mustang

An extraordinarily scenic and culturally rich region of Nepal, Mustang is often referred to as the Forbidden Kingdom due to its inaccessibility for many years. This section of the Tibetan plateau, rising from 1,300 to more than 6,000 meters (4,265 to 19,685 feet) above sea level, has more in common with western Tibet than other parts of Nepal, in terms of both topography and culture.

Situated on the northern edge of the Himalayas and in the monsoon rain shadow, it is a fascinating high desert rich in culture, history, and geological wonders.

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While Upper Mustang is known for its stark and gorgeous, if harsh, terrain and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, many people miss the hidden gems of Lower Mustang. The area’s natural beauty includes snow-capped mountains such as the formidable Mount Nilgiri (visible, stunningly, from the resort), alpine lakes, and awe-inspiring desert vistas.

journey here

As part of your all-inclusive, five-night stay, Shinta Mani Mustang has curated a series of adventures that incorporate Lower Mustang’s epic sights and remarkable points of interest, all woven into our bespoke suite of experiences.

HISTORY

The colorful cultural and religious history of Mustang is tightly intertwined with that of Tibet.

In the 6th century, Mustang was part of the Tibetan Empire, ruled by King Songsten Gampo. It is believed that by the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) brought Buddhist teachings to Tibet and Mustang. Sometime between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Malla dynasty of Nepal took control of the region.

In 1380, the independent Buddhist Kingdom of Lo was founded by Ame Pal. Some sources declare that he was descended from King Songsten Gampo. During his reign he built the Royal Palace and the walled city Lo Manthang, which retains much of its glory over 600 years later.

In the late 18th century, Pritivi Narayan Shah conquered the many small kingdoms of what is known as Nepal, including the Kingdom of Lo, to form a unified Kingdom of Nepal. The local monarchy was allowed to remain as an annexed dependency of Nepal. The royal family of Lo remained in power for 25 generations until 2008, when Nepal abolished the monarchy. The most recent King of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, continued to be considered King throughout the area until his death in 2016 at the age of 86.

Due to its strategic positioning, Mustang was always an important trade route between India and China. It was also a key location for Tibetan guerrilla fighters in the resistance struggle with China in the mid 20th century. Over the years, many Tibetans have taken refuge across the border in Nepal. Over 60 years later, these refugee camps have grown into thriving communities across Nepal and India, particularly in Mustang. With many Tibetans now born in Nepal and never even having been in Tibet, the Mustang region in many ways retains more of the traditional Tibetan culture than you might find in the Chinese-governed Tibet Autonomous Region.

Geography

Much like twins, Upper and Lower Mustang share a striking geographical resemblance with their arid mountains and eroded cliffs, and are connected by their bloodline — the Kali Gandaki River. Yet the two subregions diverge in significant ways. Lower Mustang flourishes with lush vegetation, abundant harvests, and a vibrancy that contrasts starkly with the dry, desert-like expanse of Upper Mustang.

At the heart of Lower Mustang lies Jomsom, a bustling hub that encapsulates the essence of the region. Just beyond its periphery lies the turquoise beauty of Dhumba Lake, enveloped by dense pine forests on one side and adorned with majestic views of snow-capped peaks. A revered site for Buddhists and a magnetic draw for visitors, the tranquil lake is a testament to Lower Mustang’s natural artistry.

Venturing 13 km (8 mi) from Jomsom, one arrives at the Marpha Valley, a trove of golden & red apple orchards that offer not only the joy of apple-picking, but also the indulgence of pies, apple brandy, and dried apple snacks.

Kagbeni, a Tibetan village, rests at the convergence of the powerful Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Nurtured by these lifelines, Kagbeni’s agricultural fields present a picturesque mosaic of greens and vibrant shrubs — a visual prelude to the transition into Upper Mustang’s high-altitude, windswept mountain desert.

Kagbeni is also known for its panoramic vistas: northward, barren lands stretch into the distance, while the southeastern horizon is graced by the towering presence of Nilgiri and Tukuche Himalayas.

Springtime in Lower Mustang offers pleasant temperatures, with days hovering around 18-20°C (64-68°F). Nights can dip into negative territory, but as April rolls in, things warm up a bit. April brings crystal clear panoramas of the Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri mountains. Rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower, steal the show with their colorful display of vivid red, pink, and white in the forests. Whether you’re into nature, culture, or simply capturing incredible photographs, Lower Mustang in spring has something special to offer.

mar – may

COOL & COLORFUL

Mustang´s magical landscape evolves with each season. Other than our annual closure in July and August, coinciding with the monsoons, there is no bad time to visit Shinta Many Mustang.

Summer in Lower Mustang, especially June, is the warmest time of the year, with daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F) and cozy nights around 21°C (70°F). Then the monsoon season brings life-giving rains that nourish the land and add to the region’s natural beauty. However, it also brings challenging conditions on the roads, including those between Jomsom and Pokhara, and within the valley to and from Shinta Mani Mustang. For the safety of our guests, staff, and the community, we temporarily close the resort in July and August, to avoid any potential risks from precarious road conditions. We resume services as soon as the monsoon is over, allowing guests to relish in the lush vegetation of the post–rainy season terrain.

jun – aug

WARM, THEN WET

Autumn’s touch transforms Mustang into a trekker’s haven. Days are warm and pleasant (8-10°C or 46-50°F), while nights are cool. It’s the Goldilocks of seasons: days warm enough for exploration, nights cool enough for comfort. Unhindered by clouds, your gaze meets Himalayan majesties like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The Dashain and Tihar festivals greet visitors with open arms, offering the chance to dive into Nepal’s vibrant Hindu heritage. If you visit Jomsom during this period, you can enjoy the fresh apple harvest and even participate in apple picking.

sep – nov

CLEAR SKIES & FESTIVALS

Winter in Lower Mustang offers a quieter, more intimate adventure filled with snowy charm and authentic experiences. The cold might pose some challenges, but it’s worth it for a unique perspective on Jomsom. Daytime temperatures typically range from around 0-10°C (32-50°F); surprisingly, despite the chill, winter brings clear, sunny days and awe-inspiring views of majestic Himalayan peaks. Snow-draped scenery paints Jomsom and its neighboring peaks, making it a shutterbug’s haven. Tourist numbers dip in Nepal’s off-season, making for a serene and genuine adventure for those who do visit. With fewer crowds, you’ll have a golden chance to experience local life, connecting with friendly locals and delving into their customs.

dec – feb

CHILLY & INTIMATE

FESTIVALS

Yarthung Festival

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Celebrated across all of Mustang, the popular Yarthung Festival denotes the end of summer and showcases the region's strong ties with horses and riding. There is a series of exciting spectacles, including horse races and archery competitions. In both Lo Manthang and Muktinath, you’ll see incredibly skilled riders doing stunts on horseback.

Dhekep Festival

October / November

The annual Dhekep festival is a vibrant celebration in which monks, donning masks representing various deities and wielding traditional musical instruments, perform in a lively dance that unites the entire community in festivity. This sacred performance aims to dispel negative omens and bad luck, ushering in prosperity, well-being, and bountiful harvests for the community.

Toran-La

March

Toran-La, celebrated by the Thakali people, coincides with Holi, the Indian joyful festival of color. Lasting three days — the nights before, during, and after the full moon — it pays homage to ancestors and their profound influence on the Thakali community of Mustang.

Tiji Festival

May

This delightful three-day festival is held at the Royal Palace in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, in May. Local rituals find monks dressed in decorative masks and colorful costumes performing dances to cast out evil spirits.

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