The forbidden Kingdom
(Kathmandu - Kathmandu)

Situated north of the Himalaya and jutting up onto the Tibetan plateau, the region of Mustang has more in common culturally and geographically with Tibet then it does with the rest of Nepal. To enter Mustang is to be taken back in time and given a glimpse of what Tibet must have been before the Chinese occupation. Mustang retains much of its cultural autonomy and each administered by its own king, the 25th successor of his line. Only since 1992 have travellers from the west been allowed passage in to this remote and isolated kingdom.

We fly from Kathmandu to beautiful city of Pokhara offering one of the most spectacular views of the Himalaya in Nepal. Less then 19 miles distance, Machhapuchhere (22,937') raises its jagged spire sky ward, and beyond the panoramic splendor of the Annapurna range. We spend the day amid this in spring back drop exploring the city or boating on Fewa Tal, a gorgeous lake along the city's western fringe .Next day, we fly to Jomsom where we begin our trek following the Kali Gandaki river gorge. Having risen from the depths carved between two of the world's tallest mountain, Dhaulagiri (26,804') And Annapurna (26,538'), Kaligandaki is one of the deepest gorges on earth.

This trek through the "forbidden kingdom" is a magnificent way to experience the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism in a landscape unique within Nepal.