Upper Mustang, located in the northwestern part of Nepal, bordering Tibet, has come into popularity due to its unique landscape and carefully preserved culture and religion. Getting to Upper Mustang in Nepal is a dream destination for many travelers and trekking enthusiasts.
If you are planning a tour to Upper Mustang and don’t know how to get there. Here is the 5 Best Ways To Reach Upper Mustang.
About Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a region in the northern part of Mustang District, located in Nepal. It was once an independent kingdom and was annexed by Nepal in the late 18th century.
The region was a restricted kingdom until 1992, which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world. The Upper Mustang comprises the northern two-thirds of the Mustang District of Gandaki Province, Nepal. It has a trans-Himalayan climate, a majority of Tibetan culture, and a rich history of trade and warfare.
The region is known for its unique geography, demographics, and culture. The population still speaks traditional Tibetic languages, and Tibetan culture has been preserved by the relative isolation of the region from the outside world. Life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry, and trade.
Highlights of Upper Mustang
- Scenic drives through the Annapurna region: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Nepalese Himalayas as you drive from Pokhara to Upper Mustang.
- Picturesque villages and local culture: Discover the traditional villages and rich culture of the local people as you journey through the region.
- Visit to Lo Manthang: Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, home to traditional Tibetan-style architecture, monasteries, and unique cultural heritage.
- Stunning mountain views: Soak in the beauty of the high mountain peaks and glaciers of the Nepalese Himalayas.
- Flexible itineraries: Our tour offers flexible itineraries, allowing you to tailor your journey to your individual needs and interests.
- Expert guides: Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will accompany you on your journey, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
5 Best Ways To Reach Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a beautiful and remote region in Nepal that is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture. Here are some of the best ways to reach Upper Mustang:
- Fly to Jomsom: Flying is the fastest way to get to Upper Mustang. You can take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, which takes only 20 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. From Jomsom, you can either trek or take a jeep to Upper Mustang.
- Take a bus to Jomsom: There are buses that run from Pokhara or Beni to Jomsom on a daily basis. It takes around 2 hours to drive from Pokhara to Beni and around 5-7 hours from Beni to Jomsom. Outwith the monsoon season, the road is quite reasonable, if a bit dusty!.
- Take a private jeep to Jomsom: If you want a bit more comfort and are 3 or 4 people, it might be worth thinking about hiring a jeep which can take you from Pokhara to Jomson. A jeep will be slightly faster than the bus and the benefit is you can stop where you want for photographs, tea (and pee!) breaks, etc.
- Trek from Jomsom: You can also trek from Jomsom to Upper Mustang. The trek starts at Kagbeni, which is a 2-3 hour walk from Jomsom. From Kagbeni, you will walk through beautiful villages like Chele, Zhaite, Ghaymi, and Charang until you reach Lo Manthang, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lo.
- Take a motorbike to Jomsom: For those who are adventurous, going by motorbike to Jomsom and on to Upper Mustang will make for a different experience. It is also possible to take a motorbike into Upper Mustang.
Please note that the cost of travel will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Also, you will need to obtain a special permit to enter Upper Mustang, which can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
Conclusion
Upper Mustang is a unique region in Nepal for several reasons. It was once an independent kingdom and was annexed by Nepal in the late 18th century. The region was a restricted kingdom until 1992, which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world.
In summary, Upper Mustang is unique because of its rich history, prosperous cultural settlements, ancient Buddhist monasteries, caves, and palaces, and the local tribes and their rich and unique culture. If you are interested in visiting Upper Mustang. You can find Mustang Trekking, a registered trekking agency that offers Upper Mustang Tour.
