The Kingdom of Mustang is situated in Nepal and can be referred to as the most secluded part of it, which is in the Himalayas.
Until the early 1990s, Mustang itself was closed for anyone outside of the kingdom and was once an independent kingdom. Even today, it is still one of the most untouched and enigmatic areas of Nepal, which attracts travelers who are eager to discover the land of the ancient Tibetan civilization, extreme geological phenomena, and an incredible number of legends and myths.
It seems that Mustang is a place that is pulled from the reality of the modern world. The region is characterized by barren terrain resembling desert, deep cracks, gigantic hills, mountains, and the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains in the background.
The Mustang Trek is at relatively higher elevation and involves crossing steep and sometimes rocky paths along the Kali Gandaki River, taking a glimpse of old monasteries, caves, and ancient villages. Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang, is a walled city that boasts with its whitewashed monuments of palaces and monasteries, which symbolize the culture of the region.
For those who enjoy anthropology, Mustang is a place that gives deep understanding of ancient Tibetan-Buddhist way of life that has remained untouched in many ways for centuries. The indigenous population of the Loba tribe continues to live according to their culture, and tourists have an opportunity to take part in celebration of the festivals, watch the shaman’s performance, and examine performances of folk art.
There are also prospects for archeological tourism in Mustang; indeed, there are numerous mysterious caves and antique structures that can be found all over the region but are still untouched. Just as it is with travel enthusiasts, art lovers, and adventure lovers, Mustang, or the forbidden kingdom, has now opened a window to a dying civilization.
Mark
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