Last Forbidden Kingdom

A view of the society of Mustang, a tiny feudal kingdom in the Himalayas. The photographs record the country's beauty but the book also examines the vulnerability of this country now it is open to the West, after 30 years of being closed to foreigners.

---

Closed to foreigners for more than 30 years, Mustang, a tiny feudal kingdom in the Himalayas, has existed in virtual isolation from the rest of the world. Although politically part of Nepal, Mustang is linked by religion, culture and history to Tibet, and stands alone as one of the last pure Tibetan cultures existing today. In 1992 restrictions were eased. Clara Marullo and Vanessa Boeye were among the few foreigners who made the journey to Mustang. This book is an account of their journey, and a view of the society that exists there. With its photographs, it also acts as a visual record of the landscape in this country. However, this is an environment under threat. Now open to the West, the landsape and all that is contained in it is open to change, and the survival of Mustang's ancient traditions is questionable. The final part of the book examines the potential problems of modernization and highlights the need to protect Mustang from the influences of tourism.