Luxurious escape to Upper Mustang: the Tibet outside of Tibet

Upper Mustang, located in the remote trans-Himalayan regions of Nepal, has long been a dream destination for adventurous trekkers. The challenge of a multi-day trek through the world’s deepest gorge to the medieval Tibetan kingdom once drew tourists willing to brave rugged, beaten trails on challenging terrains and harsh weather. However, the extension of the road to this hidden kingdom has transformed the way we experience its marvels, from adventurous camping treks to luxurious road trips based on boutique hotels.

A luxury Road Trip to Upper Mustang

It is sad to have those beaten trails bulldozed and replaced by new dusty roads. Many historic Chortens (A Buddhist shrine) and Kani (a traditional monumental entrance gate in Upper Himalayan villages) are bypassed and are in a dilapidated state.

Meanwhile, it also isn’t worth trekking on those dusty dirt roads frequented by vehicles. We have seen many trekkers booked for a trek but later changed to driving.

Our new itinerary escapes the long and tedious walking on the dusty road, enveloped in the grit and sweat of a multi-day trek. Rather, it offers an attractive alternative, merging the thrill of adventure with the comforts of modern luxury. The road access that has opened up this enthralling world not only made it easier to reach but it has also ushered in a new era of tourism, where the spirit of exploration is embraced alongside refined elegance. The Mustang tour is now a combination of driving tour with day hikes to its remote monasteries, sky caves, and cultural immersion activities to experience the authentic Tibetan culture that remained untouched until recently.

The Journey Begins

Picture this: You and your companions comfortably seated in a comfortable SUV, the engine humming as you steer the winding roads that unveil the stunning Himalayan scenery. Imagine traversing the world's deepest gorge, wedged between two 8000 m peaks, with postcard-worthy views of high snow peaks, lush southern valleys, and the colorful arid landscape of the trans-Himalayan region, dotted with sky caves and mystic monasteries. This new way of exploration allows travelers to immerse themselves in the Tibetan landscape and culture of Mustang without the physical strain of long hikes.

The new itinerary covers strategic locations for viewing and acclimatization, where a few of the must-stay luxury lodges and boutique hotels are available. These boutique accommodations blend with local villages but provide an oasis of relaxation with stunning views of the ethereal landscapes. Imagine staying among locals in an accommodation steeped in local architecture and cultural essence, with modern conveniences that offer you food fresh from their farm to plate. Enjoy the magical effects of sundown and sunrise over the snow peaks and local families hustling with daily chores.

Hiking the Pristine Pastures and Remote Caves

While the availability of road travel and comfortable accommodation is enticing for travelers of all age groups and fitness levels, this tour allows travelers to encounter more authentic features of Upper Mustang with day hikes than in the traditional itinerary. This new itinerary integrates day hikes to the pristine yak pastures, remote and isolated caves with murals, and mystic monasteries. It thus gives the sense of both adventure and comfort, with more of their travel time used to experience the highlights of the ‘Lost Tibetan Kingdom’.

These guided hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty and suit travelers of all fitness levels. An Excursion with an expert guide to ancient caves, bedecked with centuries-old murals and sacred relics, will elucidate on prehistoric Bonpo religion to Tibetan Buddhism that survived in the citadel of the Himalayas. Similarly, day hikes also wander through the high ground, Yak pastures dwelt by the last nomads of Upper Mustang. Meet a polyandrous family and enjoy local lunch with yak-butter tea in their tents. Our new Upper Mustang tour itinerary not only enriches your understanding but also invites you to experience the harmonious coexistence of nature and spirituality.

A Changing Landscape and Tourism

The landscape of Upper Mustang is fast changing because of climate change and modern infrastructure development, particularly the construction of the Kali Gandaki corridor road.

One can see ample mud village ruins in Upper Mustang because of the acceleration in climate change after the industrial revolution in the 18th century. The significant decline in traditional snowfall and an increase in temperature are leading to the rapid melting of snowpack and glaciers, which are the primary water source of the region.

Samzong village at 4,000 m became the recent victim of climate change. Relocation of the 18 households was completed only in 2019 after their springs and canals started to dry in 2010. Samzong was one of the ancient settlements with its history spanning at least 500 years, and potentially much longer, as the sky caves of the village date back to 2000 years.

As their pastoralism and trade started declining with the Tibetan occupation, tourism was a new hope for sustaining the fragile culture and heritage.

Border tourism vs. sustainable tourism

The road access has increased the number of tourists visiting Upper Mustang. However, the challenge is to balance the influx of visitors with the preservation of their vulnerable archaeological and cultural heritage. Local Nepalese tourists driving to Upper Mustang have significantly increased in the last decade. The majority of them, attracted by its proximity to the Tibetan border, often overlook the rich historical and cultural heritage that Upper Mustang has to offer. This focus on border tourism has led to increased foot traffic and environmental degradation, threatening the very essence of what makes this area unique and valuable.

In such, our Upper Mustang trek itinerary presents an opportunity for sustainable tourism, allowing travelers to stay in off-grid villages, consume local products, and support local tourism. The road facilitating locals was inevitable. What matters more now is to use this pathway through the rugged landscape as a means of tourism that sustains its fragile nature, culture, and archaeology.

Our new itinerary combines comfort and adventure, making it appealing to those who might have never considered trekking into the wild.

Embrace this new era of travel and let the majestic land of the Mustang unfold before you, without the grit and sweat of long dusty trails.

I am Rabindra, a seasoned explorer and storyteller with roots in the majestic Himalayas. Join me on this incredible journey as I explore and write, sharing the beauty of the Himalayas and beyond!