Welcome to the mystical land of Upper Mustang, a place where the past and present collide, and time seems to stand still. Nestled in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, Upper Mustang also referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" and is home to ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and cave dwellings perched high on the cliffs. Upper Mustang is a unique trekking destination that offers a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist culture and the natural beauty of the Trans-Himalayan region.
Upper Mustang Trek is also known for its stunning architecture, which can be seen in the walled city of Lo Manthang, the region's capital, and for the fact that organized treks only began visiting the area in 1992. And now thousands of adventure seekers, Culturally and Spiritually influenced travelers make their way to the magnificent dune terrain.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a challenging adventure that takes you through rugged terrain, deep gorges, and high mountain passes. It is a journey of discovery that tests your physical and mental endurance but rewards you with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. we will take you on a journey through the enchanting Upper Mustang region and show you why it is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Jomsom: The Gateway to Upper Mustang
The trek to Upper Mustang starts from a Jomsom, a small town situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom is the gateway to Mustang region and easily accessible through 20 minutes’ flight from Pokhara to escape arduous travel in a bumpy road. The town is famous for Apple cultivation of Marpha Village. The route follows through the town and approach the picturesque villages of Kagbeni, Chele, and Syangboche. The route takes you through harsh but beautiful landscape, with desolate hills, red cliffs, and windswept canyons
The Thakali People: A Culture Frozen in Time
The Upper portion of Mustang region habituates Thakali people, who are of Tibetan origin with their distinct language, culture, and religion. They are known for their hospitality, warmth and Authentic cuisine. The Thakali people civilized in the Mustang region for centuries and have preserved their ancient culture and tradition isolated from the modern world and society. Witness unique festivals and ceremonies from Thakali people and learn about their way of life. If time permits visit during Tiji Festival, which is held annually in May.
Lo Manthang: The Capital of Mustang
As you ascend higher into the mountains, you will reach Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region. Lo Manthang is a walled city that was once the home of the Mustang Kingdom's ruling monarchs. The city is a treasure inventory of ancient Buddhist art and architecture, with numerous monasteries and temples that date back to the 15th century. You will have the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings and learn about the history and culture of the region.
Challenges and Rewards
The Upper Mustang Trek is not just a physical journey; it is also a spiritual one. The trek takes you through a landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries, where ancient traditions and customs are still practiced. The trek is challenging and tests your physical and mental endurance, but the rewards are plenty. You will witness stunning views of snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. You will experience a sense of accomplishment and wonder that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Who should Book This Trip
Best suited for adventures and cultural Lovers, Upper Mustang is prime destination to connect with both adventure and spirituality. The trail in Upper Mustang collects dry atmosphere and the steep ascends and descends in higher elevation similar to other treks in Nepal but in a duned texture, and suits best for adventure seekers as the route is not highly explored, the trail is not developed providing opportunity of adventure in high altitude pass with an authenticity. Travelers who want to explore the hidden culture and unique heritage, that is not affected by the modernization should give this rewarding journey an opportunity.
The trek is suitable for every traveler who are physically capable with no intense health issue, however travelers needs to prepare for the journey and require minimum level of physical preparation.
In conclusion, the Upper Mustang Trek is a journey of discovery that takes you through a world that is both ancient and modern. It is a trek that tests your limits and rewards you with a sense of accomplishment and wonder. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and experience the magic of the Mustang region for yourself.