Buddhist mystery hidden between the Himalaya and Tibet
It is a popular belief that there is no land of Nepal across the Himalaya. But Mustang is one of some places that extend from the south across the northern part of Himalaya onto the Tibetan plateau. Two third area of Mustang lies on the northern part which is called the Upper Mustang or Lo Kingdom, and, it was a separate Kingdom dependent on Kingdom of Nepal for about two centuries.
As it is a part of Annapurna region, while Lower Mustang is on the Annapurna circuit or Jomsom Muktinath Trekking, Upper Mustang is only covered by the Upper Mustang trekking trail. Taken as a lost Kingdom of Tibet, now, Upper Mustang portrays the authentic Tibetan culture and language in Nepal. Though lower Mustang is more accessible and popular for Muktinath temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, apple and apple brandy (Marpha), Upper Mustang still remains as a hidden world full of Tibetan Buddhist culture adopted during the rule of Tibetan empire.
The arid land rain-shadowed by Dhaulagiri massif enchants the travelers with colourful Tibetan culture decorated by prayer wheels, prayer flags and prayers, narrow alleyways, herds of farm animals, etc. One of the ancient trans-Himalayan trade routes (salt Caravan) from Nepal to Tibet, Upper Mustang trekking trail leads you to Lo Manthang (capital of Upper Mustang) walled distinctly during the medieval period. The Royal Palace and centuries old monasteries, museum, school of traditional Tibetan doctors called ‘amchi’ (also official doctor of the former King of Mustang), centuries old caves high in the red coloured stiff rocks, pony (horse) rides for sightseeing, etc. are main attractions in Lo Manthang.
The trek can be started from Pokhara to Jomsom and continued or can be started from Jomsom. Most probably, nowadays, Jomsom is one of the most easily accessible places in the Himalaya connected by airport or quite rough road. Upper Mustang, as a restricted area (closed for foreigners until 1992, now it needs special permit), starts from Kagbeni, near Jomsom. Kagbeni is also the point to lead to Muktinath on the east upward. On the way, crossing through passes between 3500 and 4000 meters, it is also possible to return through different way of Dhakmar or Muktinath. At Dhakmar, there is the world’s oldest (built during 8th century) Lo Gekar Tibetan Monastery, believed as painted by the blood of a demon killed by the Tibetan magician Guru Rinpoche.
As there is almost no rain, Upper Mustang trekking can be an excellent alternative to any other trekking regions during the monsoon season as well. From mid winter to early spring, people migrate to lowlands and thus we don’t operate this trek From December to March.