Lo Monthang is the capital of Mustang, a semi-independent region with its own king, the 25th direct descendent of King Adme Pal in the 13th century. Today, Mustang is politically part of Nepal, to which it pays a token yearly tribute. The city, more like a large village, is on an ancient trade route between Tibet and the Nepalese lowlands. It has been called "the last walled city in the world". There is no communication with Tibet to the north, at least officially, and the only route to the outside world goes over the passes and down the Kali Gandaki to Nepal. Physically and culturally, Mustang resembles Tibet before the Chinese occupation. There are about 6,000 people in Mustang, and about 41,000 horses, goats, sheep and yaks.