Overview

Upper Mustang trek
Upper Mustang Trek is for those who seek some raw, unique and authentic Himalayan adventure in Nepal. This gem of Himalaya is heavily influenced with Tibetan culture and has somewhat of ancient Nepali culture intact as well. Popularly known as the ‘Himalayan Desert’, the upper Mustang region is till date one of the world’s most preserved regions. As the region is isolated from rest of the world (outsiders need a special permit till date), traditional Tibetan culture and Tibetic language can be seen at their finest. This area was kept restricted until 1992 and till 2008 it was still considered a kingdom, the region lost its kingdom status in 2008 when the former Kingdom of Nepal turned into a republic state. Upper mustang includes two-thirds of Northern parts of Mustang district that lies in the Dhaulagiri zone. Exploring this trans-Himalayan region will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life, no doubt.
Specialties/peculiarities of the Mustangi people and the Upper Mustang region:
You will observe that all the houses in Upper Mustang region are built with mud bricks baked in sun and stones. There’s a palace in Lo-Manthang and a city wall, those can be taken as architectural grandeurs of the regions. The Tiji festival is another thing exclusive to this region. It is observed for three days in May to mark the dry season ending. Mustangi people are unique in their ways of life. Polyandry is still practiced here, usually all the brothers in a family are married to one single girl. This last forbidden Kingdom still has an unofficial king and upon special request he will give an appearance. Bista, the unofficial king was stripped off of his official king status when Nepal transitioned from a Kingdom to a republic state in 2008. People still respect their King in upper Mustang though.
Trekking in upper Mustang, how is it like?
Kagbeni is known as the gate to Upper mustang, and your upper Mustang trek starts once you land on Jomsom and start trekking to Kagbeni. One has to follow the Kaligandaki river banks upstream to reach Lo-Manthang, which was the capital of Upper Mustang. The region is very windy, it has the typical transhimalayan weather. The weather is semi-arid and cool all around the year. The region is moderate too difficult for some in trekking standards but experience wise this is a phenomenal trekking region. It is like no other place in the world and gives you the feeling of being transported back in time.

Main attractions: The region as a whole is one of the major attractions in Himalaya. Talking extensively, the wall caves that date back to almost a thousand year and are subjects of major interest for archelogista nd histroians all around the world can be witnessed, you will go from the deppest gorge in the world ( Kaligandaki) to one of the world’s highest valleys, Lo-Manthang, passing though barren but mesmerizing landscapes, climbing up rocky trails and witnessing jaw-dropping views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Annapurna (8,091m) and many other Mountains will inspire you and fill you with sense of achievement. This region has remained isolated for almost a thousand year, a kingdom since 1380 AD to 2008, Lo-Manthang still has the royal palace built in 1400 AD. There are four important and historic temples around Lo-Manthang. Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa is the oldest of the four, it was built in early 15th century, and this temple is till date referred to ‘God house’. Thubchen Gompa built in late 15th century is a gompa and an assembly that, it is rather huge compared to structures in the region and in color red. The third one is Chodey Gompa which is now the prime city Gompa and the last one is the CHoprang Gompa which is also known as the ‘New Gompa’. Kagbeni, Jomsom, Pokhara valley and the whole journey to Upper Mustang is quite interesting.
Best season: The region is best to trek from April till November. As Upper Mustang falls in the Himalayan rain shadow are, monsoon trek is easily done. Trekking in other popular areas like Everest and Annapurna is very risky during monsoon season, you can instead opt for Upper Mustang.