Upper Mustang - a Land of Myth, Mystery and Magic
Upper Mustang, an isolated land hidden among the deserted mountains, is beyond the Himalayas standing at the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Upper Mustang is an ancient Buddhist kingdom spread over an altitude variation of about 3000m to 4000m, in the middle of Dhaulagiri Massif and Annapurna Massif. It is one of the most fascinating places in the Himalayas, far away from the bustle of the inhabited world. The place is marked with arid lunar-like landscape dotted with eroded canyons, monasteries, caves and ancient villages. As the region was restricted to tourists till 1991, Upper Mustang is also called the Last forbidden Kingdom in the Himalaya. As the land has been isolated from the rest of the world, this isolation has preserved its culture, lifestyle and heritage, making this land a dream destination of many travelers.
Major Highlights:
How to reach:
By Air: If you choose to fly, you have to fly to Jomsom via Pokhara (KTM/PKR- 30 minutes, PKR/JOM- 25 minutes). And from Jomsom, you can either drive or trek.
By road: It’s about 450 km from Kathamndu to Lo-Manthang (the last destination of Upper Mustang). If you want to drive, you start with a 6 hours’ drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then continue to drive to Jomsom (8 hrs) via, Beni, Ghasa and Marpha. From Jomsom, you can either drive or trek via following routes:
Upper Mustang is an adventurous destination for motorbike and mountain biking tour as well. These adventurers also take the same route and complete the trip in about 10 days.
Permits:
For Upper Mustang, you need to take Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.
*No TIMS card required for Upper Mustang.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and Autumn are the best time to travel in Upper Mustang as other places in Nepal. In May, Tiji festival is held in Lo Manthang. So, this is the best time to those who want to witness the famous festival of Upper Mustang. Travelling to Upper Mustang is possible in Summer/Monsoon as well. As Upper Mustang falls under the rain shadow area in Trans Himalayan region, it doesn’t rain during the time. So, the weather is dry and moderate during this time with great visibility. But, the travelers need to be aware that there is high chance of flight cancellation and delays due to rain and road blockage as one needs to reach Jomsom from other parts of the country to enter Upper Mustang region.
Vehicles
Due to off road trail, four-wheel vehicle is used during the trip. The path leading to Upper Mustang is rough and rugged. The passes go-through the barren ridges, rolling streams and rugged lands. Advanced Nepal has a fleet of highly maintained vehicles with air suspension technology for the trip. We also provide highly experienced drivers and guide to make the journey safe and comfortable.
Lodges/Teahouses
Upper Mustang is an isolated region but, there are lodges/teahouses with basic facilities. In each village, accommodation is easily available. The lodges/teahouses provide modestly comfortable facilities. You will find local and continental menu with limited choices. You will be provided plenty of drinking water. We suggest you to bring your own water bottles. There will be electricity to charge your devices and wifi in lodges/teahouses (not very reliable in higher altitude), but you have to pay extra charges for the service.
Places to visit in Mustang
Kagbeni: Kagbeni is a unique Tibetan style village in lower Mustang. It is an entrance to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is the junction of Muktinath Khola and Kali Gandaki. It is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims and they perform final rites of the deceased members of their family in Kagbeni. The major attraction of Kagbeni is Kagchode Thubten Sampheling Gompa monastery, typical houses, amazing landscape and the mountain views.
Lo-Manthang: Lo-Manthang is a walled city in Upper Mustang. Lo-Manthang is the main attraction of Upper Mustang. Lo-Manthag used to be the capital city of Upper Mustang in the past. This ancient city is full of monasteries, historical caves, ancient Buddhist monuments, Himalayan views and scenic plateau landscape. King’s palace at the center of the city is one of the major attractions of the place.
Jomsom: Jomsom is the headquarter and administrative center of Mustang. It is a gateway to Upper Mustang. Jomsom is situated by the side of Kali Gandaki River. It is the best place to experience the culture of Thakali People. There are a monastery and museum which add extra beauty to this place.
Marpha: Marpha is called the town of apple orchards. Marpha comprise of two words - “Mar” meaning hardworking and “Pha” meaning people. As the name suggests, people of Marpha are hardworking. They do farming of different varieties of apples and make different apple products. There is also a local apple wine industry. Marpha apple, apple wine and apple sukute are famous all over Nepal.
Muktinath: Muktinath is one of the most popular and religious temples for Hindus and Buddhists. People take bath in its 108 water spouts and perform puja with the hope of fulfilling their wishes. It is the temple of Lord Bishnu. There is also a monastery nearby.
Dhumba Lake: Dumba Lake is a famous place to visit in Mustang. It is located at the base of Mt. Nilgiri. It is a religious place of Buddhist people. According to the myth, the water once turned red on its own and, a Buddhist monk performed some rituals and turned it back to its natural color. So, local people come here to pray for a change and improvements in their lives.
Damodar Kunda: Damodar Kunda is a popular place to visit in Upper Mustang. It is a scared place for the Hindus. There is a temple of Lord Krishna. People perform bath ritual in the Kunda with a belief that it will free them of their sins. Damodar Kunda gives you the awesome views of the stunning landscapes, monasteries, and natural beauty.
