Upper Mustang Nepal

Overview

Mustang, sometimes known as the “Forbidden Kingdom,” is a hidden jewel in Nepal, tucked away in the rain shadow of the imposing Himalayas. Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang are the two distinct regions of the Mustang region.

The prohibited Kingdom of Mustang is located inside Nepal and near the Tibetan (Chinese) border. The Nepalese village of Mustang has a diverse range of people and cultures. 

The unusually dry climate with little flora and a variety of species is what makes Lower Mustang so well-known. With its large rocky hills and mountainous environment, Upper Mustang is a well-liked location for trekking.

Mustang maintained its identity as an independent principality until 1795 when it joined Nepal. It is a fantastic destination for travelers from Nepal and other countries to discover and take in its distinct culture and natural beauty. 

Among the world’s best-preserved areas is Upper Mustang, where the majority of people still speak traditional Tibetan dialects. The Mustang Region, in addition to the arid valley, is rich in old customs, festivals, and culture.

There are historic monasteries, caverns with artwork that date back hundreds of years, and traditional mud-brick settlements scattered throughout the countryside. Discovering local culture during the Tiji festival in Lo-Manthang is another popular destination for foreign visitors. 

Special Mustang Festivals (Tiji Festivals)

The Tiji Festival is a major Tibetan-Buddhist celebration held in Upper Mustang’s Lo-Manthang City. The Tiji festival typically takes place in May, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.

“Ten Che” (meaning “hope of Buddhism prevailing in the world for peace”) is the source of the name “Tiji,” which essentially commemorates God’s triumph over bad luck. More than three centuries ago, the event began as a celebration of the triumph of virtue over evil.

To create vibrant Torma, the monks gather flour and other items required for Tiji before the celebration. A monk known as the Vajra master leads the prayer while dancing in the middle. Shakya Gongma Rinpoche must have a high degree of empowerment for the master.

Mustang’s Secret Caves: An Entryway to History

Its rich history, culture, and stunning scenery enthrall visitors to Nepal’s Upper Mustang region, which is situated in a rain shadow. One of Nepal’s most fascinating and enigmatic historical sites is the Mustang Sky Caves.

Beginning their exploration of the stacked caverns in the mid-1990s, archaeologists from the University of Cologne and Nepal discovered several dozen remains that were all at least 2,000 years old. 

Situated between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, these Sky Caves are around 4,000 meters above sea level. According to estimates, Mustang’s caverns date back to Nepal’s pre-Buddhist period, more than 2,000 years ago. 

Chungsi Cave, Cave Nyiphuk, and the most well-known Luri Gompa are among the caverns that have since been converted into monasteries. There are old paintings of religious or spiritual characters and settings in several of the higher Mustang Caves. 

Mustang’s flora and fauna

A unique and isolated region of Nepal, Mustang is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. A very complex ecology that has adapted to the region’s severe environment and distinctive topography may be found beneath the rocky ground. 

The plant life of the area is characterized by prickly shrubs, wildflowers, and alpine plants. Although there may not be a wide variety of animals in the Upper Mustang region, hikers may nevertheless come across certain species that have adapted to the high-altitude environment.  

Yarshagumba (cordyceps), a valuable natural aphrodisiac, is one prominent plant. Scant willow and Juniper forests dominate the area, especially along the riverbanks. The flora includes the wildflowers, i.e., edelweiss, poppies, and marigolds, providing a multi-hued spectacle during the short summer months. 

One of Upper Mustang’s most important animals is the snow leopard. Mustang’s wilderness is home to the Tibetan wolf, which is a rare, elusive animal. Mustang is a paradise for bird watchers with its wide range of migratory and resident birds. 

Mustang is also home to a large number of insects and small reptiles that are crucial in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. 

Foods in Mustang

It is crucial to know about the food and lodging options available before visiting this kingdom. Mustang’s natural landscape, high-altitude way of life, and rich cultural legacy are all reflected in its regional cuisine. 

It is a blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali cuisine that is nutritious and heavy. You are welcomed with a burst of flavors and richness by the renowned Momo. The most soothing food you will ever taste is rildhok, a well-known soup made essentially of potatoes with a cloudy texture.

Often seasoned with Himalayan spices, thukpa is a well-known Tibetan noodle soup cooked with hand-pulled noodles and veggies. There, rotis of various kinds are rather widespread in addition to dhido. 

In addition to these dishes, you may notice churpi, which is the hardest cheese and can be found anywhere. More than just food, Mustang’s indigenous cuisine is a way of life that captures the severe climate, lively culture, and long-standing customs of the area.

Fossils and the Kaligandaki River: Mustang’s Natural Wonders

Nepal’s Kali Gandaki River Gorge is a breathtaking natural feature. Arid valleys, rocky terrain, and sheer cliffs make up the river’s striking surroundings. For both Buddhists and Hindus, the Kali Gandaki River is extremely sacred. 

There are historic villages, monasteries, and temples along the river’s banks that attest to the area’s rich cultural past. It links Tibet and Nepal and has long been an important commerce and religious route.

Because of its tranquil surroundings and breathtaking views, the gorge is also a great place for meditation and photography. The area’s spiritual atmosphere is further enhanced by the presence of mani walls and chortens.

Mustang’s rich marine fossils, which bear witness to its past, are among its most intriguing features. These holy stones are frequently gathered from the riverbank by pilgrims. Researchers, geologists, and paleontologists from all around the world have taken an interest in Mustang’s fossils.

Lo Manthang: The Kingdom of Walls

The capital of the former “Lo” Kingdom, Lo Manthang, is a treasure located close to Nepal’s northern border with Tibet. The majority of the region is inhabited by the Lhobas, an ethnic minority with Tibetan-like customs.

Two enormous gompas and an even larger king’s palace are surrounded by towering walls that enclose the town. The wide, desolate topography is the area’s most remarkable characteristic.

There are sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and lofty, stark mountains with very little foliage. Every local home is constructed with mud brick. Thupchen Monastery is one of Lo Manthang’s most well-known monasteries. Ancient murals at the monastery feature gold, cinnamon, turquoise, and malachite hues.

The Sakya-pa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion practiced here. The spiritual heritage of the area is diverse. One of the most spectacular events celebrated in Lo Manthang is the Tiji Festival, also called Tenpa Chirim.

The Ideal Time to Go to Mustang

Depending on when visitors choose to visit Mustang, the area has a variety of experiences to offer. For the finest experience, spring and autumn are the best times of year to visit Mustang. 

The weather is ideal during these seasons, and the scenery is reminiscent of paintings and photographs. Upper Mustang is located in a region of the Himalayas that receives less rainfall during the monsoon season. Therefore, vacationing during the monsoon season (June to September) is feasible. 

Mustang is alive in the spring, with rhododendrons in blossoms, glistening peaks, and lively cultural celebrations. You may even be able to attend the Tiji Festival. The average temperature is between 16°C and 22°C during the day and between -6°C and -2°C at night, so the weather is still reasonably cool.

Trekking and other outdoor adventures are best done in the autumn when the weather is consistent and the skies are clear. In Nepal, the national festivals of Dashain and Tihar are celebrated around this time of year. 

It is perfect for trekking, hiking, and exploring because of the mild, comfortable daytime temps. But be prepared for increased costs and more crowds, particularly during the holidays of Dashain and Tihar.

In the winter, many locations close, some paths are covered by snow, and there may be fewer flights available. Because of the heavy snowfall and sharp temperature drops, trekking might be difficult.

Hot to Get Upper Mustang Trek Permits?

while insisting on Upper Mustang Trek people have a question how to get Upper Mustang Trek permits? It is not that hard to get permits. This must be obtained from a registered trekking company in nepal. We need Three types of permits to get inside the Upper Mustang Area. Annapurna conservation area permits, Restricted area permits, and TIM cards. We take TIM cards from the TAAN office which are provided both to group and individual trekkers. Annapurna conservation permits can be achieved by the Nepal Tourism Board and Kathmandu and there is also a place in Pokhara city where you can get Annapurna permits. To get Restricted area permits you need to go through a registered trekking company with all renewed documents. This is quite time time-consuming and hard process but companies like Magic Himalaya Treks and Expeditions will help you get them.

Upper Mustang Trekking permits cost

The three different Upper Mustang trek permits cost differently. The TIMS card will cost NPR 2000 for international trekkers if you take them from the company but the cost might be double if you take it as a solo traveler you must need to go through a trekking company to trek in a restricted area. For Annapurna conservation permits it will cost NPR 3000 per person for international travelers where as it will be just NPR 1600 for Indian nations. The main upper Mustang trek permits are the Restricted area permits which will cost you USD 500 for a 10-day trip. if you extend your trek time then you need to pay USD 50 per day. If you trek or travel for less than 10 days also need to pay the full payments.

An important place in Upper Mustang Nepal

Upper Mustang is a very unique area and it consists of different unique places where you can visit during the Trip. Here we have mentioned some of the places in the Upper Mustang area that will retreat if you miss them on your visit.

Lo-manthang

lo-manthan in Upper Mustang is a walled city which is the main attraction of the trek. Lo-manthan is the capital city of Upper Mustang and was ruled by the local king even after the unification of nepal. We can see historical caves, ancient Buddhist paintings, gompas, and Himalayan views. this small city is rich in Tibetan culture. People need two days of time to explore this area by horse or walk. Now people also can do jeep tours. Now we can see lots of decent tea houses and restaurants providing food and accommodations to local and international tourists.

Sky caves

We can find ten thousand caves in this upper Mustang region which were built between the 9th to 14th centuries. Due to the regular battles in the upper Mustang area, caves are built to keep families from the battle. People use them as quarters to live and we can see valuable Buddhist scripts and early ages on these caves now too. These caves add the mystical charm of the region and are also the main places to visit on this date.

Ghar Gomba

Ghar Gomba is known as the important monastery in upper Mustang. This gompa lies in Charan villages and is situated at an elevation of 3950 meters above sea level. It is believed that Padmasambhava built this gompa in the eighth century. We can see lots of monks here. The area has a good vibe with lots of chorten and prayer flags.

Kagbeni

Kagbeni is a small unique Tibetan village in the lower Mustang area. The Kagbeni is the entrance point to the upper Mustang area. We have checked the post here for the restricted area. There are lots of old houses, and gompa in this village. It is a very nice and green village in the area.

The current situation in Upper Mustang Nepal

Mustang is the second least populated district after the neighboring district Mannag. The main work of the locals here used to be animal husbandry and agriculture. The current work of this local here is not running a hotel and restaurant business in different places. All the ancient mud houses are replaced with cement houses with lots of modern facilities. We can also see many roads built in many places. Now the vehicles take all the modern equipment and facilities door to door for people easiness. We can see lots of modern hotels in different areas with many luxury facilities.

Highlights of Upper Mustang Nepal

• Ancient Buddhist cave art
• walled town of Lo-mongthang
• tradition Tibetan Buddhist culture
• Monasteries and Buddhist architecture
• Nomadic culture
• colorful gorges and rock tunnel
• Apple orchards
• Mustang Eco medium and Marpha villages
• Ghar Gompa, Jhong cave, and Sky caves

Upper Mustang Nepal FAQs

Reasons to Visit Upper Mustang Nepal

There is not only one reason to visit Upper Mustang, there are lots. Here I have mentioned some of the main things that attract me to visit the beautiful area.

• The last forbidden kingdom in nepal because it opened for travelers and outsiders only later in 1992.
• Mustang is a Hidden paradise on Earth with local tribes and rich as well as unique culture.
• Enjoy trekking on barren hills and high plateaus.
• Get an opportunity to enjoy Upper Mustang through mountain biking.
• learn horse riding and do horse racing.
• Enjoy the Teji Festival as well as the Yartung Festival.
• Holy Damodar Kunda and the famous holy temple Muktinath.
• Unique landscapes and isolated villages.

Conclusion

From the arid valleys of Upper Mustang to the sacred Kaligandaki River, it tells us the story of a land shaped by time and spiritual significance. Vibrant colors are added to the usually drab terrain by the region’s unique customs and festivals, especially the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang.

For explorers, foodies, and spiritual seekers alike, Mustang provides an experience that feeds the senses and the soul. Mustang is a secret jewel in Nepal that continues to embrace contemporary exploration while maintaining its traditions, making it an adventure that everyone who visits will never forget.

The fossils and holy Shaligrams captivate visitors in addition to the sheer cliffs and secret caverns. The region’s distinctive cuisine, which combines Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian flavors in a harmonic way, offers a taste of the high-altitude way of life there. Magic Himalaya provides an Upper Mustang trek to experience the upper Mustang area of nepal. if you feel this expensive then we have cheaper restricted area visits on Manaslu area Trek. Feel free to contact us for the trip of a lifetime.