Mustang Introduces Three New Trekking Paths to Revitalize Tourism
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Mustang unveils three new trekking paths – Lupra-Muktinath, Thini-Tilichotaal, and Kokhethati-Sirkung-Sauru-Chokhopani-Chimang-Dhumbatal.
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To enhance tourism and extend visitor stays, Mustang has unveiled three new trekking paths. These newly charted courses, introduced by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), are set to replace the old trails impacted by road construction. Sanjok Thakali, an ACAP Ranger, highlighted the routes as Lupra-Muktinath, Thini-Tilichotaal, and Kokhethanti-Sirkung-Sauru-Chokhopani-Chimang-Dhumbatal. Work is underway to develop surrounding infrastructure and boost awareness of these scenic alternatives.
The traditional trekking paths suffered a setback with the construction of the Beni-Jomsom and Jomsom-Kagbeni-Muktinath roads kicking up dust and diminishing the natural trekking experience. This led to trekkers pleading for undisturbed paths through Mustang’s pristine landscapes. Local Trekking Guide Hari Nepali from Leyte notes a decrease in international trekkers since these developments, though domestic and Indian tourist numbers have grown.
Data from ACAP Jomsom reveals a dip in international visitation to Mustang from 29.12% in 2022 to 19.20% in 2023. During the same year, Mustang welcomed 90,365 tourists, with 18,166 coming from third-world nations and 72,190 from SAARC member states. Pramodraj Regmi, head of ACAP Jomsom, provided these figures along with details on entry fees: Rs 1,000 per individual from SAARC countries and Rs 3,000 for visitors from other nations. These fees apply to those exploring the conservation area encompassing the districts of Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi within Gandaki province.
Among the places in the new trekking routes, let us look at some details about the lesser-known ones:
Lupra in Lupra-Muktinath Route
Lupra Village, a tiny community in the Lower Mustang District of Nepal in the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley, is known for its breathtaking sceneries, ancient monasteries and a culturally rich environment. Being at an altitude of about 3,050 meters (10,006 feet) above sea level, Lupra Village opens up several trails to trekking in the Mustang area and the most famous of these is the Upper Mustang Trek.
Of the many features of the village the Lupra Monastery, or the Tharpa Ling Monastery, is the primary attraction. This Nyingma sect Buddhist monastery is worth a religious visit. The Lupra Monastery is a treasure for its historic paintings, exquisite woodwork, and sacred art that are the reflection of a great cultural heritage. It is very popular because of its special way of doing 'Lu Jins'. This is when people break away from bad spirits and bad energy.
Lupra Village is only 2 kilometers southwest of Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang district.
Thini in Thini-Tilichotaal Route
Thini Village in the Mustang district at an altitude of about 2900 meters (9500 feet), is distinguished for its traditional architecture that exquisitely combines Tibetan and Nepali influences exclusive in the Mustang region.
Thini is the destination for many hikers and travelers in the Annapurna range who are in search of nature trails. It is a beginning point for the treks towards attractions in the surrounding areas such as Tilicho Lake, the highest altitude lake in the world, and also the Annapurna Circuit trek that is quite challenging through Thorong La Pass. Biodiversity is an important factor in this area and many different plants and animals can be found and studied.
About Kokhethanti-Sirkung-Sauru-Chokhopani-Chimang-Dhumbatal
Kokhethanti, a small settlement located in Thasang of Mustang within Gandaki Pradesh, is located at an altitude of 2,657 meters. It is close to Dhampu and the neighboring village of Titi Tal.
Sirkung is located in Thasang within the Mustang district of Gandaki Pradesh, at an altitude of 2,601 meters above sea level. The village of Larjung lies close to Sirkung, as does the locality known as Karjung.
Sauru is a quaint hamlet in the Thasang region at an elevation of 2,563 meters above sea level. This charming settlement lies close to the neighboring villages of Kobang and Larjung.
Chokhopani is located within Thasang of Mustang in Gandaki Pradesh, at an altitude of 2,628 meters. This locality is positioned close to other areas, namely Dhunche and Dhorenjhan.
Chimang, nestled within the Mustang district of Nepal, is a charming village under the jurisdiction of Tukuche Rural Municipality. It is famously recognized for its Thakali community and its deeply rooted cultural traditions. At an elevation of roughly 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level, the village is accessible through trekking. Notable hiking trails such as the Upper Mustang Trek and the Jomsom-Muktinath Trek weave through the heart of Chimang, allowing adventurers to experience its scenic beauty and cultural richness firsthand.
Dhumba Lake, at an elevation of 2830 meters, is a serene water body located approximately 5.5 kilometers to the west of Jomsom, adjacent to Thini village. Spanning a length of 150 meters and a breadth of 100 meters, the lake thrives on the glacial waters furnished by the ice melt of Mount Nilgiri. Revered by both Buddhists and Hindu devotees, this spiritual site commands such respect that catching or consuming fish from its waters is abstained from, honoring the local religious customs.
Talking about trekking in Nepal, let us look at some of the major trek routes: