MUSTANG, NEPAL

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saddle trappings

Upper Mustang

The straps which hold the saddle around this horse's tail are made from snow leopard skin. Mustang is ideal country for that elusive mountain cat, the snow leopard. They are not hunted here and local people claim that they are numerous, especially in the western mountains. I have not seen snow leopard in Mustang, but in 2003 we heard them one night when camped at Syangboche. How this horse acquired his 'spots' I'm not sure.

The saddle and horse-blanket usually come as a matched pair. They are woven locally and in nearby regions of Tibet. Frequently they are for sale.

You have a remote chance to see a snow leopard on our next trek to Mustang. Here's hoping!

 

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Spaces on our next Mustang trek are limited, so if you are interested, check the page:

 Highlands of Mustang  Nepal: July-August 2005

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revision 25junr04
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