Villages of upper mustang, Nepal: echoes of a timeless culture

Villages of upper mustang are live museums of Tibetan culture, traditional rituals, rich history and unique festivals in the Himalayas. The architecture, art, and customs of the villages reflect a way of life that has stayed unchanged for centuries. The life in villages of upper mustang revolves around agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. Upper mustang, a remote and high-altitude region of Nepal, is a land of stark beauty, ancient traditions, captivating villages.

List of Villages of Upper Mustang

Each villages of upper mustang offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of local people with Tibetan-style whitewashed houses, Chortens, Mani wall and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. They offer insights into the region’s strategic importance as a trade route between Tibet and Nepal. Here’s a list of some of the key villages in upper mustang, along with a brief description of each:

1: Kagbeni village the gateway to upper mustang

Kagbeni village located at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola. This medieval village known for its ancient monasteries, traditional houses, spiritual belief, rich history with unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese architecture.
Picturesque Kagbeni (2810 meters) serves as the gateway to upper mustang and offers stunning views of surrounding mountains including Nilgiri. From this village walking trail or driving road ascends into the heart of upper mustang, where the landscape becomes arid similar to Tibet.

2: Tangbe village 3060 meters

Tangbe village preserved the traditional way of life of its inhabitants for centuries. It is a quaint village with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and apple orchards.

3: Chhusang 2980 meters

Chusang is a small village located along the confluence of Kali Gandaki river and Narsing khola. Chhusang is known for its unique rock formations and sky caves carved into the cliffs.

4: Chele village of Mustang 3050 meters

Chele is a traditional village of Mustang Nepal. It offers stunning views of Nilgiri, Tilicho peak, surrounding landscapes and Buddhist shrines into the Himalayas.

5: Samar 3675 meters

Samar is a peaceful village surrounded by juniper trees apple orchards and colorful cliffs. It offers beautiful views of mount Nilgiri and Annapurna range.

6: Syangboche 3800 meters

Syangboche villages is a small settlement with few teahouses. It is a stopover for travelers, offers a glimpse into the rugged beauty of Himalayas.

7: Ghiling 3570 meters

Ghiling is a picturesque village known for its traditional Tibetan architecture, beautiful landscapes, Buddhist monuments and friendly locals. It is a great place to experience the tranquility of mustang. The small settlements nearby Ghiling village like Tama Gaon, Chhunggar and Jhaite village are also worth to visit.

8: Ghami / Ghemi 3520 meters

Ghami is a tranquil village known for its ancient monastery, Chortens, typical way of life and the longest Mani wall of mustang. The village surrounded by the fertile fields of barley, buckwheat, mustard, apple orchards and stunning mountain scenery as well. Ghami is one of the important places to see on the way to lo Manthang.

9: Dhakmar 3820 meters

Dhakmar is a famous village with mystical atmosphere and famous for its striking red cliffs, barren hills and myths of demon slain. There are centuries-old caves carved into the cliffs, once used as homes and meditation retreats. Red cliffs, rich in iron oxide, are believed to hold ancient spiritual significance.

10: Marang village 3800 meters

Picturesque Marang village is nestled in a beautiful valley, holding the real form of Tibetan cultural heritage. It is enclosed by dramatic landscape with towering cliffs and colorful rock formations.

11: Charang 3630 meters

Tsarang (Charang) is one of the historic cultural hub and largest settlement of upper mustang Nepal. It hosts the massive red monastery, famous Chortens and old palace “tsarang dzong” etc. The village is also known for its fertile fields, whitewashed houses and traditional irrigation systems. Monasteries and chortens of Charang village decorated with Buddhist relics, Mani walls, prayer flag and frescos.

12: Lo Manthang 3840 meters

Earthen wall city Lo Manthang is a living museum of Tibetan culture and tradition. Once it was an administrative center “capital” of the kingdom of lo. This medieval town is the home of local people, several monasteries (Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa and Chhode Monastery), historical sites (royal palace), stupas and offer the glimpse of rich history and mystery. These monasteries are adorned with intricate murals and statues.
The ancient city surrounded by massive wall is a most developed village in upper mustang. Its narrow alleys, Tibetan-style whitewashed houses, mane wheel, prayer flags, courtyards and marketplace give Lo Manthang a unique charm. Interacting with the local people offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

13: Chhoser 3857 meters

Chhoser is the most popular sightseeing destination of upper mustang located near wall city of Lo. On the way to Chosser, explorer pass through several villages like Nenyul, Dhuk from right side route and Namgyal, Thinggar, Kimaling, Nyamdo, Chumjung village etc on the map in left side travel route. It is possible to cover all sights within a day by driving.
There is a fascinating network of caves “Sky Caves”carved into the cliffs, some of which are believed to be over 3,000 years old. Still people living in some of the cave of this area and one family established a lodge inside the cave as well.
Chhoser is famous for its fascinating history, unique architecture and ancient cave dwellings. The Nyiphuk and Jhong caves were used as monasteries, living quarters, burial chamber and meditation retreats by monks and locals. These small villages on the way to Chhoser offer truly authentic experience of upper mustang life.

15: Dhi / Dhee 3920 meters

Dhi/ Dhee village of mustang located near the bank of Mustang Khola a tributary of Kaligandaki river and offers humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Houses are typically built from stone and mud bricks, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Flat roofs, often used for drying crops and storing firewood, are a common feature.

16: Yara 3650 meters

Yara village is accessible by road and famous for its unique landscape and traditional way of life. Luri Gompa, and Tashi Kabum are the main highlights of this area.

17: Ghara 3920 meters

Ghara village is a part of historical landmarks (upper mustang) it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the local people, who have adapted to the challenging environment in remarkable ways.

18: Tangye village 3240 meters

Tangye is one of the visually striking villages of mustang but rarely visited destination by the explorer. This village is an excellent place for photography and experience the raw beauty of mustang.

19: Tetang village

Tetang village is a part of upper mustang trekking route, offers unique blend of natural beauty, preserved traditions and spiritual significance.

Tapestry of culture and tradition

Most of the villages of upper mustang are spread out on the banks of kali Gandaki river and its tributaries. All villages of mysterious kingdom tell different myths and stories of resilience, tradition, and spiritual devotion. Thakali, Gurung, Bishta and Lowa are the main habitants of lower to upper mustang area. Houses of the villages are built of mud bricks, the window frames and doors are painted in bright colors. The flat roofs are decorated with colorful prayer flag, fire wood. Traveling through the villages along ancient salt trade route between Tibet and Nepal will stay with you long after you’ve left this magical corner of the Himalayas.