5 Things to Know to Plan Your Trip to Mustang

1. A landscape out of time: What is Mustang?

Traversing Mustang means plunging into a universe that feels like the edge of the world, nestled between Himalayan massifs and immense canyons. This former Tibetan enclave, long forbidden to travellers, captivates visitors with its spectacular scenery and high plateaus sculpted by the wind. The traditional departure begins from Kagbeni, following the Kali Gandaki River to Lo Manthang, an iconic fortified city and an essential stop on any Nepal travel itinerary.

2. Spiritual traditions and Tibetan culture

Life in Mustang is rhythmically guided by the rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. The villages come alive with centuries-old monasteries, chortens and bridges decorated with prayer flags. Visitors can also discover the persistence of the Bon religion, a testament to the pre-Buddhist spiritual roots of the region. The sacred mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri envelop Mustang in a unique atmosphere of wisdom and spiritual intensity.

3. Participate in the unforgettable Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang

Planning your stay during the Tiji Festival offers the opportunity to experience something truly unique. This colourful celebration is held every year in Lo Manthang, bringing together locals and travellers for sacred masked dances and spectacular rituals. In 2025, the Tiji Festival will take place from 24 to 26 May. Treks organised for this occasion generally start a week before the event to allow for optimal acclimatisation and immersion in the local culture.

4. Inspiring books to prepare your trip to Mustang

To deepen your discovery, reading the works of Michel Peissel is highly recommended: 'Mustang, a Lost Tibetan Kingdom' and 'The Cavaliers of Kham, the Secret War in Tibet'. As exploration accounts, they plunge the reader into the history, struggles and secret traditions of Mustang, offering a unique perspective on this territory that remained mysterious for so long.

5. When to go and what are the formalities to access Mustang?

The best period for hiking in Mustang is in spring, between April and June, offering a mild, dry and sunny climate – the period during which the Tiji Festival also takes place. Autumn (September to November) is also ideal for treks outside the festival period. Access to Mustang requires a special permit, which must be organised via an authorised agency before departure, in addition to the tourist visa for Nepal. A typical trek generally lasts 15 to 17 days (including travel from Kathmandu via Jomsom), and the adventure is reserved for travellers accompanied by local guides, as independent access is forbidden. During the summer, Lo Manthang and the high plateaus are spared by the monsoon, making trekking still possible when other Himalayan regions are less accessible. Finally, while winter (December-February) remains the most difficult period, Mustang ultimately proves accessible for a large part of the year for fans of adventure and culture.