Mustang Untamed
Among the tawny hills and sharp peaks of Nepal’s northern border, Mustang’s terrain is open, stark and unspoilt; step into this rare landscape and discover its compelling contrasts. Breathe deep and let your mind find a different rhythm.
When Nepal is spoken about, many of us instantly picture those iconic, jagged Himalayan peaks, with the mighty Mount Everest, or Sagarmatha, rising above it all. It’s a place that conjures a sense of adventure; of walking paths alongside local communities, forging genuine connections, and experiencing a world that still feels properly remote. Defined by scrubland and low trees against pale rocks and dusty earth, the Mustang region takes this a step further, showing you a rugged part of Nepal that very few travellers reach. Here and there, rainbow prayer flags bring flashes of colour against the impossibly bright-blue sky, tethered between houses in sleepy towns or fluttering from tranquil monasteries.
Combine leisurely time in Mustang’s untamed landscape with the comforts of the stunning Shinta Mani Mustang, contrasting this remote region with a few days in Nepal’s vibrant capital, Kathmandu, and its historic second city of Pokhara, before reconnecting with nature in Dhulikhel, gazing out over the clouds.
Into the Unknown…
To the north of the Annapurna mountains, Mustang stretches out into the lunar-like wilds of the Tibetan Plateau, its barren beauty blending into Tibet’s untouched terrain, and feels a far cry from the bustling markets and historic streets of Kathmandu. Throughout history, this region has formed part of Tibetan empires, been ruled by Nepal, and was an independent Buddhist kingdom for a time too.
Though once known as the ‘Forbidden Kingdom’, due to being so inaccessible to outsiders for many years, getting to Mustang is now a little easier, but still feels a satisfyingly long way from the usual path. Once you get there, you are rewarded by panoramic views of the high-altitude landscape rolling out in every direction, skyburst sunsets that turn the land golden, and the luxury comfort of the visionary Shinta Mani Mustang. Trek along windswept trails beside the locals, cross bridges over rushing rivers, and lean into moments of complete solitude with just the sound of the wind and the crunch of the path underfoot. Pause in villages of serene stone houses, spinning prayer wheels for blessings as you pass.
Shinta Mani Mustang
Like all properties by visionary architect Bill Bensley, the Shinta Mani Mustang is in a class of its own. The design is both modern and crisp whilst also sitting harmoniously within the landscape, based around traditional stone, slate and wood to blend seamlessly with the local buildings that inspired it. The property is set on a hillside high above the small town of Jomsom, and getting here involves either a short flight or a long drive to the town, but the journey is all part of the adventure.
Staying here is all about ‘getting away from it all’, taking it slow and enjoying the peace and calm of the region, and the hotel enhances that at every turn. It goes without saying that the views are utterly breathtaking. The vast, uninterrupted panoramas from the suites and terraces are extraordinary, and you can while away many hours just gazing out at the surrounding Nilgiri mountains. Snuggle down under hand-woven blankets, enjoy traditional herbal spa treatments tailored to your needs, and dine on exquisite meals created from local ingredients and inspired by traditional recipes.
Our destination specialists will discuss how best to fit Shinta Mani Mustang into a wider exploration of Nepal, and below are a few ideas to get you thinking about the shape of your trip.
Stupas, Spirituality & Street Food
Kathmandu is a feast for the senses in every respect, with a hundred sights, sounds and tastes around every corner. It can feel a little overwhelming, and initially appear a bit chaotic, but it’s just a case of settling into the rhythm of things. An Avata sound bath is a wonderful way to ease yourself into things, and after a few days in Kathmandu you’ll appreciate it as a much more laid back city compared to many capitals.
Once you’ve found your feet, take time to explore the city with your guide. Stand under the benevolent eyes of the Boudhanath Stupa, navigate the colourful stalls and narrow lanes of Thamel and watch the ‘sacred guardians’ of Swayambhunath - wild monkeys - from a respectful distance. Take time to discover the history and culture of the wider Kathmandu Valley at Bhaktapur or Panauti, perhaps pausing for a night at one of the locally-led Community Homestay Network properties for a dose of warm hospitality.
City on the Lake
The road between Pokhara and Shinta Mani Mustang, whilst being long, is known for being one of Nepal’s most scenic routes, and a gentle way to arrive in Nepal’s second-largest city.
As it continues to grow and develop, there’s an optimistic buzz and sense of adventure about the town. Hiking is a key attraction, and the intrepid can strike out on day treks or longer adventures. Stay close to the town to dip in and out of the hubbub, or opt for lodges further away to immerse yourself in the mountain scenery.
At the heart of the city is Phewa Lake. Wander around the lakeside, taking in the mountains beyond and their reflections in the calm waters, or head out in a boat to a temple set on a small in-lake island for a moment or two of serenity. Explore the hilltop temple of Bindabasini, the oldest temple in Pokhara, devoted to goddess Bindabasini, and stroll through a selection of the city’s smaller temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses from Saraswati to Shiva. Delve into recent history at the Gurkha Memorial Museum, and soak up the natural beauty and awe-inspiring power of Devi's Falls.
Sunrise Over the Peaks
Within easy reach of Kathmandu, on the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel makes the perfect relaxing end (or indeed beginning) to a journey through Nepal. Formerly on trade routes connecting Tibet to India, Dhulikhel is defined by its traditional Newari architecture, with many historic buildings and temples, as well as the nearby buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. From all around the town, the stunning views of the Himalayas in the distance stop you in your tracks, and we love this as a more grounded and sustainable option for seeing these mighty mountains than taking a ‘scenic’ Mt Everest flight.
However you spend your days there, Dhulikhel is perfect for reflecting, relaxing, and focussing on wellbeing. Cosy down at Dwarika’s Sanctuary to gaze out above the clouds from leisurely day beds on the terrace, partake in spa treatments and yoga sessions to soothe body and mind, and head out on walks in the surrounding forest to reconnect with nature.
A note on cost…
The guide price of £7,290US$9,490 is a per person price (not including international flights) staying 2 nights in Kathmandu, 3 nights in Pokhara, 3 nights in Dhulikhel, all in our favourite mid-range hotels, and 5 nights at the sublime Shinta Mani Mustang.
