Mustang

There are few places left in the world where mystical fascination still persists and the long arms of modern “civilization” and “globalization” has no significance. On the northern border of Nepal, in the heart of the Himalayas, and adjacent to Tibetan Autonomous region of China lies such a place. In most places, dzokpes and mules sporting colorful headdresses are the main form of transportation. This is a place where natural beauty, wildlife, history and culture co-exist in timeless harmony. This is the land of Mustang.

The district of Mustang is one of the most beautiful and varied district in Nepal. The southern border reaches down into the middle hills near Pokhara while the northern half stretches up through the Himalayan ranges on to the Tibetan plateau. The Kaligandaki River flows beneath lofty snow – clad peaks creating a stunning landscape.

This varied terrain provides a unique habitat that harbors a large number of animal and bird species, including the snow leopard. Here, rare and endangered such as, the musk deer and Tibetan Argali are seen traversing the steep valley walls and the Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon and Lammergeyer float on the wind that comes up the valley. The inaccessibility of much of the terrain also allows ancient cultures to flourish in a pristine form as they have endured for over thousands of year the steep and forbidding hills have slowed the advance of western modernity.

The upper half of Mustang is a restricted area and was only opened to foreigners in 1992. Each year only 1000 foreigners are allowed to enter under strict regulations. Foreigners entering must be traveling with a registered guide / agency and must be self sufficient, taking out whatever they brought in. Upper Mustang has had little experience with tourism underlining the need to respect the natural landscape as well as the people and heritage. Upper Mustang is an area that historically has been highly influenced by Tibet and, indeed, shares much of its culture, language and religion with its northern neighbor. It is now a repository of Tibetan Buddhist shrines and Monasteries and offers a rare view into the way of life and religion that has dominates this area of the world for so long.