7 things to do in Muktinath and Mustang
AutoNepal’s topography remains uneven across the country, but it is beautiful in its own way. From having steep snow-capped mountains in the north to having hills accompanied by terraced farming in the middle and plains in the extreme south, it is evident that the landscape of Nepal is very extensive and is very different from north to south.
Muktinath, which is located at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Upper Mustang, is visited by more than a thousand tourists every year. Muktinath is located in the northern region of Nepal at an altitude of 3,800 meters and is known as the only desert in Nepal. The weather is normally cold, it is also quite risky due to its windy weather. So, don’t forget to pack some socks and warm clothes if Mustang and Muktinath are on your favorites list.
Here are some places and things to explore if traveling to these places is on your bucket list:
Trekking and Hiking:
The topography of Nepal makes it one of the best places for trekking and hiking. These places are often sought after by people who have a fierce heart and have a knack for exploring difficult hiking and trekking routes. While the lower mustang offers stunning scenic views worth a million dollars, the upper mustang is better known for hiking.
Muktinath Temple:
Revered in the 7th century, the temple is one of the highest-altitude temples in the world. It is one of the holiest shrines of the Hindu Vaishnavas and is famous for being known as a place of salvation. The place where five basic elements of life exist in perfect harmony has 108 water jets where devotees bathe even in cold weather, as it is considered a sacred ritual.
Natural Attraction Sites:
Mustang District has one of the deepest gorges in Nepal and has been ranked as the second of its kind. This has continued to be a huge draw for Mustang. On the other hand, after walking uphill for 45 minutes, near a town is the Grand Canyon similar to the one in the United States. Do not forget to capture this beauty and capture many images.
Adventure sports:
This place is ideal for proud and adventurous people. Despite the uneven rocky routes and topography, people visit the land for adventure sports such as cycling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. While horseback riding is considered a unique thing to do in the deserts of Upper Mustang, mountain biking is becoming more popular.
Jeep Safari and Discovering the Ancient Monasteries and the Caves of Heaven:
Taking a private jeep and touring the land of Mustang allows you to stop anywhere and capture images that you will treasure for a lifetime. You can also visit the 500 year old monastery where people come to visit and pray to God.
The Flora and Fauna:
Located at a high altitude, the place is famous for its apple trees, apple orchards and is rich in greenery. As you stroll through the mighty grounds, you will also be able to see rhododendron forests and some species such as snow leopards, musk deer, extinct species of molluscs, reptiles, mammals, birds and butterflies that reside on the outskirts.
Celebrate local festivals and delight your taste buds with local cuisines:
You will notice that the culture there leans more towards the Tibetans than the Nepalese. Therefore, the Tiji festival is one of its kind that is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and is a great opportunity to applaud the perfect mix of these cultures. Being famous for the apple, be sure to try its wine, beer, nuts and many more.