Highlights of Mustang Tour

Mustang is an almost rectangular piece of land in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, protruding into Tibet. While it is politically in Nepal, geographically and culturally it is Tibet. Being in the citadel of mountains, it survived the political turmoil its neighbors went through and thus survived as the enclave of medieval Tibet until recently.

There are a lot to see and visit. Every trait of landscape, culture, archaeology, religion and history is awe-inspiring. Here are some of the highlights travellers must include in their Mustang itinerary.

Highlights of Mustang Tour

Drive through the world's second deepest Valley The Mustang Tour follows the ancient trans-Himalayan trading route via Kali Gandaki River valley. Wedged between two eight thousand meter peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Kali Gandaki valley is the world's second deepest valley. The drive from the lush green southern slopes to the alpine landscape and then to the arid valley of Mustang in a few hours is phantasmagoric.

Exploration of Thak Khola

The trans-Himalayan district of Mustang is basically resided by two important ethnic groups, Thakali and Lobo. The lower Mustang region is dominated by Thakali people who are religiously and culturally different to Lobo from upper Mustang. They practice a mixture of Tibetan Buddhism with shamanism and also the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. Being in the trading route for thousands of years, they are the finest hoteliers and traders of Nepal. The region is famous for apple orchards and amazing up close views of Himalayas. Side hikes of Dhumba Lake and Titi Lake will give you the most authentic experience of the Thak Khola region.

Sky caves of Nepal

The 10,000 man made caves of Mustang are known as the sky caves of Nepal. Thanks to the regulated tourism in Upper Mustang that kept these mysterious but fragile caves with artifacts and human remains intact until the date. Caves perched on the steep cliff faces are as high as 155 ft above the valley basin and were hewn into complex multistoried honeycomb structures. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts and human remains dating back to 3,000 years. The mural arts and Stupas found inside some of the caves date back to as early as the 8th century.

Monasteries older than in Tibet

The presence of monasteries older than in Tibet make the Upper Mustang even more mystic. Mustang in Tibetan means the southern land of aspiration. The kingdom was the southernmost border of Tibet until the 18th century. Rustic 6 - 8th century monasteries painted with ochre and built out of mud bricks are another awe inspiring attraction of Mustang. The 6th century Chhairo Gompa (Tashi Shagagh Jyochen Chhoyokhor monastery) and the 8th century Lo Ghyakar Gompa are older than the Smaye monastery of present day Tibet.

Earthen Walled city of Lo Manthang

Listed in the tentative UNESCO Heritage sites, the earthen walled capital of Mustang is at least 600 years old. This is the only existing Himalayan settlement with a fortification wall. The 8 m tall wall with 1.5 m width at the base shelters the palace, three monasteries and about 180 residential houses. There are several rows of Mane walls and Chhortens within the settlement and along the circumambulatory path directly outside the wall.

Traditional healing practices

The Himalaya is the source of rare and unique herbs used in ancient medicinal practices. Being the last stronghold of the authentic Tibetan community, Upper Mustang kept the tradition of ancient Tibetan medicine intact. The traditional Tibetan healers known as Amchis use herbs, minerals and astrological knowledge to cure physical and psychological illnesses. Amchies from remote villages were taught and trained by the monasteries based on four Tantras of Tibetan medicine. While the tradition is fast disappearing in the Himalayas, Lo Manthang has established the Lo-Kunphen traditional herbal medicine clinic and school to produce traditional medicine and provide training to young generations of Amchis.

Tiji Festival

The mask dancing festival of Tiji celebrated in Upper Mustang is the most authentic ceremony in the present day Tibetan world. Many of such ceremonies have been stopped because of the Cultural revolution. The festival is based on the meditative dance of Vajrakilaya with meaningful gestures and movements to empower his blessings and ward off the negativity. In the three day long festival, monks commemorate the story of Dorje Jono (Buddha) who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang.

The festival occurs at the end of Spring, mostly in the month of May. However the date differs each year in the Gregorian calendar as the Tibetan calendar relies on the lunisolar system.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I love exploring reading and writing travel journal. Believe it or not, More you read the less you understand. My blogs about Nepal Tibet Bhtutan tour