Mustang region is unlike any other trekking regions in Nepal. It has been an isolated part of Nepal for most of the history. It has only been famous and accessible in the past few decades. The landscape and topography is similar to that of the Tibetan plateau. The culture and lifestyle of the people is also heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture. For the most part of the history the region was totally dependent on Tibet for everything including trade.
Mustang is geographically a part of the Tibetan Plateau. Mustang is mainly divided into two regions lower mustang and upper mustang. Upper Mustang is one of the most famous trekking regions and offers unique and authentic experience for the travel enthusiasts. Most of the terrain is barren and dry without vegetations. Only the little patches of land around the settlements have the sign of vegetations with mostly the apple trees planted inside of the high walls. It never rains in the region.
There‘s two way of getting into Mustang, flying to Jomsom from Pokhara or drive to Jomsom from Beni. It was impossible to drive to the region until few years ago. The region is mostly inhabitated by the ethnic groups Thakali, Gurung and Magar. The region provides the glimpse of Tibetan Buddhism.
Mustang is categorized as the restricted zone making it compulsory to get the special permit to enter the region. All the tourists visiting the upper mustang region must first get the special permit from the Department of Immigration. The special permit costs USD 500 for ten days permit and additional USD 50 per day for additional days.