10 Fascinating Reasons Why Mustang Is So Unique and it made it to the New York Times 2024 List

10 Fascinating Reasons Why Mustang Is So Unique and it made it to the New York Times 2024 List. Mustang is an interesting place that combines natural and cultural features. Situated in the Himalayas of northern Nepal, it is a part of the Gandaki Province and shares borders with Tibet to the north. Rich culture, historic monasteries, stunning scenery, and the Upper Mustang Region’s capital, Lo Manthang, a protected city, are all well-known highlights of Mustang. The region is often referred to as Nepal’s “Forbidden Kingdom.”

Similarly, the New York Times recently ranked Mustang 37th out of 52 attractive locations for 2024. Because of its alluring geographic distribution and natural consistency, it is also one of the most popular travel destinations for people of all ages worldwide. Mustang is an exciting trip for individuals who are curious about history, culture, and adventure.

The following reasons may help you understand why Mustang is so unique and why it is one of the New York Times’ top 2024 travel destinations:

Mustang Region’s Unique Terrain

The Mustang region of Nepal is a geographically varied region with a distinctive topography that varies from lush river valleys to high-altitude deserts. The Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang are its two primary divisions. With the world’s deepest valley formed by the Kali Gandaki River, Lower Mustang is an enchanting natural environment. The Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges can be seen in this region.

Upper Mustang is a magical, once-forbidden kingdom. The Lo people continue to practice their old customs and culture. High-altitude desert Upper Mustang has red cliffs, sandy dunes, dry plateaus, and narrow valleys around majesty valleys. In addition, this area’s landscape differs greatly from that of other well-known hiking routes, such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Manaslu Base Camp.

Diverse Culture

Mustang is a region rich in culture, with a long history of Buddhism and a significant Tibetan influence. The region’s numerous historic monasteries, temples, and caverns display distinctive artwork and architectural design. This region’s inhabitants also celebrate several holidays and traditions that are indicative of their unique culture and perspective. A few of the celebrations are Yartung, Lhosar, and Tiji. The region’s distinctive food, attire, and handicrafts are influenced by its major surroundings and topography. Additionally, one of the major celebrations that the people of Mustang celebrate every year is the Tiji Festival.

The Walled City of Lo Manthang

Upper Mustang’s capital city is Lo Manthang. The city is fortified and has a lengthy past. The region’s numerous historic monasteries, temples, and caverns display distinctive artwork and architectural design. Furthermore, Lo Manthang is the last forbidden kingdom in Nepal since it preserves the old customs and culture of the Lo people. Tibetans are closely linked to the Lo people.

The region boasts breathtaking scenery, including steep gorges, high-altitude deserts, and Himalayan vistas. The most vivid and colorful festivals, such as Tiji and Yartung, are also observed by the inhabitants here. It’s also a fascinating place to go hiking with a variety of routes and exciting experiences.

Upper Mustang – A Restricted Area

The Mustang region has been designated as a restricted area by authorities in order to provide protection, in recognition of its rich cultural history, distinctive traditions, and diversified topography. The Mustang region is recognized as a restricted area in order to preserve its varied topography, rich cultural legacy, and distinctive customs. Due to the presence of approximately 10,000 artificial sky caves, including sky tombs, monasteries, shelters, and more, Mustang has significant archeological importance. Similarly, enormous antique artifacts and works of art require preservation.

Additionally, the Lo people’s customs and culture are preserved by Mustang’s unique and rich cultural legacy. The management of tourism in Upper Mustang is crucial for preserving and honoring these cultural components and keeping outside influences and changes at bay.

Upper Mustang is the place with the greatest restrictions. Similarly, international visitors require permission and a guide from the Nepali government to access Mustang Valley, Upper Mustang.

Ancient Monasteries

The Mustang Valley has a long history of Buddhism and is heavily influenced by Tibet. The art and architecture of several old monasteries, or gompas, are in sight. The following are a few well-known monasteries in Mustang Valley:

Dragkar Thegchen Ling Gompa

Dragkar Thegchen Ling Gompa, constructed in the thirteenth century, is the biggest and most well-known monastery in the Lo Manthang area. Nevertheless, the monastery is home to a few of the strong lamas.

Jampa Monastery

Among the three monasteries situated in the heart of Lo Manthang, Jampa Monastery is one of the principal gompas. Built in the fourteenth century, it is embellished with 109 mandalas painted in turquoise, silver, and gold.

Thubchen Gompa:

The monastery was built in the fifteenth century, and its enormous assembly hall, which has a gilded dome and a 45-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha, was one of its main features. It also has a library with several antiquated manuscripts.

Luri Gompa:

Located in the center of Yara, Luri Gompa is a 13th-century cave monastery. The monastery is home to a distinctive 13-ring stupa. It also features a large number of god statues and paintings.

Ghar Gompa:

Dating back to the eighth century, Ghar Gompa is one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries. The footprint of the Tibetan Buddhist founder, Guru Rinpoche, is thought to have mediated here in the past.

In addition to being places of prayer, these monasteries serve as important historical and cultural reminders of the Lo people. These monasteries combine spirituality, culture, history, and scenic beauty to provide an exciting experience.

Trekking in the Upper Mustang

Through the Mustang Valley’s forbidden kingdom, the Upper Mustang Trek offers an unforgettable experience. Offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the Kali Gandaki River, and the valley, this walk is a secluded and culturally rich trekking path in Nepal that highlights the significance of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The Mustang District’s headquarters, Jomsom, is where the journey starts. You may see historic caverns and monasteries as well as a variety of scenic vistas throughout the trek. In addition, you may take part in vibrant celebrations and festivities and get a taste of the warmth and way of life of the Lo people.

Isolated Region

Behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan peaks is Mustang, which is located in the nation’s north-central region. Because of its harsh terrain, historical significance, and geographic location, it is one of the most isolated regions. It is isolated from the outside world as it is also one of the least inhabited areas of the Himalayas.

Yartung Festival and Tiji

Two of Upper Mustang’s most well-known and vibrant festivals are Tiji and Yartung. Tiji is a three-day celebration that includes mask dancers honoring the triumph of virtue over evil, drumming, and the chanting of Buddhist monks. The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is thought to have started about 500 years ago to commemorate Buddha’s triumph over local demons that caused droughts while he was a manifestation of Dorje Sonnu.

Similarly, Yartung, which heralds the end of summer and the harvest season, is a celebration of the horsemanship of the people. This celebration features drinking, dancing, horse racing, and praying. On the August full moon, the Yartung celebration is held in several Mustang locations, including Lo Manthang, Khimkar, Jharkot, and Ranipauwa.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekking across Nepal’s varied landscapes is an exciting and fulfilling cultural experience, particularly the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The journey leads to the magnificent Thorong La Pass by round the magnificent Annapurna ranges. The journey will cross the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, through the Mustang Valley in addition to the Annapurna Circuit journey. The valley is encircled by the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Along with experiencing other cultures, you’ll get to know Gurungs, Thakalis, and Lopas. In addition, you may take in the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture of Manang Village and see the revered Muktinath Temple.

Muktinath Temple

For Buddhists and Hindus, the Muktinath Temple in the Mustang area is a sacred place. At 3,800 meters (12467.19 feet) above sea level, it is one of the tallest temples in the world. The temple is also devoted to Vishnu, who is revered as the lord of freedom, Muktinath. The temple has a 45-foot figure of Vishnu and a pagoda-style building, complete with a golden roof. To atone for their sins and find salvation, travelers bathe at the 108 water spouts. In addition, it is surrounded by the Kali Gandaki River and the Himalayan Mountains. It is also the historic route used for salt commerce between India and Tibet.

Ten Must-See Sites During the Mustang Tour

The Mustang region is well-known for its striking scenery, historic monasteries, and dynamic Tibetan culture. On the other hand, the following are a few of the attractions you really shouldn’t miss while on the Mustang tour:

Choser Cave, Ghar Gompa, Lo Manthang, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath Temple, Dhakmar, Tsarang, Mustang Eco Museum, Sky Cave

Mustang is the place you should go if you want an experience that transports you back in time. Discover its breathtaking vistas, historic monasteries, and vibrant celebrations. Although Mustang is not easily accessible, the effort is worthwhile. This journey will test you, motivate you, and provide you with opportunities to create priceless memories once you finish it. Thus, don’t miss this chance to see one of Nepal’s most fascinating historical sites.

Celebrate Tiji Festival 2024 at Upper Mustang

Celebrate Tiji Festival 2024 at Upper Mustang. Unexpected components of a regular trek include color, splendor, chanting, and dancing. You will, however, get to experience all of these and more on the Mustang Tiji Festival trek. Tenpa Chirim is the local term for the Tiji celebration, also known as the Tenchi festival. Tiji is a much-anticipated celebration that consists of prayers for a plentiful crop and commemorates the end of a protracted drought. It is thought that a demon that caused sickness and drought once afflicted the historic walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. According to mythology, Lo experienced prosperity after the Buddhist god Vajrakila, often referred to as Dorje Jono, slew the demon.

One of Nepal’s most intriguing bordering regions with Tibet is Mustang, which is mostly populated by people of Tibetan ancestry. The whole Mustang region has been divided into Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang due to its sensitivity. Visitors must get a special permit to enter the Upper Mustang region, which has been designated as a restricted area. Natural resources, especially uranium, and scenic beauty are abundant across the region. Aside from this, the main draws of Mustang include the Himalayas, the source of the Kaligandaki River, which is well-known for fossils and ammonite and is considered sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, as well as a plethora of monasteries and caves.

Upper Mustang, commonly referred to as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, is a desolate region in the Himalayas and the oldest route for commerce with Tibet. With awe-inspiring views of the massif Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri (8091m/26545ft), Annapurna (8091m/26545ft), and Nilgiri (7061m/23166ft), Mustang is a highly sought-after destination for trekkers.

What makes the Tiji festival trek worthwhile?

The monks of Chhode monastery perform a unique Vajrakila rite in commemoration of a Buddhist miracle, which is intended to remove all bad aspects in Mustang and promote the well-being of all sentient creatures. Thus, sacred dances are presented annually in the Mustang Royal Palace courtyard over three days in the third month of the Tibetan calendar.

About three months in advance, festival preparations begin. On the other hand, you will witness the once-forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang uniting to celebrate this magnificent Buddhist festival whilst on your Tiji festival trip. You’ll be enthralled by the three days of festivities and Mustang’s distinct terrain.

Dates of the Tiji Festival in 2024

Nepal uses a lunar calendar; hence, the dates of religious or traditional celebrations might change based on the moon cycle of that particular year. It is customary to celebrate the event on the 27th, 28th, and 29th day of the third Tibetan month. These are the approximate dates, converted to the Gregorian calendar:

05 May 2024: First Day of the Tiji Festival
06 May 2024: Second day of the Tiji Festival
07 May 2024: Third day of the Tiji Festival

How do get there?

Located in the Gandaki area of western Nepal, Lo Manthang is nestled in the northernmost corner of Mustang.

1. Take a ride on the bus.

Rumbling over the dusty countryside, the glorious Himalayas are always in the background. Currently, there is an even more affordable and enlightening option available: bus transportation to Upper Mustang. Opt for the ease of direct bus travel from Kathmandu to Muktinath, located around 45km south of Lo Manthang, and immerse yourself in the stunning sceneries along the route.

Making the trip in two halves would be far more comfortable.

  • Travel to Pokhara by bus from Kathmandu (approximately 6-7 hours)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara (about 7 hours)
  • Travel through Ghami for around 7-8 hours to get from Jomsom to Lo Manthang.

2. Take a Jeep ride

Hiring a vehicle would be a more comfortable and pleasant way to get to Lo Manthang. There are also public jeeps available, but a little bit busier. Still, it’s among the easiest routes to reach the barren and rocky Upper Mustang.

The jeep trip will take many days to complete. This is a general synopsis of the Jeep trip:

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hrs drive).
Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom  (6-7 hrs drive).
Chuksang to Jomsom  6-hour drive)
Chuksang to Lo Manthang  via Samar and Tsarang (about a 6-hour drive)

Combine the best of both worlds by flying and trekking.

Trek across the parched valleys and discover the captivating enchantment of the Upper Mustang Trek. Take in the expansiveness of the Himalayas, which makes it possible to thoroughly explore Upper Mustang, Nepal’s final Forbidden Kingdom. This is a sample of what to anticipate from these incredible treks:

Flying to Pokhara from Kathmandu  (30-minute flight)
Jomsom to Pokhara flight (approx. 30 min)
Trek for around 4 hours from Jomsom to Kagbeni
Chele to Kagbeni (around a 6-hour trek)
Syanbochen to Chele (about a seven-hour trek)
Syanbochen hikes to Ghami, around six hours.
Ghami to Tsarang (approx. 6-hour trek)
Lo-Manthang to Tsarang (about a 4-hour trek)

Things to be aware of before traveling for the Tiji festival:

Technicalities, delays, and ways to prepare.

Flights to Mustang are known to be often delayed due to topographical and climate-related challenges. Still, it is preferable to take off a bit later than to have an unfavorable outcome. Be careful to pack light food and comfy clothing in case you have to wait longer than you anticipated at the airport.

Discover more about Mustang

The majority of people in Upper Mustang are Thakali and Tibetan in origin. They belong to one of the rare groups of people who practice authentic Tibetan Buddhism. Aside from religious rites, certain antiquated societal rituals are still in place. Specifically, there is the custom of fraternal polyandry, which involves brothers from the same family getting married to the same female. It’s still a widely accepted tradition.

Make a friendship with locals!

The majority of people living in the dry valley speak Nepali, while there are few forgotten dialects. To get to know the people, you may use any of the following greeting expressions:

Namastey: Hello/Greetings
Dhanyabaad: Thank you 
Kasto cha?:  How are you?
Huncha / Hudaina: Yes/no
Mitho cha:  It’s tasty
Vetera khusee laagyo: nice to meet you
maaf garnu hos:  Sorry

Climb to breathtaking altitudes

In your desire to see the festival, don’t rush to get to Lo! At 3,730 meters (12,238 feet) above sea level, Lo Manthang is located in Upper Mustang. If you have never trekked at a high altitude in Nepal, make sure you take the appropriate safety measures. Remember to take your time while you soar! Acclimatize well!

The Hidden Kingdom’s mystery

Founded in 1380 AD, Lo Mathang is regarded as Nepal’s secret kingdom. Lo remained off-limits to tourists until the early 1990s. Replete with the enchantment of Tibetan Buddhism and the mystery of its people, it continues to be one of Nepal’s most exclusive trekking destinations even now. Just about 1,000 individuals are allowed to visit Lo Manthang every year due to the admission permission requirement only being granted to small, planned parties.

The Tiji Festival’s highlights

Walk through white-washed mountain towns and past vibrant Buddhist shrines and temples as you make your way to Mustang Pass in the shadows of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna along the Kali Gandaki River.
After five days of trekking, arrive to Mustang’s renowned walled city, Lo Manthang.
Attend the Tije Festival, a colorful Buddhist event with dance and traditional music, for three days while in Lo Manthang.
Discover other people’s lifestyles.

OUTLINE ITINERARY BY DRIVE/FLIGHT

01 May 2024: Fly or Drive to Pokhara - 30 min / 8 hrs

02 May 2024: 4WD Jeep Drive to Tatopani 1,341m (4,400 feet) – 5 hours

03 May 2024: Jeep Drive to Muktinath to Kagbeni 2,804m (9,199 ft) -5 hours

04 May 2024: Morning drive to ( Tsarang) Charang 3,570 m (11,710 ft) -6.5 hours

05 May 2024: Drive to LOMANTHANG and explore the day-first TIJI Festival. (FESTIVAL BEGINNING) 3,840 m (12,600 ft) -

06 May 2024: Observe and experience a full-day TIJI Festival.

07 May 2024: Day 3rd of TIJI Festival. (officially festival closing ceremony).

08 May 2024: Drive back to Jomsom 2,736 m (8,976 feet) - 5 hours

09 May 2024: Drive back to Pokhara - 7 hours

10 May 2024: Fly / Drive back to Kathmandu - 30 min / 8 hours

Would you want further information about visiting Mustang and attending the Tiji festival? Do contact us via email or WhatsApp for more information. You can also fill up the form below to reach out.

Exit mobile version