Photos_of_Mustang,_Nepal_Tourism_Center

Discover Mustang - The Forbidden Kingdom in the Himalayas

High up in the mountains of Nepal, near the border with Tibet (China), there is a mysterious place called Mustang. Mustang is a remote region that was once a kingdom, but it is no longer. In 2008, Nepal got rid of the king of Mustang and made it part of the country.

Mustang was a secret place until 1992. People from other countries couldn't visit there until then. This allowed Mustang to grow and change on its own, without too much influence from the outside world. As a result, the people of Mustang were able to keep their old ways of life and traditions intact.

History

Around 1380, a man named Ame Pal started a kingdom called Lo in Upper Mustang. He built a city called Lo Manthang, which was surrounded by walls. Lo means 'south' in the Tibetan language. The last king of Mustang said that his family had ruled for 25 generations, starting with Ame Pal.

In the late 1700s, Mustang became part of Nepal, but it was still a separate country until the 1950s. A British man named David Snellgrove came to Mustang several times to learn about the temples and monasteries there. Snellgrove visited in 1956, 1960-1961, and 1978.

Ruins_Fortress_Tangbe....

In 1950, Tibet became part of China. The Tibetan government said that this was an invasion. Later, some Tibetan people who wanted to fight against China used the Upper Mustang as a secret base. They attacked the Chinese army from there. This continued until the 1970s when Richard Nixon, the president of the United States, visited China and stopped helping the Tibetan fighters. Because of these things, Mustang was a very secret place, and it was difficult for people to visit there.

Climate 

Nepal is indeed located in a climate zone that experiences a monsoon season. While the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to much of the Himalayas, the Mustang region remains relatively dry. 

Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna Massif, Mustang is shielded from the monsoon downpours that typically affect the southern and southeastern regions. The monsoon season offers a unique advantage in Mustang: cooler temperatures. This makes trekking more comfortable compared to the hotter, drier months.

Mustang Weathers.webp

Here's a brief overview:

  • Spring (March-May): Enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures between 15-21°C (60-70°F) in both Upper and Lower Mustang. Nights can be chilly, so pack layers.
  • Summer (May-July): While temperatures can soar to 28-31°C (82-88°F) in the daytime, Upper Mustang remains a viable trekking destination. Lower Mustang may be too hot for some.
  • Monsoon (July-September): While the Upper Mustang remains unaffected, the Lower Mustang experiences some rainfall. Pack rain gear and enjoy slightly cooler temperatures.
  • Autumn (September-November): Experience comfortable temperatures around 22-26°C (72-79°F). Be prepared for brisk northern winds, especially on the trails.
  • Winter (December-February): Upper Mustang becomes very cold, with daytime temperatures ranging from 0-5°C (32-41°F) relatively mild, with daytime temperatures around 17-22°C (63-72°F).

Things to do

With its dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and friendly locals, Mustang is a destination that will leave you spellbound.

Trekking

With global travel becoming more accessible, it's increasingly challenging to discover truly untouched cultural gems, especially those that prioritize safety. Upper Mustang stands out as one such destination. Its welcoming locals, deep-rooted traditions, and breathtaking scenery make it a haven for trekkers seeking an unforgettable experience.

To enter the Upper Mustang region, visitors must pay a daily fee of $50 USD. An annual quota of 1,000 people helps to limit the number of visitors, preserving the region's pristine beauty and cultural heritage.

Trekking to Mustang.webp

Upper Mustang offers a wealth of experiences, from challenging treks and ancient caves to immersive Tibetan Buddhist culture. Comfortable guesthouses are scattered throughout the region, and those who prefer a more leisurely pace can explore the area on horseback.

Mountain biking

Mountain bikers seeking world-class trails will find Upper Mustang an irresistible destination. The region offers a diverse range of terrain and difficulty levels, catering to riders of all abilities. Guided tours from Kathmandu and Pokhara provide access to hidden gems and ensure a memorable biking adventure.

Mustang_Cycling.webp

Motor Cycling Trip

A motorcycle tour to Upper Mustang is a truly unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. The combination of thrilling riding, stunning landscapes, and cultural immersion makes it a must-do for any adventure seeker.

The journey typically starts in Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From there, you'll embark on a thrilling ride through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the river. The road winds through dramatic red cliffs, passing through tiny villages and ancient monasteries. The challenging terrain, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes for an exhilarating experience.

Culture

Few places offer a more authentic cultural experience than Upper Mustang. The capital, Lo Manthang, boasts Gompas, a royal palace, traditional homes, and narrow streets. 

For Hindu devotees, the Mukinath temple is a significant religious site. Even if you don't visit every Gompa or temple, you'll undoubtedly immerse yourself in the region's rich culture through its people, cuisine, and unique atmosphere.

Muktinath Temple.webp

The Mysterious Mustang

Nepal has a long history of trade with Tibet, dating back to before 1850. Key imports from Tibet included rock salt, wool, powdered gold, horses, and yaks, while Nepal exported grain, spices, knives, fabric, and handicrafts. Rock salt was the most valuable import, and Mustang provided the most accessible route to Tibet. As transportation options improved, iodized salt from India became more readily available, gradually reducing the importance of the Mustang trade route.

Mustang's desert-like vegetation is a stark contrast to the rest of Nepal. The arid landscape features reddish soil and is traversed by the Kali Gandaki River. The high altitude and constant wind contribute to the region's distinctive red cliffs. The rocky terrain also offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing.

Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang, used the wealth generated by the salt trade to invest in Buddhist art and artifacts. As a result, the region boasts some of the most revered and ancient Buddhist monuments. Mustang's remote location has helped to preserve these gompas (monasteries) from modern influences.

The local population, deeply rooted in traditional Tibetan culture, continues to use two earthen gompas: Thubchen and Jamba. Jamba is renowned for housing at least 1,500 mandalas (Buddhist spiritual diagrams), making it the only monastery entirely painted with these intricate designs.

Jhong_Cave_Upper_Musta...

Mustang is renowned for its mysterious sky caves, which are estimated to number around 10,000. These ancient dwellings are carved into the mountain cliffs. Despite extensive research, the identity of the builders and the original purpose of these caves remain a subject of speculation among experts.

Valuable Buddhist paintings, manuscripts, artifacts, and even mummified human bodies have been discovered within these sky caves. The unique nature of these ancient dwellings has garnered attention from National Geographic, and archaeological research continues to unravel their mysteries.

Lomanthang Palace

Beyond the monasteries, Mustang boasts ancient palaces that offer breathtaking views. The Lo Manthang Palace, a five-story structure built in 1442, stands out with its white lime exterior. Initially serving as a fortress, the palace is surrounded by a wall adorned with three monasteries, twelve chortens, and a mani wall. The fortress walls feature 60 spouts and 25 doors.

Lo_Manthang_Royal_Pala...

Portions of the Lo Manthang Palace remain in use today. The palace suffered significant damage during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake but has since been restored.

Current Situation:

Mustang is the second least populated district in Nepal, following neighboring Manang. The local population primarily engages in agriculture and animal husbandry. As part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Mustang is divided into four geographical regions: Thak Sastsae, Panchgaon, Barago, and Lo Tsho Dyun. The Thakali, Tamang, Bhotia (Tibetan), and Lopa (Bista and Gurung) ethnicities call Mustang home. Notably, Lo Manthang remains the only walled town in Nepal.

Tibetan_Buddhist.webp

Rapid modernization has transformed Mustang. Mud houses are being replaced by concrete structures; hotels now offer television sets, and internet connectivity has arrived. Local shops have expanded their offerings, carrying a variety of goods from cigarettes to electronics.

How to get there?

The Upper Mustang trek typically begins in Pokhara. If you're starting from Kathmandu, you can either drive to Pokhara (approximately 5-6 hours) or take a convenient 25-minute flight.

From Pokhara, you have three options to reach Jomsom: a short flight, a public bus, or a private jeep. Once in Jomsom, begin your trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, continue your journey northward to explore the region.

To enter Upper Mustang, you'll need a restricted area permit. The initial 10-day permit costs USD $500 per person, with an additional fee of USD $50 per day for more extended stays.

In addition to the restricted area permit, you'll also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The cost is USD $30 for international visitors and NPR 200 for SAARC citizens. 

If you're captivated by the reddish wind-eroded cliffs, desert-like landscapes, hogbacks, ancient culture, and mysterious cliff-carved caves, Upper Mustang is an absolute must-visit.



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