Whenever people discuss about the best places to visit in Nepal, Mustang Village is a definite recommendation that comes from the tourists who have visited Nepal. Spread over an area of 3,573 km square, the Mustang village is an ancient forbidden kingdom bordered by the Tibetan Plateau and sheltered by some of world’s tallest peaks, including 8000-meter tall Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The Mustang region was opened for tourists in the year 1990. Due to remote location and expensive permit fees, Mustang does not see a large number of tourists. However, the trip to the Mustang village is not something that you’ll forget or regret.
Mustang Village At A Glance
Mustang, a district in the western part of Nepal, is divided into two parts by the Himalayas: the Upper Mustang and the Lower Mustang. Earlier known as the Kingdom of Lo, the Mustang village lies at an altitude of 3840m in the North- Western part of Nepal. The region of Mustang includes two parts- Lower and Upper Mustang. The mustang village is not a single village but a cluster of small villages. The mustang village is a place full of barren deserts, ancient rock cave settlements and Buddhist culture.
One of the major attractions of the Mustang village is the Kali Gandaki River. The world’s deepest canyoun, the Kali Gandaki Gorge or Andha Galchi in the Mustang region, measured by the difference between the river height and the heights of the highest peaks on either side, also lies in the Mustang region. A village full of natural beauty, the Mustang village is also a home to different species of wildlife and flora.
The Mustang village is rich in cultural heritage with exquisite temples and spiritual monasteries, embedded into the moonlike landscape. People who have visited Mustang village never fail to be fascinated by the warm welcoming smiles of the mustangi or lobas people. The mustang people have persevered their own fascinating culture and heritage as they have lived in isolation for years.
Since the Mustang village is located very close to Tibet, you can also feel the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion in the people of Mustang. In order to visit the Mustang village one needs to obtain special trekking permits from the Government and also should trek with a government registered trekking company. The Lo Manthang trek in the Mustang villages draws thousands of tourists every year.
Mustang Nepal Map
Whenever you are travelling to a completely new destination, having a map of the place helps a lot. If you are travelling to the Mustang village for the first time, we recommend you to carry a Mustang Nepal map with you. If you have a map with you, you can explore many areas on your own. With the help of Mustang Nepal map, you will be able to explore few side treks too.
Best Time To Visit Mustang Village
September and November is considered to be the best time to visit Mustang village. The clear Mustang weather during this time of the year allows you to enjoy the best views of the majestic Himalayan ranges. However, you must be prepared to face the overwhelming crowds of tourists in all the places. The second best time to visit Mustang Nepal is between the months of April and June. The Mustang weather is somewhat similar, however, the views may not be that clear. However, the best part is that there isn’t much crowd on the routes during these months. If you’re someone who enjoys peace, and looking for a secluded time in the hills and mountains, this is the best time to visit Mustang Nepal.
Mustang Weather And Temperature
Having a general knowledge of weather and temperature is one of the key factors of your travel plan. If you are planning your trip to Mustang Nepal, you need to get details on the Mustang weather and temperature so that you can visit Mustang Nepal in the ideal time of the year.
Mustang experiences a trans-Himalayan climatic condition which is cool and semi-arid. The average annual temperature of the region is about 10.9 °C during the day. As Mustang village lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna region, the average rainfall per year is about 307 mm. Since the region faces minimum rainfall, treks to this region are possible and comfortable even in summer of Nepal.
The Mustang Nepal- weather and temperature varies between the two regions of Mustang. The same season can be a different experience in Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang due to the difference in altitude and geographical location.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang trekking is a restricted trekking trail in Nepal. Upper Mustang trekking is known as Mustang Lo Manthang trekking. Upper Mustang Lo Manthang trek offer beautiful landscape, Himalayan views, Tibetian Thakali culture, ancient monasteries as well as mustangi king. Lo Manthang is the capital of the former historic Kingdom of Mustang. Upper mustang trekking required special trekking permit through government registered Nepal trekking agency. Only limited trekkers can trek per year in Mustang region. Mustang, “The last Forbidden Kingdom” is situated north of the Himalayas and juts out onto the Tibetan Plateau.
Upper Mustang of Nepal retains much of its cultural autonomy and is administered by its own King or Raja, the 25th successor of his lineage. Lo Manthang is one of the most attraction destination of this trekking. Being isolated for years, the people of Mustang have their own distinct lifestyles, culture and traditions that have continued for centuries. The culture is dominantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism following as the place was once a part of ancient Tibet. The early history of Lo Manthang is embroidered by myths and legends rather than recorded facts.
Lower Mustang Trek
Unlike the Upper Mustang Trek, the Lower Mustang Trek is designed especially for the people who have very limited time and want to visit the kingdom of Tibetan Buddhists. The Lower Mustang Trek falls under Annapurna Region Trekking. You do not need to pay expensive permits fees to trek to lower Mustang. The region has the most extensive protected biodiversity area in Nepal and passes by the oldest monastery and unique lifestyle of people.
The landscape of Lower Mustang trek is very much related to Tibet. Mustang of Nepal lies in the rain shadow area and dominated by Dhaulagiri family with Tukuche Mountain. In lower Mustang Nepal has a barren landscape, the villages with their bright colored fields are like an oasis. The major highlight of the Lower Mustang Trek is the very popular Muktinath Trek.
Muktinath Trek
Muktinath trek, also known as the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, is an exciting trek in the Annapurna and Mustang of Nepal. The Jomsom Muktinath Trek takes you along the beautiful Gurung and Thakali villages, world’s deepest George and the Tibetan Plateau. The Kali Gandaki gorge situated in Jomsom Nepal is the deepest gorge in the world. The diverse landscape and culture found along this trekking route of Jomsom Nepal give marvelous insight into the way of life of Nepali people of various ethnic groups. On the way to your Muktinath trek, you’ll also pass by many ancient monasteries and temples. Since the highest point of this trek is Muktinath (3,710m), this low altitude trek is suitable for everyone. Mesmerizing view of Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri are the main highlights of the Muktinath trek. Marpha village, the heart of apple farms in Nepal, also lies in the Muktinath trek route.
Jomsom Nepal is also a perfect place to find fossilized ammonites, known locally as Shaligram, which are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most sought after destination for trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna circuit trek takes you around the entire Annapurna massif and finally to the breathtaking Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft).
The adventurous Annapurna Circuit offers the trekkers with a life time experience of a complete scenic journey beneath the world’s 7th and 10th highest mountains Annapurna 8,091 and Dhaulagiri at 8,167 meters. You can also plan a short trip on some of the parts of the Annapurna circuit for hiking in the Himalayas.
One of the major attractions of the Annapurna Circuit Trek package is the religious Muktinath temple. Thousands of tourists visit this temple every year. During the trek, you can feel the Culture of Nepal that reflects specially through sacred pilgrimage sites, historical monuments and memorials. Different parts of Nepal have its own cultural settings which can be encountered while trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna Conservation area is also a part of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The Annapurna Conservation Area stretches across Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung Districts.
If you are planning to explore the ancient Kingdom of Lo in Mustang of Nepal, you can contact Happy Holidays Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. This is a guide owned adventure trekking and tour agency based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Managed by a group of experienced trekking guides with more than a decade in trekking, travel and tour service in the Himalayan of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim. The company offers various tours and treks plans for groups and individuals in Nepal including the Everest base camp, Annapurna base camp, Langtang, Annapurna circuit, Kanchenajunga, Dolpo, as well as other Asian regional destinations like Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Leh & Ladakh in India.