I Woke Up in Mustang and It Felt Like Another Planet
I got up before dawn and, for a few moments, I didn't know where I was. The room was quiet, the air was cold and outside there was no traffic or city noise. Rather, I could only hear the quiet of the wind blowing through the mountains. I slowly pulled back the window, and noticed a completely different kind of landscape. The valley was bordered by large cliffs, and the mountains were beginning to turn orange in the morning light.The valley was enclosed by huge cliffs, and the mountains were beginning to take on the hue of orange in the early morning light. Then I found out that I had arrived in Mustang, Nepal. But it was not the Nepal that I had envisioned. It was like another world.
Mustang is amongst the most peculiar travel destinations in Nepal. Mustang is not the green hills, dense forests and tropical scenes of many other parts of the country. But its dry valleys, barren mountains, colorful cliffs, ancient villages and Tibetan influenced culture. It is so different that many visitors say that it feels like a different world. It was an unforgettable morning in Mustang and I can only imagine how extraordinary it is to visit this region.
The Morning Started With Complete Silence
I got up before dawn and, for a few moments, I didn't know where I was. The room was quiet, the air was cold and outside there was no traffic or city noise. Rather, I could only hear the quiet of the wind blowing through the mountains. I slowly pulled back the window, and noticed a completely different kind of landscape. The valley was bordered by large cliffs, and the mountains were beginning to turn orange in the morning light.The valley was enclosed by huge cliffs, and the mountains were beginning to take on the hue of orange in the early morning light. Then I found out that I had arrived in Mustang, Nepal. But it was not the Nepal that I had envisioned. It was like another world.
Mustang is amongst the most peculiar travel destinations in Nepal. Mustang is not the green hills, dense forests and tropical scenes of many other parts of the country, but its dry valleys, barren mountains, colorful cliffs, ancient villages and Tibetan influenced culture. It is so different that many visitors say that it feels like a different world. It was an unforgettable morning in Mustang and I can only imagine how extraordinary it is to visit this region.
Watching the Sunrise Over Mustang
It was still early in the day when I went outside, but the mountains were still in shadow. It was cold and I pulled my jacket tight as I waited for the first sunlight. Gradually the highest mountains started to shine. The sun shone brightly over the land, illuminating the mountains and cliffs in a golden hue and highlighting the orange mountains. The change was gradual and gentle. The sunrise in Mustang, rather, was not a dramatic opening the whole sky with bright colors, but rather seemed to be lighting up the sky one section at a time.
I stood silent, and looked at the mountain light. I felt like Mustang didn't require any special effects to look out of this world. This was already a dramatic landscape on its own.
Why Mustang Feels So Different From the Rest of Nepal
Mustang is a unique geographical and cultural area compared to other areas of Nepal. It is in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, which results in low amounts of rainfall compared to much of the country. This has led to a dry semi-desert environment which is highly peculiar to Nepal. Tibetan culture as well influences the region with its ancient monasteries, traditional stone houses, prayer flags, mani walls and Buddhist traditions.
The architecture is also very unique with many villages having houses built in a close proximity with traditional materials. The deserts, the age-old culture, the dramatic scenery of the Himalayas makes Mustang appear as an entirely different world.
The First Village I Explored
I watched the sunrise and then started to stroll through a nearby village. The streets were empty, and the houses were constructed of stone, mud and other natural materials. There was a lot of old buildings, but none of them were really that old, it just added to the charm and character of the place. Small courtyards, prayer wheels and traditional houses passed, as the village started its day. I saw the local people get ready for the day and the scent of breakfast wafted from one of the houses.
I liked the fact that the village was not a tourist village. It was like a true community and people were living their normal lives. I found myself appreciating the quietness of the streets as I walked through them, and I got to see a glimpse of the peaceful life of Mustang.
The Mountains Were Always Nearby
The mountains were always there when at Mustang, which was one of the most memorable features. In a village I walked through I could see really large mountains around the area even then. As I was eating breakfast, I was able to observe the dramatic landscape from my window. The mountains were ever present on the dusty roads on which they traveled. Despite this, the views were never over the same as the terrain constantly evolved.
Sometimes I'd be walking through a narrow valley, and a few minutes later, surrounded by a broad barren plain. Then suddenly gigantic cliffs would be in front of me. The size of the landscape was challenging to comprehend. Perhaps photos can't show you just how small you feel when standing in a Mustang, and perhaps photos cannot show you the scenery and the colors.
The Wind Is Part of the Mustang Experience
The wind is an important part of the Mustang experience. Mornings can be quieter and more tranquil; as the day goes on the winds may increase in strength. Dust sweeps over the roads, prayer flags fly high in the air and the wind blows between the mountains. The strong wind may feel uncomfortable at first, particularly because of the dry climate. But once I had been in the area for a while, I realized that the wind was a part of Mustang's spirit. It's not just a weather phenomenon. A natural phenomenon, which has contributed to the formation of the mountains and valleys over the years.
Mustang Does Not Feel Like a Typical Holiday Destination
The typical tourist town is this. You get to the destination, go see all the sights, take pictures, eat the food, and then go back home. Mustang isn't like any other because you're traveling to see it. On the roads: They can be long and difficult, weather can quickly turn bad and the altitude can make the trip physically exhausting. But these challenges make for a memorable experience. Mustang is a place you do not come and go from. It's a place that you feel through the cold mornings, the dusty roads, the strong winds, the ancient villages, the quiet monasteries and the dramatic mountain landscapes.
While the landscape is one of the principal attractions for travelers to Mustang, the culture is also intriguing. This region is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture; ancient monasteries and religious sites are located all over. The landscape is drenched in prayer flags, walking paths are lined with prayer wheels, and the monasteries stand still among the impressive mountains. Mustang culture is not outside of daily life. It is evident in architecture, traditions, religion and lifestyle of the local communities. It is this cultural richness which makes Mustang more than just a pretty place to take photographs.
What I Ate in Mustang
I had been outside in the cold early morning and was in need of a hot nutritious meal. Traveling in mountains, food often tastes different particularly after walking or exploring for hours. Comfortable, warm, traditional food is important in Mustang. Popular foods include thukpa, a hot noodle soup, and Tibetan bread, which is another staple food in the Himalayan region. Another meal that is sure to satisfy travelers exploring Nepal is dal bhat. To sit and enjoy a hot meal after being out in the chill, was just right. The food was very simple but just what I needed after a cold morning in Mustang.
The Road Through Mustang Was an Adventure
The journey is as memorable as the destination while traveling in Mustang. The roads run through breathtaking scenery, through dusty valleys, steep cliffs, and through mountain passes. There are some stretches that are rough and hard going, and other stretches which provide fantastic panoramic views of rivers and mountains. As the ride goes on, the scenery continues to constantly shift. The terrain initially marked with green hills turns increasingly dry and hard towards the end. Trees start to be less and the mountains grow bigger and the landscape more dramatic. Part of the interesting thing about visiting Mustang is that you watch the scenery change gradually around you as you transform into the character you are becoming.
Mustang Made Me Slow Down
The most astonishing aspect for me during the trip to Mustang was the fact that life was progressing so slowly and there was no need to hurry up from place to place. One could find themselves in the mountains for an indefinite amount of time just gazing at the peaks, strolling around the village aimlessly or enjoying the light reflections dancing over the hills. Today each person has to follow busy day and night schedules and cope with constant pressure; however, Mustang proves one thing: not all the moments that we spend have to be loaded with work and different kinds of activities.
The Most Surprising Thing About Waking Up in Mustang
The most astonishing moment of waking up in Mustang was not only the scenery composed of mountains and other unusual landscapes, but also the emotion induced by the place. I believed that Mustang would be a visual wonder having seen its pictures and heard stories about it. However, I couldn’t expect that it was so peaceful and removed from real life. The morning was exceptionally quiet, the air cold and fresh, while the appearance of the landscape seemed to have no limit. For that moment, I wouldn’t remember about the messages, deadlines, duties, and busy life. I stood just in Mustang, admiring the mountains and contemplating the sunrise.
Best Time to Travel to Mustang
The best time to travel to Mustang depends on which part of the destination one wants to explore and what kind of activity is expected. Spring and autumn are usually considered good times due to pleasant weather and unobscured mountain sight. In spring, the temperature rises and the landscape looks really appealing. Such conditions make it possible to take trips around villages.
The fall season has its own champions because of pleasant weather conditions. Nevertheless, despite the cold winter, the serenity and quietness compensate for this problem. Mustang, which is located in the rain shadow, is another great place in Nepal to enjoy the monsoon months because it does not rain much there. But, nevertheless, it is always a good idea to check the weather situation and the condition of the roads in advance.
The travel experience can be much better when you prepare for visiting Mustang in a proper way. The first thing that should be mentioned is that it is better to wear warm clothes since the evening and morning can be really chilly. A windbreaker would also be good to carry along in order to protect you from fierce winds. If you plan to go hiking, do not forget to put on comfortable shoes. It is also a good idea to take sunglasses and suntan lotion with you in case the weather is too hot. Additionally, it is better to take with you a bottle of water, necessary medicines, hygiene products, charger and cash.
Was Waking Up in Mustang Worth It?
The day I arrived in Mustang was certainly one of the key moments of my trip. There hadn’t been anything particularly eventful in the early hours, nothing that could even resemble an adventure. I just woke up, opened a window, and gazed at the mountains outside. But sometimes, that is all it takes to create an unforgettable experience. Everything about the scenery was different from what I was used to, so I felt like I was in a dream. The stillness was soothing, the mountains loomed around me, and the air was fresh and cold. For a while, I was completely disconnected from the busy life that I knew so well.
Final Thoughts: Mustang Really Does Feel Like Another Planet
When I woke up in Mustang, I believed that I might see some lovely mountains, but I did not expect to find myself in a completely different world. There were some parched cliffs, old settlements, awesome mountains, powerful breezes, and perfect silence leaving me with the impression that I had never had before. Mustang is not just a place for taking pictures; it is a place that provides you with an opportunity to cease rushing around, observe everything, enjoy the silence of the place, and experience an entirely different way of life. Moreover, it shows the tourists that it is impossible to underestimate Nepal’s geographical and cultural diversity. A single day in Mustang is sufficient for you to discover that this place is, indeed, one of the most superb places one can see in Nepal. You will bring back amazing stories, memories for a lifetime and a desire to return to Nepal.