All about Mustang Nepal: Jomsom and Upper Mustang Trek

Mustang valley Nepal, photo by Ali Sabbagh, flickr

Mustang is a district in the northern Himalayan region of Nepal and Jomsom is its capital or the headquarter.  This rural, yet geologically, culturally, historically and the topographically distinct district is in the Gandaki Province of Nepal and possesses many high-altitude snowy mountains that extend northward up to the Tibetan plateau. This district is one of the ancient Kingdom Nepal which consists of many highest peaks (above 7000 meters) of the world including Mount Dhaulagiri, which is the 7th tallest mountain in the world. The entire district is in the Annapurna conservation area, which consists of the world-famous trekking route, Annapurna circuit. Mustang is famous for mountains, trekking, caves, Kali Gandaki River, Muktinath Temple, Tibetan culture, and incredible rugged landscapes.

What is Mustang valley in Nepal famous for?

Horse and mules carrying baggage in Mustang. Picture by Katherine Holte, flickr

Being in the mountainous region Mustang is famous for its high-altitude mountains, gorges, rivers, streams, cascades, grey hills, blue sky as well as the beautiful view of dry and cool looking beautiful landscapes. The district is in the rain shadow means that you can go for trekking in Mustang, even if the rest of the part of the country experiences the rainy season. Every year visitors from different part the world goes to Mustang for trekking and hiking as a most awaited adventurous activity. Besides mountains, this district has lots of Sky caves also known as Mustang caves which are a collection of man-made caves dug into Mustang valley.  These caves are located in the steep valley walls of the Kali Gandaki river in Upper Mustang. Furthermore, this is a holy land for Hinduism and Buddhism, where the Muktinath Temple is located. 

How far is Mustang from Kathmandu?

Busses and Jeep to Mustang Picture by Kathrine Holte, flickr

Mustang is one of the accessible trekking destinations from Kathmandu. Anyone can reach up to Muktinath, temple via four-wheeler or motorbike from Kathmandu. Busses and micro-buses are available from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu and they will carry you up to Beni. From Beni, you can get into a local bus or jeep to Jomsom that leaves on a specific time interval. Further, from Jomsom to Muktinath other buses are available. Muktinath temple is about 93 km from Beni and usually takes all day because of the difficult and unsealed road conditions. Alternatively, you can fly to Jomsom from Kathamandu and then can hire jeep up to the Muktinath Temple.

Culture of Mustang: How it looks like

Mustang Nepal Stupa Picture by Rolf Sigmund, flickr

Since Mustang is located in the Tibetan borderline of Nepal the entire district has a direct influence of Buddhism and an overall Tibetan culture and religion. Monasteries, stupas, nuns, and monks in red robes, prayer wheels, prayer flags, stone walls, mud-walled towns and women in colorful red striped Tibetan clothes are common sights you can see in Mustang valley. Yes, visiting this area is a rare privilege for anyone to discover the true mountain lives. Hinduism dominates the lower part whereas Tibetan Buddhism predominates in the upper region.

What is the best time to visit Mustang?

You can visit the Mustang valley from the starting of March till late December. However, June to September is considered the best time of the year to visit this natural gem on earth. As Upper Mustang lies in rain shadow, you can opt to visit this part even in monsoon season. This is one of the characteristic features of Upper Mustang.

The famous Mustang trek Nepal

Jomsom in Lower Mustang is a gateway Upper Mustang Trek

Jomsom Nepal, Photo by Jwalanta Shrestha, Flickr

Mustang district is divided into sub-regions i.e Upper and lower Mustang. Until 9992 visitors were not allowed to visit in upper Mustang, and this is the case somehow exist at present also. To enter into the upper Mustang region travelers, have to purchase a pass for 10 days and independent travel without a guide is not permitted at any time. One can experience extremely cold weather in winter and always windy and dusty the rest of the times. Thus it is highly recommended to avoid winter season to visit Mustang (January to early March)

Trekking from Jomsom to Lo Manthang (Upper Mustang trek in Nepal)

Ghyakar village in Upper Mustang Nepal, Photo by Dante Aguiar

If you are wondering to find more details about this incredible Valley in Nepal, then this adventurous two-week trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang in the upper Mustang is the best option to carry on. Along the way, you will see many medieval meditation caves that contain lots of amazing paintings inside that signifies the rich history of Mustang valley in Nepal. This trek starts from the lower Mustang and reaches up to upper Mustang to a place called Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang which is also a resident of King of the independent Tibetan Kingdom. 

Horse riding in the north of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. Photo by Jean Marry Hullot, flickr

You can also extend this trek up to Damodar Kunda, a Lake, which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hinduism and Buddhism situated to the East of upper Mustang. From Damodar Kunda, you can return via high pass which is a three-day walk to Jomsom. While returning to Jomsom you can visit the famous Muktinath Temple. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, village tours, Tibetan food and lifetime trekking experience in Upper Mustang of Nepal.

Around Lower Mustang

Kagbeni village in Lower Mustang. Photo by epi.longo flickr

Lower Mustang is more accessible to travelers where Kagbeni and Jomsom are the 2 major popular destinations for visitors. These places have so many guest houses, resorts, hotels, restaurants, teahouses, and bars. Jomsom is also called the gateway to Mustang. One can reach to Jomsom by bus or by scenic flight from Pokhara.  Lower mustang can be a great alternative for you to explore some day trips sightseeing and relaxing to comfortable accommodation at night. Suitable for short holidays and those with children. You can hike between Jomsom and Kagbeni up to Kali Gandaki Gorge, which takes a few hours and further leads to steep uphill trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath. It is highly recommended to start your trek as early as possible in order to escape from the strong winds of the late morning. The area is popular for discovering fossilized ammonites called Shaligram, which are found along the river Kali Gandaki.

Jomsom and Muktinath Temple trek

Muktinath temple in Mustang Nepal. Photo by Active steve, flickr

Jomsom in Lower Mustang is a great starting point for trekking lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy the diverse landscape of Mustang Valley, rich local culture and thakali food during the trek.  You will see the deepest gorge in the world made by river Kali Gandaki that originates in Tibetan plateau and ends up in the Ganges in India. Close by the Jomsom, there is a famous pilgrimage site called Muktinath Temple. The temple is so sacred for Hindus as well as Buddhists. Hindus believe that bathing in the water at Muktinath will guarantee salvation after death and for Buddhists, this is a place where sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) mediate and spread Buddhism in Tibet.

World-famous Annapurna Circuit

Thorong la Pass, photo by Piotr Foremniak

This is a famous trekking route that is perfect for experiencing some of the Mustang regions in a few days. One can pass different regions within the same trekking route. Crossing the Thorung La, the trail comes down to Muktinath temple, then further descends to Kagbeni and Jomsom. You can choose to fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom airport or continue the trek via various other access routes.  

Mustang Valley Nepal

Thus, Mustang valley in Nepal is so famous for its untouched natural beauty, world-famous trekking routes, incredible rugged landscapes as well as a great mix of Hinduism and Buddhism culture. Lower mustang is great option of short day trips and upper mustang is perfect for real adventure seekers who have longer time available to discover more about Mustang and its underlying diverse regions. Jomsom is the starting point for trekking to Upper Mustang, and is accessible from road and airways.