TRAVEL WITH ROHAN: Mustang : The Lost Kingdom of Tibet [Photo Gallery]

Before we start, a little brief on Mustang (lifted from Wiki of course)

Mustang is the former Kingdom of Lo. It now forms part of north-central Nepal, bordering China on the Tibetan plateau.

In addition to trekking routes through the 'Upper Mustang' and along the Annapurna Circuit in 'lower Mustang', the district is famous for the springs and village of Muktinath (a popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site), apples, and Marpha brandy. Mustang was a lost kingdom of Tibet, and although it is now part of Nepal, traditions remains purely Tibetan in the former Lo Kingdom ("Upper Mustang.").

A little history : It was once an independent kingdom. From the 15th century to the 17th century, its strategic location granted Mustang control over the trade between the Himalayas and India. At the end of the 18th century the kingdom was annexed by Nepal. Though still recognized by many Mustang residents, the monarchy ceased to exist on October 7, 2008, by order of the Government of Nepal.

Mustang's location on the Map of Nepal

Sandwiched between Nepal and Tibet, it lays hidden from the world beyond the Annapurna section of the Himalayas

The Trek route - We were on foot, hiking through the heights of Himalayas between Chame (2700 m) upto Muktinath(3800m) via the formidable Thorung La(5416 metres)

The 210 Km long Annapurna Circuit

When we descended from Thorung La towards the rainshadow area of Himalayas, we were greeted by the sight of Backyards of the Dhaulagiri Range

Dhaulagir i(8127 meters) and Tukuche peak from Left to Right

Crossing over the Thorung La (5416 meters)

By the way, this is the Thorung La or Thorung Pass at 5416 meters which I was talking about earlier. Probably, this picture hasn't been able to capture the grandeur of the place properly.

Looking back at the Annapurna for the last time before heading into the rain shadow area of Himalayas

When we finally descended into the Mustang from the slopes of Annapurna, we were taken back by the marked difference in topology. From blinding white to a browny haze in a matter of 1600 meters.

Coming back to the Mustang, when we descended, this was the first town on our way - Rani pauwwa. You can spot it nestled somewhere in the valley below, if you strain your eyes. The Dhaulagiri range forms the backdrop in this picture

The 108 holy water snouts surrounding the temple.

One of the major Hindu temples, especially revered among the South Indians as the 108th Divyadesham, Muktinath is a place sacred to both Hindus as well as Buddhists. In fact, the priest inside this Hindu temple is a Buddhist.

Moving down from Muktinath, we headed towards the Kali Gandaki Gorge, travelling through which we'll return back to civilisation.