Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang was the semi-independent Kingdom of Lo, founded in the 14th century, whose kings kept their title until 2008. Its capital, Lo Manthang, is a walled city of whitewashed houses around the royal palace and three great monasteries — Jampa, Thubchen and Chode — whose 15th-century wall paintings have been beautifully restored.

The landscape is a high desert of wind-carved canyons, red and ochre cliffs honeycombed with ancient cave dwellings, and barley fields around oasis villages. The Tiji festival in spring is the highlight. Entry requires an expensive restricted-area permit; a road now reaches Lo Manthang, but trekking is still the best way to see it.