The capital of the Upper Mustang and a remote Tibetan town, Lo Manthang also known as ‘the lost forbidden kingdom of Nepal’ is believed to be established in 1380. Many people visit Lo Manthang because of its several well-known sights, such as Red Cliffs, Bara Gaon, and Chhairo Gompa. It is known as the Walled City of Upper Mustang as it is actually surrounded by a wall. It is situated in Upper Mustang, Nepal’s lone semi-desert region that is in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges’ rain shadow. An estimated 900 Lhobas people live in Lomangthang and the locals still continue to trade commodities from Tibet using the ancient route. Near the settlement of Lo Manthang, about twelve caves containing antiquated Buddhist artwork perched on high cliffs at a height of 14,000 feet were found. The date of the 13th century is written in Tibetan script in silver and gold artwork there.
Lomangthang is reputed to be a paradise for trekkers who visit in Nepal for Trekking. You can choose to take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom or a drive to Tatopani to ultimately reach Lomanthang. It can be a decent approach for the trip that passes the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Trekking provides the ideal experience because you will walk longer, take in more of nature’s splendor, and have more interactions with locals and the environment.
The only semi-desert in Nepal, Lomangthang, Upper Mustang, is located in the rain shadow of the Giant Dhaulagiri and Massif Annapurna mountain ranges. Along the route to Lomanthang, you will pass by numerous Tibetan plateaus and red cliffs. They resemble the Grand Canyon in several ways and present a spectacular view to you that can surprise you with the topography and landscape’s abrupt transformation.
Lomangthang is home to a large number of sky caves that are constructed on diverse cliffs which are absolutely unfamiliar objects to observe. The prehistoric inhabitants of this area constructed these caverns in ancient times. They are thought to have been constructed as both a burial chamber and a means of eliminating adversaries’ threats during battle. The caverns’ true function and hidden meaning, however, remain a mystery to this day.
A jeep safari tour to Lomangthang can be another thing you can do. If you are traveling Upper Mustang with family or coworkers, this is the most opulent way as this method is much simpler and more dependable. You will eventually arrive in Lomanthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, after passing through numerous lovely human settlements along the river banks and plateaus. You can reach Korala, the border between Nepal and China, after a two-hour drive from here.
Biking is a must-do activity in Lomangthang if you’re a serious adventure seeker because of the challenging terrain. During the journey, mountain bike riders will experience exhilarating and exciting moments. Another enjoyable aspect of the route is the numerous crossings of the Kali Gandaki River and riding along its bank. Along with the bike ride, you may take in the breathtaking and amazing views of the cliffs, plateaus, and mountains. A group bike ride to Lomangthang can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t miss to visit Marpha village’s lovely apple orchards and sample the dried apples as well if you are traveling in Lomangthang. Marpha is a well-known community for Apple and its goods. Marpha apples are delicious, juicy, and organic. You can take a tour of a few local distilleries to see how apple brandies are made. This village’s well-known apple brandy is called “Marpha”.
A quick stroll through Upper Mustang’s hamlet can be a nice chance to meet the residents and learn about their way of life. Villages like Marpha and Kagbeni have winding lanes that are enjoyable to walk through. It is interesting to experience and learn about their traditional way of life and the culture they are surrounded by.
One of Nepal’s most ancient regions, Lomangthang dates back between 2000 and 3000 years. Buddhist monasteries built during the ancient past still hold a significant amount of significance today. The people of that place hold a great deal of religious significance on the numerous Stupas (Chortens) and monuments that are well-preserved. Each monastery and hamlet monument is accompanied by a number of mythical tales and occurrences.
The “TIJI festival,” which has been celebrated for a long time in Lomangthang, is similar to the festivals held in most other regions. Mustang allegedly once supported the forces of evil. In order to liberate Mustang from evil’s grasp, Dorje Lono battled the demon and vanquished it; as a result, this festival is now celebrated as the triumph over evil. This celebration features a number of ceremonies, chanting, and holy dancing. Three days of the event are spent in attendance and participation by visitors from all over the world.
At the base of the Thorong La pass, Muktinath is the holiest site for both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. On a tall hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that also has a statue of Buddha. It is situated at a height of roughly 3,800 meters. In order to receive salvation after death, travelers bathe their bodies in 108 sacred taps and 2 sacred lakes.
As a result, we can conclude that Lo Manthang, located in Nepal’s Upper Mustang region, is the most suitable place to visit. Find out what LoManthang has to offer in the list above.
