Extreme off-road and exotic wildlife

The journey into Mustang was extremely challenging! We had to overcome at least seven landslides, on top of an already rugged and difficult terrain. We spent two days travelling just 12 km to get to our first camp in Kalopani (2,505m)! Above: Our vehicle bogged in a landslip section in Lete (2,124m).

Two days of sudden torrential rains resulted in waterfalls that were both magnificent and deadly.

A bus stranded in a section of the highway to Mustang following a landslip.

Another landslip along the Mustang highway saw debris pouring down into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which by some measures is the deepest gorge in the world.

Vehicles stranded at yet another section of the highway impacted by a landslide.

Our team made the best of a bad situation by taking short walks to enjoy the epic scenery and spot some wildlife, while waiting for road works to be completed. Appreciating the richness and diversity of this landscape underscored the importance of our work - safeguarding this diverse and fragile landscape.

What a treat it was to watch these Grey Langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus), endemic to the Himalaya (1500-4000m), feeding and playing deftly on the cliffs in Ghasa! We would not have seen them if we were not stopped by a landslip along the highway. Thanks to the friendly and keen eyed locals for pointing them out!