Day 7

Lo Manthang/Kingdom of Lo at 3,810 metres

From a higher vantage point, we come upon the forbidden city of Lo Manthang spread out on an open plateau. The forbidden kingdom was founded in 1380, and the last king in direct descent was Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista who was deposed in 2008 and died in 2016. The buildings are made of mud and light-coloured stone and have roofs stacked with wood. There are also more modern elements here, however, such as our very comfortable hotel, the Royal Mustang Resort. We are met by the hotel owner who happens to be the grandson of the last king.

We take a walk into the medieval centre of the village through metre-wide, stone-paved alleys. There is a lively group sitting outside a shop handling some wool while others watch. Dinner is served at a small place that Jenny knows. It is spicy dal bhat with various accompaniments, this time including yak meat. The woman serving us catches our eye.

Perhaps she would be willing to model some yak wool shawls in some photos for us? Jenny asks, and Dolma agrees.

We ask her sister-in-law, Dolma Tsering, if she would also participate, and we set a time.