The Mustang region is a popular trekking destination in Nepal. It is situated in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas and offers spectacular views of the mountains. The region is home to the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.

The Mustang region is also home to the ancient kingdom of Lo. The kingdom was opened to tourism in 1992 and since then, it has become a popular tourist destination.

Trekking in the Mustang region is an experience of a lifetime. The region offers a variety of trekking trails that are suitable for all levels of trekkers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, you will find a trek that suits your needs and best attractions of Mustang region.

So, what makes the Mustang region so popular among tourists? Keep reading to find out!

Find the trips to Mustang Region

5 Major Attractions of Mustang Region that are so Popular

Table of Contents

Himalayan Wild Horses (Mustang)

Mustangs (Wild Horses) are an iconic breed of horse that have been domesticated in the Himalayan region of Nepal for centuries. The breed is believed to have originated in Tibet, and continues to be extremely important to the local culture and economy. The Nepalese Mustang is a hardy, low-maintenance breed that has adapted to survive in the extreme altitudes and rugged terrain of the region.

The horses are often cared for so faithfully that they develop strong bonds with their owners. Although much of Nepal’s economy has moved away from farming and animal husbandry in recent years, Mustangs are still used in festivals, traditional sports, and horse racing.

Mustangs (Wild Horses) were traditionally used by Sherpa people to transport goods between villages and over mountain passes, but they were also used to carry people. In recent years, they have been exported to the USA and Europe, where they are especially popular as show animals.

The Layout of Upper Mustang

Mustang lies in the northwestern corner of Nepal and is part of the Himalayas. The area is located in a high-altitude desert of the Trans-Himalaya in Central Asia. It is located on the borders of Tibet and Nepal, and comprises the upper part of the Kali Gandaki gorge—the deepest canyon in the world. Upper Mustang is the high-altitude desert of the Trans-Himalayas. Its landscape includes eroded canyons, wind-blown plateaus, and gorges—all of which are home to ancient monasteries, chortens and other spiritual monuments. This is a major Attractions of Mustang.

Upper-mustang-rock-painting — Rock Painting of Upper Mustang

The average elevation of the Mustang region is 13,000 feet (4,023m), and its highest peak, Nilgiri Himal, is 20,160 feet. The area receives very little rain and, in some areas, no rain at all. This desert-like climate, together with a high altitude, makes Mustang an inhospitable terrain. The average temperature range is from -10 degrees Celsius to +35 degrees Celsius and can occasionally drop to -20 degrees Celsius.

Upper Mustang’s Unique Culture

The people of Mustang are descendants of both Tibetan and Nepali immigrants. This region is home to two distinct yet intertwined ethnicities—the Gurung and the Thakali.

The Gurung people are traditional Tibetan Buddhists and were historically nomadic goat and sheep herders. Today, animist beliefs are still prevalent among the Gurung, although Buddhism is also practiced. The primary language of the Gurung is Nepali, though some still speak very limited Tibetan. Although the Gurung practice a vibrant traditional lifestyle, in recent years many have shifted to a more modern lifestyle.

The Thakali people are an indigenous ethnic group who have a strong tradition often blended with Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Thakalis are known for their high level of business acumen and have preserved their distinct cultural identity. They have a distinct set of traditional dishes, which include mustard pickle and buckwheat bread.

Trip: Upper Mustang Trek with Tiji Festival

Monasteries & Temples of Mustang

The Mustang region of Nepal is one of the most mysterious and remote places in the world. For centuries, it has been home to the unique culture and lifestyle of the local people, who have developed a unique way of life and culture in this rugged and barren landscape. One of the main features of the Upper Mustang region are its numerous monasteries, or “Gompas”, which are sacred sites for Buddhists.

Monastery-in-Mustang — Monastery in Mustang

The most famous of these monasteries is the Muktinath temple complex, which contains many ancient Buddhist temples, shrines and artefacts. This is one of the oldest monasteries in the Upper Mustang region, and some of the structures are believed to be more than 1000 years old. Other important monasteries and Gompas in the area include the Shey Gompa, a highly venerated and important spiritual center; and the Jhong Cave Monastery. This site contains a network of underground chambers, believed to have been used by the local monks for rituals and meditations.

Mustang’s Cave Paintings

Mustang Region in Nepal is one of the largest forms of prehistoric art in the world. Discovered in the early 20th century, they are highly preserved and well known cave paintings that date back to the 14th century or earlier. The walls of the caves and large alcoves are decorated with intricate designs that illustrate daily life and religious practices of people living in the region during that era.

Caves where Guru Rimpoche eviscerated a demoness, the Balmo — Here Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) eviscerated a huge demoness, the Balmo, her blood and liver dyeing the steep eroded hills in red and purple-grey. (…) Towards the end of the valley these wind-sculpted cliffs house groups of caves. The mud wall with red ochre stripes indicates a religious function. Shrines burrowed into the very blood of the Balmo. – Rob Powell, Earth Door, Sky Door

The majority of the paintings are Buddhist in motifs including depictions of caves, the god Bhairab, and stupas, though there are also Hindu influences in some of the art. Especially noteworthy are elaborate paintings of the Vishnu avatar Narasimha and Shiva. Many of the paintings feature fossil pigments in shades of red, yellow and green, in stark contrast to the gray and brown hues of the surrounding mountains.

The Mustang region of Nepal is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and the cave paintings are important artefacts of the area’s past. They provide valuable cultural and historical insights into the religious and social practices of the local communities during that

Conclusion

The Mustang region in Nepal is a popular trekking destination for a variety of attractions and regions. The region is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal, as well as a rich history and culture. If you’re interested in exploring the attractions of Mustang, reach out to us at info@coretreks.com for booking inquiries. We can’t wait to show you all that Mustang has to offer!