The district of Mustang was once an independent kingdom. Until the early 1950s, it was closely tied to Tibet in terms of culture. The people here remained isolated from Nepal from hundreds of years and even to this day, the true mountain folks of Upper Mustang still retain their Tibetan language and heritage. Explore the lost hidden kingdom on Upper Mustang Trek.

History – King’s Rule

The king of Mustang enjoyed titular kingship till 2008 when Nepal was declared a republic in the wake of a massive political shift in Nepal. The king was still allowed to hold the title of king, along with petty kings in the former states of Bajhang, Salyan and Jajarkot. Mustang’s capital is Lo Manthang and is still home to the last raja of Mustang.

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It is because of the regions recent addition to Nepal and a long history of isolation, Upper Mustang still retains its culture and virgin natural beauty.

The population of Mustang, based on the 2001 consensus, was roughly 14,981 distributed over three larger towns. Scattered throughout the barren district are also some 30 or so smaller settlements. The inhabitants of this region are primarily Gurungs and Thakalis, while some boast a purely Tibetan lineage.

Geography

Mustang was located on a very strategic trade point between India and Tibet and hence this region saw a thriving population. The trekking route that is used today is still the same route that was used during the trade since the 15th century.

Although, this region became a part of Nepal from the 1950s, it was only opened to foreigners until as recent as early 2000s. Access is still restricted, however, as travelling further than Kagbeni would require special trekking permits and travellers to be accompanied by a government official.

Explore the Historic Mountain Caves

The most alluring attraction of Upper Mustang are the Mustang caves or Sky Caves, so called because of hundreds of man-made caves carved into the sides of the cliffs. There are said to be about 10,000 caves in this region. Exploration of these caves have led to the discovery of various Buddhist artifacts, some dating back to the 12th century even. The collected artifacts are Buddhist paintings, sculptures and manuscripts. These along with a 55 panel depiction of Buddha’s life make the Mustang Sky Caves, one of the world’s greatest archeological mysteries.

Trek Difficulty

Upper Mustang Trek is particularly not a difficult one with the highest point reaching only 3,800m but the conditions can be harsh. During the winters, most of the population migrate to lower regions of Nepal due to the harsh conditions, so winter treks are best avoided. The summer months and also the monsoon time is the preferred season for travel.

Best for Monsoon Trekking

Since Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, this place receives scarce rain. This trek generally requires a minimum of 14 days and fairly easy walk through the Kali Gandaki valley with occasional climbs above the valley walls. There is little that grows in the desert of Upper Mustang, but it’s arduous conditions test the travellers’ grit and make them a tougher individual. Here, the journey is the part of the experience, something you will realize when your grit is tested by the harsh cold Mustang winds.

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Himalaya and fulfills every traveller’s desires.  This 11-day expedition is intended to take you the sacred region at the base of world famous Annapurna mountain, Annapurna south, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, considered by many to be the most beautiful peak in the the region.

Machchapuchhre – Sacred Mt. Fishtail

The Machhapuchhre is so sacred infact that the sanctuary region was forbidden for outsiders till 1956, The local Gurung people believe that the peak of the Machhapuchhre was home to several Hindu and Buddhist deities.

The legend surrounding this sanctuary also speak of repository of gold and various treasures left by the Nagas, believed to be ancient civilization.

Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Sanctuary is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project which places restrictions on number of travellers, gathering of firewood, and domstic animal graazing.

The Annapurna Conseravation Area is the largest protected region in Nepal. It is home to more than 1,200 species of plants and 400 species of birds. The conservation area is surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys. Because of which, the Sanctuary region receives only about 7 hrs of sunlight a day during the summer months.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Trail

You begin the sanctuary trail by a visit around the world heritage sites in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath stupa, Bouddhanath stupa, and Durbar Squares in Bhaktapur and Patan.

Your actual sanctuary trek starts from Nayapul after you make your way past subtropical forests. The forests are replaced by terraced paddy fields that stretches as far as the eye can see. And in the distant backdrop, you witness the snow peak mountains.

In this trail, you get to meet different ethnic groups, from the Magars to Thakalis to Gurung and to the Tibetan people that call their home here. You feel as if you are a part of living breathing history of Nepal. This experience is unique to Annapurna Sanctuary alone which you won’t get anywhere else.

The early morning hike to Poon Hill, lying at an altitude of about 3200m, gives you the best vantage point that any trekkers can ask for. From here, you can see a panoramic view of the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a journey to the South face of Annapurna I. The subtropical forests and the paddy fields gradually turn to fields of rhododendron.

The south facing slopes are covered in dense rhododendron and bamboo forests and is usually damp with the clouds hanging low. While the north-facing slopes that fall in the Annapurna’s rain shadow region have drier climate.

People travelling to Nepal usually confuse the Sanctuary trekking with the other two famous Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek. While some places do overlap, the Sanctuary trail is relatively shorter.

The altitude gains are quicker here, rising from Pokhara at 940m to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m in just 5-6 days. You also do not require to cross any high passes.

This unique combination of ascent and descent in a span of 5-6 days gives rise to a unique combination of ecosystems found only in this region.

A main highlight of the Annapurna Sanctuary are the small chortens and monasteries that lie off the beaten path. These sanctums adds another layer of spiritual experience to the travellers already in awe. Taking on this transcendental journey, it is no wonder that the locals believe that gods live here.

Poon Hill Trek is one of, if not the most, popular short treks in Nepal. This trek is a perfect alternative for travellers who are seeking a trekking experience that can be completed in a week.

This trek allows you to get up close and personal to the mountains without exerting yourself physically. The trail meanders through rhododendron forests and bamboo groves leading you through the cobbled steps of the beautiful Ghandruk village. This village is one of the main stops before the Annapurna Trekking and the views of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and Himchuli range are spectacular from here. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is not only a short trek but undoubtedly one of the most intensely scenic treks there is.

The trek can be completed in three days but most of the itineraries are designed for you to complete the trek in a total of 5 or 6 days. This gives you enough time to rest and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

Poon Hill Trek Trail

Your trek starts from Nayapul and then you gradually make your ascent up to Ghandruk village. The first day of the trek is slightly challenging where you walk on a gradual incline for upto 5 or 6 hours till you reach Tikhedhunga. All your fatigue and endeavour will be worth it though as you reach the village. You will find many trekkers on their way to mountain treks or fellow short travellers. You can exchange your trekking stories here as you gather around the campfire with the sun dimming past the mountains on the horizon.

The trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghandruk does gets easier the following day. This is the day where you get change of scenery as the landscape changes from terraced fields to magical coniferous forest with monkey groups passing through and some grazing village horses. The early morning sunlight peeking in through the canopy is simply exhilarating and gives you an invigorating energy to start your day. The trail then winds along through dense mossy waterfalls, bamboo groves, rhododendron fields until finally heading westward towards Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is a picturesque village consisting of around 1,200 individual households, largely occupied by the Gurung people. The Gurnungs are the ethnic people of Nepal who largely makeup the members of the world-famous and ferocious Gurkha regiment. Here, you can enjoy the local langur monkey meat, if you want to spice up your palette. While most of the surrounding villages are sparsely populated, owing to large migration to the city or abroad, this village is still bustling alive.

Ghandruk village will make you want to stay longer but as they say, the show must go on. After a fulfilling rest, you head towards the very heart of Annapurna range by following the steep path of Modi Khola to altitudes of 3,200m to finally reach Poon Hill.

The view from Poon Hill is the cherry on the cake when it comes to Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The vantage point from here will give you jaw-dropping panoramic views of more than 20 peaks towering above you. The major mountain ranges are the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and Himchuli ranges.

As you make your way to the top of Poon Hill to witness the sunrise, you will know just exactly why this is also called the Annapurna Sunrise Trek. The golden light glistening through the snow capped peaks make you realize some form of divinity that only these parts can ignite.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a fairly easy trek and also because of its relatively short distance, it is suitable for people of all ages. And hence, this makes it the perfect destination for families looking for a getaway. Even experienced trekkers find this route to be a fantastic introduction to the Himalayas. All the features and culture make this a microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic lifestyle.

Annapurna Circuit Trek has long been praised by travellers as the holy grail of trekking since it was first opened to foreigners in 1977. This 200km plus trail that circles the heavenly Annapurna range has often been voted as the best long distance trek in the world because it combines a wide variety of climate zones from the tropics at 600m to the arctic zones located at 5000m above.

Annapurna Circuit Trail

This trail also takes you through a wide cultural variety from Hindu villages, at Terai region to the higher altitude Tibetan culture of Manang and through the formidable Thorong Phedi.

The trail passes through subtropical forests, terraced paddy fields, several waterfalls cascading down stone cliffs.

It is hard not to see the reason why travellers are often confused between Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek. Both trail gives you awe-inspiring views of Annapurna range, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, and hikers will come across Gurung villages. But that is where the similarities end.

As the name suggests, the goal of the Annapurna Circuit is to complete a loop. The trail starts and ends in Taal and is a relatively more strenuous trek than that of the base camp.

The AC’s landscape changes drastically in a comparatively short span of time- from the green cultivated land in the south side of the Himalaya to the arid rocky desert of Mustang that falls on the Annapurna’s rain shadow region. The trail also leads you towards Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site of Hindus and Buddhists.

Crossing Thorong La Pass – Difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek

This expedition takes you across two river valleys and then to the formidable Thorong La Pass. Touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau at an altitude of about 5,400m/17,760ft, Thorong La Pass is the highest point in your expedition and is one of the greatest challenges you will ever encounter.

Most travellers take the anti-clockwise route as this way the altitude gain is gradual and crossing the pass is safer. Most trekkers feel the effects of this taxing endeavor and so it is very important to acclimatize at Manang to prepare you for your journey.

Taking on this expedition during the winters might prove difficult as the mountain passes are often blocked by snow.

Trekking on Off-Season

Trekking in the rainy season from July to September is encouraged if you want to avoid the crowds in the summer months. However, your views are mostly obscured by low clouds. There is no need to worry about rain so much as the arid landscape of Mustang and Manang fall under the rain-shadow region of the surrounding Annapurna range.

Why to trek Annapurna Circuit?

Nepal tour guide team recommend that you take the trail from Pisang via Ghyaru to Manang, as the small villages along the route are some of the best examples of well preserved Tibetan culture. These villages also assist you in acclimatization.

The Annapurna Circuit takes you to a height of over 5,460m (17,800ft) and makes you challenge yourself at every step. It dares you. Every glimpse of Gangapurna, Tilicho peak and Pisang peak makes you want to take that extra step. And as you reach the heights, where your senses are focused into clarity, you feel in your deepest of beings that every effort was worth it. This is the holy grail.