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Mustang
Trekking Region Nepal Himalaya
Mustang is from outside influence as well as to
protect the environment. This semi-autonomous, heavily Tibetan influenced region
was described by Tilman as "fascinatingly ugly country, the more fascinating for
being so little known." Indeed, the trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost
treeless barren landscape, along a steeply undulating rocky trail, from which
there are panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and a range of other
soaring peaks.
Highlights : -
- Experience the ancient culture of the Mustang,
see desolate but spectacular landscapes interspersed with green fields and
villages.
- Enjoy the sights and unique culture of Lo
Manthang.
Mustang is the name of a district in the far north west of Nepal.. One of the
most remote areas, it is a geographic extension of the Tibetan plateau, a
windswept land of mountains preserving the last authentic remains of Tibetan
culture. This area was completely isolated from the rest of the world, and only
opened to trekking groups in 1991. The , barley, potatoes and buckwheat grown
here are the staple diet around the major villages of Ghame & Tsarang. We
continue till we come to the ancient walled fortress city of Lo Manthang. From
here the border of Tibet is just a stone's throw. after this we back from same
trail or possible to we head back towards Jomsom via sacred pilgrimage site of
Muktinath.
Trekking Experience for Mustang
Mustang lies north of the Annapurna massif and, although a territory of Nepal,
is part of the Tibeatan Plateau. Located in the rain-shadow belt, this is the
region to visit while the rest of the Nepal lies covered in monsoon clouds. Its
dry, barren and yet colourful hillsides are unique and beautiful. Once a
mystery to outsiders, Mustang was opened for trekking only in 1992. Here, in the
heart of these barren mountains, the traditional Buddhist way of life has
remained secure. Writing of the Tiji or the ‘Chasing of the Dragon’ spring
festival of Mustang, latter day ‘ discoverer’ Michel Peissel says that he saw
scenes “so extraordinary and unexpected that I dared not believe my eyes”.
Mustang shares much of its
history with Tibet. Buddhism came to Mustang at about the same time as to the
reat of Tibet. In the 14th century the great warrior Ame Pal became
the ruler of Mustang and ushered in Mustang’s golden age, which lasted for the
next 200 years. Ame Pal built most of the capital, Lo Manthang, including the
palace and four great monastrie. By the 15th century Mustang had
become a central power in Tibetan Buddhism.
Mustang’s geographical
setting has imparted to it a mosaic of other unusal attributes. For one, it
lies on the focal grid of the old salt route. Like the Central Asian trade
route in theIndus basin, this route pierced the Great Himalayan Range Via the
arterial corridor of the kali Gandaki, thourhg passes touching virturally
14,000ft. to Lo Manthang, in the cold desert bordering the maical Tibeatan
plateau.
The access to Mustang is
Via Pokhara, which is reached by road or air from kathmandu. Trekking routes
fork out from here towards the Annapurna Sancturary and Dhaulagiri. The scenic
25-minute flight to Jomsom (8,900ft), the starting point for the trek to
Mustang, takes you through the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. The plane looks tiny
in the shadow of well-known Himalayan giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Jomsom
consists of an airstrip, a police checkpost and an army camp. After crossing
the wooden bridge to the river’s east bank, the trail ascends to kagbeni
(9,400ft) at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola. An old
ruined fort and the red Sakyapa monastery dominate the village. Crossing the
confluence of the Gyalungbo, the trail passes by the Villages of Tangbe and
Chusang to reach Tsaili (10,007 ft).
The next stage takes you
over five moderately high passes to the Tamang settlement of Tamaghyang. From
here up to Chaiti and Tstil La. A brief stop at Gemi village is worth it. And
then two passes down comes Tramar village, with some great views of Gemi and
Damodar Himal along the way. And you are in upper Mustang.
A steep one-hour climb
northeast of Tramar gets you to the top of the plateau. Crossing it you descend
to the Marang village. The ancient temple of Lo Gekar here has beautiful rock
slate paintings. The trail then climbs to the northern pastures, to the base of
a long pass overlooking the Lo Manthang (12400ft) in the arid, wind-swept
‘Plainsof Aspiration’.
The four major monastries
here-the Thubchen Gompa, Chamba Gompa, the Chodi gompa of the Sakya sect and the
Namgyal monastery are the most important in Mustang. You could go on an
excursion to Garphu and Nyphu villages where there are some stunning cave
monasteries and dwellings. A short hike from here are the ruins of the Ketcher
Fort. The cave monastery at Luri, near the village of Gara, is supposed to have
been built by Guru Padmasambhav.
The
preferred month for many is August, being the mildest in Mustang. While
returning, the diversion to holy Muktinath is a trek that provides the Hindu
contrast to Buddhist salvation at altitude.
How to reach there :
Air :
Nearest airport is Pokhara, which has been connected from Kathmandu.
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