Embark on a journey to the mystical land of Upper Mustang, a remote and enchanting region of Nepal that promises to captivate your senses and ignite your spirit of adventure. Tucked away in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang is a hidden gem known for its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich Tibetan culture.
The Upper Mustang Trek begins in the vibrant city of Pokhara, where you’ll catch a flight to Jomsom, the gateway to the region. From there, the trail winds its way through barren desert-like terrain, towering cliffs, and picturesque villages adorned with whitewashed houses and colorful prayer flags.
As you trek deeper into the heart of Upper Mustang, you’ll be transported back in time to a land untouched by modernity. The landscape is dotted with ancient cave dwellings, intricate monasteries, and medieval fortresses, offering glimpses into a bygone era of Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition.
The highlight of the trek is reaching the walled city of Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. Surrounded by high walls and adorned with ornate monasteries and palaces, Lo Manthang feels like a living museum frozen in time. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore narrow alleyways, visit ancient temples, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region.
Throughout the trek, you’ll be treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, deep river valleys, and dramatic landscapes that seem to stretch on forever. The rugged beauty of Upper Mustang is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and every step of the journey is filled with awe and wonder.
The Upper Mustang Trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, with moderate difficulty and well-established teahouse accommodations along the route. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, this unforgettable journey offers something for everyone.
So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the magic of Upper Mustang. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sense of adventure, this hidden gem of Nepal is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Overview
Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant geographical locations, and can involve travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip. Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.
The origin of the word “travel” is most likely lost to history. The term “travel” may originate from the Old French word travail, which means ‘work’. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century.
It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil). In English we still occasionally use the words “travail”, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers’ Tales (2004), the words “travel” and “travail” both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means “three stakes”, as in to impale).
