Mustang, Nepal- The Only Forbidden Kingdom in Nepal
Du tibétain, Mun Tang signifiant plaine fertile, le Mustang ou Royaume de Lo est une région située dans le Nord-Est du Népal. Le territoire historique correspond aux deux-tiers nord du district de Mustang (मुस्ताङ जिल्ला, mustāṅa jillā, un des 75 districts népalais), et fut longtemps interdit d'accès aux étrangers. Aujourd'hui, les autorités népalaises autorisent l'entrée de quelques centaines de visiteurs par an.
Trekking in Nepal is also changing. Many assume walking in the Himalayas is only for rugged types who enjoy roughing it. That was true in 1953, when Everest was first climbed and Nepal trekking didn't exist. Now there are new ways to experience the Himalayas: luxury lodges for those looking to take in the views with a bit of comfort; treks that focus as much on culture as scenery; and new lodges and homestays for those who want to relax and get beneath the surface of Himalayan life. Our travel experts have not only researched but also lived and breathed most destinations around Nepal. We know how best to avoid tourist traps and go beyond run-of-the-mill experiences. Travel is about inspiration. Your travel dreams inspire us to plan and design a unique experience just for you. All you need is an idea, we’ll take care of the rest.
The Upper Mustang comprise the northern two-thirds of Mustang District of Dhawalagiri Zone, Nepal. The southern third of the district is called Thak and is the homeland of the Thakali, who speak the Thakali language, and whose culture combines Tibetan and Nepalese elements. Life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry and trade.
Mustang's status as a kingdom ended in 2008 when its suzerain Kingdom of Nepal became a republic. The influence of the outside world, especially China, is growing and contributing to rapid change in the lives of Mustang's people.
History describes Mustang as an independent Kingdom, ancient commercial route between Tibet and India, Sakyapa Buddhist land where Kampa Warriors lived and tried to reorganized their power against China. Here was the land where Milarepa, one of the most important Buddhist Mystic Guru, prayed for years.
Mustang has been opened to foreign tourism in 1992. Mustang region is populated by Tibetan people, and the history of this kingdom is a legend all over the Hmalayan land.
To go there, you need to reach Pokhara by flight from Kathmandu, or by bus in a long way through the Prithvi Highway (from 6 to 8 hours, it costs no more than 12$). Then you can go to Jomsom by jeep or by flight (20 minutes) or walking for 3 days. Jomsom is the starting point to explore Lo’s Kingdom.
Upper Mustang trek can also be done as part of the Annapurna Circuit trek (It will require travel agency to arrange guide's trip to Kagbeni for a set date). It will take approximately 9 days to walk from Besi Sahar to Kagbeni if you are doing classic Circuit route without side treks.
Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking area and as such will require a restricted area permit, cost is $500 for 10 days. It is also possible to overstay 10 days limit, but you will have to pay additional 50$ for each day. A guide is required, only group trek is permitted, of at least two trekkers, which does not include the guide. Permits and trek arrangements must be made through a recognized trekking company.
The Mustang region of northern-central Nepal is unlike any other place in the country, it is characterized by its barren, windswept humps of mountain desert earth, all shades of pink, purple, brown, and gray. Travel to Upper Mustang, Mustang’s cultural and political center, is exceptionally more difficult. The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.
To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will 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. In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, making it a great monsoon trek and open year-round for trekking. The main consideration is the winter, when most residents leave the capital to avoid the cold and snow. Generally, the best time to visit Upper Mustang is from March to early November. As with other treks in Nepal, teahouses are available along the entire trek in Upper Mustang. Teahouses are simple houses, often the home of the family that runs them, and offer basic meals in a communal eating hall along with bedrooms, usually with two single beds.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area and up till 1992 it was forbidden for foreign visitors to enter the kingdom. Nowadays foreigners are welcome to Upper Mustang for a permit fee of US$ 500 (to be arranged through a trekking agency and valid for 10 days, each additional day costs US$ 50).
The Mustang Trek begins in the capital, Kathmandu, where you are given a tour of the city and settled in for the night. The second day you travel by plane to Pokhara and then again the next day to Jomsom where you are given a tour of the surrounding area. Jomsom village is beautiful placed just under a group of compact mountains called Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, which stand at a height of 8000 meters. The tour doesn't end here; Muktinath is the last destination bringing everyone to the edge of this mystery kingdom. Muktinath is a monastery used by both Buddhists and Hindus and is considered a sacred and holy building.
From Muktinath you are taken on horseback down through the cliffs to the lower parts of Mustang where you are able to see the vast Kali Gandaki River. You are led through a number of passes in the upper parts of Mustang, like the Nyi La pass that stands at a height of 3990 meters. As we head to Lo-Monthang, an impressive walled town, stop-offs will be taken in villages along the route for the nights rest. Lo-Monthang is extraordinary and one can understand why if you consider the fact that the Mustang Raja, or King, has taken up residence here. After exploring the village and its red walled monasteries and temples the adventure comes to an end and the trip back to Kathmandu begins.
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