photo credit: rasa
October 11, Jomsom (Mustang). The attractive view from Mustang, a district of the Himalayas, attracts the attention of domestic and foreign tourists coming here. The Mustang’s unique geography has become an invaluable source of income for its residents.
The Mustang, called the ‘District of the Himalayas’, is also considered to be of special importance as the remains of ancient civilization cross the Dhavalgiri and Nilgiri mountains.
Recently Mustang is becoming a major destination for domestic tourists as well. Most of the tourists come here from SAARC and third countries. Lately, the Mustang has been thronging domestic tourists.
Yogesh Sherchan, owner of Hotel Mustang Taj in Jomsom, said the Mustang Muktinath Temple has become a common destination for both Hindu and Buddhist believers.
The sightseeing places of Headquarters, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Lomanthang etc. also attract many people. The local economy has benefited from the significant presence of tourists. Mustang has become famous not only in Nepal but all over the world. Foreign tourists especially like to cycle between the mountains.
After exiting from Pokhara-Baglung Highway at Maldhunga, you reach Jomsam via Beni, Tatopani, Rupse. While climbing and descending the Kaligandh mountains, you can easily forget the beautiful nature of the lush green hills and the waterfalls flowing over them.
The Mustang is headquartered in Jomsom. It is bounded by Manang in the east, Dolpa in the west, Myagdi in the south and Tibet in the north. Since it is located north of the Annapurna Snow Range, there is very little water. The Kaligandaki river flows in the middle of it. Most of the settlements are situated on the banks of this river.
Every Baisakh and Saun, the district also has a bloodletting festival of Chavdi Aloo. Residents of the surrounding districts gather here. Mustang headquarters can be reached in a 20-minute flight from Jomsom Pokhara. From there you can reach Muktinath in about an hour via transport. If you want to go to Muktinath by bus from Pokhara, then you have to travel 10 hours.
Hotel Mustang Monalisa owner Vijay Hirachan said that the face of Mustang is shining after the physical infrastructure is built in Mustang, which is full of natural beauty.
Situated at the foothills of mountains like Dhavalagiri and Nilgiris, the road turns dark in the Mustang, making it easy for both internal and external tourists to reach the Mustang. Locals say that the paved road not only provides convenience to the commuters but also adds to the beauty of the Mustang.
The route from Jomsom to Kagbeni has changed. Local Chapten Gurung said there was an increase in the construction of newly designed houses, while bridges were being built over rivers and streams.
According to Gurung, who runs a hotel in Kagbeni, tourists visit Mustang to see Yak Gumba, Nilgiris, Dhaulagiri and other mountains, lakes, Kagbeni, Muktinath Temple, monasteries, Dhule Mountains in Upper Mustang, the border between Nepal and China . Siabari etc.
Recently, the number of hotels and lodges has increased. The face of the Mustang is changing due to the competition that local levels develop in their respective municipalities.