■ MARPHA, MUSTANG: Nepal, although geographically a rather tiny country perched up on the Himalayan plateau, sandwiched in between India and China, is still home to countless older Kingdoms. One of these is the ancient Kingdom of Mustang which dates back all the way to 1380 and wasn't fully merged into Nepal politically speaking before 2008.

Although it doesn't technically exist as a sovereign state anymore, and it's capital Lo Manthang was in Upper Mustang, it's borders extended past the little town of Marpha, whose ancient Thakali culture is very much alive today. Religion, customs, architecture and food have been remarkably well kept alive here in all its glory.

Some of the buildings in Marpha, although of modest construction, contain materials that are 400 years old. The city is also home to a Tibetan community which adds to the history on full display here.

All this is of course absolutely fantastic as international travellers are able to get a peak back in time as to what life, culture and architecture was like in the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang hundreds of years ago.... and that was indeed my goal as I boarded my 14 seater airplane in Phokara bound for Jomsom.

The Himalayan Gongo Brewmaster
■    • The Widow Gongo Brewmaster of Nepal   

Wrong Turn Manaslu
■    • Nepal Himalayan Adventure: Landslides...  

Landslide Disaster Trek Himalaya
■    • Landslide Trek Nepal: Himalayan Rainy...  

Danger on Mount Gongo
■    • Danger on Mount Gongo: Vicious Villag...  

Surviving Himalaya
■    • Surviving in Himalaya   

Wrong Turn Himalaya
■    • Wrong Turn Himalaya