Situated 2,800 metres up the northern edge of the Himalayas, the Shinta Mani Mustang’s graceful stone exterior blends beautifully into the mountainside, giving the views of the Nilgiri range centre stage.
The resort’s stylish selection of suites have floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to soak up the full impact of its idyllic location. With the Bensley Collection’s signature eye for exquisite design, the aesthetic draws on the Tibetan art and culture which has infused the whole Himalayan region for centuries, with an added splash of bold colour and a deluge of modern comforts; think designer blankets, handmade rugs, crafted wooden furnishings and white walls bedecked with striking artwork.
With an internal courtyard to protect you from those Jomsom winds, fire pits on the restaurant patio for evening warmth, and plenty of short hikes and activities around Mustang to ensure the best night’s sleep, this is a true Nilgiri nirvana.
In the high desert region of Mustang, dominated by the magnificent peaks of the Nilgiri range, this area was once called the Forbidden Kingdom due to its inaccessibility, but today it can be reached by a six-hour scenic drive north west from Pokhara or a short flight to Jomsom.
Alpine location
Impeccably designed
Hiking & mountain biking
Yoga & wellness
The Shinta Mani Mustang was unreal. It was wonderful to experience the Mustang region in such sophisticated style.
Discover what to expect from staying at Shinta Mani Mustang
The resort is owned by the same Sherpa family who have delighted visitors at the Kasara in Chitwan and the Mountain Lodges of Nepal in the Annapurna, so you know you can expect something top notch. You won’t be disappointed. The impeccable interior design is provided by Bill Bensley, the hand-woven cashmere blankets and cushions by high-end atelier Altai-Himalaya, and the artworks by Nepalese - and Nepalese-inspired - artists. The Nilgiri Restaurant represents a culinary peak (sorry, bad pun), with views across to its namesake. The food is organic, seasonal and sustainably sourced from local farmers; expect to sample creative reinterpretations of the culinary diversity of the region and its ancient trade routes.
Whether exploring the Mustang region with a personal guide, dining on locally-sourced produce in the restaurant, or simply gazing out of your expansive suite window, the peaks of the Nilgiri range will dominate your waking day - and probably infuse your dreams, too. The resort’s personalised spa and wellness program heightens the mountain serenity, with steam room, sauna, massage, beauty and therapeutic treatments, as well as consultations with a revered local Amchi (Nepalese and Tibetan spiritual doctor).
The family who own the resort are renowned Himalayan trekkers who have been protecting the peaks and their local populations, alongside championing sustainable tourism, for over 30 years. Let experienced guides lead you on foot, by bike, by jeep, or even on horseback. Wander through the apple orchards in the rural village of Marpha, trek around Dumba Lake, or visit the Khutsab Terenga Monastery perched on the Kali Gandaki Valley. At the sacred site of Muktinath, pilgrims cleanse themselves in the 108 fountains, and nearby Lubra village is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Bon Buddhist tradition.
The resort supports regional projects that empower women, and protect the local culture, through the Pasang Lhamu Foundation, created by the family who own the resort in honour of their mother who was the first woman to climb Everest. Sustainability lies at the heart of the building’s design which incorporates passive solar principles to minimise energy consumption and uses insulation to reduce heat loss and gain.