Mustang Region Treks
Mustang is a popular destination in Nepal for pilgrimage and trekking. Its allure has come from the century’s old history of Lo Kingdom, exotic Himalayan culture, ever-changing landscape, and magnificent views of gigantic mountains like Nilgiri ((7061m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Annapurna ranges. Mustang is known for two kinds namely Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang.
Mustang History
Upper Mustang was an isolated Kingdom founded by Ama Pal, the first king of Lo in 1380 AD. Its capital is Lo-Manthang where the king’s palace still lies there. The last King of Mustang, Jigme Palbar Bista who passed away on Friday (December 16th, 2016) at the age of 86. Since 2008 Lo King lost his royal title when Nepal became a republic country after the centuries-old monarchy. Still, the royal family members are still staying there. The current prince owned his resort called Ama-Pal Resort.
Mustang Economic
Before modernization, the economic sources of the region was the exchange of Tibetan salt and wool for Nepali grain and kerosene. Trekking in Mustang is getting more and more popular every year and many new hotels are operated by locals. Other economic sources of locals are farming in the summertime, clothes business during the winter season in the hilly region and in India.
Mustang Religion
Buddhism is the religion in this region. Among the four lineages, Sakya is the main which was introduced by expert Ngorvhen Kunga Sangpo during 1427-1447. Every Sakya Monasteries are painted with their religious structure in three colors of grey, white, and red. Each color resembles protection, compassion, and wisdom respectively. Despite Sakyapa, there is Nyingma lineage also can be seen.
