The Mustang district is set in the Himalayan region of Western Nepal at an altitude of 2.000- 8,167 meters. Located high in the harsh and rocky plains of the Himalayas is the feudal Kingdom of Upper Mustang. It is a sparsely populated region where an ancient Tibetan culture still reigns, protected from outside influence by its remote and inhospitable location.
The kingdom was founded in the 14th century by Ama-pal, the famous Tibetan warlord. Today Ama-pal's 25th successor King Jigme Palvar Bista rules over his 7000 subjects from Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. His people are scattered amongst a series of 28 small communities and nomadic tribes. Upper Mustang maintains its own social hierarchy, culture and administrative norms that manage the social practises and natural resources of the region. The population is of Tibetan origin and Buddhism is practiced here. Next Page>>