Mustang lies north of the Annapurna massif and although a territory of Nepal, it is part of the Tibetan plateau. Falling in the rain shadow, this is the region to visit while the rest of Nepal lies covered in monsoon clouds. Its dry, barren but colorful hillsides are a unique and beautiful sight for visitors.

Once a mystery to outsiders, Mustang was opened for trekking only in 1992. Hence it retains its old world charm and traditions. The inhabitants are Buddhist.

Lo Man Thang is a walled city and was once the capital of the kingdom of Lo. Mustang has the only king ruling over a domain, which is a small district of Nepal. Divided Nepal once had many minor kings ruling over small principalities until Prithvi Narayan Shah, the present King's ancestor and his descendants united the country. King Jigme Paldor Bista lives in Mustang ruling over his people.

The preferable means of reaching Mustang is to fly to Jomsom from Pokhara (no flights from Kathmandu). The trek up the Kali Gandaki gorge leads through remote villages of which Tsarang is outstanding. An old royal palace can still be seen here.

Mustang could get more visitors had it not been for the US$ 700/- per person charged by the Government for merely entering the region for a period of ten days. For a longer stay, a fee of US$ 70/- per head is charged. All provisions have to be carried.