Destinations: discovering Mustang on horseback, the Himalayas riding with Nepal's little heroes

There are places that seem suspended between earth and sky, and Mustang is one of them. An ancient Himalayan kingdom, nestled between  Nepal  and Tibet, Mustang is an arid and spectacular plateau, where mountains reach heights of 7,000 metres and villages seem to have been carved out of the wind.

Starting from Jomsom, a town at an altitude of 2,700 metres, means leaving the modern world behind and embarking on a journey back in time, along a equestrian ring which crosses canyons, sacred rivers, Buddhist monasteries and stone villages. But the real stars of this adventure are them: the  Mustang ponies.

Small, sturdy and sure-footed on all types of terrain, these native horses have grown up breathing the rarefied air of the Himalayas. Their endurance is astonishing: they tackle steep climbs, dizzying trails and high altitudes with a steady, tireless gait. And with them, you feel like you can go anywhere.

On horseback, you can reach remote places such as Lo Manthang, the ancient fortified capital, and the villages of Ghami, Charang and Chhusang. Along the way, you will encounter  mandala carved into the rock, colourful stupas and yak herders. Every day is an immersion in the spirituality and raw beauty of deepest Asia.

The return to Jomsom closes a circle made up of dust, wind, encounters and silence. A journey that is not only geographical, but also inner. And which, thanks to the small horses of the  Mustang, leaves an indelible mark on the heart…