Mythical Mustang

Once known as a forbidden kingdom now a trekker’s heaven, the Upper Mustang Trek is about unboxing the hidden gem of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. Its inaccessibility being one of the major reasons, Mustang has been highly untouched from mass tourism and is now known as the last bastion of its long, rich and complex history. The Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect combination of culture and trekking as it is intended. Far away from the more inhabited world and in the middle of the wilderness- it is a home away from home. Once you decide to let go of everything that is holding you back and set your first step into this majestic trek, get ready to let the Himalaya embrace you and immerse yourself in the mighty mysticism of the Mustang.

The spectacularly tanned red cliffs and the endless variety of gray rolling hills of the Mustang will be engraved in your memory long after your return home. Add to that your experiences in the incredible towns of the Kingdom and the friendliness of the people of the Mustang.

This trek winds its way to the hidden Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. This remote trans-Himalayan mountain area borders Tibet and has a distinct Tibetan feel, both in its people and culture and in its arid landscape of high cliffs and rocks of unusual formations and color. The trek visits Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, then through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo.

Explore caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and gompa and learn something about the culture of this area. Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this exciting trip! Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings a further cultural understanding of the area.

There is also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school where visitors can learn about this ancient healing art and how it is being adapted to meet modern-day situations. A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar, with its famous Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who traveled these areas then. The Gompa is famous for its rock paintings and the fact it is believed that if you make a wish here, it will come true. So make a wish at the Ghar Gompa, and hope to return again someday!

The trek is at a relatively high altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), intensified by the dry air.

While it is no problem for those born at this altitude to travel at speed, visitors will be more leisurely in their hike to avoid any altitude-related problems. On average, walking takes five to seven hours a day and some paths are particularly windy and dusty.

The spectacularly tanned red cliffs and the endless variety of gray rolling hills of the Mustang will be engraved in your memory long after your return home. Add to that your experiences in the incredible towns of the Kingdom and the friendliness of the people of the Mustang. It will take you to a unique moment and place because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will add life to your life.