Upper Mustang is largely inhabited by the Manangi people and goes up to the ancient capital of Lo Manthang. It is divided into two parts namely the Upper Mustang and the Lower Mustang. Whereas Lower Mustang covers the part of the lower valley along the Kali Gandaki river. Forbidden and isolated from the rest of the world Mustang was able to evolve its own culture and tradition which so rich and unique. This is the only district in Nepal with its own religious King. The people of Mustang call themselves Lobas. Their house and temple construction all over the region use stone but mostly mud bricks that are sun-baked. Some beautiful architectures in this region are the city wall and the four-story palace in Lo Manthang. A trek into Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of the true mountain people. Untouched by modern civilization, life in Mustang goes on as it has for centuries in unhurried pace. There are so many caves, Monasteries, Schools and hills around Lomanthang where you can hike to observe Tibetan border.
Upper Mustang being in the Himalayan rain shadow is one of the few parts of the country that are suitable for trekking during the summer monsoon period. Even at this time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall. The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached in only 3,800m. But the conditions at times can be arduous. Cold in winter and windy and dusty all year. Winter treks are best avoided due to the cold when many of the locals migrate to southern parts of the country and even to India.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal. According to government rule, liaison officers should always accompany with the trekking groups. There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni so we must be fully self- sufficient especially in fuel. We can take mules/horses to carry the loads. The into the Kingdom of Mustang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and downhill panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and several other peaks make the trek memorable.
