Nestled amidst lofty snowcapped
Himalayan ranges, Nepal is a landlocked nation, that offers its visitors an
exotic and mystifying experience of the mountains, ancient culture and
breathtaking beauty. Nepal is immensely endowed with natural flora and fauna
ranging from tropical to alpine vegetation.
Upper Mustang Trekking is a rare
privilege. One can witness the true way of life of the mountain people who have
remained isolated largely also from the rest of Nepalese people for hundreds of
years. The culture in Upper Mustang is akin to Tibetan culture as it is
geographically part of the Tibetan Plateau. Until 1950, Mustang was a separate
kingdom with a sovereign king of its own. He still has his palace in the
ancient capital of, Lo Manthang. Upper Mustang Trekking is bound to be replete
with adventure, mystifying geography and culture.
The rugged, arid and mountainous
terrain is devoid of much vegetation as it falls in the rain shadow area. There
are many monasteries dotting the landscape that portrays Tibetan lifestyles.
Here, there are many abandoned caves dating back to 15th centuries
as well.
Upper Mustang
trekking is still in its infancy, as this tract was opened for
non-Nepalese people only 15 years back. One can trek to this area even during
Monsoons as Kali Gandaki river is not flooded as this falls in the rain shadow
area. Although the altitude is not much high, the highest point reached being
only 3800 meters, the weather conditions are quite harsh and severe. It is
bitterly cold in winter and windy and dusty throughout. Winter treks are best
avoided due to harsh weather.
Earlier this formed the route followed
by salt caravans crossing into Nepal. The present king of Mustang can trace his
lineage back to 1380. In the more recent times, it was a stronghold for Tibetan
Khampa guerillas fighting the invading Chinese troopers. Points of interest in
Upper Mustang include royal palace, Thugchen Gompa, Amchi Museum and chosser
and chortens festooned with Tibetan prayer flags.
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