Nepal's Salt Trade: The Trans-Himalayan Lifeline

Long before tourism or Gurkha soldiers, Nepal's economy and politics were shaped by salt. In this episode, Lucas and Luna trace the ancient trade routes that carried Tibetan lake salt to the Kathmandu Valley, where Newar merchants exchanged it for rice and textiles. They explore the role of towns like Kuti and Kyerong, the rise of Mustang's Lo Manthang, and how the Malla kings controlled the trade. Later, the Gorkha conquest and British imports from India disrupted centuries-old patterns, leading to a shift in Nepal's fortunes. Drawing on accounts from the 17th and 18th centuries, this episode uncovers a forgotten backbone of Himalayan history.

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