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kagbeni gateway to upper mustang trekking

Kagbeni | Gateway To Upper Mustang Trekking

At an altitude of 2810 meters, Kagbeni is known as the Gateway to Upper Mustang. The culture and natural beauty provide a perfect blend to the windy atmosphere in Kagbeni. A walk along the stone pathways in the village offers insight into the lifestyle and religious beliefs of the residents. The village is famous for viewpoints which grant the scenic views of the barren lands to the north and looming Nilgiri and Tukuche Himalayas to the south-east.

Kagbeni and Annapurna Region

Kagbeni lies within the Annapurna Region and borders with the Upper Mustang. A part of the glorious Annapurna Circuit Trek, Kagbeni is situated in the western outskirt of the Annapurna region. The region has been one of the major trekking destinations that quench the thirst of thousands of adventure lovers worldwide. As such, the region guarantees mesmerizing geographical diversity from the lush forests along Ghandruk and Ghorepani to the arid lands of Kagbeni and Upper Mustang. Annapurna region also hosts numerous treks covering such natural majesty. Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek are few of the esteemed ventures into the region.

Annapurna Region

Annapurna region is the home to the Annapurna Conservation Area and thrives in abundant bio-diversity and cultural variation. The region is host to the subtropical forests of rhododendron and maple which house a number of plants and wildlife. Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer are some of the endangered species available in the region. The Gurung and Magar settlements to the south of the Annapurna ranges offer cultural involvement in the treks to Ghandruk, Poonhill, and even the Annapurna Base Camp. Similarly, the ethnic communities of Manangi and Thakali prevail the villages to the north of the majestic Annapurna. Their history and culture are similar to those in the Tibetan lands further north. These similarities in culture and lifestyle continue as far as Upper Mustang to the north-east.

Kagbeni on the way to Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a restricted area and visitors must obtain an Upper Mustang Permit before heading for any trips in the region. While Lo Manthang is the center of attraction in Upper Mustang, the trails to this ancient town are full of remarkable beauties as well. Passing the Tibetan-influenced villages of Ghiling, Ghami, and Dhakmar, the journey immerses the travelers into the prevalent Tibetan culture. Views of Annapurna and Nilgiri Himalayas to the south also ensure exciting views in contrast to the brown desert-like lands. The trails culminate in Lo Manthang which was once the capital of Upper Mustang and a part of the Silk Route that connected Tibet and Europe. The royal palace and the monasteries around the city reflect the Tibetan heritage of Lo. Festivals like Tiji and ancient monasteries in Chooser and Namgyal add pinches of cultural awakening in Lo Manthang. The sky caves to the north of Lo Manthang even guarantee thrilling excursions and exploration of the ancient lifestyle.

Special about Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a land waiting to be explored and the plethora of destinations within the region attract travelers around the world. The adventures in this region are not limited to just treks and cultural excursions. Some of the most daring and inventive tourism activities like mountain biking and motorcycle trip are also possible in Upper Mustang. However, what remains the same for all these activities is the starting point; Kagbeni. Call it a soothing detour after the Thorung La Pass (5416 m) or the grand entrance to the Upper Mustang, Kagbeni holds a reputation of its own.

Kagbeni has the cultural lineage and religious practices similar to that of the Upper Mustang and is a link between the Annapurna and Upper Mustang. Although Kagbeni looks ordinary at first glance, the village is an assimilation of history, culture, and natural beauty. The windswept village is host to immersing stories and tales even depicted in movies and stories. A remarkable destination, Kagbeni is a destination which awes the travelers in the middle of an adventure-filled journey.

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Basu Panday

Basu Panday started his journey in tourism and hospitality as a support staff 17 years ago. He has travelled all the Himalayan region as trekking staff and trekking guide, and have climbed 6000+ meters several trekking peaks in the Himalaya. He often leads trips in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. He had travelled to many other countries such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Romania, Lithuania, Greece, Denmark Spain, Australia and the USA for promotion of Nepal’s tourism.  After working as support staff, then tour and trek guide, he eventually fulfilled his desire to start his own company, Nepal Social Treks and Expedition, in 2006. Basu is friendly and he is the one who answers most of your trip questions. So if you have any inquiry about our trip, don't be shy. Write to us.
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