Are you ready to explore one of Nepal’s most amazing places? Mustang is like a hidden treasure that feels like another world! This guide will show you the best things to do in Mustang in simple words that everyone can understand.
things to do in Mustang
What Makes Mustang So Special?
Mustang is often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” because it was closed to tourists until 1992. This special place in north-central Nepal looks like a desert but sits high in the mountains. The things to do in Mustang are unlike anywhere else in Nepal because:
- It looks like Tibet with red cliffs and caves
- Ancient culture is still alive here
- Amazing mountain views everywhere
- Very few tourists visit (so it’s peaceful!)
- Unique Buddhist monasteries and traditions
Top Things to Do in Mustang – Must-See Places
1. Explore Lo Manthang (The Walled City)
The most famous thing among all things to do in Mustang is visiting Lo Manthang, the ancient capital. This 600-year-old walled city is amazing because:
Lo Manthang
- It has huge walls protecting the old town
- Only 150 families live inside
- The King of Mustang still lives here
- Traditional Tibetan houses everywhere
- Four ancient monasteries to visit
Walking around Lo Manthang feels like going back in time. It’s definitely the top thing among things to do in Mustang.
2. Visit Ancient Monasteries
Mustang has some of Nepal’s oldest monasteries. Visiting these is one of the most spiritual things to do in Mustang:
Jampa Gompa (Red Monastery)
Jampa Gompa
- Built over 600 years ago
- Beautiful wall paintings inside
- Ancient statues and books
- Peaceful prayer halls
Thubchen Gompa
- Huge monastery with amazing art
- 500-year-old wall paintings
- Traditional ceremonies happen here
- Great views from the roof
Chhoser Cave Monastery
- Built inside a natural cave
- Very old and mysterious
- Requires short climb to reach
- Amazing views of the valley
3. Explore Mysterious Caves
Cave exploration is one of the most exciting things to do in Mustang. There are over 10,000 caves here! Some popular caves include:
- Chhoser Caves: Easy to reach, some have old paintings
- Luri Cave: Has 1,000-year-old paintings
- Tashi Kabum Cave: Beautiful Buddhist art inside
- Sky Caves: High up on cliffs (for advanced explorers)
Many caves were used as homes, meditation rooms, and storage places by ancient people.
Adventure Things to Do in Mustang
4. Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular things to do in Mustang. This trek is special because:
Upper Mustang Trek
- Duration: 12-16 days total
- Difficulty: Moderate (good for beginners)
- Best time: March to November
- Special permit needed: $500 USD for 10 days
- Amazing sights: Desert landscapes, ancient villages, mountains
The trek takes you through villages that look exactly like they did 500 years ago!
5. Jeep Tours (Easier Option)
If trekking sounds too hard, jeep tours are perfect things to do in Mustang for everyone:
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Comfort: Sleep in lodges, not tents
- Suitable for: All ages and fitness levels
- Cost: Less expensive than helicopter tours
- Flexibility: Stop whenever you want for photos
6. Horseback Riding
Riding horses is one of the most fun things to do in Mustang. Local horses are:
- Used to high altitude and rough paths
- Very calm and safe
- Perfect for exploring villages
- Great for people who can’t walk long distances
You can ride horses for a few hours or full days with local guides.
Cultural Things to Do in Mustang
7. Meet the Local People
Meeting Mustangi people is one of the most interesting things to do in Mustang. The local people:
- Speak Tibetan language
- Follow Tibetan Buddhism
- Wear traditional colorful clothes
- Are very friendly to visitors
- Love sharing their culture
Many families invite tourists for tea and local food. It’s a great way to learn about their life.
8. Watch Traditional Festivals
If you’re lucky to visit during festivals, watching them is one of the most colorful things to do in Mustang:
Tiji Festival (April/May)
- 3-day Buddhist festival
- Masked dances and ceremonies
- Happens in Lo Manthang
- Very colorful and exciting
Yartung Festival (August)
- Horse racing and traditional games
- Local food and drinks
- Music and dancing
- Great for families
9. Learn Traditional Crafts
Learning local crafts is one of the most educational things to do in Mustang:
- Carpet weaving: Women make beautiful carpets
- Pottery making: Clay pots and decorations
- Traditional cooking: Learn to make local bread and tea
- Prayer flag making: Colorful flags for good luck
Unique Things to Do in Mustang
10. Visit Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is one of the most holy things to do in Mustang. This special temple:
Muktinath Temple
- Is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Has 108 water spouts (considered holy)
- Has an eternal flame that never goes out
- Attracts pilgrims from India and Nepal
- Offers great mountain views
You can reach Muktinath by jeep or short trek from Jomsom.
11. See Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Mountains
Mountain viewing is one of the most beautiful things to do in Mustang. The best mountains to see are:
- Nilgiri (7,061m): Looks like a giant white pyramid
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m): 7th highest mountain in the world
- Annapurna (8,091m): Famous among trekkers
- Tilicho Peak: Beautiful and closer to view
Early morning and evening offer the clearest views.
12. Explore Kagbeni Village
Visiting Kagbeni is one of the most charming things to do in Mustang. This ancient village:
Kagbeni Village
- Sits where two rivers meet
- Has narrow stone streets
- Ancient monastery in the center
- Traditional Tibetan houses
- Great views of Nilgiri mountain
Kagbeni is also the gateway to Upper Mustang, so most trekkers stop here.
Nature Things to Do in Mustang
13. Watch Sunrise and Sunset
Watching sunrise and sunset is one of the most peaceful things to do in Mustang. The best spots are:
- From Lo Manthang walls
- Charang village viewpoint
- Any high point near your lodge
- Monastery rooftops
The red cliffs and mountains look amazing during golden hours!
14. Photography Tours
Photography is one of the most rewarding things to do in Mustang because:
- Unique desert landscape in the mountains
- Colorful traditional houses
- Ancient monasteries and art
- Friendly people in traditional clothes
- Amazing mountain backdrops
Every corner of Mustang is perfect for photos!
15. Visit Apple Orchards in Marpha
If you go through Lower Mustang, visiting Marpha village is one of the sweetest things to do in Mustang:
- Famous for delicious apples
- Apple brandy (local alcohol) production
- Beautiful stone houses
- Clean, well-organized village
- Great mountain views
You can taste fresh apples and buy apple products like jam and brandy.
Practical Information for Things to Do in Mustang
Permits Needed
For things to do in Mustang, you need special permits:
Upper Mustang
- Special permit: $500 USD for 10 days
- Extra days: $50 USD per day
- Must go with registered guide
- Minimum 2 people required
Lower Mustang (Muktinath area)
- ACAP permit: $30 USD
- TIMS card: $20 USD
- No guide required
- Can go alone
Best Time to Visit
The best time for things to do in Mustang is:
- March to May: Warm weather, clear views
- September to November: Cool weather, perfect for trekking
- June to August: Possible but can be windy
- December to February: Very cold, some places closed
How to Get There
To reach Mustang for things to do in Mustang:
By Flight
- Fly Kathmandu to Jomsom (30 minutes, $120 USD)
- Then jeep or walk to other places
- Flights can be canceled due to wind
By Road
- Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hours)
- Pokhara to Jomsom by jeep (8-9 hours)
- Total cost around $100-150 USD
Where to Stay
Accommodation for things to do in Mustang:
- Tea houses: Basic but clean ($10-20 USD per night)
- Lodges: More comfortable ($20-40 USD per night)
- Guesthouses: Family-run, friendly ($15-30 USD per night)
- Camping: Bring own tent (permits required)
What to Pack
Essential items for things to do in Mustang:
- Warm clothes (it gets very cold at night)
- Good walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses (very sunny)
- Sunscreen (high altitude sun is strong)
- Water bottles
- Snacks and energy bars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Cash (no ATMs in Upper Mustang)
Food and Drinks
Local food is an important part of things to do in Mustang:
- Thukpa: Hot noodle soup (perfect for cold weather)
- Momos: Steamed dumplings (everyone’s favorite)
- Tibetan bread: Flat bread with honey or jam
- Butter tea: Traditional Tibetan tea (try it once!)
- Yak cheese: Local cheese from yak milk
Most food is simple but tasty and filling.
Tips for Your Mustang Adventure
- Bring enough cash – No ATMs in Upper Mustang
- Pack warm clothes – Very cold at night even in summer
- Stay hydrated – High altitude and dry air
- Respect local culture – Don’t point at monasteries, remove shoes inside
- Hire local guides – They know best places and stories
- Be flexible – Weather can change plans quickly
- Go slow – High altitude needs time to adjust
Health and Safety
For safe things to do in Mustang:
- Altitude sickness: Drink lots of water, go slow
- Sun protection: Use sunscreen and hat (very strong sun)
- Food safety: Eat at busy places, drink bottled water
- Weather: Be ready for sudden changes
- Emergency: Carry basic first aid kit
Budget Planning
Costs for things to do in Mustang:
Upper Mustang Trek (12 days)
- Permit: $500 USD
- Guide: $25-30 USD per day
- Food and lodging: $30-40 USD per day
- Transport: $100-200 USD
- Total: Around $1,500-2,000 USD
Lower Mustang (7 days)
- Permits: $50 USD
- Food and lodging: $25-35 USD per day
- Transport: $100-150 USD
- Total: Around $400-600 USD
Why Choose Mustang?
Things to do in Mustang are special because:
- Very few tourists (peaceful experience)
- Ancient culture still alive
- Unique landscape (desert in mountains)
- Friendly local people
- Amazing mountain views
- Rich history and monasteries
- Perfect for photography
- Spiritual experience
Mustang offers some of the most unique things to do in Mustang in all of Nepal. Whether you choose the full Upper Mustang trek or just visit Lower Mustang areas like Muktinath, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
The things to do in Mustang are not just about seeing places – they’re about experiencing a completely different culture and landscape. Take your time, respect the local traditions, and be ready for an adventure unlike anywhere else.
Remember, the things to do in Mustang require some planning and permits, but the experience is worth every effort. This hidden kingdom will give you memories that last forever.
So start planning your Mustang adventure today! The things to do in Mustang are waiting for you to discover them.
Ready to explore Nepal’s hidden kingdom? Plan your Mustang adventure with ExploreAllAboutNepal your trusted guide to Nepal’s most amazing destinations!