Trekking

Also known as the Kingdom of Lo, Mustang, with a population of about 6,000 people, existed as an independent state as early as the 5th century. It was later absorbed into Tibet in the 7th century, only to regain its independence and become an important centre of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Gyalpo Ame Pal (1380-1450) founded a dynasty that has survived until today, even though the Lo was integrated into Nepal in the 18th century. The inhabitants of Mustang are culturally Tibetan people who speak the Tibetan language and follow Tibetan Buddhism.

Until 1992, Mustang was a place of mystery, closed to all but a few royal guests. The first legal trekkers were allowed in only in March 1992, upon payment of a high royalty, a minimum of $700 for ten days, which is changed now ($500 for a ten-day permit).