Harald Baldr

The Forbidden Kingdom: Mustang Adventure

MARPHA, MUSTANG: Nepal, although geographically a rather tiny country perched up on the Himalayan plateau, sandwiched in between India and China, is still home to countless older Kingdoms. One of these is the ancient Kingdom of Mustang which dates back all the way to 1380 and wasn't fully merged into Nepal politically speaking before 2008. Although it doesn't technically exist as a sovereign state anymore, and it's capital Lo Manthang was in Upper Mustang, it's borders extended past the little town of Marpha, whose ancient Thakali culture is very much alive today. Religion, customs, architecture and food have been remarkably well kept alive here in all its glory. Some of the buildings in Marpha, although of modest construction, contain materials that are 400 years old. The city is also home to a Tibetan community which adds to the history on full display here.