Mustang Region which is in the central northern part of Nepal, the edge of the Tibetan plateau. The Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992 which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world. From the 18th century, Mustang has been the part of Nepal. Lo Manthang is the capital of Mustang which is a small town. Lo Manthang is filled up with narrow cliffs, caves, barren hills and surrounded by Tibetan culture and tradition.
There are two means of transportations to go to Mustang which are by road and by flight. The route carved through the Kali Gandaki River is the driving route and trekking way to go to Mustang. Similarly, flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom is another means to get into the Mustang. On the other hand, Helicopter is the fastest and reliable means to go to Mustang and it costs a lot more than other means of transportations.
Teahouse or local teahouses are easily available from the first day to the end of the trek in Mustang area (Mustang Trek). There are still some places which need fully organized trip e.g. Damodar Kunda Trek.
Festivals in Mustang area are very famous and many visitors go there to explore them around. Tilji festival is one of them which falls between April and May which is the third month of Tibetan Lunar Calendar. Monks perform spectacular dances in this festival which tell a Buddhist tale of good vs. evil. Yartung festival is another famous festival of Mustang (in Muktinath area). This festival falls in August. Horse racing, drinking, dancing etc. are the attractions of this festival. In the February time there is Saka Lhuka seed-sowing ceremonies. Monks recite religious books and new village leaders are appointed.
Kagbeni is the entry point of Upper Mustang which is three walk from Jomsom Airport. To go to Jomsom one has to walk, driving and flying from Pokhara. Buses run the Pokhara to Jomsom route in 13 hours. It is 25 minutes flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Similarly, it takes 5 days trekking from Pokhara to Jomsom via Ghorepani.
Mustang trek is the experience of life of true mountain people. Trekking in Mustang is similarity of trekking in Tibet because of the informality in the geography. Mustang region is rich in Buddhist culture which has big influence of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Mustang trek is moderate, and the highest point is 3,800 meters. This area is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty through the year. Upper Mustang has a transhimalayan climate which is cool and semi-arid. This area is in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges.
Thakalis and Gurung are the local inhabitant people of this area. This area has the unique walled settlement. Ponies are available on hiring to visit around. There is little grows without irrigation. Thus the region resembles a desert albeit mountainous, nuclear settlements in fertile areas.
Upper Mustang access is still highly restricted. Northern Kagbeni is the entrance to Upper Mustang. Trekkers need special trekking permit which is issued by the immigration office Nepal. W Adventures Pvt. Ltd. is specialized in organizing Upper Mustang Trek. This allows the trek to be completed within the 10-day period that the permit allows. This is the lowest raining area so is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during monsoons.
