The Mustang EN

THE MUSTANG, A MIRACULOUS DESTINATION

In 1995, I received an order to report on the Nepal Cow Festival in Kathmandu. And it was at this point that I made a meeting that suddenly deviated from my plans, to make me discover a unique place. Here is the story: in a photo equipment shop in Kathmandu, I am challenged by a German customer who makes a huge order of materials. My curiosity is at its peak and I am questioning him. He tells me that he is preparing an expedition to the Mustang (a project he had been preparing for years) and, after several discussions, he offers to accompany me. It was inconceivable, as the country was so difficult to access and closed to foreigners. But what do you mean, I was drawn to the impossible, and I was already fascinated by the Mustang. I don’t know why I had this destination hidden in my deepest hopes. Maybe just the word Mustang, which sounded exotic and poetic to my ears! I therefore take this opportunity and respond positively to the proposal, considering that such opportunities cannot be missed.

Before the big start, I gather what I can to protect myself from the cold and to walk: a Nepalese dress, an umbrella and sweaters. We had an appointment at his hotel in Kathmandu. I found him sick, on his bed, unable to move. He told me to go upstream to Pokara (7 hours drive) and he plans to join me by plane. When I arrived at the hotel, I found the entire expedition team, except for the famous expedition leader: he called me to tell me that he was too sick, that he canceled his mission, that he had no choice and that he had to go back to Germany. I was in a panic, what should I do? I had so little information about this expedition, I was the only woman, so young, I had to take over right away from this man who had worked on his project for months.