Sightseeing · Mustang
More Things to Do in Mustang
Beyond Muktinath — Lo Manthang, Jomsom, Marpha, Lubra and the world's deepest gorge, with guides to plan your trip.
Mustang is far more than its famous temple. Beyond the pilgrimage site at Muktinath lies a whole trans-Himalayan world of whitewashed villages, ancient monasteries and desert canyons — the arid, Tibetan-influenced country behind the Annapurnas. Here is what to add to a Mustang trip, and how to plan it.
The short answer
The standout sights are the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang in the restricted north, the windy hub town of Jomsom, the apple village of Marpha, the fortress village of Jharkot below Muktinath, the rare Bon hamlet of Lubra, and the colossal Kali Gandaki Gorge — often called the deepest on earth. Most sit in freely accessible Lower Mustang; only Lo Manthang and the far north need the special permit.
Tap any spot below for what to expect, how to get there and what it costs. For the headline pilgrimage sights, see the best things to do in Mustang.
Plan your trip
Three guides cover the practicalities of a Mustang journey:
- Mustang itinerary: A 3-4 day Lower Mustang loop or the 10-14 day trek north to Lo Manthang.
- Best time to visit Mustang: Why the rain shadow makes spring, summer and autumn all work.
- Mustang permits and access: What you need for Lower Mustang versus the restricted Upper Mustang north.
Good to know
- Two regions: Lower Mustang is open and quick; restricted Upper Mustang needs a special permit, an agency and a guide — see the wider restricted-area treks of Nepal.
- Getting in: Most trips start with the Pokhara to Jomsom and Muktinath route, by flight or jeep.
- Going deep: For the full restricted journey, see the dedicated Upper Mustang trek guide and the medieval gateway village of Kagbeni.
How to combine them
Most of these sights link naturally into a single trip. A short Lower Mustang loop strings together Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni, Jharkot and Muktinath in three or four days, with the Kali Gandaki Gorge as your constant backdrop and Lubra as an off-route detour for those with time. Add ten days or more, the special permit and a guide, and you can continue north to Lo Manthang for the full restricted-area experience. Whichever scale you choose, the guides above cover the routes, seasons and paperwork in detail so you can build an itinerary that fits your time and budget.
Whether you have a few days in Lower Mustang or two weeks for the trek to Lo Manthang, this high desert rewards travellers who go beyond the temple and into the villages and canyons beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Mustang beyond Muktinath?+
Beyond the temple at Muktinath, the highlights are the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang, the apple village of Marpha, the medieval gateway of Kagbeni, the fortress village of Jharkot, the rare Bon hamlet of Lubra, and the colossal Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Is Mustang worth visiting if you have already seen Muktinath?+
Yes. Muktinath is only one stop in a region full of character — there are whitewashed Thakali villages, ancient gompas, the walled city of Lo Manthang and dramatic desert canyon scenery. Many travellers find the villages and landscapes as memorable as the temple itself.
How do you plan a Mustang trip?+
Start by deciding between Lower Mustang, which is open and quick, and restricted Upper Mustang, which needs a special permit and more days. Our Mustang itinerary, best-time-to-visit guide and permits guide cover routes, seasons and the paperwork in detail.
Do you need a permit for everything in Mustang?+
No. Most of these places — Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni, Jharkot, Lubra and the Kali Gandaki Gorge — are in freely accessible Lower Mustang on the standard Annapurna permit. Only Lo Manthang and the far north need the special Upper Mustang restricted-area permit and a guide.