The Upper Mustang trek uncovers the concealed sphere of Mustang – the iconic Buddhist Kingdom. This is a remarkable adventure to the untouched Tibetan villages on the other end of the Nepal Himalaya enclosing Tibet. Positioned to the north-west of the Annapurna on the Tibetan Plateau, Upper Mustang is an old town that represents the history of age-old Himalayan Buddhist Culture.
The province remained limited to the travellers until 1991, and still demands a special permission for the trip. The whitewashed buildings, enclosed by barley field, packed with many remarkable tiny monasteries & vibrant prayer flags, mirror the lasting Buddhist custom of the village.
Mustang Nepal trek is a remarkable experience which takes travellers to a dry province beyond the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail entails touring across desert-like landscapes, deep canyons, barren ridges, moraine valleys and eroded cliffs. Mustang trekking is truly one of the most rewarding experiences that you want to enjoy in Nepal. On this trek, you'll a close-up view of the non-civilised society that has remained unaffected by the modernization for decades.
Upper Mustang falls in the rain shadow province of Nepal, therefore, hikers can also explore Mustang during the rainy season. Approximately a decade back, organized camping or tent treks were only accessible, now, simple tea houses can be discovered on the path. The residents of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they've a King only in name known as Jigme Palbar Bista. After the country of Nepal was announced a republic country in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official acknowledgment of Bista as the Mustangi King. Nevertheless, the inhabitants still honor him as their as their tribe leader.
Upper Mustang was a prohibited area till 1992 for outsiders. Today, outsiders are permited but can only get into Upper Mustang after they purchase a special permit of US$ 500 for 10 days. The tour to Mustang is only organized by licensed trekking firms of Nepal.
From the camp (Lo-Manthang) a brief climb takes you up to a glacial gorge with the views of reddish brown historical wall city during the return back. From here you can get an unforgettable image of the Upper Dolpo trekking and Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking.
Lo Manthang, the capital of the ex Tibetan Kingdom of Mustang is considered one of the finest preserved medieval cities in the planet. The quiet streets are undamaged by cars, lights, or the sound of modern society
Martin Wynn
