10 Things To See In Upper Mustang

By Author: Rabi AC
Total Articles: 23
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Upper Mustang, situated in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, has been highlighted in the renowned book '1000 places to see before you die'. This secluded kingdom is a rectangular piece of land that extends into Tibetan territory on the map of Nepal. Despite being under Nepalese jurisdiction, Upper Mustang managed to avoid the conflicts that Tibet endured for centuries, earning it the title of the 'Tibet outside of Tibet'.

Due to the expansion of the dirt road, embarking on a road trip to Mustang is gaining popularity. This trend is evolving into a mountain biking, motor-biking, and off-road adventure journey. Opting for a jeep tour not only saves time and energy but also allows travelers to dedicate more time to exploring the historical and archaeological wonders of Upper Mustang.

Here are 10 must visit places in a road trip to Upper Mustang.

1) World's deepest valley

Stay in the Kalopani village to admire the world's deepest valley, the Kali Gandaki valley, situated between the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri ...
... (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m). The dramatic shift in flora and terrain as we journey through the gorge is truly breathtaking. Take the opportunity to stay overnight in Kalopani village and marvel at the stunning vistas of both Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri.

2) Explore Thakali village

Thakali, an ethnic group residing in the highlands of Nepal, has inhabited lower Mustang for approximately a millennium. Originating from Tibet, they have introduced various cultural traditions from ancient Tibet. Situated on the well-known trans-Himalayan trade route, Thakali people are famous for their warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Tukuche and Marpha stand out as the largest Thakali settlements in the region. Exploring the narrow cobblestone streets lined with stone and mud houses is a must. The houses, characterized by quadrangular structures and inviting sunny courtyards, are renowned for their apple orchards and distilleries.

3) Lubra, the only Bonpo village

Bon is the traditional faith observed in Tibet and is currently at risk of disappearing. In the lower Mustang area, there are just a few Bon families, and Lubra is the only Bon village with around 15 households. At the center of the village is Lubra Gompa, a Bonpo monastery founded by Lubragpa, a well-known Bon scholar from the 11th century. Tucked away from the classic tourist trail, the village still exhibits the authentic architecture and culture of the region.

4) Kagbeni Village
The medieval village is a fascinating sight, with tightly packed adobe houses, narrow alleys, and impressive Chhortens. It is located in a lush oasis, dominated by a 15th-century red monastery. The name "Kag" in "Kagbeni" originally meant "Ghag," which signifies center, making it a central hub for the nearby villages of Jomsom to the south and Muktinath to the east. The Nepali word "Beni" signifies the confluence of two rivers, and indeed Kagbeni is situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers. The village still retains the appearance of a fortified town and has a rich cultural heritage. It played a significant role during the period of the "Salt Trade" between Tibet and Nepal.

5) The sacred Muktinath
Muktinath, located at an altitude of 3,800 m, is highly revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus view it as the sacred spot where they can encounter lord Visnu in the form of Saligram (ammonite), while Buddhists see it as the place where Guru Rinpoche meditated on his way to Tibet. In addition to its religious significance, Muktinath offers stunning vistas of the Kali Gandaki valley and over a dozen snow-capped peaks.

6) Ranchung Cave monastery
Ranchung cave, also referred to as Chungsi cave, can be found along the path to upper Mustang, situated between Summer and Syangboche village. This sacred sky cave functions as a monastery and is a well-known destination for pilgrims in Mustang. According to legend, Guru Ringpoche engaged in meditation within this cave in the 8th century. The walls of Ranchung cave in Upper Mustang are decorated with naturally occurring deities that appear to have manifested spontaneously. Moreover, minerals found in the rocks inside the cave have been used in Tibetan medicinal traditions.

7) The 8th century Ghar Gonpa
Ghar Gompa, also known as Lo Gekar, holds the distinction of being the oldest monastery in Mustang as well as in all of Tibet. According to tradition, the Indian master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) founded the monastery after taming the local deities, prior to establishing the first Tibetan monastery, Samye. This Himalayan monastery is a repository of ancient scriptures, murals, and paintings portraying the life of Buddha and Guru Rinpoche.

8) The earthen walled city of Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang, a city surrounded by earthen walls, was once the capital of the Tibetan kingdom until it came under the rule of the Gurkha king of Nepal. Founded in the 15th Century on a high plateau at 3800 meters above sea level, this city is situated along the historic trade route that runs alongside the Kali Gandaki River in the Himalayas. Surrounded by a 6-meter tall earthen wall with square towers at each corner, the town comprises of earthen buildings housing 150 families, a palace, and two monasteries.

9) The sky cave of Chhoser

Upper Mustang is home to more than 10,000 sky caves, with a significant number of them situated in high, unreachable cliffs. Archaeologists have discovered mural arts, burial remains, and artifacts dating back to the 10th century BC. Among these caves is Jhong cave, a honeycomb cave with forty rooms spread across five floors, which is open to tourists.

10) The cave monastery Luri Gumba
Luri Gumba is an iconic Buddhist monastery in Upper Mustang dating back to 13th century. The monastery stands as a remarkable architectural marvel, hewn from the sandstone cliffs. It comprises a network of interconnected caves, chortens, and prayer flags. Within the caves, intricate murals illustrate the life of Buddha and his profound teachings.

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While serving as a leader at iTourNepal, I had the chance to delve into the history, culture, and archaeological discoveries of Upper Mustang. This region is considered the final remnants of medieval Tibet. For further information on Upper Mustang, please visit our Nepal Tour website. We have been organizing treks and tours in Upper Mustang since 1992. Despite our disapproval of road extensions in this delicate area, the government aimed to link all regions of Nepal with the central hubs and capital. Nevertheless, our tours are committed to adhering to sustainable tourism practices in order to safeguard the local culture and environment.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I like trekking and discovering new places. I have a degree in culture and love to read non fiction books. I also write travel journals and blogs.