Upper Mustang Trek combines the captivating scenery of the Himalayas and rich cultural and traditional experience in the trans-Himalayan region of nepal. Every year many visitors from all over the world travel to the land of the Himalayas Nepal for various adventurous experiences. One such location that has become extremely well-known for its beautiful landscape and thrilling adventure is the upper Mustang region, which lies in the north of Nepal. The unmatched trekking experiences on the Upper Mustang Trek take you through Nepal’s remote and culturally rich area.
Upper Mustang’s northwest highland shares a border with Tibet due to which most of the area is influenced by the culture and tradition of Tibetan heritage. Since Tibetan culture is so closely associated with the Upper Mustang, it is preserved in its purest form through the art and architecture of the structures of different monuments and landmarks in the Upper Mustang region. The area is comparatively remote from other regions of Nepal and one of the most beautiful places in the modern world, nestled between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Dry terrain under the Himalayan rain shadow, Upper Mustang is well-known for its incredible distinctiveness in trekking expeditions.
Trekkers experience a pleasant and blissful experience as they go deeper into the Upper Mustang as they pass through local ethnic settlements, finely carved monasteries and buildings, whitewashed mud-brick dwellings, and prayer flags waving in the breeze. The unchanging architecture and uninfluenced manner of life of the residents of each settlement stand as major witnesses to the raw and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle.
Major attractions of Upper Mustang Trek
We’ve listed some of the major attractions of the Upper Mustang trek. So make sure you read until the end.
Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is located near the border between Nepal and Tibet in a small valley at an elevation of 3750 meters. This region was formerly a province of Tibet, which then broke away to become the ancient kingdom of Lo locally known as Mustang a culturally rich location full of ancient and cultural history along the trekking path. Enclosed by massive mud walls it takes you through a different ancient and serene experince. Its winding alleyways, shabby homes, and historic structures communicate the history of the region.
The places are filled with traditional houses, caverns in the cliffs, Buddhist monasteries, and century-old fortress-style monasteries called Dzong. making this region a cultural landscape all around the world. The ethnic local communities and settlements scattered all around the region preserve the art, culture, and tradition of these regions in the best way possible. Beyond its breathtaking rich cultural heritage. Lo Manthang invites visitors to discover the beautiful natural beauty of the Upper Mustang.
Man-made sky caves
Another one of the main highlights of the upper Mustang trek is the 10,000 artificial caverns known as “Sky Caves,” which are carved out of the steep walls located within the cliffs of Mustang Valley. The sky caves of Upper Mustang are a remarkable example of centuries-old caves made by the residents of the region. These caves were supposed to have been utilized as burial chambers but over time people prioritized protection because the area was the subject of battles in the tenth century. Many families had relocated to the caves due to the frequent battles in the past. Therefore as time went by these caves carved by ancient local settlements on the soft sandstone cliffs, were used as storage spaces, residences, and meditation areas.
Archaeologists are finding priceless Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and antiques, as well as manuscripts with texts from both Buddhism and the Bon faith. Hence upper Mustang trek journey gives you a comprehensive history of humanity offering a new insight into the Buddhist culture and customs of the region.
Hot spring
Trekkers can find wellness and spa treatment in Upper Mustang’s natural hot springs which lie along the journey of the Upper Mustang trek. These thermal springs locally referred to as “tato pani,” are scattered throughout the region of the upper Mustang. This greatest gift of nature is known for naturally occurring minerals due to its geothermally warmness-generating properties. These properties of the hot springs are known to cure a wide range of conditions like skin issues, arthritis, blood flow and circulation issues, and many more.
You will come through several hot springs throughout your Upper Mustang trek, especially in places like Tatopani and Chhusang. It’s enjoyable to take a dip in a natural hot spring and to use the natural hot spring faucet. Relaxing in the lap of the beautiful Himalayas and landscape in the warm hot spring offers you a rich and pleasant experience.
Monasteries and gompas
Since the northwest side of the upper Mustang shares its border with Tibet, the Upper Mustang Trek takes you into the Nepalese territory that borders the Tibetan Plateau. Due to this region’s religion is predominantly Buddhism. So the Buddhist cultural heritage monuments like Choede Monastery and Thugchen Gompa, are among the many old monasteries that date back to centuries. Many more gompas and monasteries such as Thubchen Gompa, Luri Gompa, and Jampa Lhakhang are known for their stunning murals, statues, and spiritual atmosphere which reflects the belief in their religion.
People from all around the world are drawn to these historic landmarks, which have particular significance among the local ethnic settlements. Situated at the top of towering cliffs, several of these monasteries are concealed in valleys. Anybody interested in Buddhism and adventure will find the Upper Mustang trek to be an intriguing journey to take on. since each one has its history behind it ultimately contributing to the ethereal ambiance.
Magnificent mountains
The Upper Mustang trek takes you through the breathtaking and majestic Himalayas and deep valleys at every turn in the Upper Mustang region. You will travel in the presence of beautiful snowcapped peaks of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri with a jaw-dropping background of clear blue sky. The magnificent Annapurna Range is also one of the main highlights of the upper Mustang trek. Being in the shadow of the Annapurna mountain and viewing the alluring sunset and sunrise gives you a one-of-a-kind experience.
The trans-Himalayan zone is the main cause of the cloud’s inability to reach this region, leaving the town desolate. And even in the rainy season, it is one of the least rain-affected regions in Nepal. Kali Gandaki River Valley, a basin created by the river’s deep downcutting of the Himalayan Plateau is also one of the many attractions of the Upper Mustang trek.
Some other highlights of the Upper Mustang trek
- Visit the Chhoser region for an amazing cultural experience. There are ancient monasteries and caves, one of which has 45 rooms and nine staircases.
- View Korala Tibetan high terrain, a striking location of upper Mustang the border between Nepal and Tibet.
- Experience the Tiji festival which is held in May and is the main festival of the communities in the Upper Mustang region.
- Visit the Highlights of Upper Mustang the Damodar Kunda Lake which originates from the Kali Gandaki River and is the main source of the fossil stones
- Travel through the deep-rooted Tibetan culture and traditional villages like Kagbeni, Chhusang, Ghiling, Ghami, Dhakmar, and TsarangÂ
- Visit the attractions in the upper Mustang Trekking area like the longest Mani Wall, the Red Cliff of Dhakmar, and many more breathtaking scenery.
- Discover the rich history, customs, and way of life of the Tibetan people by immersing yourself in Upper Mustang’s culture.
- One of the main upper Mustang trek highlights is interacting with the kind and pleasant local Buddhist inhabitants. Renowned for their friendliness and warmth.
Conclusion
Trekkers looking for an authentic experience through the beautiful serene natural beauty along with rich cultural monuments landmarks and settlements which has a history on their own can consider the Upper Mustang trek. The Upper Mustang Trek takes you through a promising and amazing experience that encapsulates the essence of the Himalayas and the history of the Upper Mustang. The trip offers an experience that will have a lasting effect on anyone who embarks on it. So be quick and get on the journey to Mustang the forbidden kingdom of nepal.
Get detail: https://ambitionhimalaya.com/upper-mustang-trek/
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