Upper Mustang is famous for the ancient trade route, a part of the Silk Road.that connects India to Tibet. This trans himalayan land is famours for preserved cultures and the living style, that is untouched by modernity.
Upper Mustang was a demilitarized zone until 1992, making it one of the best-preserved regions on the earth owing to its isolation from the rest of the world. The people over Upper Mustang have their own culture, tradition and still speaks traditional Tibetan dialects.
In past centuries, the walled city of Mustang ruled over commerce between the Himalayas and India. The Upper Mustang region remained closed to travelers until 1992, when the Nepalese government finally opened all of Nepal to tourism, it is known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom.
For many people, landing in Nepal’s Mustang region is like being in Shangri-mythical La’s valley. Mustang has been a part of Nepal since the 18th century, isolated from the rest of the world on the border of the Tibetan plateau, yet its ancient Tibetan culture has thrived in isolation
To get to Mustang, people can fly via Pokhara for 20 minutes or drive 6 hours from Kathmandu to Kagbeni through Narchyang to reach Lo Manthang
Mustang District is located in the Kali Gandaki valley in Western Nepal’s Himalayan area, and is generally dry and arid. It is a part of the Dhaulagiri Zone, commonly known as “Land beyond Himalayas.” Mustang means “fertile plain” in Tibetan.
Muktinath is a Vishnu temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is located in Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass in Mustang.
During the day, it’s windy, and strong wind speeds frequently limit airport operations after midday. As a result, airlines arrange flights to Jomsom early in the morning when the wind speed is low.
Upper Mustang trek is a moderate grade trek, not difficult nor an easy one.
Narchyang is a hidden gem, a riverfront town nestled in the lap of the Annapurna range only fifteen minutes from Tatopani.
Kagbeni is one of the famous religious sites for Hindu pilgrims, famous for Pitri-Puja, also called Pitri- Moksastala. It is done to remove the lost soul of ancestors from hell and help them to reach heaven resulting in blessing to all the family members.
The best time to go for the Upper Mustang is March to May and September to November.
The best things to do in Mustang are as follows:
- Trek around Upper Mustang
- Visit the Lo Mangthang, the royal palace and chossar cave
- Roam around Kagbeni
- Visit Marpha, apple farm and taste the local wine
- Go to Dumba Lake, Jomsom
- Explore the land beyond the Himalays, and trans himalayan deserted land close to Tibet boarder
Upper Mustang trek is the best trek for monsoon season in Nepal. Since it lies in the rain shadow of Annapunra mountains, there will be less rainfall in those areas.
Since Upper Mustang trek lies in the restricted area of Nepal, you need to have two permits.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
- RAP (Restricted Area Permit)