Trekking in Nepal is really one of the most gratifying experiences
you can ever acquire. You will also get a chance to explore the ancient society
that has been untouched by modernization for centuries. Mustang is one
of Nepal's most mysterious and least known kingdoms. The landscape is a barren
moonscape of eroded sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces, which
together present a colorful mosaic made up principally of earthen reds, yellows
and brown. Trekking is relatively easy along the permitted route to Lo Manthang,
the capital city which lies close to the Tibetan border.
Trekking in Mustang region is through an almost treeless barren landscape. Strong winds
generally howl across the area in the afternoon, generally subsiding at night.
Being in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Mustang has much less rain than the
rest of Nepal. Mustang lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas is perhaps the
last enclave of pristine Tibetan culture. Forbidden and isolated from the rest
of the world for decades, it was able to evolve within its own distinctive
culture and traditional which is so rich and unique. Lo Manthang, the capital
city is walled and still ruled by a religious and spiritual king. Untouched by
modern civilization, life in Mustang goes on as it has for centuries in
unhurried pace.
To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. 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, Upper Mustang Trek 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 was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some
fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted. To enter
Upper Mustang, that is to travel further north from Kagbeni, trekkers need
special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed
officer. Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the
regions in the country suitable for trekking even during monsoons. During this
time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional
rainfall.
