Project Off-road (Upper Mustang)

Project Off-road (Upper Mustang)

To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. One can experience the way of life of true mountain people, who were not much in touch with the rest of Nepal for hundreds of years, and even until recent times had an officially recognized king.

Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted. To enter Upper Mustang i.e, to travel further north from Kagbeni, trekkers need special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed officer.

Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during monsoons. During this time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall. The settlements are scattered and there is little sign of cultivation between villages. In upper Mustang, little grows without irrigation, thus the region resembles a desert albeit mountainous, nuclear settlements in fertile areas.

Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here to catch the sights and sound of this unique walled settlement. Ponies are available for hire if you so desire. For the return trip, we can either follow the same route back or as an alternative route, the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki may be followed.

The major attractions of Mustang trekking are ancient Tibetan villages, rare medieval Buddhist arts, the exotic culture, traditions, languages, architectures, unique beauty of the vast high valley, colorful stratified rock formation and the himalayan desert with himalayan and cultural experiences.

Half century ago upper Mustang was an independent country until it was united into Nepal. The kingdom of Mustang lies in the rain shadow formed by the Annapurna & Nilgiri Himalayas and thus gets very little rain, which fortunately, makes the area ideal for trekking even in the mid monsoon. 

The Trek to this mystery kingdom, which requires a special permit that costs US$ 500 per person for 10 Days and after US$ 50 per day, begins at the airstrip of Jomsom after flying up early from Pokhara. The trek is rather easy as most of the route goes along the bank of Kali Gandaki River and eventually leads you to Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang at 3800 m, which is the highest point on this trip.

The panoramic views of great Himalayas like Annapurna, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and others peaks, Mustang has culturally and historically, picturesque villages, monasteries, unique landscapes with easy access. This is among the very few adventure trips in Nepal, which can be done all over the year.