Lower Mustang: A Unique Kingdom
Nepal’s Mustang region was a semi-autonomous kingdom until 2008, and this small kingdom still retains one of the best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist societies in the world.
Trekking in Lower Mustang – through Kagbeni, Muktinath, Jharkot and Lupra – is an ideal way to get a taste of fascinating Mustang (without having to pay the costly Upper Mustang permit).
Mustang is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, so the landscape here is arid.
Flying from Pokhara takes you through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest in the world.
Hikes around Jomsom reveal Tibetan Buddhist monasteries perched on ridges and cliffs.
A little higher up, the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath, with its 108 sacred fountains and the ritual bath that purifies your spirit, is the main attraction here, preceded by the ancient fortified town of Kagbeni, the border between Lower and Upper Mustang –extra trip HERE-.
After being blessed by the gods and goddesses of the temple, you will begin your descent to enjoy the luxury of Tatopani’s natural hot springs, which will ease your aches, worries and fatigue.
On the way back, you can also enjoy the magnificent view of the sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
The unique landscape and culture combine to create a fascinating trekking experience.