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Shinta Mani Mustang
A BENSLEY Collection
Gharapjhong-3, Jomsom,
Mustang, Nepal
Mustang

Mustang is an extraordinarily scenic and culturally rich region of Nepal.

Often referred to as the Forbidden Kingdom due to its inaccessibility for many years, this section of the Tibetan plateau, rising from 1300 to over 6000 meters above sea level, has more in common with western Tibet than other parts of Nepal, both in topography and culture. Situated on the northern edge of the Himalayas and in the monsoon rain shadow this fascinating high desert is rich in culture, history and geological wonders.
While Upper Mustang is known for its stark and stunning if harsh terrain and the medieval walled city of Lo Monthang, many people miss the hidden gems of Lower Mustang, as they pass through on their way to the northern region. Lower Mustang has much to offer visitors and at Shinta Mani Mustang – A BENSLEY Collection, we have curated a series of wonderful adventures as part of your all-inclusive five night package.
From your base in Jomsom you can enjoy stunning sites and remarkable points of interest from the holy pilgrimage site of the temple at Muktinath to picturesque villages, such as Jharkot and Jhong, steeped in history. Buddhist monasteries, the fascinating Bon village of Lubra and traditional Thakali villages with the culinary delights famous across Nepal are all woven into the bespoke package of experiences.
The natural beauty of this area includes snow capped mountains such as the formidable Mount Nilgiri, which is stunningly viewed from the resort, alpine lakes and awe inspiring desert vistas – all incorporated into the activities to make your exploration of Lower Mustang unforgettable.

HISTORY

The colourful cultural and religious history of Mustang is that of legends and is tightly intertwined with the history and culture of Tibet.

Back in the 6th century, Mustang was part of the Tibetan empire ruled by the famous King Songsten Gampo. By the 8 th century it is thought that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, brought Buddhist teachings to Tibet and Mustang. Sometime between the 12 th and 14 th centuries the Malla dynasty of Nepal took control of the region.

In 1380, the independent Buddhist Kingdom of Lo was founded by Ame Pal, a warrior who, according to legend defeated a demon in order to woo a princess and became king. Other stories state he was descended from Songsten Gampo. Regardless of how he got there, one thing is sure, 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 to form a unified kingdom of Nepal. This included the kingdom of Lo. The monarchy was allowed to remain as an annexed dependency of Nepal but retaining much of its local administrative autonomy. And certainly, for the people of the region, there was no question who their monarchs were.
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 in spite of his official status. He died 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 20 th century. The Tibetan Guerrilla alongside the famed Khampa warriors with support from the CIA, used Mustang as their base as they attempted to resist the PLA’s (People’s Liberation Army of China) annexation of Tibet by China.
Over the following decades the fight has continued on and off and many Tibetans have taken refuge across the border. Now over 60 years later, Tibetan refugee camps have grown into thriving communities across Nepal and India, particularly in Mustang. With Tibetans now born in Nepal, never even having been in Tibet, in many ways the Mustang region retains more of the traditional Tibetan culture than you might find in the Chinese-governed, Tibet Autonomous Region.

Geography

Lower Mustang flourishes with lush
vegetation, abundant harvests, and a vibrancy
that contrasts starkly with the dry, desert-like
expanse of Upper Mustang.

While Upper Mustang is known for its stark and stunning if harsh terrain and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, many people miss the hidden gems of Lower Mustang, as they pass through on their way to the northern region.

Much like twins the two sub-regions share a striking geographical resemblance with their arid mountains and eroded cliffs, and are connected by their bloodline—the Kali Gandaki River. Yet, akin to sisters, they 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 lake’s tranquility is a testament to Lower Mustang’s natural artistry.

Venturing 13 kilometers from Jomsom, one arrives at the Marpha Valley—a treasure trove of golden and red apple orchards. They offer not only the joy of apple-picking, but also the indulgence of pies, apple brandy, and delectable dried apple snacks.

Kagbeni, a Tibetan village, rests at the convergence of the powerful Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Nurtured by these lifelines, its 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 south-eastern horizon is graced by the towering presence of Nilgiri and Tukuche Himalayas.

Lower Mustang has much to offer visitors and at Shinta Mani Mustang – A BENSLEY Collection, we have curated a series of wonderful adventures as part of your all-inclusive five night package.

Culture & People

Nepali is spoken throughout the
districts, in addition to the local dialects,
particularly amongst young people.

In addition to the strong Tibetan culture throughout Mustang, there are other ethnic groups that have cultural significance in the area. The Thakali are more prominent in the southern area of Lower Mustang. The Lopa in the north are traditionally similar to Tibetans in culture, custom and language. Nepali is spoken throughout the districts, in addition to the local dialects, particularly amongst young people.

Festivals

The dates of both are subject to the lunar cycles so can change but roughly the Tiji Festival is in the spring, usually in May and Yarthung is held in late summer in August or September.

Tiji Festival

Upcoming Date 2024: 5th, 6th & 7th May

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

Yarthung Festival

Upcoming Date 2024: 21st 22nd & 23rd August

Celebrated across all of Mustang, the popular Yarthung Festival denotes the end of summer and showcases the regions strong ties with horses and horse-riding. An exciting spectacle to observe, there are a series of horse races and other competitive competitions such as archery. Held over multiple days in both Lo Manthang and Muktinath, you’ll see riders showing their incredible skills doing stunts on horseback.

Plan your Journey

Your Adventure Awaits
Shinta Mani is here to provide you with an unparalleled experience in the remote and stunning landscape of Mustang. We have carefully created this incredible journey with every detail considered for an extraordinary adventure. For you.
Trust us. We know.
Plan your Journey

Plan your Journey

Your Adventure Awaits
Shinta Mani is here to provide you with an unparalleled experience in the remote and stunning landscape of Mustang. We have carefully created this incredible journey with every detail considered for an extraordinary adventure. For you.
Trust us. We know.
Plan your Journey