Trekking to Lo Manthang

If you enjoy exploring true mountain life, you’ll love trekking to Lo Manthang (840 meters / 12598 feet ).

Lo Manthang is the capital of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom in the Upper Mustang. Tibetan Plateau borders this trekking area, so the culture and tradition are like those in Tibet. But, the region is a less explored mysterious area in this semi-remote dry place.

Interestingly, the region used to have a separate king and even the last king of Mustang has a house in Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Lo.

Trekking to Lo Manthang is surely an exceptional experience. You are quite fortunate enough to plan your trip to the area in the twenties. If you were planning before 1992, then it would have been impossible.

You heard it right, Lo Manthang was an isolated kingdom inside the boundary of Nepal. Later, the Government of Nepal opened the area for international travelers in 1992 AD only.

Lo Manthang Trek Itinerary

On the very first day, you will land in Kathmandu, followed by sightseeing around the valley. Then, the next day, you will catch a flight to Pokhara. There are many things to do in Pokhara. Your journey to Lo Manthang will fly to Jomsom from Pokhara. Then the Mustang hike starts from Kagbeni on day 4. On the 9th day, we reach Lo Manthang and Namgyal. Then again, you follow Charang, Tange, Tetang, Muktinath, and finally Jomsom. We can complete the journey in around 18 days from your respective country to your country again.

The trekking becomes worth it as you eyewitness this mystical land of the undulating mountainous universe. This desert in the lap of mountains embraces the Loba or Lowa of 6,000 inhabitants on the inner side, and Gurung and Thakuri on the outer side of their lands.

Best Time to Trek to Lo Manthang

The trans-Himalayan climate in Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayan region, making up it’s cool and semi-arid. The trails make a good monsoon trek. However, during winter, things become uncommon as major inhabitants leave the capital to escape the snowy cold.

That is why we recommend you visit Lo Manthang in the spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November).

Panoramic view of Lo Manthang village in Upper Mustang

Modernization has surely changed people’s interactions with and perceptions of nature and civilizations.

What if I say, you still have a chance to see the mountain civilization? Take a trek to Lo Manthang to experience untouched nature and meet locals to discover an ancient civilization. The region offers incredible views, hikes, air, monasteries, culture, and snow-capped mountains.

This semi-desert forbidden land smelled its freedom in 1992 AD only. Henceforth, trekking to Lo Manthang will give us a larger perspective on life.

If you have hiked the wave in America, you could feel the same here.