Upper Mustang Trek

The region north of Kagbeni Village is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. It is steeped in Tibetan culture and history. Today, many Tibetans maintain that Upper Mustang is more like ancient Tibet than Tibet itself. The ancient Kingdom of Mustang was attached to Tibet in the 14th century when its first feudal king colonized the area. Mustangs retained its identity, as an autonomous dynasty throughout the centuries with its walled capital city, Lo Manthang, and with their own King. Today though– Jigme Prabal Bista is not officially recognized by the Nepali government as King, the people still treat Jigme Prabal Bista with the honor and respect due a king and the King and the people still remain ethnically Tibetan. Still somewhat restricted (special permits are required) the trek to Lo-Manthang (3730 m) refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of Kali Gandaki.

The trek to Lo- Manthang is through an almost barren landscape with its many stark mountains, deep canyons, and red plateaus. Strong winds often sweep across plateaus and mountains in the afternoon and usually subsiding at night. It was annexed by Nepal in 17 century, but the king of Nepal was so impressed with Upper Mustang and its king that it was allowed to become a vassal kingdom. 14th century monasteries still remain active. Tucked away among the cliffs one may see some of the ancient cliff dwellings where villagers often found refuge from marauding bandits or where monks simply sought meditation and removal from society. As you survey the rugged yet beautiful landscape your eyes will be drawn to the amazingly crystal blue skies that are simply unparalleled anywhere. Often described as the Hidden Kingdom, Nepal’s Mustang presents one of the last intact vestiges of Tibetan culture and lifestyle virtually unchanged in centuries.

Trekking to Mustang is a journey beyond the Himalaya but not beyond the Himals. (The word Himal refers to all mountains that remain snow capped year round.) The Mustang Himals, at over 6200 meters, are higher than the European Alps! As we make are way beyond the Himalayas and up the Kali Gandaki valley the trek passes through red stone cliffs, deep canyons and isolated oasis of emerald green villages where the swiftly flowing streams and rivers converge. It is in these areas of convergence we find that the Loba (Lowa), or “South” people have built their villages. In most of these villages, relatives (princes) of the Loba King still continue to have a great deal of influence in their communities. Finally as you reach the famed walled city of Lo Manthang lift your eyes beyond and you may catch a glimpse of the twin castles on the hills beyond. Look a bit to the west and you will see the Mustang Himals.

In Lo Manthang you may want to try some of the famous bowls of homemade Thenduk soup or if you are a bit more daring try some Tibetan butter (salt) tea. The tea tastes a lot like chicken soup. After visiting the teashops and variety shops in Lo Manthang you may want to plan an extra day to visit the cave dwellings of Chossar where villagers escaped Tibetan marauders centuries ago. You can count on your trip in Upper Mustang to the Hidden Kingdom to be a memorable one!