tour
2. Upper Mustang Trekking
3. Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
4. Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour