5 Reasons to Visit Mustang

Mustang, as you have heard, is a region that lies beyond mountain and has tons to offers to its visitors. Only after 1992, it was opened for tourist and still today it is one of the restricted land of Nepal where tourist has to pay some sum of money and hire guide to explore this place. A destination to forget past and to embrace life you are living, Mustang, has its own unique topography and culture that somehow matches with Tibet. Despite being restricted area, Mustang welcomes thousands of tourist every year with statistic increasing every year.

Here are five reason why you should visit the land beyond Mountain, Mustang;

Pilgrimage site:

Mustang is full of pilgrimage site both for Hindus and Buddhist. Popularly known Muktinath temple, world highest temple, which Hindus pay visit to attain Moksha and Buddhist believe is the place where Guru Padmasambhava meditated during his life time. Likewise DamodarKunda, a place where Hindus believe they must visit once a life time, is another holy Kunda which lies at an altitude of 4890m. Lo-Ghekar, which according to Tibetan script is believed to be one of the oldest monuments, is important pilgrimage site for Buddhist. Gompa, holy cave, and other monuments with huge importance in terms of religion fills Mustang.

Trekking and tour:

The land here is known tropical desert which falls under Trans Himalayan region of Nepal has unique topography with variety of flora and fauna. The medieval landscape and Tibetan plateau, which receive less rainfall and provide suitable environment every season. With trekking permit of 10 days, you have opportunity to explore every corner of Mustang. Lodges with required facilities and mesmerizing sight-seeing attract lots of trekkers from different part of world.

History:

Mustang which was open to world very late, is one of those area where people are generations behind modern world with rich history. It was only district with its own king up until recent proclamation of republic country. The caves with ancient paint, Gompas, king palace, unique culture, mythological stories and life style of people here has lots to offer which dates back to 8th century. Every miles you walk you have vibe and a new story to hear. Lots people have done research on Mustang, especially about its unique culture and history.

Culture and festival:

The lowas and bara-gauwa are main ethnic tribes of this region. They have their own dialect and culture. Lowas particularly relating to Tibetan culture and Bara-gauwa closed to hilly region of Nepal celebrate festivals such as Ten-chi, Yartung, Dha-shang, and Losar etc. Ten-chi is three festive day that centers on fascinating myth and Yartung symbolizing the end of summer celebrated with horse race and feast. Likewise Dha-shang, the festival of arrow, and Losar, New Year, are other important festival of people of Mustang. 

Recreation:

Mustang is very famous for Mountain biking and horse tour. Riding along kali-gandaki valley and leaving mountain back makes a perfect destination for biking and horse riding enthusiast. Recently upon the construction of roads, jeep tour has gained more popularity and it has been able to welcome many national tourists as well. Ski, mountaineering and trial running are also some attraction of Mustang.

Despite these, the glory of Mustang are reflected in movies and travel videos. Mustang is also a workplace for many international researchers and travel entrepreneurs. On addition to that, Korala border which shall open soon, is trade link between Nepal and china, also attract lots of national tourists. Apple, drinks such as Marpha brandy, Tora juice, Mustang coffee etc and foods such as Dhindo, buckwheat bread, apple pie, and other local food are what keeps visitors attached to Mustang even after their visit.