A Travel Beyond the Himalayas: Mustang # 1!

General Information

Mustang, also called the “Himal Pariko Jilla (District beyond the Himalayas)”, lies north to the gigantic Annapurna-Dhaulagiri massif. People from low land called it as “Thak Khola”; meaning – the land of Thakalis (Gurung Communities). The region represents an extension of the Tibetan Platue and characterized by extremely dry climate. The Annapurna (8091m average sea level) and Dhaulagiri (8167 m asl) screens the summer monsoon, hence the rainfall is very scarce. 

Dhaulagiri range - a major summer monsoon barrier ; as seen towards south from the Jomsom (the HQ of Mustang)

Some people named the valley as a ‘desert of the Himalayas’. But ecologically it is being characterized as an ARID zone and the flora recognized as Tibetan elements. The vegetation is of the steppe type with domination of Caragana spp., Lonicera spp., Juniperus spp., Rosa spp. etc. Tree species are limited to only Populus and Salix. Apples tree are also found booming in private orchards.

A Landscape showing Cushion forming Caragana - Lonicera vegetation and Mt. Dhaulagiri on distant

Politically, traditionally and even culturally (I think) the whole Mustang valley is divided into 2 major regions; the Upper Mustang (popularly called the Lo-Manthang) and the Lower Mustang. Kaligandaki river is the only river-system originated from Mustang. The river is famous in Hindu religion because we can find Ammonites/Shaligram (one of the various forms of Lord Bishnu - the Protector).

A landscape of Mustang showing the gorge carved by Kaligandaki river ; taken on 21st of November.

Lo-manthang is the northern part of the Mustang extended towards north from Kagbeni up to the border of Chinese Autonomous Region – the Tibet. The area is designated as a restricted zone by the Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal. To my knowledge, it is because the area has its particular culture/traditions, has been ruling by the local King since centuries, and also because of being an open border area with Tibet. It is mandatory to have an especial entry permit to visit Lo-Manthang. The fee is quite a bit high. One person should pay at least US$ 500 to enter the area and this works for 10days. For each extra day need to pay US$ 50/day. The Department of Immigration only issues the permit. I haven’t yet been to Upper Mustang. I would love to go and will write in detail if I get chance to visit.

Kaligandaki River and the lower part of Lo-Manthang, where we can find Ammonites easily

It is much easier to trek on the Lower Mustang. But a permit is must for foreigners. The permit provisions are as: 

Permit Procedure and Regulations:

Entry Fee (Per Person) to visit Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA):
For SAARC Nationals: Nepali Rupees 200.
For other Nationals (other than SAARC countries): Nepali Rupees 2,000.

Note:

Entrance fee not required for children less than 10 years of age.

Trekkers visiting multiple Conservation Areas will require obtaining individual Entry Permits for each Conservation Area.

Two passport size photographs are required while applying for each Entry Permit.

Terms and Conditions:

This Entry Permit is valid for single entry only and is non refundable, non-transferable. The permit holder can enter the designated places within the Conservation Area.

Person entering the Conservation Area shall abide by the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973) and the Regulations made under this Act.

This Entry Permit must be carried during the entire trip and should be shown if concerned personnel of the Conservation Area want to check it.

Entry permits to Annapurna Conservation Area (and Manaslu Conservation Area as well) will only be issued from the following Entry Permit Counters listed below. Entry Permits will not be issued from any check posts along the trekking routes of the Conservation Areas. Therefore, all are requested to obtain an Entry Permit before entering the Conservation Areas. However, under special circumstances, Entry Permit may be issued from the check posts along the trekking route upon a payment of 100% additional charge.

Entry Permits available at the following locations:

Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board , Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (for Annapurna & Manaslu)
Opening hours Sunday to Saturday except on public holidays in Kathmandu:9 am – 5 pm

Pokhara: Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Centre, Pardi Damside (for Annapurna only)
Opening hours Sunday to Saturday except on public holidays in Pokhara: 10 am – 5 pm

Download Entry Permit Application Forms:

A. Annapurna Conservation Area (for Organized Groups)
B. Annapurna Conservation Area (for Individual Trekkers)

For further information please contact:
NTNC, Kathmandu: info@ntnc.org.np
NTNC-ACAP, Pokhara: info@ntnc-acap.org.np

Source of permit procedures and regulations: http://www.ntnc.org.np/trekking-annapurna-and-manaslu-information-and-entry-permit-forms