Higher Trek

continues on from Jomsom along the ancient caravan route on horseback to the remote medieval walled city Lo Manthang

The Higher Trek continues North from Jomsom along the ancient caravan route on horseback to the remote mediaeval walled city of Lo Manthang. Riding on horseback, along the ancient caravan route in a remote area of Upper Mustang, just 50 km from the Tibetan border and 250km from the Indian border. Upper Mustang, referred to as Nepal’s hidden Tibetan ‘kingdom’ is extraordinarily special and the journey there really is an experience of a lifetime.

This isolated Tibetan settlement was founded in 1380 and was the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. Surrounded by a 6-metre high earthen wall with square towers or dzong on the corners the compact settlement contains about 200 earthen structures including palaces and monasteries.

The Monarchy and therefore the Kingdom officially ceased to exist in 2008 when Lo Manthang became an autonomous region in Nepal. Despite its isolation, it is still inhabited by an estimated 900 Lhobas and governed by the current “King of Lo” – Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista.

The route is still the main salt, food and clothing trading route between Nepal and Tibet where all goods are still transported by mule.

To travel is to take a journey into your own Self.