The separate kingdom in hidden Trans- Himalayan valley behind the Annapurnas is known as Upper Mustang. A traditional world trade route to Tibet has been open to travelers since 1992. It is opened for a limited number of tourists. Lo Manthang (Mustang) is located north of the main Himalayan chain between the snow capped mountain on the east and west bordering Tibet and, relatively wide and leveled ridge towards north with pass not higher than 4,600 m. The climate and land is dry and arid. Villages are located in the valley at the altitude of 3,300 m. to 4,000 m. The people of Mustang are of Tibetan origin and their way of life and spoken language reflects this ancestral lineage where important historical sites are also located. It was an important salt trading post in the trans Himalayan belt.

From Kagbeni to Tzug; as you walk towards north the Kali Gandaki valley extends and becomes broader. Walk to Samar; it is surrounded by the ruins of temples and fortes. Visit the famous cave at Rongbyoung Chorten. It has carvings of many deities on the stone walls: the figure of Padmasambhava dominates all the deities. The famous cave speaks of the history of this valley of Lo before the advent of Buddhism. The travel from Giling to Tsarang pass through important ruins at Gemi. As Tsarang is approached after crossing the passes the monastery is evidently visible. In the monastery the fresco painting of thousand Buddha, hanging thankas and antique ceiling, and other sacred objects are reminder of its rich cultural past.

After Tsarang the walk to Lo Manthang is short. It is dotted by houses and monastery enclosed in the fortress. The route to Lo have