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The other day was my last night spent in Upper Mustang, sleeping in a traditional tea house. In the beginning it was hard to get used to the environment, but after a while you really get to enjoy the peaceful silent nights of this place.

Tibetan tea, “po cha”, is the favorite drink of the people living in Upper Mustang. Traditionally, it is made from tea leaves, yak butter, hot water, and salt, all pressed together in a wooden churn. It is getting rarer and rarer to find such preparation as more and more people prefer to use electric mixers imported from China.

The morning in Lo-Manthang starts with some fried Tibetan bread and warm tea.

If you come to Lo-Manthang off season you soon realize that most of, if not all, the people that still live here are old persons like this sunny woman. Fortunately they are also the ones who still maintain the authentic Tibetan way of life typical of this place.

When tired of walking you can still explore Upper Mustang riding a real Nepalese horse. Today most of them are being replaced by cheap Chinese motorcycles.

While starting our journey from Chele on early morning, we ran in this young fellow who was having his breakfast all alone in the sunlight.

“You see Angelo, we just have to cross to the other side of that hill down there.” Thanks to the Giri brothers from @giritrekkingleader for guiding me in this adventure.

It takes almost a week to trek Upper Mustang and reach Lo-Manthang. After 8 hours of walking every day in a really dry environment you can enjoy the minimal comforts of a tea house, that rarely includes running water and electricity.

Goodbye Maldives. Discovering this country, from the chaotic Male to the chilling Baarah, was an eye-opening experience. Hope to be back soon.