Mustang in Nepal

Mustang is one of the most beautiful districts of Nepal that lies in 28.998507° N and 83.847302° E in Gandaki province Nepal. It is the driest part of the country commonly known as desert in Nepal.  This district is spread in an area of 3573 square kilometers from 1372 m to 8167 m. The richest culture and amazing natural beauty of Mustang Nepal is great to explore. It is the best holiday destination for both Upper Mustang trek and Muktinath tour.

Mustang was the ancient forbidden kingdom and the last state of Nepal ruled by separate King even after unification in 1769 AD. It is divided into two subregions: 

• Upper Mustang
• Lower Mustang

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang bordered with Tibet is the restricted area which requires special area permit for trekking. It was independent sovereign state from (1380 – 1964) AD and monarchy system exist till 2008 AD even after unification. It is also called as the Kingdom of Lo due to being ruled by different dynesty.

Naturally the Upper Mustang is most beautiful place where we can enjoy the arid trans Himalayan landscape. The high-altitude desert plateaus are unique than the green hills and mountains of Nepal. It is the best place for trekking on the monsoon due to being a rain shadow area behind the mountain. 

Attractions of Upper Mustang

Sky caves

Sky caves are the historical landmarks in the cliffs of Upper Mustang. The caves include around 10,000 man-made burrows decorated with Buddhist painting and sculptures. Mustang caves are 2000 – 3000 years old architecture believed to design for storing mummified human bodies. The sky cave in Mustang lies on the steep valley with mystery on its purpose and foundation. Tourist can visit the cave as the unique and amazing place of Mustang.

Lo Manthang (walled city)

Lo Manthang was the capital of forbidden kingdom. It is a rural Municipality of Mustang enriched with Tibetan and Thakali culture. The walled village with mud – brick and white colored houses built in 15th century is one of the beautiful sites to visit in Upper Mustang. Similarly, 4 stored Royal palace of last king is also the attraction of Lomanthang. 

The ancient Jampa Lhakang (gold house) monastery with giant Buddha statue and murals built 15th century, Thubchen monastery with amazing halls and colorful painting and Chode monastery are culturally important sites reflecting Buddhism in Lomanthang.

Tiji festival

Tiji festival is one of the most popular festivals of upper Mustang which is celebrated for three days. The cultural dance by experts wearing mask symbolizing the victory of god over evil. The festival started in the 17th century was begun to commemorate the victory of Dorji Sonam over the demon called Ma Tum Ru Ta.

Tibetan culture

Tibetan culture is pronounced in Upper Mustang. The locals speak Tibetan language. Their lifestyle, festivals and dresses are alike to Tibetan people. We can enjoy the Tibetan food and explore the unique culture in Upper Mustang. 

Horseback riding

We can explore different villages of Upper Mustang: Garphu, Chosar, Nyphu and sand covered plateau via horseback riding. The great view of monasteries built into cliffs is amazing to explore in Lo Manthang valley.

Upper Mustang trekking

Upper Mustang trekking is a restricted area trekking that begins from Kagbeni. We can explore Syanboche, Ghami, Tsarang and reach Lo Manthang. While returning we will trek towards Yara, Yannge, Chhuksang and reaches Muktinath. We should drive to Kagbeni from Kathmandu to start trekking.

Upper Mustang trekking brief itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
• Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
• Day 3: Drive to Kagbeni
• Day 4: Trek to Chele from Kagbeni 
• Day 5: Trek to Syanboche from Chele
• Day 6: Trek to Gami from Syangboche
• Day 7: Trek from Ghami to Tsarang
• Day 8: Trek to Lo Manthang from Tsarang
• Day 9: Sightseeing in Lo Manthang
• Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara
• Day 11: Trek from Yara to Tannge
• Day 12: Trek from Tannge to Chhuksang
• Day 13: Trek from Chhuksang to Muktinath
• Day 14: Drive to Jomsom
• Day 15: Flight to Pokhara 
• Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu
• Day 17: Final departure

Lower Mustang

Lower Mustang occupies 1000.9 sq km of Mustang district. Kagbeni, Jhong, Marpha, Muktinath, Tukuche, Jomsom, Kobang, Kunjo and Lete are the parts of lower Mustang. The barren land is dominant over agricultural land and forest. Mustang tour offers mind-blowing view of Mustang valley, Muktinath temple, Dhaulagiri range, Jomsom bazaar, Marpha valley, Kaligandaki george and dry mountains. 

What makes lower Mustang popular?

Muktinath temple

Muktinath is The sacred temple for both hindu and buddhist pilgrimage. Worshipping lord Bishnu after taking bath on 108 stone tap and ponds on the yard of temple is major activity of pilgrims in the temple. The amazing spring water on such dry land is more than a miracle. We can also see the immortal burning flame, stupas and gompas of Lord Buddha around the temple.

Apple orchard in Marpha village

The apple orchard of Marpha village is amazing to visit. We can see fruiting apples, different apple food items and traditional stone houses in Marpha. Also, the buckwheat and potato farming in terrace pattern adds beauty to the place.

Scenic beauty

The great view of mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peaks and Nilgiri are the attractions of lower Mustang. We can also explore the deepest Kali Gandaki George and windy Jomsom valley with traditional and advanced houses and markets.

Tibetan culture

The people in Lower Mustang also follow Tibetan culture. The Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, chorten, and Tibetan lifestyle reflect the culture of Mustang. 

Trekking route

Lower Mustang is a part of the Annapurna Circuit trek. This is the final trekking destination after returning from Thorong la pass, the hardest part of ACT trek. We can also continue walking from Tatopani to reach Ghorepani Poonhill or drive back to Pokhara from Muktinath. 

Lower Mustang tour

Lower Mustang tour begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni and completes after reaching Muktinath Temple. There are normal and developed hotels for night stays in Muktinath and Jomsom during the tour. We can also take Pokhara to Jomsom flights to shorten the tour. 

Conclusion of Mustang in Nepal

Mustang Nepal is the best place to enjoy the scenic and cultural beauty of Upper and Lower Mustang. The desertified land, Himalayan beauty, Kaligandaki, Muktinath temple, Jomsom bazaar, Tibetan culture, and unique and historic places of Lo Manthang are the major highlights of Mustang district. The Upper Mustang trek and Lower Mustang tour worth it.