Upper Mustang Trek - 16 Days

Upper Mustang Trek is 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, known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, had been cut off from the outside world until 1992. Even now, restricted area permits are needed to enter mustang 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 red copper canyon and sheer faces. And icing on the cake, you still get to view of wonderful snow-covered mountains including Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Nilgiri. With these features, Upper Mustang is begging to 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.

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, Bon religion is 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 found in the caves of the Upper Mustang trekking. It served venue to practice Tibetan culture by housing entire communities and monks.

 Caves, Monasteries,  

In the Upper Mustang, top spot to visit goes to Lo-Manthang the capital of ancient Kingdom of Lo. It is walled city that was constructed in 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. Chortens and numerous rows of Mani walls make your journey memoriable.

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

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

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

Upper Mustang Trek route

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

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

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