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Kagbeni: The Medieval Village at the Gateway of Upper Mustang

Mustang and the west

In this article
  1. Kagbeni at a glance
  2. Things to do
  3. Trips and guides
  4. Plan your visit

Kagbeni is a maze of mud-brick houses, narrow alleys and green barley fields at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola, at about 2,800 m. It marks the boundary of Upper Mustang: beyond the checkpost, a special permit is needed. Its red Kag Chode monastery has stood here for centuries.

Quick answer: Kagbeni is about 1 hour by road from Jomsom, on the way to Muktinath. Explore the old village and Kag Chode monastery. It is the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Kagbeni at a glance

FactDetails
AltitudeAbout 2,800 m
LocationConfluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola
MonasteryKag Chode
AccessAbout 1 hour by road from Jomsom
BoundaryEntry point to restricted Upper Mustang

Things to do

  • Wander the alleys and tunnels of the old village.
  • Visit Kag Chode monastery.
  • Walk to the riverside at the confluence.

Trips and guides

Plan your visit

Kagbeni is a highlight of the Kali Gandaki valley. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.

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North of Jomsom in Mustang district.

No. The special permit starts beyond Kagbeni, for Upper Mustang.

The village's historic Buddhist monastery.

About 1 hour by road from Jomsom.

About 2,800 m.