Upper Mustang Trekking is north of Annapurna, this ancient rugged kingdom hides picturesque villages, exotic monasteries, historical treasures and a very rich cultural heritage. This true paradise has landscapes and mountain views that are simply incredible.

Upper Mustang Trekking is the forbidden kingdom

The Upper Mustang Trekking region is the hidden and forbidden kingdom in western Nepal. The upper Mustang valley is covered by the colorful wall, the holes, the unique rocks and the snow-capped mountains, including the Annapurna range, the Dhaulagiri range and the Nilgiri. The Mustang houses are made of hard mud and stone. Upper Mustang is not affected by the modern world. The hike of the upper Mustang started fairly in 1991. Before that, it had been closed to foreigners. The upper Mustang has a unique ancient traditional lifestyle due to the Tibetan influence. The Upper Mustang Trek region is very affected in local culture and Buddhist religion. Lo-Manthang is the capital of Mustang. The friendly ethnic society and the diverse landscape of the Mustang region naturally make our vacation unforgettable. The Mera Apine Upper Mustang Trekking package covers Mustang cultural trekking, Lo-Manthang trekking, Lower Mustang trekking and Jomsom Muktinath tour with Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Summer trekking at Upper Mustang Trek

Most treks in Nepal offer a green atmosphere with the Himalayan mountains which shade the green valleys and the terraced farms strew the topography. But not Mustang, Upper Mustang being the shadow of the Himalayan rain, this place has little rain in Nepal. The upper Mustang is completely like a Tibetan desert with few trees. During the trek of the upper Mustnag, we walk along the deepest gorges of the world Kaligandaki (650 meters deep) is between the two highest mountains Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. People visiting Upper Mustang face strong gales in the afternoon. Thus, in summer, there is less risk of natural disaster like a wild wind.

Upper Mustang Trekking - The legend of Drakmar

Once upon a time, demons called Balmo put the fear of God in the people. Only Guru Rinpoche could defeat the powerful evil spirit and, during their fight, his blood spilled, creating red cliffs. Her intestines have turned into a long, extended wall of mani. A chorten would hold his heart, while smaller chortens would cover the stains with his spilled blood, hiding the remnants of his powers.

Trekking of Upper Mustang - Stupa, Gompa and Monasteries

The Haut Mustang hike is a spiritual and adventure trip with Buddhist religious sites. The Mustang region is a treasure of glory better preserved from the past. Dragkar-Thegchen Ling Gompa takes you back to the 13th century. Built in the 14th century, the Jampa Monastery is famous for 109 ancient mandala images in several colors, produced by Newari artists under King Kunga Zangpo. You can explore the gold and silver statues in three tiered monasteries. The Tugchen Monastery was inaugurated in 1468 by King Tsangchen Trashigon in Lo-Manthang. There is a permanent image of Guru Rinpoche, the fifth Dhyani Buddha, Ratna Sambhava, etc. King Tsewang Phuntsok Tsugyen Norbu started the Choide Monastery in 1710. The Choprang Sakya-pa Monastery is the most recent structure. Likewise, Ghar Gompa, Luri Gompa are the attractive and popular monasteries of the Upper Mustang region that you can visit during your Upper Mustang Trekking.

Upper Mustang Trekking - Discovery of mysterious caves and incredible rock formations

The Upper Mustang hike is a great hiking adventure with one of the largest caves of archaeological mysteries in the world. Some 10,000 artificial caves dug in the steep walls of the valley and some caves have naturally occurred. Located at 155 feet from the ground, these caves are 1000 years old. Since 2007, research has still not been able to find out who built them, why and how people even climbed it.

Through Mustang, where the geological layers are soft and friable, there are many caves such as those of Nyphu, Yara, Chosar, Tange, Drakmar and Luri. The vast system of "Chosar cave" dates from 800 BC, with more than 40 rooms. Anthropologists have discovered thirteenth-century paintings and manuscripts executed in silver and gold in the "Mahzhong Cave". From 1992 to 1997, excavations around the “Mehbrak cave” revealed the tomb of the mother and baby as well as food offerings. It was dated around 450 BC. Over 60 such corpses have since been discovered, some containing food in ceramic containers. It is almost certain that the inhabitants of the caves practiced sacrificial rituals.

Upper Mustang Trekking with Lower Mustang Jomsom Muktinath Trek

The Muktinath trek takes us to the famous Hindu temple of the god Vishnu. The Muktinath temple is also visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The Muktinath temple is a real gem of Mustang and a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The pagoda-shaped Muktinath Temple is also one of the highest temples in the world, at an altitude of 3,800 meters. In the surrounding wall flow 108 fountains of holy water under which the pilgrims immerse themselves to wash away their sins. Near the temple of Jwala Mai, a sacred flame of natural gas comes out from the sides of the earth. Once you reach Muktinath, you have the clear panoramic view of the Annapurna range, the Dhaulagiri range and the Tukuche Himalayan range.

Upper Mustang Trekking is a cultural trek of the Tiji festival

Tiji Festivals is an annual three-day event of religious ceremonies celebrating the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. The Upper Mustang Lo people celebrate the Tiji festival with colorful traditional dresses and perform Tibetan dances and rituals which are said to drive out evil spirits. The Tiji Festival dances are all organized and performed by a local monk from Choedhe Monastery. During these three days, the monks perform a dance called Tsa Chaam, Nga Chaam and Rha Chham. It tells the story of the victory of Dorji Sonam, a reincarnated Buddha over the demon. This demon harassed the kingdom of Mustang. This Tiji festival celebrates against the demon who brings peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. Each year, the Tiji festival takes place in the second week of May. For the Tiji 2020 festival will be celebrated from May 19 to May 21, 2020.

Note: For the Short Upper Mustang Trekking, we can do trekking from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and return back to Jomsom by Jeep in a day.