Lo Manthang Walled City
लो मान्थाङ
The capital of the 15th-century Kingdom of Lo, enclosed by roughly 800 meters of ochre rammed-earth walls around monasteries, a royal palace and whitewashed houses. One of the best-preserved medieval Tibetan walled towns in the Himalayas.
Lo Manthang was founded around 1380 by Ame Pal, the first king of the Kingdom of Lo. The walls are about 6 meters high, with a single gate that opens on the north side. Inside, the narrow lanes, monasteries, the royal palace and about 150 households are tightly packed together. Even after the kingdom was nominally abolished in 2008, traditional life has continued. Every year, on the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, a three-day Tiji Festival is held, during which monks perform the Vajra dance to drive out evil spirits. Visitors need a special Upper Mustang permit (US$500 for 10 days), must travel in groups of at least two, and must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
Opening hours
Open all day (temple approx. 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Royal Palace of Lo
- Chhoede Gompa & Monastery Museum
- Jampa Lhakhang
- Thubchen Gompa
- Namgyal Gompa
- Garphu Rigsum Gonpo
- Nyiphu Monastery
- Chhoser Jhong Cave