Mustang: A Trekking Guide (With Maps)

In October 1991 the Nepalese government announced that all of Nepal was open to trekking groups (but not to individuals), allowing us the long awaited opportunity to visit the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki valley known as Mustang. Only a handful of foreigners have ever visited this isolated region. It is to be hoped that the limited number of trekkers allowed into Mustang will also limit the amount of adverse change.

The ancient Kingdom of Mustang was attached to Tibet in the 14th century although it remained an autonomous dynasty. Later it was annexed by Nepal, but the people still remain predominantly Tibetan. Untouched by the outside world or the remain active to preserve this magnificent trans-himalayan kingdom, with their unrivalled thankas, mandalas and deities.

In this wild lunar landscape of unreal colour and beauty, ruggedly carved mountains reach up to deep blue skies, while icy peaks glimmer majestically to the south. Vast and barren ridges extend to the northern horizon making one feel like an insignificant dot on a timeless landscape. A journey to Mustang is a journey of remarkable contrasts. Stark Tibetan landscapes contrast with lush rice fields and Hindu shrines with cliff hanging monasteries.

For our journey we must extend our warmest thanks to Ravi Chandra, the staff and crew of Ama Dablam Trekking who made our adventure truly outstanding.