Upper Mustang is even considered the lost part from Tibet, the last forbidden kingdom and landscape is more or less similar to Tibet and now a days Tibetan Buddhism is perfectly preserved in this area. The area is located in the rain shadow zone behind the Annapurna. It rains very little there and area can be visited even during monsoon time in Nepal.
Upper Mustang is considered a small kingdom and had king until few years ago. The capital of upper Mustang Lo-Manthang is considered as walled town of Nepal. There are three important monasteries located near by the old palace. Now there is no more king living in the palace and even the palace is ruined badly. Even the local people are not entering the palace now a days. Recently when we were there, we have seen the picture of the king and queen which they have kept in the main entrance to the palace.
Driving tour to upper Mustang gives opportunity to discover the whole Kaligandaki Valley as we drive many days on the flood plains of Kaligandaki. The world’s deepest gorge is located here. The tour also takes to the holy temple of Muktinath from 18th century constructed by queen and a famous pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Buddhist.
The oldest survived monastery in Nepal is Lo-Gyakar monastery which supposed to be constructed at the time of Guru Rimpoche as he was travelling from Nepal to Tibet. The farmland and villages there are concentrated nearby the big water sources like bank of the river or stream. The area is quite windy and dusty during the afternoon time.
108 chambered Chhoser cave dzong is of unparalleled beauties as this is the biggest man-made cave and resided cave in the world.
The apple capital of Nepal, Marpha is one of the beautiful villages with horticulture station. Visiting the monastery and the village itself is of great fun.
The cave temple of Luri Gumba above the Yara Village is of great religious importance to all the local Buddhist community.