Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is a walled city located in the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. It is the former capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lo, which is closely tied to Tibetan culture and traditions. The city is famous for its whitewashed mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, monasteries, and a royal palace. Lo Manthang sits at an altitude of about 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) and offers a unique view into preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture, untouched by modern development for centuries.

Charang

Charang (also spelled Tsarang) is another beautiful village in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, located just before Lo Manthang. It is known for its ancient monastery and massive red Dzong (fortress), as well as its deep spiritual and historical importance. The village is surrounded by dry desert-like terrain, cliffs, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. It's a popular stopover for trekkers heading towards Lo Manthang, offering rich architecture and insight into Tibetan-influenced life in the region.

How to Reach Lo Manthang and Charang

Reaching Lo Manthang and Charang involves multiple stages due to their remote location:

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Jomsom, which can be reached by a short flight from Pokhara.
• By Jeep: From Jomsom, you can hire a 4WD vehicle to reach Lo Manthang via Kagbeni, Chhusang, and Charang. This road journey can take 1-2 days depending on road conditions.
• By Trek: The classic Upper Mustang Trek starts from Kagbeni and takes about 7-10 days to reach Lo Manthang. Charang is usually visited on the way.
• Permits Required: A special permit is required to enter Upper Mustang, costing around USD 500 per person for the first 10 days. You also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The weather in Lo Manthang and Charang is dry and cold most of the year. Since it lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it receives very little rainfall. The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is more stable and the trails are accessible.

Winters (November to March) are extremely cold with heavy snowfall, making travel difficult. Summer months (June to August) are suitable for trekking here, unlike other parts of Nepal where monsoon affects trails.

Why Are Lo Manthang and Charang Famous?

Lo Manthang and Charang are famous for their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Lo Manthang is a preserved medieval city with rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The high-walled city and monasteries provide an authentic glimpse into ancient Himalayan life.

Charang is renowned for its red Dzong and Thubten Shedrup Dhargyeling Monastery. Its monastery houses ancient texts, statues, and thangkas. Both villages have remained isolated from modernization, making them a living museum of ancient Tibetan traditions and architecture.

Entry and Visit Details

Foreign travelers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit to visit Upper Mustang, including Lo Manthang and Charang. This permit can only be obtained through registered trekking agencies in Nepal. The cost is USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per day thereafter.

In addition to the special permit, you must also have the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 25).

Guides are mandatory for visiting Upper Mustang. Independent trekking is not allowed due to the sensitive nature of the region.

History and Architecture

Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, the first king of Lo. The town has remained the cultural heart of Upper Mustang ever since. The royal palace, monasteries, and city walls are prime examples of medieval Tibetan architecture. The palace has nine corners and towers over the rest of the town, giving it a majestic presence.

Charang was the second most important town in the Kingdom of Lo. Its monastery and dzong were built around the 15th century. The architecture in both villages features mud-brick construction, flat roofs, and intricately carved wooden windows and doors. Many of the buildings are painted in traditional Tibetan style, with red, white, and ochre colors.

Things to Do in Lo Manthang and Charang

• Visit the Royal Palace in Lo Manthang and explore its historic chambers.
• Explore ancient monasteries like Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and Chode Gompa in Lo Manthang.
• Attend the colorful Tiji Festival if visiting in May.
• Tour the red-walled fortress and monastery in Charang.
• Walk around the traditional villages and interact with local people.
• Go horse riding in the Lo Manthang plains, a traditional mode of travel.
• Explore nearby caves such as the mysterious Chhoser Caves, used for meditation and living centuries ago.

Interesting Facts and Tips

• Lo Manthang was only opened to foreigners in 1992, making it one of the last Himalayan regions to do so.
• The people of the region speak a Tibetan dialect called "Loba".
• Electricity and internet are limited. Bring power banks and expect basic connectivity.
• The area is considered sacred, so dress modestly and behave respectfully in monasteries and homes.
• Altitude sickness can affect travelers, so acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
• Local food includes Tibetan bread, thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
• Buy local handicrafts like handmade carpets, traditional jewelry, and Buddhist artifacts as souvenirs.

Conclusion

Lo Manthang and Charang offer a journey into the past, where Tibetan culture, history, and spirituality remain alive and well-preserved. Visiting these places is not just a trek through stunning landscapes, but also a deep dive into a centuries-old way of life. With careful planning and proper permits, a trip to Upper Mustang can be a truly life-changing experience. If you're looking for adventure, culture, and history all in one place, Lo Manthang and Charang are must-visit destinations in Nepal.