9 things to do in Upper Mustang

The forbidden kingdom of Mustang is the last enclave of medieval Tibet. The word Mustang means the planes of aspiration. Mustang was the southernmost independent kingdom of medieval Tibet. Being along the trans-Himalayan trade route of Kali Gandaki valley, the kingdom was more civilized and prosperous. Archaeological findings and historical evidence have shown that Mustang had the best art and culture of the medieval Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateaus. 
Although Tibet suffered greatly during the Cultural Revolution, Mustang remained aloof from the rest of the world until 1992. 
The guide book 'Lonely Planet' fears that Mustang is fast changing. Mustang is featured in documentaries and articles by National geographic channel. Mustang : A Lost Tibetan Kingdom, is still one of the best selling travelogues by Michael Pascal who travelled to Mustang in 1955. The world's best sellers travel book '1,000 Places to See Before You Die' also features Mustang as one of the must visit places in the world.

Here is a list of 9 things to do and see in your Upper Mustang trip.

1. The world's deepest gorge 

   A road to Upper Mustang traverses through the Kali Gandaki Corridor which is the world's deepest gorge. Kali Gandaki valley is wedged between Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m). Stay in the Ghasa village or Naurikot village to enjoy the change in landscape from lush southern valley to windswept northern arid landscape. One can also observe a beautiful sunset over the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks from these villages. 
   

2. Marpha village and Tibetan refugee camp of Chhairo 

   Known as appel paradise, Marpha is one of the typical Thakali villages in the lower Mustang. A Buddhist Khani door leads into the compactly fitted quaint stone-lined houses accessed by narrow cobblestone alleys. Houses are quadrangular with an open square in the center which is bright and sunny but is protected from the strong wind. Mud roofs have a stack of wood stored for winter. 

   Cross the suspension bridge over Kaligandaki River to the Tibetan refugee camp next to the 16th century Chhairo Gonpa. This was one of the Khampa rebels who fled Tibet after 1969. 

3. Muktinath, Lubra and Kagbeni 

   Muktinath is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. At the moment it is a complex of Hindu and Buddhist temples with 108 taps which is believed to be empowered to dispense water from the holy Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. The eternal flame on water in one of the monasteries symbolizes the four elements which are the building blocks of existence. 
   Similarly Lubra is the last Bonpo village. Kagbeni in the corridor of Upper Mustang has one of the oldest monasteries of the region. 

   

4. Chungsi Rachung cave

   Ranchung Chungsi cave is one of the sky caves perched on a sandstone cliff in a narrow valley that shelters vultures. The cave is believed as one of the ancient meditation caves used by Guru Padmashambhava himself. Monks who stay there for meditation have made living quarters and praying room inside the cave which also have several self arisen images. Its serene and awe-inspiring location and high spiritual value make it one of the must visit place in Upper Mustang. 

5. Luri Gonpa and Tashi Kabum 

   A detour of Luri Kabung and Tashi Kabum take you to more pristine eastern corners of the Kali Gandaki corridor. Both caves have beautiful Stupas with mural paintings dating back to 15 - 16th century. A day trip from Tsarang village first gets down to deep Kali Gandaki valley and then follow the Puyung River upstream. The journey is famous for scenery of bizarre rock and mud cliffs sculpted in dramatic shapes by wind and rain over hundreds of years. Vibrant natural colors with white peaks make its landscape appear as a mosaic.  
    

6. Ghar Gonpa and Tsarang 

   Tsarang or Charang village is the former capital of the Mustang kingdom. The village still has a palace ruin and a 14th century red gompa. 

   Ghar Gompa or Lo Gekar monastery is the oldest monastery in the entire Tibet. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava chased the ogress who disturbed the construction of Samye monastery to Mustang where she was subjugated. Ghar Gompa was built over the heart of the ogress. The monastery stands in the middle of a complex of chortens at the altitude of 3,950 m. 

7. Butter tea with nomads of Mustang

   There are still few nomad families in Upper Mustang who move seasonally with their yaks and goats. Nomads were reluctant to change their livelihood after the political dynamics between Tibet and Mustang changed. They are found within the rangeland of Mustang with their exact location changed with season.  Visit the nomad tent early in the morning to share a butter tea in their tents and listen their story. 

8. Inside the walled city of Lomanthang

   Walking inside the walled city of Lo Manthang is akin to stepping back in time. The fortified walls towering around this ancient capital protect a laid-back medieval Tibetan culture and lifestyle. The 6 meter rammed earth brick wall with square towers (Dzong) in the corners compactly fits in 150 households and two monasteries. The maze like narrow cobblestone streets leads to traditional houses in white decorated in prayer flags, chortens and yak horns protecting the entrances. A key highlight is the impressive Thubchen Gompa, a majestic monastery adorned with detailed murals and ancient relics, which offers insight into the region's spiritual heritage.

9. Nifu Gonpa and Chhoser cave 

   A detour of Lo Nifu gonpa and Chhosar cave gives much deeper insight into the remote village life of Mustang. Lo Nifu monastery appears unique on the rockface. Most of the households of Chosar village are still using caves as storage and animal shelters.  Shija Jhong cave also known as Chhoser cave is one of the 10,000 sky caves of Mustang which is open for foreigners to explore. The cave has interconnecting 40 rooms spread in five floors accessed by log ladder.

Upper Mustang Tour
Driving tour of the lost Tibetan Kngdom of Nepal based on luxury resorts.