Surrounded by Mountain, The Mustang seems like a different world

One of the mysterious places in Nepal is the Mustang, located in the northern hilly region of central Nepal. Many peaks and surroundings are covered with snow. People admire it, saying the ‘Mustang in Nepal is a Piece Of Heaven.’

The mountains of Mustang are also historical and full of many mysteries; this place is also the kingdom of a very old monarchical ruler of Nepal.

Not only this, the Mustang area is also the area of development of an ancient human civilization because inscriptions and ruins confirm that there was human habitation here thousands of years ago.

Where lies the Mustang In Nepal?

Mustang is situated in the Gandaki province of Nepal, North of Pokhara. It was also an important route of India-China trade in history because the main river here, Kali Gandaki, runs through the mountains from India to Tibet; the Gandaki Pass opened an easy way to cross the Himalayas.

Mustang, which gives a glimpse of Nepal’s unique natural dry hilly geography or hilly desert, has also been included in the list of places worth visiting in 2023 by CNN, a leading media house in America.

Lower and Upper Mustang

From the tourism and geographical point of view, Mustang has been described in two parts: Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang.

Lower Mustang refers to the lower area up to Kagbeni Ghat or Muktinath Pilgrimage (Near Jomsom), while Upper Mustang refers to the area above Kagbeni to the China border.

What to see in Mustang?

Answering what is worth seeing in Mustang is not as easy as answering what is not. However, some important information about the Mustang of Nepal is in brief.

Mustang is also known as the district of mysterious caves

Here, one can find mysterious man-made caves carved out of rock-like soil mountains thousands of years ago.

Tens of thousands of such caves of different sizes are found at different places in Mustang. However, the mystery of why and when such caves were built and for what purpose remains a research subject.

Despite the end of the monarchical tradition in Nepal, Mustang is still a strange state where ancient royal culture and pride can be seen in the tradition and the priceless heritage of the royal court.

Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992; due to its isolation from the outside world, it has also become one of the most protected areas in the world.

The strict rules imposed on the tourists who come here have proved helpful in preserving Nepalese Tibetan tradition. Most of the local people here still speak the traditional Tibetan language.

Is Mustang a desert area of Nepal?

Although there is no desert territory in Nepal, some parts of the Upper Mustang are dry and rocky. Which gives a glimpse of the desert area in Nepal. But all they provide stunning views of the mountainous region.

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The Mustang is not just a dry area; it is a heavenly land where sweet, fresh Himalayan apples can be eaten in the garden. Many Himalayan apple dishes, beverages, and alcohol are also available here.

Apart from the numerous herbs, one can enjoy the mountain cultural tradition in this hilly area.

This place is home to the famous Himalayan pilgrimage sites Damodar Kund (a sacred pond), Muktinath Dham (a historical pilgrimage of Hindus and Buddhists), and Kagweni. It also has dozens of beautiful and sacred Buddhist domes and the mysterious holy stone, the Saligram of Kali Gandaki.

Significant places in the route of Mustang

Several significant places on the way to Mustang shouldn’t be missed. There is bungee jumping, Asia’s highest hanging bridge, Baglung Kalika temple located at a picturesque place, Galeshwar Dham (pilgrimage), hot water ponds, various waterfalls, including Rupse waterfall, historical Marfa village, amazing Jomsom airport situated on the bank of Kali Gandaki river, Dumva Pokhri (a beautiful Himalayan lake), and many other places that can be seen as priceless sights.

Muktinath Dham (shrine) at the heart of Mustang:

There is a significant and sacred place in the heart of Mustang district, one hour’s drive from Jomsom. Its name is Muktinath Dham, a historical shrine of Hindus and Buddhists. This religious place is spectacular on the lap of a mountain. Thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal visit there.

In addition, Mustang is an attractive place to get Himalayan herbs, famous Thakali food, a store of Himalayan stone (Saligrama), Gurung, and Tibetan art, culture, and lifestyle.

Perhaps there is no easy way to see the mountain ranges reaching nearby anywhere else in Nepal like Mustang since our vehicles can reach every notable area of Mustang.

Mustang: Historical proud kingdom of Nepal

Upper Mustang was a hidden kingdom with a proud history in Nepal. Many fascinating structures and customs of the monarchy can still be found there.

Upper Mustang was once an independent kingdom, although closely tied by language and culture to Tibet. From the 15th to the 17th century, its strategic location granted Mustang control over the trade between the Himalayas and India.

At the end of the 18th century, the kingdom was annexed by Nepal and became dependent on the Kingdom of Nepal in 1795.

The monarchy ceased to exist on October 7, 2008, by order of the Government of Nepal. The last official and later unofficial king (raja or gyelpo) was Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (1930–2016).

Tour of Mustang may also be a study and observation of this mysterious place.

Spectacular Mountain Scenery

There are 85 snow peaks in the Mustang district alone. The highest mountain in the Mustang district is Nilgiri North, 7061 meters high, while the most famous and beautiful peak is Jakrijung Peak, 6300 meters high.

Mustang is also called the district beyond the Himalayas because to reach Mustang, one has to cross huge mountains above 7-8 thousand meters. After reaching the Mustang, those huge mountains are visible towards the south.

But to cross the high mountains, we reach Mustang through the corridor of Kali Gandaki or the road built on the banks of the river.

However, while crossing the mountains via the Kali Gandaki River, at some places, one can see the white Himalayas standing on both banks of the river as if they are falling on our heads.

Although Mustang looks beautiful and strange wherever we look, the Himalayan landscape on the hilly road from Kagbeni to Muktinath and on the open plains above Mustang is a mind-blowing sight.

This is an experience of such a wonderful view, which you can never get by watching a photo or video of the mountains taken by someone else on the camera.

Therefore, it can be said that the Mustang is a piece of heaven that has fallen in Nepal and is a golden destination to see in life.

How to reach Mustang?

Many vehicles, like buses or small jeeps, are available for Mustang from Nepal’s famous tourist city, Pokhara. However, the travel period for the Upper and Lower Mustang can take up to one week, so it’s better to go in a private or reserved vehicle rather than a rental car if you want to easily reach all significant spots of the Mustang.

Nowadays, tourist packages to Mustang are also available from anywhere in Nepal. These packages include the guide’s facility, food, and accommodation and are also much cheaper.

Apart from this, reserved helicopter and public airplane services are also available from Pokhara for Jomsom.

However, due to the need to cross very high mountains while going to the Mustang and due to sudden weather changes, the Jomsom air flight may get postponed many times.

Happy journey !!