Mustang Trek: Exploration of the Walled Kingdom
Mustang Trek explores the concealed valleys of the restricted region of Mustang. Upper Mustang unfolds the mystery of the walled kingdom of Lomanthang. This region showcases the deserted canyons and grassland amid the snow-capped peaks. The upper Mustang region is nestled between Tibet and the Himalayas. Arguably, a place different from the rest of the world once forbidden by the Buddhist Kingdom in Nepal. This Lomanthang was a part of the Tibetan kingdom of Gungthang until the 1830s.
The early history of Lomanthang is embellished with myths and legends rather than recorded facts. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche fought and killed the demons. He scattered the demon's body parts across the Mustang Valley. Consequently, its blood formed the towering red cliffs. Demons' intestines tumbled near Ghami. It is where people later built the stone prayer wall, the longest in Nepal.
Lomangthang on the Verge to Change
There are around 275 houses in Lo Mangthang, having four castes. The royal castle, the everyday folk, the blacksmiths, and the butchers and millers. The whole of Lo Manthang village has solar electricity nowadays. Decorative style small herb garden of various holy decorations, flapping flags, and stacked firewood. At a time, certain families needed to supply firewood for the royal family. Sky burial and polyandry remain in practice in this upper Mustang region.
Even though it is changing, it still surprises visitors with its stunning vista and its stubbornness to its unique culture. Indeed the culture is fighting back, and crumbing artworks are restored. Crumbing monasteries have been rebuilt and refilled with the sound of bald children in robes studying the ancient Buddhist ways.
Upper Mustang Trek- Restricted Region in Nepal
Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal was officially opened in 1992. However, minimal numbers of trekkers are only allowed each year. Thus protecting and conserving the local Tibetan tradition and the fragile environment of Mustang. It unfolds the fabled forbidden kingdom's vast, arid valleys, eroded canyons, and yak caravans. Furthermore, the mysteries of hidden sky caves in Mustang bewilder the visitors. The colorful-painted mud-brick houses are set next to the majestic mountains. We witness the stunning peak of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Interestingly, we can do this Upper Mustang Trek even in monsoon. It lies in the rain shadow, north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This completely sheltered the upper Mustang from the monsoon. The whole region is in bloom in monsoon, contrasting with the wind-eroded hills, red cliffs, and snow-capped mountains in the background. Similarly, we see the local people busy with their everyday work.
Trek Booking open for Spring, Fall, or Monsoon in 2023 and 2024
Upper Mustang being on the rain shadow, we run the Monsoon trekking. August and September to witness the green pack works of vegetation amid the wind-eroded hill. Of course, Spring or Fall is the ideal time to go for the Mustang trek. We have our set group departure trip dates for 2023 and 2024 to join it. With a group of family and friends, we can customize the trip.