Lo Manthang is in a remote area of Upper Mustang, 50 km from the Tibetan border and 250km from the Indian border. It is still the main salt, food, and clothing trading route between Nepal and Tibet. Trade is still transported by mule. Surely this very special walk-in Upper Mustang to the remote medieval walled city of Lo Manthang must be a strong contender for a ‘Walking experience of a lifetime’ prize if one were to exist.

This is a little known or visited place and was closed to visitors until the early 1990’s. Today, it remains one of Nepal’s most exclusive trekking areas. The entrance permit required by visitors is issued to small organized groups only and is prohibitive to most trekkers. The exclusivity is such, that only approximately 1000 visitors are able to visit Lo Manthang a year. Individuals and walkers without pre-paid permits cannot enter the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Lo Mangthang has two of the most famous monasteries in Upper Mustang, Thubchen and Jampa, believed to have been built in the 15th centuryOther popular sights in Lo Manthang include: the royal palace, Chode Gompa Choprang gompa (or “new gompa” as it is known locally), and the Monastic Museum which is part of the Tsechen Shedrubling Monastic School established in the early 1990s to train young monks from the area.

Best time to visit

The temperature of Lo Manthang in winter falls below – 20 ° C, Only a few people stay to take care of animals & village. It is not advisable to trekking in Mustang on the months of winter season. If you would like to celebrate Tiji festival in the upper mustang with local then May is the best time of the year.