Situated high on the cusp of the Tibetan plateau, the wild and largely untrodden region of Mustang remains a veritable gem for adventure travellers. Most notably, it’s famed as one of the trekking gateways to the mighty Annapurna Range, allowing access to some of the most-coveted trails in the entire Himalaya.

The few intrepid travellers who get access to this restricted regions of Nepal will discover that there’s much more to these hills than just hiking. Indeed, between the windswept ridges of dusty rock, the winding water channels of the lower district and the sweeping fields of wheat and barley interspersed with apple orchards, Mustang tour guides point out the strong presence of the Tibetan culture remarkably preserved in the region. Symbolic red white and black chorten flying high over valleys, the walled city of Lo Manthang reveals a well maintained palace and ancient architecture, and the revered pilgrimage site of Muktinath nearby is equally revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

While you’re exploring the mystical side of these high valleys, why not settle in for a spot of dal-bhat-tarkari lentil rice with the locals, or a taste of Mustang’s famous Marpha brandy, to get a real picture of the earthly individualism of the people living out their lives in this, the former Kingdom of Lo.