The Last Tibetan Kingdom
Upper Mustang, officially the Kingdom of Lo, was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992. Today, it remains one of the most preserved regions in the world, offering a stark, beautiful contrast to the green hills of central Nepal.
The Landscape
Mustang is a high-altitude desert lying in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The landscape is characterized by deep, wind-carved canyons, strikingly colored rock formations in hues of red, yellow, and brown, and stark, barren valleys.
Lo Manthang: The Walled Capital
The ultimate destination of the trek is Lo Manthang, a walled city that served as the capital of the ancient kingdom.
- Ancient Monasteries: The city houses 15th-century Gompas (monasteries) adorned with exquisite, ancient Tibetan Buddhist mandalas and frescoes.
- Though the monarchy was officially dissolved by the Nepalese government in 2008, the royal family still commands deep respect among the locals.
