Upper Mustang Trek - 16 Days

Upper Mustang Trek is a place that still features the ancient Tibetan way of life in a trans-Himalayan setting that is rich in medieval arts and architecture. If this strikes your fancy, then Mustang Trek is the one for you.

So, in this day and age, how can a place be so preserved?

Well, Upper Mustang, also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, had been cut off from the outside world until 1992. Even now, specific permits are needed to enter this area.

Up until 2008, the area was ruled by a titular monarch but even now people's continued faith in their King is evidence that long-standing traditions are still strong in this place.

Add to that the desert's natural splendor, which includes a red copper canyon and sheer faces. And the icing on the cake, you still get to view the wonderful snow-covered mountains including Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Nilgiri.

With these features, Upper Mustang is begging to be visited.

People and Culture

The ethnic group known as Lobas, who have Tibetan heritage, live in Upper Mustang. They are extremely devout individuals, and prayers and celebrations are a regular aspect of their life.

The celebrations here are distinct from those in the rest of Nepal. Only in Lo Manthang is the Tiji Festival, in particular, celebrated. In Upper Mustang, Tibetan Buddhism is widely practiced.

Likewise, the Bon religion is also practiced here which predates Buddhism. Tantric, Shamanic, and old Bon religious elements are used in Tibetan Buddhism to teach Mahayana Buddhism.

In Upper Mustang, Tibetan Buddhism is practiced in numerous small to major monasteries. The routes that depict Tibetan Buddhism are decorated with Mani Walls, Chorten, and prayer flags.

Ancient Buddhist artwork can also be found in the caves of the Upper Mustang trekking. It served as a venue to practice Tibetan culture by housing entire communities and monks.

 Caves, Monasteries,  

In the Upper Mustang, the top spot to visit goes to Lo-Manthang the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lo. It is a walled city that was constructed in the 15th century. A 6-meter-high earthen wall with dzongs (square towers) at each corner surrounds this ancient settlement.

The structures are crammed tightly together behind the fortifications. The city features a palace and monasteries such as the Jampa Lakhang and Thupchen Lakhang. There are also Chortens and numerous rows of Mani walls.

Likewise, Kagbeni is another spot that will certainly engage your fancy. It is believed to be one of the oldest Himalayan communities in the world. The streets are surrounded by lovely mud and brick homes. Hindus use this location as a significant part of their Pitri-Puja "ancestor-ritual."

Besides, there are roughly 10,000 man-made caves collectively known as the Mustang Caves or Sky Caves. It was created by cutting into the walls of the narrow valley. It is estimated to be older than 3000 years.

Who erected them or why is unknown but is believed to be a place for human burial according to artifacts at least 2,000–3,000 years old. It was utilized in the 10th century as a shelter from battle. It started as storage facilities, military lookouts, or meditation rooms in the 1400s.

Upper Mustang Trek route

Your adventure trip starts as you drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then on a flight to Jomsom the next day. Jomsom is the starting point of the actual trek, which continues through Kagbeni and down the Kali Gandaki River to Chele.

Over the next few days, you will trek through Syanbochen and Tsarang to reach Lo Manthang where you will take an exploration day. Then over the next few days, you will trek to Dhakmar, Ghiling, Samar, and Kagbeni to reach Jomsom.

After that, you will take a flight to Pokhara and rejoice in the incredible adventure you have had. The next day, you will drive to Kathmandu and explore the historical city.