Upper Mustang By Trek – 19 Days

Upper Mustang is also known as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom’, and Upper Mustang By Trek will give you the feeling of the planet Mars. Let’s begin with the history of the Upper Mustang. According to the archaeologists initially, this place was used as a burial chamber 2,000 years ago.

These spaces later became homes about 1,000 years ago, potentially offering safety during conflicts. In the 1400s, people moved to villages, and the caves transformed into places for meditation and reflection. The upper Mustang is an upper part of the Mustang District. It is a semi-independent Tibetan kingdom situated to the north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains.

Lo Manthang in Nepal is an ancient city found in the Mustang District. It used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Lo and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walled city sits high up at 3,840 meters above sea level, surrounded by tall mountains. During this trek, you will reach the final point of this trek, which is Lo Manthang.

Lo Manthang became the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo in 1380, built by Ame Pal. He oversaw the construction of the city wall and many buildings that are still there today. When the Prithvi Narayan Shaha of Gorkha created Nepal by bringing together various small kingdoms in the 18th century, Lo became a part of this new nation but retained its own hereditary rulers.

Lo Manthang is a testament to its blend of history, architecture, archaeology, and religious heritage, providing visitors with a glimpse into the captivating tapestry of Nepal’s cultural legacy.

This settlement was surrounded by more than 6 meters of higher walls, and it contained the temple, home, and palace. The walls that surround the village are its fortress. You can also see the fourteen guard towers inside the village. This defense system was made to protect against enemies.

The whole city is a heritage site, which UNESCO says is one of its kind. It was once situated on a bustling trade route between Tibet and Nepal, up until Tibet’s annexation in the 1950s. This settlement is encircled by the highest mountain in the Himalayas, and the land around Lo-Manthang is airy. The harvest of the food and the vegetables is possible only one month out of the year. The rest of the time, the community depends on the herd of food.

Yaks are the quintessential animal of the Himalayas. The region was cut off from the outside world until 1992, when foreign tourists were given permission to visit. To protect this region from mass tourism, visitors need to apply for a permit costing around 530 dollars. The region is paved with thousands of Buddhist caves where monks go to worship.

The valley hosts captivating festivals such as Tiji and Yartung. “Tiji” comes from “Tempa Chirim,” meaning “Prayer for World Peace.” The festival celebrates the legend of Dorjee Sonnu, believed to be Buddha’s incarnation. He saved the Mustang kingdom from the destructive demon Man Tam Ru, causing storms and droughts. Every May, unique Tibetan rites and ritual dances are performed for three days to mark this celebration.

Similarly, Yartung is a horse racing festival that happens every August on a full moon day. People celebrate with drinking and traditional Tibetan and Thakali dances. Lamas, monks, and locals come together to say goodbye to the summer season.

Inside Lo Manthang is a famous big monastery called Dragkar-Thegchen Ling Gompa. They built this monastery in the 13th century, when the area was called the Kingdom of Lo under the rule of King Ama Pal. Right now, Lamas lives in this monastery. Unfortunately, some old things in the monastery got damaged in earthquakes that happened in the 16th and 17th centuries. Besides this, other famous monasteries are Chode Gompa, the Monastic Museum, Jampa Monastery, and Thupchen Gompa.

Also, the famous Damodar Kunda (lake) lies on a restricted area upper Mustang between Kagbeni and Muktinath. It is a holy place for Buddhists and Hindus. The elevation of the Damodar Kunda is 5400 meters. According to Hindu mythology, anyone who visits this kunda and takes a deep bath will be freed from all sin.

Muktinath is another special place in Mustang where a temple dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu deity, can be found. It’s not just for Hindus, though; Buddhists also think it’s a sacred spot. This temple is in the Muktinath Valley, right at the bottom of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang, Nepal. People visit this place for religious reasons, and it’s a peaceful spot nestled in the mountains. You can see the majestic Muktinath Temple framed against the stunning backdrop of the towering Dhaulagiri Himalaya, which creates a breathtaking scene.

Not only is this place famous for the ancient religious site, but the adventurous horseback riding and mountain bike riding take this tour to a different level. You don’t have to be an experienced horse rider to ride a horse in the Mustang. During the Yartung festival, locals and outsiders show their horse-riding skills. It will be unlimited fun to enjoy the people dancing, feasting, and seeing monks praying for four continuous days during this festival.

Another popular adventure you can try is the mountain bike tour. The ideal terrain makes this place a biking paradise. For your information, whether you go trekking or mountain biking, you should hire a guide and porter. Additionally, you cannot trek or bike ride alone, as this area is restricted.

Further, the Upper Mustang By Trek is a combination of cultural experiences and unique, breathtaking landscape beauty. Even though the permit price is higher than in other trekking regions of Nepal, the aim is to regulate tourism and preserve the culture of this region. The Upper Mustang By Trek is absolutely worth it; hurry up and book now to start your adventurous journey with us.

Major Attractions of Upper Mustang By Trek

• The Last Forbidden Kingdom: Explore the secret world with ancient stories and landscapes full of mysteries.
• Experience Tibetan Culture: In Mustang, you’ll find a mix of people from various backgrounds, such as Gurung, Thakali, and Lopa. The Lopa, who are the original inhabitants of Mustang, bring a unique culture and language to the region. Mustang is rich in Buddhist culture, similar to that of the Tibetan people.
• Ancient Buddhist Monasteries, Caves, and Palaces: The Upper Mustang is special because of its old stories and art. There are many ancient Buddhist monasteries, caves, and palaces to explore. Upper Mustang used to be a kingdom in the past.
• The Walled City of Lo Manthang: Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, was built in the 15th century on a high plateau situated at an elevation of 3800 meters above sea level. Inside the walls of Lo Manthang, you’ll find key landmarks like the palace and monasteries—Jampa Lakhang and Thupchen Lakhang, both dating back to the 15th century, and Choede Lakhang, built in the 18th century.
• Religious Sites: You can explore famous religious sites like Damodar Kunda, Muktinath Temple, Marpha Monastery, etc.
• Mystic Landscapes and Isolated Villages:You can experience the diverse and unique landscape at every step in the upper Mustang. Some famous villages you visit are Lo Manthang, Charang/Tsarang, Ghami/Ghemi, Chosar, Thinggar/Thingkar village, Yara village, Tangye village, and many more. Roughly, there are nearly ten thousand caves in this region.
• Festivals: Tiji is a grand Tibetan-Buddhist festival celebrated in Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. It’s a special and important event for the people there. It is celebrated for three days.
• Horse Racing: During the Yartung festival, locals and outsiders show their horse-riding skills. Also, people celebrate this four-day-long festival by singing, dancing, and praying in the monasteries.
• Tibetan Horseback Ride: In Mustang, the horses used for riding are called Tibetan ponies, which are the local breed. These sturdy ponies are perfect for the rocky terrain, making the horseback riding experience unforgettable.
• Mountain Biking: This tour is designed for adventurous souls with high fitness levels. Expect most of the riding to be above 3000 m, with a thrilling journey featuring 16 passes over 3500 m.

Alternative Treks Similar to Upper Mustang By Trek

If you’re intrigued by the unique landscapes and culture of the Upper Mustang by Trek but seek a slightly different trekking experience in the same region, consider these fantastic alternatives:

• Upper Mustang Overland Adventure – 13 Days: A more accessible option to explore the hidden kingdom of Mustang by road, still offering rich Tibetan culture and stunning landscapes.
• Narphu Valley Trek – 14 Days: A remote trek that provides a similar off-the-beaten-path experience, with breathtaking views and access to traditional Tibetan villages.
• Tilicho Lake & Manang Helicopter Tour – 1 Days: For those who want a quick yet spectacular experience, this helicopter tour offers amazing views of Tilicho Lake and the surrounding mountains.