If you are looking for truly Trans-Himalayan experience within Nepal, then Mustang is the place you should not miss. It is also a place where you can come face-to-face with the unique culture and tradition of the Tibeto-Burmese Thakali community and the people of Mustang, who are strikingly similar to Tibetans living on the other side of the Nepal China border.

Lo-Manthang on the northern fringes of the Trans-Himalayan district is an ancient kingdom with its interesting and glorious history. A mammoth wall, build several centuries ago, continues to encircle the mystical kingdom. Ruled by a separate King, Mustang is also called 'Kingdom within the kingdom of Nepal by many.

The deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki gorge lies en route of Muktinath from Pokhara. It is in Muktichhetra where the holy river has its headwaters. Also called Krishna Gandaki, the river's banks are also famous for the Saligram stones. The black pebbles are worshipped by Hindus as an incarnation of God Bishnu. The area has the potential to become a great natural as well as the earth's geological history excursion site.

• Chukar Partridge (Alectorsis chukar)
• Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae)
• Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)
• Tibetan Snowfinch (Montifringilla adamsi)
• Rufous- breasted Accentor (Prunella strophiata)

BIRDS OF LOWER MUSTANG