Mustang is a mountain lover’s paradise. Here you are free to hit the trail and visit Buddhist monasteries, hike along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River or simply soak in the magnificent Himalayan views. Blue Sheep, Musk Deer and Himalayan Wolves – Mustang has it all. If you’re very lucky you might even spot a snow leopard!

IMPACT

Surrounded by the mountains of the Annapurna Range, Lubra (2,972 m) is a 12th century medieval Bon village said to be the last remaining place in Mustang where this pre-Buddhist religion is still followed. Legend has it that Bon is a religion older than Buddhism that was practiced in Tibet before Buddhism arrived there in the 7th century. Here beside the Annapurna Circuit in Lower Mustang, you are close to the Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang.

ABOUT THE HOMESTAY

Lubra (also known as Ludak) is a small settlement with just over 20 families living here. This quaint little village is full of legend and history. Above the village is what is thought to be the last Bon monastery in Nepal.  As you wander around the village, you can see some of their unique traditions, like the colorful string 'devil traps' that people put in their doorways to catch the devil at night. The families are guard fiercely their culture and traditions, and are proud to share them off to their guests.

Staying in a home of a local family, your accommodation is basic but comfortable. You live the same way your host families and will taste locally grown food. You will take away with you many unique stories and memories: wearing traditional Nepali dress, cooking and eating local dishes, and laughing with your host family. If you want, depending on the season, you are very welcome to join in planting rice in the field with your host family, collect fruit and vegetables from their garden, or learn some Nepali words.

The Mustang Bon Community Homestay aims to help influence local youth about the benefits tourism can bring to their remote village, and provides some incentive to stay in the village, rather than migrate to Pokhara or farther afield. Hosting guests from all over the world, this helps strengthen the local economy as well as giving the village people a chance to exchanging the ideas and learn about the outside world.

HIGHLIGHTS

The highlight in this Community Homestay is the place itself. Mustang is an ancient forbidden kingdom, bordered by the Tibetan plateau and sheltered by some of world’s tallest peaks including the Annapurna. Upper Mustang is only opened since 1992, which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world. Still, it’s hard to reach Upper Mustang if you are on budget travels. The government wants to control the amount of visitors so they need a permit to enter.

Best time to visit

Mustang doesn’t have a raining season, therefore it is also perfect to visit during summer. Springtime is a great time to visit due to the melting snow, filled rivers and upcoming flowers. The middle of May is also the time of the Tiji Festival at Lo-Manthang. This festival lasts for 3 days and is definitely a reason to come during May.

Climate and weather

Mustang, a rain shadow area of Nepal, does not get much rain naturally, and remains mostly arid throughout the year. However in the winter it gets very cold and there is often snow up here. It is a very good place to come in the summer, to escape the monsoon rains.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Devil Traps and other secrets from Lubra, Nepal (published with

permission from Roxana Oliver)