I had always wanted to visit Mustang. The name itself sounded like something out of an adventure book. People said it was dry, rocky, and wild—but also full of beauty and peace. I finally got three days off work and thought, “Why not now?” So, with no big plans and just a small backpack, I hopped on a local bus from Pokhara. I didn’t know what was waiting for me, but something inside told me this trip was going to be special. So, here I am to share my little experience of my trip to Mustang.
The bus ride was long, dusty, and full of bumps, but I didn’t mind. Outside the window, I saw rivers, tall cliffs, and tiny villages where kids ran along the road waving at us. It felt like I was slowly entering a different world, far from city noise and stress. Every now and then, the bus stopped for tea and snacks, giving us a chance to stretch and breathe in the mountain air. I spoke with a few fellow travelers, and one of them said, “Wait till you see Kagbeni.” That sentence stayed in my head the whole ride.
This was my first time going anywhere so remote in Nepal, and I felt both nervous and excited. I had seen pictures of Mustang online—stone houses, prayer flags, and endless dusty trails—but being there felt different. The air was cold but fresh, and there was a quietness that made me feel calm. I wasn’t here to make a perfect itinerary. I just wanted to walk, explore, eat local food, and talk to whoever I met along the way. This was going to be my own little journey into the wild side of Nepal.
More on Mustang
Mustang is a beautiful district in the northern part of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border. It’s divided into Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang, and both feel like completely different worlds. Lower Mustang is easier to reach and popular among short-term travelers, while Upper Mustang is more remote and requires a special permit. The main towns people visit are Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Lo Manthang if going further up. The altitude ranges from around 2,700 meters in Jomsom to over 3,800 meters in Muktinath, so it’s good to take it slow and stay hydrated. The area is dry and windy, with dusty trails, rocky hills, and some of the most unique landscapes I’ve seen.
The road to Mustang has improved over the years, but it’s still rough in many places. From Pokhara, you can either take a flight to Jomsom or go by bus or jeep, which takes about 10 to 12 hours depending on the weather and road condition. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November when the weather is clear and not too cold. Temperatures during the day can be mild, but mornings and nights are freezing, especially after October. Mustang lies in a rain shadow area, so even during the monsoon, it stays quite dry, which is rare for Nepal. The place feels like a mix of Tibetan culture, ancient traditions, and natural beauty—perfect for those who want something different from the usual green hills and forests.
My Day to Day Experience
Day 1 – The Journey to Jomsom and Kagbeni
My trip to Mustang started early in the morning in Pokhara, with a hot cup of milk tea and a lot of excitement. I had booked a jeep ticket to Jomsom, which would be my base for the day. The drive was rough—seriously rough—but the views made up for it completely. We passed through deep gorges, hanging bridges, waterfalls that spilled over roads, and narrow paths where only one vehicle could fit at a time. I was squeezed in the back seat with locals and a monk who smiled the entire journey. It felt like the road itself was an adventure before even reaching the destination.
Reaching Jomson
We reached Jomsom around mid-day, and the wind there was something else—loud and cold, hitting your face like a slap, but in a funny way. After resting a bit, I walked to Kagbeni, a beautiful village about an hour or so away by foot. The trail followed the Kali Gandaki River, with dry cliffs on one side and snowy peaks on the other. Kagbeni looked like a postcard—stone-paved alleys, old mud houses, and red-and-white monasteries. I even saw a few local women spinning yak wool and kids playing with homemade slingshots. Something about the village felt stuck in time, and I loved that.
I had lunch at a small lodge in Kagbeni—a simple thakali set with rice, lentils, gundruk, and some crispy-fried potatoes. It was warm, delicious, and exactly what my cold fingers needed. One of the lodge owners told me this village is a gateway to Upper Mustang and used to be a trading stop between Nepal and Tibet. I felt like I had stepped into a place full of stories, and I wish I could stay longer. On my walk back to Jomsom, the wind had picked up, and dust was flying everywhere, but I didn’t care—I had a scarf and a smile. My message to any traveler coming here? Don’t rush. Let the place slow you down.
Day 2 – Muktinath, Spiritual Air, and the Unexpected Warmth
I woke up early in Jomsom to a sky so clear it looked painted. My plan for the day was to visit Muktinath, one of the most famous spiritual places in Nepal. I caught a local jeep going uphill, and the road was full of twists, bumps, and jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains. The altitude made everything feel slower—my steps, my breath, even my thoughts. When I reached Muktinath, I was greeted by rows of prayer flags dancing in the wind and a peaceful silence I can’t explain. It wasn’t just a religious site—it felt like a place where the earth touches the sky.
Muktinath Temple
The temple itself was simple, surrounded by 108 water taps that pilgrims bathe under—even in the cold. I didn’t try the bath, but I dipped my hands and felt a strange mix of numbness and calm. Around the temple were Buddhist monks and Hindu sadhus sitting quietly together, showing how spiritual unity lives here without effort. I walked to the nearby Jharkot village, which had old houses, narrow paths, and smiling locals who seemed used to curious faces like mine. I met an old man who told me stories about the winds of Mustang and how they “carry the voices of the mountains.” That line stuck with me the whole day.
For lunch, I had buckwheat roti and yak cheese at a small teahouse run by a friendly auntie. The cheese was strong, but I kind of liked it—it was new for me. The air was colder up here, and the sun felt sharp on my skin, but I didn’t mind. I spent the afternoon just walking slowly, taking pictures, and thinking about how different life is in these villages. No hurry, no traffic, no noise—just the wind, the stones, and a sense of space. My advice to future travelers: respect the silence, and talk less—it teaches you more.
Day 3 – The Slow Return, A Hidden Cave, and Saying Goodbye
I started my last day early, with a quiet walk along the river in Jomsom. The morning was cold, but the sun slowly painted the hills golden, and it felt like a gentle goodbye. I had no tight plan, just a few hours before catching my jeep back to Pokhara. A local man I had met at the lodge told me about a small cave nearby where monks used to meditate. It wasn’t in any travel guide or blog, which made me even more curious. I followed his directions and ended up at a small cliffside opening that looked like nothing special—but inside, it was peaceful, dark, and full of calm energy.
I sat in the cave for a while, thinking about everything I had seen and felt in just three days. Mustang had shown me that beauty doesn’t always scream—it whispers in the wind, the rocks, and the eyes of old people. I realized how different life was here: slower, harder, but also more real. There was no rush to prove anything, just people living quietly, with pride in their land and culture. I stepped out of the cave feeling grateful and a little emotional. Sometimes, the best places are the ones that don’t try too hard to impress you—they just are.
Heading Back
On my way back in the jeep, the road felt a bit less bumpy, maybe because my heart was full. I looked out the window, trying to catch every last image of the dry hills, prayer flags, and winding rivers. A woman next to me was carrying a basket of apples from Marpha, and she gave me one with a smile—it was sweet and fresh, just like the people here. As we reached lower altitudes, the air changed again, and I knew I was slowly leaving Mustang behind. But something inside told me I’d carry it with me for a long, long time. If you’re ever tired of noise, hurry, and screens—come to Mustang. It teaches you how to breathe again.
Three days in Mustang felt like a small chapter in a much bigger story, but one that I’ll remember forever. I came here with no big plan, just a wish to escape the noise and find something different—and I did. The mountains didn’t just show me beauty; they showed me stillness, strength, and silence. I met kind people, ate simple but tasty food, and saw places that looked like they belonged in another century. I didn’t check off tourist spots—I just walked, watched, and listened. And sometimes, that’s the best way to travel.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of coming to Mustang, my only advice is—go with an open heart and leave space for surprises. Don’t expect luxury, Wi-Fi, or fast roads, but expect to feel something you haven’t in a while. The dust might get in your shoes, but the peace will settle in your soul. Travel doesn’t always need to be big or long to be meaningful—sometimes, three days is enough to change how you see things. As I return to my regular life, I know a part of me is still walking those windy trails. And maybe that’s what Mustang does—it leaves a quiet echo inside you.
