Dolpo & Mustang - The Hidden Kingdoms of Nepal
Dolpo and Mustang are among the most remote and culturally preserved regions of Nepal, lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas near the Tibetan plateau.
| Region |
Key Highlights |
Best Time to Visit |
| Dolpo |
High-altitude lakes, Tibetan Buddhist culture, Shey Phoksundo National Park |
May-October |
| Mustang |
Lo Manthang, caves, desert landscapes, Tibetan lifestyle |
March-November |
Dolpo Region
1. Upper Dolpo
- Accessible via flight to Juphal (Dolpa Airport) + trek
- Shey Phoksundo Lake - Nepal's deepest alpine lake
- Shey Gompa - Ancient monastery in sacred valley
- Crystal Mountain - Spiritual pilgrimage site
- Permit: Restricted Area Permit (~USD 500 for 10 days)
2. Lower Dolpo
- Easier access but still remote
- Known for Lower Dolpo Trek (20+ days), crossing high passes over 5,000 m
- Featured in Oscar-nominated film Himalaya (1999)
Mustang Region
1. Upper Mustang
- Former Kingdom of Lo, opened to foreigners in 1992
- Lo Manthang - Walled city with whitewashed houses and palace
- Sky Caves - Thousands of cliff-side caves
- Tiji Festival - Annual Buddhist festival in Lo Manthang
- Permit: Restricted Area Permit (~USD 500 for 10 days)
2. Lower Mustang
- Accessible via road or flight to Jomsom
- Muktinath Temple - Sacred to Hindus and Buddhists
- Kagbeni - Gateway village to Upper Mustang
- Marpha - Known for apples and stone houses
Trekking in Dolpo & Mustang
| Trek |
Duration |
Difficulty |
Highlights |
| Upper Dolpo Trek |
25-30 days |
Strenuous |
Shey Phoksundo, high passes |
| Lower Dolpo Trek |
18-22 days |
Moderate |
Tarap Valley, Buddhist villages |
| Upper Mustang Trek |
12-18 days |
Moderate |
Lo Manthang, cave monasteries |
| Jomsom-Muktinath Trek |
5-7 days |
Easy |
Cultural & religious route |
Permits & Fees
| Region |
Required Permits |
| Upper Dolpo |
Restricted Area Permit + Shey Phoksundo National Park |
| Upper Mustang |
Restricted Area Permit + Annapurna Conservation Area |
| Lower Dolpo & Mustang |
Standard trekking permits only |
Note: Independent trekking is not allowed in Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang-you must go with a licensed guide and agency.
Getting There
Dolpo Access:
- Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo)
- Trek begins from Juphal or Dunai
Mustang Access:
- Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Road access via Beni and Kagbeni
Cultural Significance
- Both regions follow Tibetan Buddhism
- Monasteries, architecture, and customs reflect centuries-old Tibetan heritage
- Geographic isolation preserved ancient spiritual and cultural traditions