Mustang
is the
hinterland
enriched
with
mainly
barren
ridges,
deep
canyons,
eroded
cliffs
and
Moraine
valleys.
Its
landscape
is
unrivaled
for it
has a
stupendous
wilderness,
pristine
scenery,
snow
capped
peaks,
spectacular
16th
century
monasteries
and many
other
unique
attractions.
The view
of wind
swept
Kali-Gandaki
valley,
vast
spaces
around
Kagbeni
and vast
ridges
that
straggle
high
mountains
provide
a
mind-blowing
experience.
Nepal's
Mustang
region
preserves
a life
almost
unchanged
for
centuries.
It lies
hidden
behind
the
Himalayan
giants
of
Dhaulagiri
and
Annapurna
at the
very
roof of
Asia on
the arid
Tibetan
plateau.
It has
long
been
isolated
from the
outside
world
(and
only
opened
to
trekking
groups
since
1992!).
As you
make
your way
through
this
secluded
land,
you'll
pass
brightly
painted
chortens
(Buddhist
shrines)
and tiny
villages
guarded
by
enormous
monasteries.
Vistas
include
unusual
and
arresting
views of
the
snow-covered
Himalaya
to the
south,
and
desolate
high
plateaus,
deep
canyons,
and an
ocean of
windswept
hills
the
colors
of a
desert
sunset
to the
north.
Once at
the
walled
capital
city of
Lo
Manthang,
you'll
absorb a
great
sense of
timelessness
and
appreciation
for an
ancient
culture
as you
discover
the
ruins of
old
forts,
monasteries
rich in
art and
history,
and
caves
replete
with
magnificent
religious
statues.
Mustang
is the
old
kingdom
of Lo.
Actually
the
capital
of the
Mustang
district
is
Jomsom,
but the
real
Tibetan
style
district
lies
north of
Kagbeni
and is
usually
referred
to as
Upper
Mustang.
The real
capital,
Lo
Manthang,
where
the
present
king
lives,
is a
fantastic
square-walled
town
sitting
on the
'Plain
of
Prayers'.
The
small
kingdom
of
Mustang,
closed
to
westerners
until
1992, is
an
enchanting
land of
windswept
vistas,
red
walled
monasteries,
and
feudal
towns.
This
tiny
kingdom
was not
only a
major
corridor
of trade
from the
1400's
to
before
the
Chinese
occupation
of
Tibet,
but also
figured
importantly
into
early
Buddhism
in
Tibet.
Local
legend
tells
the tale
of the
great
founder
of
Tibetan
Buddhism,
Padmasambhava,
who
before
building
Samye
(the
oldest
monastery
in
Tibet)
came to
Mustang
to stand
guard
against
and do
battle
with the
evil
powers
out to
destroy
Buddhism.
The
temple
of Lo
Gekhar
in
eastern
Mustang
was
built by
Padmasambhava
after
his
triumphant
battle
and
still
stands
guard
today. |
Major
Trekking Routes
Upper
Mustang Trek
