Overview
Mustang Nepal Trek – The Uncharted Magical Red Mountains of the Least Trodden Remote Region in Nepal
Unlike other mountains with white snow and freezing temperatures, Mustang region trekking mountains are red in color at approximately 4,000 meters in height. Upper Mustang trek is another world on its own with very distinctive landscape and culture different from other regions of Nepal. It is a remarkable and arid world where grey-brown treeless rolling hill extends into the distance and where homes are built from sun-baked mud brick, which remained intact for decades.
This magical place remains undefiled by tourism and modernization. With a blend of both white and red mountains, it is a sight to marvel at. Mustang region trekking ushers you to the remote world of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom Mustang settled between Tibet and the Himalayas. Also referred to as ‘Loho’, this kingdom is closer to Tibet and directly identified with Tibetan tradition, culture and religion. Upper Mustang trek is situated in the Upper Kali Gandaki Valley and seats in the rain-shadow region behind Annapurna massif, with rainfall amounting to 400 millimeters per year.
What makes Mustang Trek Extraordinary?
The restriction enacted on the Mustang Nepal trek that lasted till the 90s greatly contributed to an extraordinarily safeguarded culture and nature. The chief pinnacle of Upper Mustang trekking is the capital of Upper Mustang known as Lo Manthang. On the way to Lo Manthang, trekkers can view the breathtaking wall of medieval capital from afar. It includes a white-washed, 6m tall wall that was constructed to guard outsiders from invading.
When you step into Lo Manthang, you feel as if you are walking into another galaxy- A galaxy with restricted space, age-old chortens, long-renowned history, prayer wheels and ancestral people who utilize their time farming and trading business. We then visit the 15th-century Thugchen Gompa and royal palace, and also explore Amchi School and Amchi museum.
If you have heard of this place before, you must be aware of the very costly permit, which is a requirement from the Department of Immigration along with Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Therefore, many presume it to be a proviso for the wealthy adventurers only. For the several tourists who have had the auspicious chance to visit this place, the $500 permit was worth every penny. If you are planning to explore the Mustang trek, you need to be well prepared moneywise.