Muktinath (मुक्तिनाथ)
Explore place details
No additional description is available.
Province 4 · Gandaki
Mustang (मुस्ताङ)
District headquarters: Jomsom
desert mountainsculturepilgrimagetrekking
👥Fact
Population
14,452
📏Fact
Area
3,573 km²
⛰️Fact
Reference elevation
2,800 m
🏙️Fact
Density
4/km²
Last updated August 26, 2026
Plan ahead
Plan your visit
Start with the essentials below, then use the full guide to build a route that matches your time and interests.
Start here
Jomsom
Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the district and a useful reference point for planning local travel.
Check the map →Best time
Choose your season carefully
Spring and autumn are popular. Winter is cold and access can be limited; Upper Mustang travel requires special trekking permissions.
Read seasonal guidance →Getting there
Check the route before you leave
Jomsom Airport serves the district when flights operate; roads from Pokhara and Beni provide alternatives. Upper Mustang generally requires permits and local logistics. Exact transport schedules, road conditions, domestic flight operations and permit rules should be checked shortly before travel because these can change.
See transport details →Build your day
5 places featured
Start with the featured places, then connect them using the map and nearby attractions sections.
Start exploring →Introduction
Mustang (मुस्ताङ) Overview
Mustang, meaning "Plain of Aspiration" in Tibetan, is a mystical trans-Himalayan district famous for the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lo. The district features the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, cutting between Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna (8,091 m). Upper Mustang, restricted until 1992, preserves one of the last intact Tibetan Buddhist cultures, with its ancient monasteries, cave dwellings, and the royal palace. The sacred Muktinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, lies in Lower Mustang. The district is home to diverse communities, including the Loba (Tibetan-origin people), Thakali (renowned traders and restaurateurs), and Gurung. Jomsom, the headquarters, is the main entry point, accessible by air from Pokhara. Mustang is famous for its apples, producing the celebrated Marpha apple brandy. The Tiji festival, ancient cave paintings, and stunning desert landscapes make Mustang a cultural and natural treasure.
Find your way
Location & Map
Coordinates
28.80000, 83.80000
Open in Google Maps ↗Worth the journey
Places to Visit
Lo Manthang (लोमान्थाङ)
Explore place details
No additional description is available.
Kagbeni (कागबेनी)
Explore place details
No additional description is available.
Thakali villages (थकाली गाउँहरू)
Explore place details
No additional description is available.
Upper Mustang
Explore place details
No additional description is available.
Experiences
Things to Do
Pilgrimage to the holy temple of Muktinath, explore the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, walk through the mystical windy gateway of Kagbeni, experience Thakali hospitality, and eat Thakali cuisine, local apples, and buckwheat.
Plan your route
How to Get There
Jomsom Airport serves the district when flights operate; roads from Pokhara and Beni provide alternatives. Upper Mustang generally requires permits and local logistics. Exact transport schedules, road conditions, domestic flight operations and permit rules should be checked shortly before travel because these can change.
Choose your season
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are popular. Winter is cold and access can be limited; Upper Mustang travel requires special trekking permissions.
Continue your journey
Nearby Attractions
Manang, Myagdi, Dolpa (neighboring districts / route ideas)
Continue exploring
More from Gandaki
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mustang (मुस्ताङ) District?
Mustang (मुस्ताङ) District is in Gandaki. The district headquarters is Jomsom.
What is Mustang (मुस्ताङ) District known for?
Mustang (मुस्ताङ) is highlighted for desert mountains, culture, pilgrimage, trekking, along with its local landscapes, communities, culture, and places to explore.
How do I get to Mustang (मुस्ताङ) District?
Jomsom Airport serves the district when flights operate; roads from Pokhara and Beni provide alternatives. Upper Mustang generally requires permits and local logistics. Exact transport schedules, road conditions, domestic flight operations and permit rules should be checked shortly before travel because these can change.
When is the best time to visit Mustang (मुस्ताङ) District?
Spring and autumn are popular. Winter is cold and access can be limited; Upper Mustang travel requires special trekking permissions.
Does Mustang (मुस्ताङ) District have a map?
Yes. The Location & Map section provides available map information and, where available, an interactive map or external map link.
Community
Share your experience
Tell us what you discovered, share useful local knowledge, or help another traveller find something worth experiencing.
Your reaction
How did this story make you feel?
One reaction per reader. Click again to remove your reaction.
Stay inspired
Get Nepal travel inspiration in your inbox.
Discover new destinations, practical travel tips, hidden places, and useful guides to help you plan your next journey through Nepal.
No spam. Just useful Nepal travel content. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Keep exploring Nepal
Every district has another story to tell.
Continue through Nepal's landscapes, communities, history, traditions, food, and remarkable places — one district at a time.
Community
Join the conversation
Have a question, correction, recommendation or a story of your own? Leave a note below.