Things to do and see in Lower Mustang

Mustang was part of the Tibetan kingdoms until the 15th century. Then after, it was known as the southernmost Tibetan kingdom when Tibet was fragmented. It has always been under the Tibetan cultural region and was influenced by shamanistic practices of Bon and then adopted Buddhism after the 8th century. Mustang peacefully accepted to become vassal of Nepal under Gurkha king in mid 18th century. As a result the culture and spiritual practices of Mustang remained intact until the date unlike its Tibetan neighbors.
While the upper region of Mustang closer to Tibet was restricted after 1959, lower Mustang became a popular trekking destination. With the expansion of road, and availability of luxury resorts, the lower Mustang has now become a popular tour destination in the Himalayas.

A driving tour of Jomsom and Muktinath offers a great view of the Himalayas and deeper insight into Tibetan culture without strenuous trek.

Here is a list of things to do and see in Lower Mustang.

Explore Naurikot and Guru Sanbo cave

Naurikot is an old typical Thakali village high above the Kali Gandaki valley. It is a wonderful place with one of the best mountain panoramic views. The village at 2,750 m offers a magnificent view of arid windy valley of Kali Gandaki dominated by Nilgiri Himal and two eight thousand meter mountains; Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I.

Hike to Ghhursanbo Cave

It is worth an extra day staying in Naurikot and exploring nearby sites. The most popular hike from Naurikot is to Ghhursanbo cave (Guru Sangbo). Ghhursanbo cave is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site in Lower Mustang. The trail climbs for about one hour and passes through beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints. The cave has high spiritual energy to relax and meditate facing the most amazing view of Annapurna.

Hike to Titi Lake and Nupsang Kharka

Titi Lake is another hike which takes about 2 hours from Naurikot. If you are looking for a whole day walking, then keep on walking to Nupsang Kharka at 3,200 m. Higher and closer you get, Dhaulagiri appears more magnificent.

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Explore Thak Khola

The Thak Khola region is a high-altitude valley situated between the two 8,000 m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri while Kali Gandaki River meanders along its basin at an average altitude of 2,800 m. Tukuche and Marpha are the principal villages within Thak Khola, which served as a trans-Himalayan trading center until 1959. The indigenous Thakalis still have large homes and caravansaries capable of accommodating traders and their pack animals. Their long-standing tradition of hosting traders has established the Thakalis as a distinguished name in the catering and hospitality sector in Nepal.

Walk through Thakali Villages

Walk through the picturesque narrow flagstone-laid way flanked by limestone painted stone houses with flat mud roofs stacking firewoods as roof railing. A long passageway through the apple orchards marked by Chortens and Mani walls lead to the Kani (Buddhist gate) entrance to a village. The exploration will also give one an opportunity to observe the snow peaks dominating the valley.

Side hikes from Marpha

With distilleries and horticultural farm established in as early as 1966, the Marpha village is known as apple capital of Nepal. There couple of interesting satellite villages to explore from Marpha.
Jhong or Dhamang village located at the elevation of 3044 m is where the old Marpha village was located. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the village which offers a magnificent view of Mt Nilgiri and the Kali Gandaki valley. The more rustic mud houses in honeycomb structure with a dilapidating ancient fort give more insight of ancient Thakali village.
A side trip to Chhairo monastery and the Namgyaling Tibetan Refugee Settlement is another interesting exploration from Marpha. Chhairo Gompa is one of the oldest and the most important Nyingma-Pa monastery in the Lower Mustang.
Follow the trail down to the suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki valley and cross to the Tibetan village. The refugee camp has about 200 Tibetans living after the dismissal of their armed resistance from Mustang.

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Watch Nilgiri from Jomsom

Jomsom is a bustling little town in the north of Nilgiri Himal. It is the district capital of Mustang with airport and other administrations. However it worth a stay for the view of Nilgiri Himal. One can walk to Dhumba Lake and explore surrounding villages of old Jomsom, Syang and Thini village.

Muktinath and Kagbeni

A night stay in Kagbeni village gives you glimpse of Upper Mustang. The village is situated in the confluence of Kali Gandaki River and Muktinath River, which is a borderline of restricted area. The old Kagbeni and the local monastery exhibits architecture, culture and spiritual practices of the medieval Mustang kingdom.
From Kagbeni, drive to the holy site of Muktinath. Muktinath at 3,800 m is the highest point of the Lower Mustang tour. It offers far reaching view of Kali Gndaki valley wedged between peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The place is also one of the most holy pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists since the time immemorial. Muktinath means salvation, and Hindus believe it as a place where Lord Vishnu got salvation from a curse. For Buddhists, this is a temple of Avalokiteshovara which was visited by Guru Rinpoche and 84 Mahasiddhas.

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Bon spiritual tour of Lubra village

Founded around 1200 A.D., this is the only village in Mustang, where Bon (pre-Buddhist) religion is still practiced. There is a Bonpo monastery named Lubra Gompa at centre of the village. It was founded by Lubragpa, a great scholar of Bon religion in the 11th century. It depicts idol of Walsa and other Bon deities and Buddha along with wall paintings and fine woodwork.

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