General Information
Mustang District, a part of the Dhaulagiri Zone, which is also known as “Land beyond Himalayas” is located in the Kali Gandaki valley of the Himalayan region of Western Nepal. Mustang (from the Tibetan Muntan meaning “fertile plain”) the traditional region is largely dry and arid.
The world’s deepest gorge that goes down three miles vertical between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains runs through this district. It also houses several of the most inspiring historical sites in the country, some of which date back to four thousand BC.
History of Mustang
Mustang was once an independent kingdom, although closely tied by language and culture to Tibet. The word Mustang is derived from its original name –Lo Mustang. During 1400 AD and 1600 AD, Lo Mustang dominated the Kali Gandaki trade between India and Tibet, as it was the borderland of Nilgiri west Tibet.
In the 11th century, a declining Lo was forced to pay levies on its river trade to the kingdom of Jumla further west. After 1975, when the expanding of Gorkha Army of King Prithivi Narayan Shah defeated Jumla, Lo transferred its levies to Gorkha. Although akin to Tibetan culture as well as language, Lo supported Nepal in the war with Tibet, thus affirming its ancient feudal system of Rajas.
Then His Majesty the King of Nepal to the Raja of Lo bestowed the title ‘Raja of Mustang’ till 2006 AD. The people of Lo are predominantly Buddhist and speak Tibetan and Nepali. During the 1960’s, Lo became the operation base camp for the Khampa guerrillas from east Tibet fighting the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
History of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a region in Nepal that was once an independent kingdom with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. It is located in the northern part of the country, bordering Tibet. Upper Mustang is known for its unique culture and traditions, as well as its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan Mountains and the Kali Gandaki River Valley.
The history of Upper Mustang can be traced back to the 15th century when the region was ruled by the local monarchs of the Lo dynasty. The kingdom of Lo was an important center for trade between Tibet and India, and it flourished under the rule of the monarchs. The kingdom of Lo also played an important role in the spread of Buddhism in the region.
In the 18th century, the kingdom of Lo was annexed by the kingdom of Nepal, and it remained under Nepali rule until the mid-20th century. During this time, the region was closed off to outsiders, and its unique culture and traditions were preserved.
In the 1950s, the Nepalese government opened up the region to tourists, and since then, Upper Mustang has become a popular destination for travelers who want to experience its unique culture and stunning landscapes. In recent years, however, the region has faced challenges due to over-tourism and climate change.
Today, Upper Mustang remains an important center for Buddhism, and it is home to many ancient monasteries and temples. The region also continues to be an important center for trade, and it is known for its production of apples, barley, and other crops. Despite the challenges it faces, Upper Mustang remains a fascinating destination for those who want to explore its rich history and unique culture.
Peoples of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is home to several ethnic groups, including the Loba people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the region. The Loba people have their own unique language, culture, and traditions that have been preserved for centuries. They are believed to have migrated from Tibet to Upper Mustang in the 7th century.
In addition to the Loba people, Upper Mustang is also home to a small population of Gurung and Thakali people who have migrated to the region from other parts of Nepal. The Gurung people are renowned for their bravery and military service, while the Thakali people are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and success in the hospitality industry.
The Loba people of Upper Mustang are primarily followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and the region is home to many ancient monasteries and temples, including the famous Lo Gekar Monastery, which is believed to be one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world.
The culture and traditions of the Loba people have been strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and they have a unique way of life that is centered around their religion and the harsh environment of the region. They are known for their skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts such as weaving and pottery.
Overall, the people of Upper Mustang are known for their resilience, hospitality, and strong cultural identity. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and over-tourism, they continue to preserve their unique way of life and traditions.
The Culture of Upper Mustang
The culture of Upper Mustang is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and the harsh environment of the region. The people of Upper Mustang have developed a unique way of life that revolves around their religion, agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts.
One of the most significant cultural traditions in Upper Mustang is the Tiji festival, which is held annually in Lo Manthang, the capital of the region. The festival is a three-day-long celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and it features colorful masked dances, prayers, and offerings.
The people of Upper Mustang are known for their skills in agriculture and animal husbandry. They cultivate crops such as barley, buckwheat, and apples in the arid desert-like landscape of the region, using a traditional irrigation system called the ‘kulo.’ They also rear yaks, horses, sheep, and goats, which provide them with meat, milk, and wool.
The handicrafts of Upper Mustang are also an important part of the region’s culture. The Loba people are known for their skills in weaving, pottery, and metalwork. They produce traditional textiles, such as the ‘thanka’ paintings, which are intricate hand-painted religious scrolls. They also make pottery using a traditional method called ‘coiling’ and produce metalwork such as jewelry and household utensils.
The architecture of Upper Mustang is also unique and reflects the region’s cultural heritage. The traditional houses are made of mud, stone, and wood, and they feature intricate carvings and paintings on the walls and doors.
Places to visit in Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a region in Nepal that is full of amazing sights and experiences. Here are some of the top places to visit in Upper Mustang:
- Lo Manthang – This is the capital of Upper Mustang and is home to several ancient monasteries and traditional mud-brick houses. Visitors need a special permit to enter the village, but it is definitely worth it to experience the unique culture and traditions of the region.
- Ghar Gompa – This is an ancient monastery that dates back to the 8th century. It is located near the village of Dhakmar and is known for its unique architecture and stunning wall paintings.
- Kagbeni – This is a small village that is located at the entrance to Upper Mustang. It is known for its traditional architecture, ancient monasteries, and stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Chhoser – This village is known for its ancient cave dwellings that were carved into the cliffsides by the ancient people of Upper Mustang. The caves were used as homes and storage areas and are a fascinating sight to see.
- Jomsom – This is a town that is located outside of Upper Mustang but is often used as a starting point for treks into the region. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, traditional architecture, and lively markets.
- Kali Gandaki River Valley – This is a stunning valley that is known for its red sandstone cliffs and views of the Himalayas. It is also home to several ancient monasteries, such as the Thubchen Gompa and the Jhong Cave Monastery.
Overall, Upper Mustang is a region that is full of amazing sights and experiences. Whether you are interested in ancient history, stunning landscapes, or unique culture, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of Nepal.
How to Get Upper Mustang
Getting to Upper Mustang involves several steps and requires a bit of planning. Here’s how you can get there:
- Obtain a special permit – To enter Upper Mustang, you will need to obtain a special permit from the Nepal government. These permits are issued only to a limited number of visitors each year and can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. Make sure to apply for the permit well in advance of your trip.
- Fly to Jomsom – The easiest way to get to Upper Mustang is by flying to the town of Jomsom, which is located outside the restricted area. You can take a flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom, which takes about 25 minutes.
- Trek into Upper Mustang – From Jomsom, you can trek into Upper Mustang. The trek takes about 10-14 days, depending on your route and pace. You can either join a guided trek or trek independently, but keep in mind that independent trekkers must have a guide and a minimum of two people in their group.
- Hire a Jeep – If you don’t want to trek, you can hire a jeep to drive you into Upper Mustang. However, keep in mind that the road is rough and bumpy, and you will need a 4WD vehicle to make the journey.