THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM OF MUSTANG
A fabulous trek to explore the wonder & mysteries of this Lost Himalayan Kindgom
Best Season: May – October |
Mustang
Forbidden to the outside world until 1992, the tiny kingdom of Mustang preserved within its boundaries a culture and a way of life little changed over the centuries. Still presided over by its hereditary dynasty, this unique kingdom-within-a-kingdom has Tibetan Buddhist monasteries that predate any monasteries within Tibet, and a well-preserved Tibetan Buddhism that has thrived with little influence from the Chinese to their north or the Nepalis to their south. In fact, it is said by many that there is more of Tibet in Mustang than there is in today's Tibet. On top of all this, the trekking here is fabulous, and only moderate in its difficulty.
The trip begins with a flight to Pokhara, and a connecting flight to Jomsom, the latter taking us through the spectacular Kali Gandaki River gorge. As we enter Kagbeni & into proper Mustang, we enter into Tibet’s desert landscape, people, culture, architecture & language. The gorge above Tsaili is dramatic, with the wide cliffside trail snaking its way upward in the cool morning shade. Once atop the gorge, we cross the first of many passes, affording us our first wide-angle panorama of this incredible landscape: high altitude steppe on all sides, gnarly mountains east and west, the imposing Annapurna massif to our south, and the vast expanse of Tibet luring us northward.
There are monasteries to visit each day, with Gemi, Lo Gyekar, and Tsarang & Luri Gompa & the ultimate prize destination of LO Manthang.
Highlight of our trip is the opportunity to observe the annual Tiji festival – a highly interesting & colourful mask dance performance & prayer ceremony by the monks held at the palace ground as well as at the monastery. Locals from far & wide as well as foreign trekkers flock to Lo Manthang during this festival period. It is truly an unforgettable & indeed once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to observe & participate in this festival at this remote corner of the world.
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