Upper Mustang Trek – Explore the Forbidden Kingdom
The Upper Mustang trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, caves and Tibetan villages. The region is famous for its varied topography and diverse culture.
This 15 days trek goes to an altitude of 4,210m/13,812ft and is ideal for people with little hiking experience. AMS or altitude sickness is not common in this route due to its gradual ascent.
Trekking Route
The Upper Mustang trek takes you to the isolated region of Nepal once known as the Forbidden Kingdom. It offers you an opportunity to explore the well-preserved culture and landscapes of this beautiful area.
The best time to do this trek is in spring and autumn. The sky is clear during these seasons, allowing you to view the magnificent scenery. It is also possible to observe the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the local people during these times.
Most travelers prefer to fly between Pokhara and Jomsom for convenience and to avoid the long bus or jeep journey by land. However, if you are a professional trekker or want to experience the challenge of crossing high passes, it is possible to extend your trip to 12-14 days. This can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
In addition to this, it is recommended to eat a well-balanced diet before, during, and after your trek. This will help you to keep your energy levels up and prevent any health issues.
Lo Manthang
The Upper Mustang trek allows you to explore the mystical trails of this formerly forbidden kingdom. The highlight of the trip is Lo-Manthang, a walled city and former capital of the region. Other attractions include ruins and monasteries and exploring the high man-made caves up in the cliffs.
Located on the Himalayan Plateau, this region has a very distinct Tibetan culture and heritage. It was once a kingdom that was isolated from Nepal, resulting in unique traditions and religions.
The arid landscape of this region is breathtaking, and the plethora of caves are truly astounding. Despite bordering some of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal, this area is quite different and centers on cultural exploration as much as mountain scenery. Visiting this area is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Caves
Located on the hills, these caves are one of the main cultural and natural attractions of Upper Mustang. According to legends, people took shelter in these caves during times of war and famine. It is also believed that holy gurus and rinpoches meditated in these caves. Archaeologists have explored these stacked caves and discovered several ancient artifacts like murals, bowls, documents (religious, legal, mundane) and ritual burial sites.
The largest of the sky caves, Shija Jhong cave, has a fascinating story to tell. According to folklore, people from the walled city of Lo-Manthang hid in this cave during the Tibetan war as it was too dangerous to hide out in their houses.
Known as the “Forbidden Kingdom” until 1992, Upper Mustang is a land of mythical and profound legends. It is a place of strong Buddhist culture, traditional villages and high-walled monasteries that cling to their old ways. This otherworldly region offers a truly unique experience.
Trekking Tips
This trek is unlike any other in Nepal, focusing as much on cultural exploration as on the spectacular mountain views. The semi-arid landscape of Upper Mustang offers a glimpse into an ancient culture that was once part of the Himalayan kingdom of Lho.
The best time to trek to the Upper Mustang region is in autumn and spring, when the flora is lush and the weather is warm. While it is possible to trek during any season, the conditions will differ from one season to another.
It is important to be in decent physical shape for this trekking adventure. For that, you should start exercising at least a month before the trek. A good cardio workout and some light weight training can help you avoid painful joints, blisters, back pain, and other common problems. It is also important to book your trek with a reputable trekking agency that can provide assistance in case of emergencies. Since Upper Mustang is a restricted area, only trekking agencies can secure the permits required for this trek.