Mustang (from the Tibetan möntang“fertile plain”), formerly Kingdom of Lo, is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas. The Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992 which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world, with a majority of the population still speaking traditional Tibetic languages. Tibetan culture has been preserved by the relative isolation of the region from the outside world.

Mustang was once an independent kingdom annexed by Nepal at the end of the 18th century. Its strategic location granted Mustang control over the trade between the Tibet and India. It is a dry and arid Himalayan region located north of the Annapurna with a population of about 9,000 inhabitants.

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang was the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo from its founding in 1380 by Ame Pal who oversaw construction of the city wall and many of the still-standing structures.

Main sights

Chele, Chussang, Dri, Gemi, Ghoda, Giling, Gyakar, Kagbeni, Lo Gekar, Lo Manthang: the capital, Lori Gompa, Marang, Nyphu, Pa, Samar, Shyammoche, Surkham, Tangbe, Tangya, Tholung, Tramar, Tsarang, Yara

Map: Mustang
Map: Mustang