KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 29

Travel guidebook Lonely Planet has enlisted Nepal, Mustang in particular, as one of the top ten destinations to visit in 2022.

Nepal has been listed as the eighth of ten countries to visit in the coming year. In a CNN article featuring the top picks, it has been mentioned that Nepal has almost always been tagged with Mt Everest but 'this Himalayan nation has so much more on offer for travelers who aren't climbing the world's highest mountain'.

In its latest feature, the guidebook has made a special reference to the hilly district of Mustang. 'In the remote region of Mustang (which means 'fertile plain'), trekkers can explore the high desert and meet locals at homestays along the way, dining on Nepali specialties like coffee with yak butter and momos served 'kothey' style -- half fried and half steamed,' it elaborated.

Mustang, one of the districts in Gandaki Province is situated at an altitude of 3682 m (elevation.maplogs.com).

Even among domestic tourists, Mustang is a very popular destination. The number of domestic tourists arriving at Mustang surged after this Dashain, as hotels and lodges were crammed.

People across the country and outside visit Muktinath temple in the district, trekkers visit Lo Manthang in upper Mustang region to witness scenic beauty of mountains, alpine grassland, cultural treats, white mud-brick walls of local houses, gumbas and lot more.

The other nine top destinations (countries) for 2022 include Egypt, Malawi, Oman, Anguilla, Slovenia, Belize, Mauritius, Norway and Cook Island (in descending order).