The mysterious and forbidden kingdom of Mustang allures many
visitors all over the world. Because of the unique culture and topographic
features, Mustang has been known as a place where travelers find their
Shangri-la. The place gained its notorious title because it was forbidden to
travelers until the early 1990’s. Only a few travelers are fortunate enough to
get acquainted with the utopian landscape today because of the restriction to
enter.
Mustang lies between Tibet and Nepal and it has been known
to acquire its prosperity by dominating the salt trade from Tibet to Nepal.
Because of the Tibetan influence, monasteries resembling those in Tibet and
white-painted village houses are the main attraction of this place. Stupas or chortens which are a symbol of
Buddhism can be found in every village around mustang. The beauty of this place is amplified by the
amalgamated cliffs with varying shades of red, yellow, brown and blue set up
against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
The trek takes you to the capital of the ancient kingdom of
Lo; Lo Manthang. This medieval city comprises of earthen structures of palaces
and monasteries and is inhabited by a very few people. The oldest and the most
spiritual form of Tibetan Buddhism; Bonpo is still practiced in this region.
The UNESCO has described this settlement as unique and having no comparison.
There are other beautiful villages on the way to mustang.
The trek is fairly easy for hill climbers, compared to other trails like the
Annapurna circuit. Mustang, situated at above 3,000 meters allows for easy
acclimatization if approached at a steady pace. If you want to be one of the
lucky few to get the opportunity to visit this astonishing and enigmatic
kingdom of Lo, find a good trekking agent in Nepal today and feel the
experience.
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