MUSTANG AUTONOMOUS KINGDOM WITHIN NEPAL

Mustang from Tibetan Mun Tan which means fertile plain, Mustang or Kingdom of Lo is part of the Kingdom of Nepal and one of its districts (see Mustang District), in the north-east of that country, bordering China (Tibet) on the Central Asian plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. It is roughly 80 km long (north-south) and 45 km at its widest, and is at an elevation of over 2500 m.
Geography

Meteorological
It is largely dry and arid (annual precipitation is in the range of 250-400 mm) due to its position in the rain shadow of surrounding mountains.

Human
The population is around 9,000, spread between three towns and approximately thirty smaller settlements; the people are either Thakalis or Tibetan.
Most of the population of Mustang live near the river, 2-3,000 m above sea level, but the tough conditions cause a large seasonal migration into lower regions of Nepal. The administrative centre of the district is at Jomsom (Dzong Sampa), population 5,363 (1998), which has had an airport since 1962 and has become the main tourist centre since the area was opened to tourism in the 1970s.

Physical
The main feature of Mustang is the Gandaki river, its valley and tributaries. The river runs north-east to south-west towards Nepal Terai, bisecting the territory. It once served as the major trade route between Tibet and India, especially for salt. Part of the river valley, the Thak Khola, forms the deepest gorge in the world.

History
Mustang was once an independent kingdom, although closely tied by language and culture to Tibet. From the 15th century to the 17th century, its strategic location granted Mustang control over the trade between the Himalayas and India. By the end of the 18th century, the kingdom was annexed by Nepal. Now it an autonomous kingdom - the last surviving Sangri-La.
However, the monarchy still survives as the Kingdom of Lo in Upper (northern) Mustang, with its capital at Lo Manthang. The current king (raja or gyelpo) is Jigme Parbal Bista, who traces his lineage back to Ame Pal the warrior who founded the Buddhist kingdom in 1450.

Tourism
Even though foreign visitors are allowed to the kingdom since 1991, tourism to Upper Mustang is very restricted. Foreigners need to obtain a special permit to enter, which costs $700 per 10 days per person.

Lo Manthang’s culture is deep rooted in the religious sentiments of its people. The township abound with many chhortens, mani – walls and monasteries. Prayers flags flutter above all the houses – conveying mantras to all corners of the world. The Lobas are exclusively Buddhists and conform to the Sakya – pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Bon prevailed before Buddhism, which was later replaced by Ningma Pa Sect (Dhakarkayu subsect) and subsequently by Sakya Pa Sect of Buddhism.Of the three Gompas in Lo – Manthang, the Jhampa Gompa is the oldest. It was built in 1387 AD during the reign of the famous King Anguin Sangbo and is believed to be a replica of Ghangtse Jhampa Gompa of Tibet, which still exists in Ghangtse, near Khasa.The three storied Jhampa Gompa, is an exemplary piece of art. It amply exhibits Lo- Manthang’s great architectural depth of the past. The uniqueness of this Gompa lies in gold painted tantric mandals entirely covering the interiors of the wall of the first and second floors. The main prayer hall is painted with double register of Mandalas. The sheer size of the Gompa itself is an attraction. One will be surprised to know that the walls of the Gompa are 5 feet and 4 inches thick! The Gompa is 55 feet high, 150 feet long and 80 feet wide.Thupchen is the second oldest Gompa of the town. It was built in the early 15th century by Tashi gon, the third Raja of Mustang. Despite being smaller than Jhamba, Thupchen is an equally rich archetype of Tibetan art. The main hall ‘ Dukhan’ has beautiful ceiling and wall peintings painted of natural color and gold and silver paints. The wall paintings bear various images of Buddha and other deities in different mudras. The wooden beams in Dukhang carry Buddhist mantra engraved in it and the ceiling has beautifully placed rafters. In its heyday, Thupchen was the major center of religious activity in Lo- Manthang.Resided by the Khempo, Chhoede Gompa presently is the main Gompa of Lo and also the center of religious activity. It was built by a King named A-ham Tshewang Phuntsok Tskgyen Norbu in 17 57. the present houses beautiful Thangka and images, including the sacred Thangka of Mahakala and Dorje Sonnu. Mahakala is a wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshwara and Dorje Sonnu is the main deity of the Tenchi festival.Tenchi is the most popular festival of Lo Tsho Dhun, and is celebrated over three days to mark the killing of a demon by Dorje Sonnu is the main deity of the Tenchi festival.Tenchi is the most popular festival of Lo Tsho Dhun, and is celebrated over three days to mark the killings of a demon by Dorje Sonnu, the demon’s son. Tenchi is a derivative of the Tibetan word "tempa Chirim", meaning a prayer for world peace. The festival is celebrated on the fifth month of the Tibetan calender, which usually come to place in May. Two huge Thangkas are displayed during the occasion. Numerous other festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Some important ones are Mhane Dance, Sakaluka, Duk chu, Chug Emma, Phakne, Lhosar and so forth.A Monastic School- tse Chhen Shedrubling Tukling mon Gon Lobdra- is attached to the Chhoede Gompa. This is the only Sakya- pa monastic school of Upper Mustang where young monks are taught on the teachings of Buddha. There are about 90 monks currently studying in this center.The people of Lo have for long relied on traditional herbal medicines to cure ailments and the faith still holds true. With some donor support, and Amchi school now runs in lo under the management of the local Almchi family.
Lo- Manthang- Eastern valley Height: 3760mChhoser is famous for its cave culture. In the past, a whole village lived in one cave and the Jhong cave, which is 5 storied and has more than 40 rooms, is a standing proof. The people of Achenbuk are proud of their cave houses and the Nyphu Gomp, which is half inside the cave, is still existent. Walking along the major trading route with Tibet, Chhoser can be reached in about 3 hours from Lo.
Lo-Manthang-Weastern valley Height: 3760mIn Thinker village of Chhunup you will find the Summer Palace of the Raja. Namgyal Gompa and Ketcher Dzong are other places to visit I Chhunup. The Ketcher Dzong is the first palace built by Ame Pal, the first Raja of Mustang, in the early 14th century.