Mustang Caves, Nepal

The Mustang Caves in northern Nepal are one of the greatest archaeological mysteries in the world, consisting of about 10,000 mysteriously carved caves by humans.

Nobody is aware of who dug them, what they were used for, or even just how people climbed the vertical surface to reach them. Even experienced climbers using all the gear and equipment available in the twenty-first century find some of the caves to be inaccessible.

Some of them may have served as homes for people, while others may have served as tombs, according to archaeological theory.

View this stunning gallery of images captured by National Geographic climbers, explorers, and archaeologists.

Given that the Mustang Caves are situated in a very remote area of Nepal, it is advised that you take a guided tour if you decide to go.

Getting there: Visitors can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then take a flight to Mustang. They can take a taxi, bus, or rent a bike to get to Pokhara from Pokhara. The starting point of the Lo Kingdom in Upper Mustang is Jomsom, which can be reached on the Prithvi Highway in 6 to 8 hours.

Entry fee: US$ 500 for foreign visitors