Rediscover the Lost Tibetan Kingdom in the Himalayas

July 27, 2010 - PRLog -- If you are looking for a destination traveled by very less foreign foot-where the land and the nature still remains pure and the life of people is directed by religion and the myths and the mountain coexist, then it’s Mustang and only Mustang that you are aiming for.

Mustang-pronounced as “Moostang”- a former Kingdom and now a part of Nepal, was closed to westerners until 1992. It’s an enchanting land of windswept vistas, red walled monasteries, and feudal towns. Geographically and culturally more a part of Tibet than Nepal, Mustang contains a wild landscape of eroded cliffs and hidden caves. Lo Manathang-the fortified capital city and home to the king of Mustang-is a 5 days trek from Jomsom. Indeed, the trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, along a steeply undulating rocky trail, from which there are panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and a range of other soaring peaks.

Highland Asia Travel, a Minnesota based company with its own office in Kathmandu, Nepal offers affordable trips to the fabled kingdom of Mustang. Our trips offer opportunity to explore the city and also visit the outlying villages to the north of the capital. Rimmed by 20,000 ft. + snow-capped peaks and bathed in hues of orange and red rocks with sporadic fields of vibrant green, yellow and red of barley, maize, and buckwheat, Mustang is the land like no other and traveling to Mustang, in true sense is a step back to a simpler time. During our visit, we’ll take a chance in meeting the king, a simple and friendly personality.

We have a trip that coincides with Tiji Festival, a three-day ritual known as "The chasing of the Demons”, that will give you an unforgettable experience. The festival is planned 10-12 May in 2011. Tiji is a myth that tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who battles against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land. Throughout the festival the events and story of the myth are re-enacted. The festival is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring) and ushers in the wetter monsoon season. Tiji comes from the words "ten che" meaning "the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds" and is a spring renewal festival that also celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Please, visit http://www.highlandasiatravel.com/destination/nepal/nepal... for details

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Highland Asia Travel, Inc is specialized in small group and custom itineraries for adventure travel to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Indian Himalayas.