Exploring the Hidden Kingdom: Culture & Adventure in Upper Mustang Trek

Nepal is probably the only country in the world where you get to experience diversity in terms of nature and culture. Therefore, many people refer this tiny Himalayan country as the nation blessed by gods and goddesses. All these natural wonders and cultural wonders are surely the evidence that the country is indeed blessed by the heavenly bodies. Among several mystical and mythical places of Nepal, the Upper mustang stands out tall. Therefore, today’s blog is about exploring the hidden kingdom: culture & adventure in Upper Mustang Trek. Make sure that you read each and every part of this blog to know more about this forbidden kingdom up in the Himalayas.

Do you know that the Upper Mustang region of Nepal offers the timeless experiences? Yes, while exploring this beautiful region, trekkers can sense that they have entered the wrong universe. The landscape, people, and traditions make you realize that such place exists in this modern world. Therefore, many people inquire about the place and wish to visit this restricted region of Nepal. Today’s blog is to lighten about some of the hidden facts and ways to do various holiday activities in the region.

Let’s go deeper into this blog “Exploring the Hidden Kingdom: Culture & Adventure in Upper Mustang Trek”.

Upper Mustang Region of Nepal

The location of the Upper Mustang region of Nepal is in the West inside the Gandaki Province and Mustang district. The majority of the trekking activities happen inside the Lomanthang Rural Municipality. The region is under the restricted area of Nepal which requires special permits and rules to be followed by the visitors. Solo or independent tour or trekking activities are not possible in the area. You must hire a guide and trek in a group with at least two travelers. The special restricted area permit for the Upper Mustang is 500 $ for 10 days with additional 50 $ for each extra day. It is a single entry permit issued to each individual. Besides restricted area permit, you also need Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit which costs NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC citizens.

 How to explore Upper Mustang?

Are you looking for ways to explore the Upper Mustang region of Nepal? There are three ways to explore the region. The most popular activity to do in the region is the Upper Mustang Trek. For a cultural immersion, the Tiji Festival Trek is also an option. To those who couldn’t walk for hours, the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is an ideal choice. Similarly, travelers can also choose to do either motor bike tour or cycling tour in the region. “Exploring the Hidden Kingdom: Culture & Adventure in Upper Mustang Trek” can be tricky if you don’t pay attention to the detail.

Upper Mustang Trek

The journey of the Upper Mustang trek is like entering into the new realm or hidden world of beauty where time has stopped. In the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, the region is mainly untouched by the modernization and the people are still serious about conserving their ancient Tibetan heritages. The trek takes you through rugged terrain, soil erosion formed cliffs, and villages that seem to be frozen in time. As you trek along the narrow gorges and alleys, you will encounter massive centuries old monasteries and prayer wheels everywhere. The splendid landscapes of the Himalayan deserts with the sight of towering mountains in the distance, the journey is definitely not to miss out for. It is indeed a journey that connects you to the unique geography and people.

Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang

Do you prefer not to do long and arduous walking holiday? If yes, then look no further than the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Moreover, the trip is the perfect getaway to collect mesmerizing memories of driving through dusty roads with fascinating landscape scenery from your jeep window. Catch the glimpses of life in one of the world’s last remaining forbidden kingdom (culturally). While the jeep tour might not involve hours of walking, it definitely offers momentous adventure that combines comfort and authenticity.

Tiji Festival Trek

Check the dates of Tiji Festival. The date changes every year. This is not only the walking adventure but the Tiji Festival Trek is purely the culturally immersive walking holiday. Witness the colorful dances, rituals, and music performed in the fabled monasteries of the region. The festival runs for three days to mark the victory of good over evil. The story of Dorje Jono and the local legends can surely enhance your trekking experiences. The best way to do the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is by booking the trip including the dates of the festival. Similarly, the journey can be magical as well as spiritual. In addition, you will not only connect with the unique geography of the place but also connect with the harmonious Lobo people of the region.

Why Upper Mustang is called hidden kingdom of Nepal?

Most of the northern regions of Nepal bordering Tibet (Autonomous region of People’s Republic of China) are listed under the restricted region of Nepal. It is to protect the unique cultural and natural heritages of the region. In addition, it is also to ensure that Nepalese territory is not used by others against China with whom Nepal has the foreign policy of One China Policy.

Besides these facts, the region is beyond mountains which are also famously known as “Himal Paariko Gaun” in Nepali language. It seems like the region is surrounded by mountains and hidden to the world. Moreover, the place was opened not long ago to the general public with strict rules and regulations.

When is the best time to visit Upper Mustang? Is it rain shadow area of Nepal?

The best time to visit Upper Mustang region of Nepal is during the months of spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). Moreover, these seasons in Nepal are ideal for any kinds of adventures and trekking activities. The skies are clear and the trail is dry with not much of rainfall and snowfall. Therefore, people prefer to visit during this time of the year. Interestingly, the Upper Mustang region is also equally perfect to visit during the monsoon season (June – August). The area is beyond mountains. Therefore, little rainfall occurs making the place the Himalayan desert. So, it is okay to visit during the monsoon season as well due to its rain shadow characteristics.

Exploring the Hidden Kingdom: Culture & Adventure in Upper Mustang Trek

Why do you need to visit the Upper Mustang Nepal? Well, exploring the hidden kingdom: culture & adventure in Upper Mustang Trek is always enticing. Moreover, there are many unique things and attractions that compel you to visit this amazing place up in the Himalayas of the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Culture and Traditions of Upper Mustang (Festivals & Polyandry Marriage System)

Lower Mustang region is the home of the Thakali people and the Upper Mustang region is the home of the Lo or Lobo people. Lobo is people who migrated from Tibet thousands of years ago and settled in the valley. They speak unique Tibetan language and follow traditional Tibetan culture strictly. Interestingly, these people have the polyandry marriage system in which a woman marries two or more brothers from the same family.

Major festivals of the region are Tiji festival as mentioned above, Lhosar, and Yartung. All these festivals provide the cultural insights of the region.

Monarchy in Lomanthang

Until 2007, the region used to have traditional and formal king but the abolishment of monarchy in Nepal prompted the region also to not practice monarchy formally. However, the cultural royal family still exists in the region and they become active during the local celebrations and festivals. The last king of the region is Late Jigme Palbar Bista.

Mythical Hill Caves & Monasteries

Exploring Upper Mustang means to get close to the nature and spiritual side of the region. There are many hidden caves and meditation holes in the cliffs of the region. Besides these caves, there are many monasteries which are believed to be 700 to 800 years old. Therefore, the trek or tour of this place is also about exploring the mythical and mystical places of the region.

Kaligandaki Gorge and Fossils (Shaligrams)

The world’s deepest gorge is the Kaligandaki gorge. The river is significant in terms of Hindu mythology as well. The stone avatar of Lord Vishnu according to many holy books of the Hindu mythology state that the fossils found on the banks of the Kaligandaki River are the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Himalayan Desert Landscape

Beyond mountains, the soil erosion due to high winds and rain shadow character has naturally crafted lots of red cliffs in the region. These natural architectures are great sights to behold and learn about the geography.

I hope that the blog with title “Exploring the Hidden Kingdom: Culture & Adventure in Upper Mustang Trek” has helped you to plan for the trip. If you are still in confusion about the trip, then don’t hesitate to contact us.