| Upper
Mustang... "The Lost Tibetan Kingdom"
MMustang
is the most isolated and unexplored corner of the Himalayas.
A land where the soul of man is still considered to
be as real as the feet he walks on, a landscape as barren
as a dead deer, but where beauty and happiness abound
in spite of hardship.
Above
the tree line, the vast barren landscape of the Upper
Mustang region, dotted with ancient forts, walled medieval
villages and monasteries rich in Buddhist art, offers
a few visitors a year a fascinating glimpse into this
enclave of Tibetan Culture. A deliberate policy of cultural
and environmental preservation has allowed Mustang to
remain one of the world's most precious trekking destinations.
Entry is limited and special trekking permits are required.
The best time to visit is late March thru November.
A reasonable fitness level is required.
The separate
kingdom in a hidden Trans-Himalayan valley behind the
Annapurnas is known as Upper Mustang. A traditional
world trade route to Tibet was opened to travelers in
1992. Cold desert, a lost kingdom, rich in ancient tradition
and mythology, its huge barren areas are similar to
the Tibetan plateau. The people of Mustang are of Tibetan
origin and their way of life and spoken language reflect
this ancestral lineage. The landscape of Mustang is
red fluted hills and cliffs. The rolling hills of lower
and upper Mustang are shades of yellow and gray. During
the daytime the region is usually windy. There are a
few fertile valleys, however, where crops like Tibetan
barley, buckwheat and certain fruits are grown. A journey
to this hidden kingdom is a unique experience for even
the most seasoned traveler. It is rich in inhabitants
of Tibetan heritage that have created several Buddhist
monuments, paintings, and walls; the Gompas being the
most significant.
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