Mustang

Mustang is one of Nepal’s most unique and dramatic regions, often called the “Desert of Nepal.

” Unlike the green hills you see in most parts of the country, Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, giving it a dry, windswept, high-altitude desert landscape with red cliffs, deep canyons, and vast open valleys.

Culturally, Mustang feels closer to Tibet than Kathmandu.

The people follow Tibetan Buddhism, and you’ll see ancient monasteries, prayer flags, chortens, and traditional mud-brick villages scattered across the hills.

Life here has changed very little over centuries.

The heart of Upper Mustang is Lo Manthang, an ancient walled city that was once the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo.

Inside its walls are royal palaces, centuries-old monasteries, and narrow alleyways that tell stories of the past.

The region is also famous for mysterious sky caves carved high into cliffs, believed to be thousands of years old.

Lower Mustang, including Jomsom, Marpha, and Kagbeni, is slightly greener and well known for apple orchards, Thakali culture, and the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Overall, Mustang offers a rare mix of Himalayan desert scenery, ancient Tibetan culture, spiritual heritage, and off-the-beaten-path adventure — making it feel like a completely different world within Nepal.