Mystical Mustang: The Hidden Kingdom of Nepal

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeफेरि भेटौं
  [pheri bhetau]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto chha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [ramro chha. tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [tapai angreji bolnuhunchha?]
• I don't understandमलाई सम्झिन्छैन
  [malai samjhinchain]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदिन
  [ma masu khandin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chiyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya bhuktani garn chahanchu]

• Help!मदद!
  [madad!]
• Go away!दूर हुनुहोस्!
  [door hunuhos!]
• Call the Police!पुलिसलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [polis lai bolaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktar lai bolaunuhos!]
• I'm lostम हराएको छु
  [ma haraeko chu]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [ma birami chu]

• I'd like to buy...म किन्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kinn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गरिरहेको छु
  [ma sirjana gari raheko chhu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [tyo dherai mahango chha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [ke tapai mulya kam garn saknuhunchha?]

• What time is it?कति बजेको छ?
  [kati bajeko chha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [ek baje chha]
• Half past (10)दस बजे सम्म
  [das baje samma]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihana]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sajh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [pach]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [sat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...हरायो?
  [...harayo?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ? (नक्सामा)
  [ke tapai malai dekhaun saknuhunchha? (nakshama)]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले छ?
  [arko (bas) kahile chha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक कोटी (लाई ... को)
  [ek kotee (lai ... ko)]

The Mustang region was once part of the Kingdom of Lo, which was established in 1380 by Ame Pal. The kingdom maintained a high degree of autonomy despite being a vassal state of Tibet. The walled city of Lo Manthang served as the capital, and it remains one of the best-preserved examples of medieval Tibetan architecture.

Mustang has long been influenced by Tibetan culture, religion, and politics. Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion, and the region is home to numerous monasteries, including the ancient Ghar Gompa and the 15th-century Thubchen Monastery. The close cultural ties with Tibet have shaped the unique identity of Mustang.

Historically, Mustang was a vital trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The region's location along the Kali Gandaki River facilitated the movement of goods such as salt, wool, and grains. This trade route contributed to Mustang's prosperity and cultural exchanges, which are evident in its rich heritage.

For centuries, Mustang was known as the 'Forbidden Kingdom' due to its inaccessibility and restricted entry to outsiders. It wasn't until 1992 that the Nepali government opened the region to foreign visitors, allowing the world to explore its hidden treasures and unique culture.

In 2008, Nepal abolished its monarchy and became a federal democratic republic. This political shift impacted Mustang, which had been ruled by a local king, Jigme Palbar Bista, who held the title of Raja of Mustang. Though the monarchy was officially dissolved, the former king remains a respected figure in the community.

Mustang is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, which offer a glimpse into the region's traditions and beliefs. One of the most significant festivals is Tiji, celebrated in Lo Manthang. This three-day event commemorates the victory of good over evil and features elaborate dances, rituals, and ceremonies performed by monks in colorful costumes.

Mustang is located in the north-central part of Nepal, bordering Tibet. The nearest international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Pokhara, which is the gateway to Mustang. From Pokhara, you have the option to fly to Jomsom, which is the main entry point to Mustang, or you can embark on a road journey via jeep or bus. The road journey offers a scenic route but can be challenging due to rough terrains.

Within Mustang, transportation options include local buses, jeeps, and motorcycles. Jeeps are the most common mode of transport for tourists due to the rugged terrain. Motorcycles can be rented in Pokhara or Jomsom for those looking for a more adventurous way to explore the region. Walking and trekking are also popular, especially for visitors interested in experiencing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Mustang up close.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in Jomsom and Lo Manthang, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller villages and remote areas. ATMs are scarce in Mustang, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before traveling to Mustang. Foreign exchange services are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Mustang is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Mustang, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended. Weather conditions can be harsh, so prepare adequately for cold temperatures and high altitudes.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for medical emergencies. There are health posts and basic medical facilities in Jomsom and Lo Manthang. For serious medical issues, it may be necessary to be evacuated to Pokhara or Kathmandu. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, carry a basic first aid kit and necessary medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' and a slight bow of the head as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as yak meat and Tibetan bread. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Mustang like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy handmade crafts and traditional Tibetan goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, a vibrant three-day event celebrated with traditional dances and rituals. For a unique experience, visit the ancient caves in Chhoser, which have been used as dwellings and meditation sites for centuries.