July 28, 2025

Upper Mustang is like nowhere else in Nepal—a barren, wind-swept kingdom tucked behind the Himalayas, where desert canyons meet ancient Tibetan culture. At first glance, it may seem like a land of rocks and silence. But look closer, and you’ll find a resilient world of plants that have adapted to extremes of altitude, dryness, wind, and cold.

While most trekkers come for its dramatic landscapes and monasteries, the region’s high-altitude flora is just as remarkable—especially for nature lovers, herbalists, and photographers.

Ecological Setting of Upper Mustang

  • Elevation Range: 2,800 m (Kagbeni) to 4,200+ m (Lo La, Chhoser)
  • Climate: Cold desert; dry, windy, with strong sun and little rainfall (~250 mm/year)
  • Vegetation Type: Alpine steppe, cold desert shrubland, riverine patches, and medicinal plant meadows

Key Flora Zones Along the Trekking Route

1. Lower Mustang (Jomsom to Kagbeni, 2,700–3,000 m)

  • Transitional zone with arid hills, sparse juniper, and dwarf rhododendrons
  • Fields of barley and buckwheat cultivated by locals
  • Common wild plants:
    • Caragana shrubs: thorny legumes that help fix nitrogen
    • Wild rose (Rosa sericea): blooms in spring; used in local incense

2. Upper Mustang Core (Kagbeni to Lo Manthang, 3,000–3,800 m)

  • True alpine desert with few tall trees; flora limited to valleys, slopes, and riparian zones
  • Typical plants:
    • Juniperus indica (Sunpati): low-growing juniper; used in rituals and herbal teas
    • Artemisia (Titepati): grows in dusty plains; antiseptic and spiritual uses
    • Ephedra gerardiana: tough desert herb used in Tibetan medicine for colds and asthma
    • Carum carvi (Kala jeera): wild cumin found in alpine meadows, valued for cooking and digestion

3. High Elevation Passes (Lo La, Chogo La, >4,000 m)

  • Near-barren ground with scattered cushion plants, mosses, and lichens
  • Surviving species:
    • Saussurea gossypiphora: high-altitude woolly flower with legendary medicinal properties
    • Thyme (Thymus linearis): aromatic herb clinging to cracks in rock faces
    • Moss campion: hardy flowering cushion plant

Ethnobotany: Traditional Use of Plants in Upper Mustang

The people of Lo use a wide range of wild plants for:

  • Medicine:
    • Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis): highly prized medicinal fungus found on high alpine pastures
    • Nardostachys jatamansi: a fragrant root used for stress, sleep, and spiritual rituals
  • Fuel and incense: Dried juniper, cow dung, and Artemisia are burned in homes and monasteries
  • Food: Wild nettles, goosefoot, and mustard greens are foraged in summer

Local Amchis (Tibetan herbal doctors) still practice Sowa Rigpa, a form of traditional medicine that uses over 100 native herbs.

Best Places to See Flora in Upper Mustang

  • Ghemi and Tsarang: Valley trails with flowering herbs and medicinal shrubs
  • Lo Manthang’s outskirts: High desert shrubs and cultivated fields
  • Chhoser Caves Area: Wild thyme and alpine herbs growing among rock outcrops
  • Yara & Tangge region: Dryest zone, but host to rare cushion plants and spring blossoms

Best Time to Visit for Flora Observation

  • Late Spring to Early Summer (May–July): Peak blooming season for alpine herbs and medicinal plants
  • Autumn (September–October): Dry and clear, but fewer flowers—great for plant photography and herbal walks

Travel Tips for Plant-Loving Trekkers

  • Hire a local guide from Lo Manthang or Chhoser: Many are familiar with local herbal practices and can name native plants.
  • Avoid collecting: Many species are rare, sacred, or protected under conservation law.
  • Pack for UV and wind: The dry climate is harsh—bring lip balm, sunblock, and a wide-brim hat.
  • Bring a plant ID app or field notebook: Ideal for tracking alpine herbs and comparing elevation-based changes.