MUSTANG TREK IN NEPAL

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MUSTANG TREK IN NEPAL The Mustang trek is the gateway to the mysterious world of the Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang, which was officially opened by the government of Nepal in 1992.

Amazingly this place is between Tibet and Himalayas which makes this place different and astonishing from the rest of the world.

The Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang is also known as Lo. Lo used to be a part of the Tibet Empire in the past, so it is closely related to Tibet. Mustang trek in Nepal’s most demanding trek route.

This place is totally different without the influence of modern society. People living here have been protecting the arts and culture which was practiced in the past. Tibetan Buddhism is still being practiced in a very pure form, and villages are built in Tibetan style, with white-washed typical houses with firewood tucked on the roofs. Not only is the culture, but the landscape is also very much related to Tibet.

Mustang Monastery This region is dry and parched. Because of its Landscape, rainfall is very limited.

This region has been in isolation for a long period of time. It is also one of the reasons which helped to protect these regions’ arts and culture in its pure form. In

this region, outsiders were forbidden until recently it was taken under control of the Nepal Government. People trekking here might be amazed.

MUSTANG TREK HIGHLIGHTS 1. Trekkers will be able to explore a different world. A world out of everyone’s expectation.

2. Trekkers will be able to see and feel the history of Lo Manthang. Also, they would be able to explore the palace of King Lo. 3. Trekkers will be able to enjoy the pure Tibetan arts and cultures from ancient times.

4. Trekkers would be able to walk freely without being cautious of rainfall. This region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

5. Trekkers will be able to observe or have a glimpse of Tibetan society with different ancient houses, flapping prayer flags, monasteries, Gompas and many more.

6. Trekkers will also be able to see an astonishing view of mountains and mountain ranges such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, etc.

PERMIT COST There is a restriction in the Upper Mustang Trek as well as Lower Mustang Trek.

This trek is fairly easy but sometimes it is windier. A special trek permit cost is the US $ 500 per person just for 10 days to Lomanthang. If a person’s time exceeds 10 days, then that person should pay $50 per day. There is no advance technology for booking the special permit in advance. Besides that, a person should also need an Annapurna conservation permit which additionally cost the US $ 23. But entry permit is not required for a national trekker.

So, to enter Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang trek route, each and every tourist has to pay the permit cost.

BEST SEASON FOR MUSTANG TREK Mustang trek is favorable in all seasons. But sometimes there are winter storms in January and February. Most of the trekkers trek this region during the months from September to November. This period of time is most favorable and sometimes becomes the busiest season for Mustang trek. This trek is also favorable in Monsoon as it lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. All the mountains are clearly visible in this season.

Beautiful Mustang Trek During the months from December to January, very few trekkers visit this region.

In these months, the weather is generally cold and icy. In these months weather pattern also changes fast due to which prediction of weather is difficult. From March to April, it is a good time for trekking. The weather in these months is also favorable for trekking as the weather not too cold, and the skies are clear, and beautiful views can be seen.

ROUTE FOR MUSTANG TREK There are many routes for the Mustang trek. The best and most convenient way to get to Upper Mustang is to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and start the trek from there. Trekkers should follow the famous Kali Gandaki River (world’s deepest gorge) upstream to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, the restricted area of the upper mustang starts where trekkers need to pay for the special permits. However, it is worthwhile to pay a visit to the famous pilgrim destination of Muktinath before heading north into Upper Mustang.

From Kagbeni, the trek goes northwards and leads to Lo Manthang in 4 to 5 days.

Trekkers cross pass after pass, which is all between 3,500 and 4,000 m. Trekkers can return partly in a different way through Dhakmar, crossing two passes of around 4,200 m. Close to Dhakmar Trekkers can find the oldest Tibetan monastery

in the world, the Lo Gekar Monastery. Lo Gekar Monastery was built in the 8th century by the famous Tibetan magician Guru Rinpoche. It is said that he killed a powerful demon and the blood of the demon has painted the rocks around Dhakmar bright red.

DIFFICULTIES WHILE MUSTANG TREK For Mustang trekking, there are fewer difficulties. A trekker must only be experienced in walking and for about 6 to 7 hours straight a day. Since the climate is also favorable for trekking throughout the year except for unpredicted winter storm. There are no luxury restaurants or hotels so trekkers shouldn’t go except for grand stay. Since rainfall is in a very limited amount, the roads are dusty. Hence a trekker should be mentally and physically prepared to walk on dust.

Mustang Valley So, for a trekker who are experienced, this trek is easy and worthwhile. But for people who are new in trekking, they may have difficulties to some degree such as problems in walking for a long period of time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR MUSTANG TREK The trekking equipment for Mustang trek is completely different from other famous trekking areas in Nepal. Mustang wind blows at high speed which makes Mustang trek more adventurous. Land in this region is dry just like in some sort of deserts. In this region, there are sudden changes seen in the environment. For these reasons, a trekker should be prepared. Some of the necessary items are mentioned below:

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Windproof and Dustproof Clothes It is a very necessary item while trekking in mustang. It will be hard for trekking without these clothes because the environment in this region is dusty and windy, which makes these clothes more important.

Water Bottles Trekkers should carry water with them so that they won’t be without water. Water is very essential in this trek as the area is very dry.

Airtight and UV protection Sunglasses The trekking areas in mustang are very windy and dusty. To protect trekkers’ eyes from wind, dust and sunlight, an airtight sunglass is a must.

Proper dust mask A mask is also another necessary item for mustang trek. There will be fewer worries for trekkers from the dusty area. They will be able to trek in a very suitable position.

First Aid Kit Even though this trek is less dangerous than other trekking sites in Nepal, a first aid kit is a necessary material. It can also be a lifesaver at times.

PLACES TO VISIT DURING MUSTANG TREK There are many places to visit in Mustang during the trek. Some of the famous places mostly visited are mentioned below.

Lower Mustang Trek

THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM OF LO The Kingdom of Lo is very famous for its ancient structures and houses. This place is like an ancient place full of pure arts and cultures. People visiting here might feel that they have time-traveled to ancient times. The region has managed to play itself as a time-capsule that has captured the historic Tibetan Buddhist culture as it was practiced thousands of years ago. The walls around the Lo manthang but the

landscape is also to be constructed by a warrior from western Tibet defeating the local warlords that ruled the land.

GOMPAS AND MONASTERIES Trekkers are likely to be encountered by many Gompas and Buddhist monasteries.

Trekkers should take time to explore these gompas and monasteries as it was built in ancient times. Their trekkers can find ancient religious manuscripts, images and arts which are preserved by the people living in those areas. Monasteries such as Tsarang, Lo-Gekar, Namgyal etc are famous monasteries.

MYSTERIOUS CAVES While trekking in mustang trekkers should also take time to visit different caves.

There are not only natural caves but also human-made caves. Although research on the mysteries caves of Mustang has only been going on since 2007, researchers have found wonders of caves dug into the cliff sides and tunneled in from above.

Considered archeological mysteries, the caves are fascinating to explore while trekking. These caves are home to over ten thousand hollowed spaces on rocks and grounds.

Conclusively, Mustang trek is an easy and adventurous trek. The areas around the trek are very fascinating and unavoidable. Various mysterious caves and houses can be found. While trekking, they can also enjoy beautiful views of mountains as well as learn about the Tibetan lifestyles and festivals. Tiji festival is a famous festival of this region. Trekkers will also be able to feel about ancient times.