Trekking in Nepal

19d Mustang

Mustang - Lo - Manthang Trek

 

Upper Mustang

 

Introduction:

Situated in the North of the Annapurna Himal and bordering Tibet (China), the mustang Region used to be called Mustang kingdom and was closed to foreigners. Even after it was included Nepalese territory, entry was tightly restricted for foreigners. Consequently, it drew much attention as prohibited Kingdome. Mustang is a most remote areas, it is a geographic extension of the Tibetan plateau, a windswept land of mountains preserving the last authentic remains of Tibetan culture. This area was completely isolated from the rest of the world, and only opened to trekking groups in 1991. The barley, potatoes and buckwheat grown here are the staple diet of the villages through which our trek passes to reach the ancient walled fortress city of Lo Manthang. From here the border of Tibet is just a stone's throw away. From Lo Manthang we can either return along from same trail or head back to Jomsom by way of the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.

 

Mustang Trekking

 

Route Highlight



  • Duration: 19 days
  • Best season: Oct - May
  • Trekking grade: C (Strenuous )
  • Max. Altitude:3,800 m.(Lomanthang)
  • Trek starting Point: Either fly to Jomsom from Pokhara or start trek from Nayapool or Beni
  • Ending Point: Jomsom ( fly back) or walk down
  • Culture: Different communities with majority of Thakali,Tibetan Lobas and their unique culture.
  • Mode of Trekking: Fully Organized Camping Trek.
  • Himalayan Sights: Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri, Tibetan plateau etc. the most isolated and unexplored corner of the Himalayas.

 

Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner

 

Day by day itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and pick up from the international airport in Kathmandu, after some refreshment we will invite you for a traditional Nepali dinner o/n in a hotel (D)

 

Day 02 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley o/n in a hotel (B)

Early rising for a lovely breakfast in the hotel and then it's time to visit Pashupatinath- the most venerated Hindu temple of Nepal and Boudhanth, the biggest Buddhist stupa architecture of the world. It really will impress you for sure. In the afternoon the trip continues to the famous sightseeing of Bhaktapur and Patan -the medire view principalities of Kathmandu valley. You will visit old royal palaces, temples, stupas, and monasteries and will see lots of striking intricate wood and stone works. In the late afternoon we return to your hotel in Kathmandu

 

Day 03 : Drive/fly to Pokhara o/n in a hotel.(B)

 

Early we leave for Pokhara, if you wish we can do it in 6 hours by overland or just 35 minutes by flight. It's your choice. But keep in memory that by overland you will experience the beautiful country sides. In any case, in the afternoon there is sightseeing of caves, the water fall, temples and bazaars of Pokhara. Overnight hotel in Pokhara.

 

Mustang Trekking

 

Day 04 : Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (4 hrs, 2850m) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)

Early in the morning, after breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki

 

Day 05 : Trek to Chele (6 hrs, 3050m) o/n in camp (begin of Upper Mustan).(B.L.D)

Our trip starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village

 

Mustang Trekking

 

Day 06 : Trek to Syanbochen (3475m, 6/7 hrs) o/n in camp (B.L.D)

Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624mt) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.

 

Day 07 : Trek to Ghaymi (3520m, 5/6hrs) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)

 

After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.


 

Day 08 : Trek to Charang (3500m, 4/5 hrs) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)

 

Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight's stop.

 

Mustang Trekking

 

Day 09 : Trek Lo Manthang (5/6hrs, 3730m) o/n in camp.(B.L.D)

 

Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop

 

Day 10 : Explore Lo-Mangthangyou can visit Monastery and Palace, o/n in camp. (B.L.D)

 

Today we explore the surrounding areas, this city was founded in about 1450 by the son of the legendary Ame Pal, who conquered and united the small kingdoms in upper Mustang. The high wall, 300m long by 150m wide, in an ‘L’ shape, has safeguarded the town from warriors, bandits and fierce winds for hundreds of years and archaeologists say the fact that the wall has not been extended is proof that this community has remained largely unchanged for the last 500 years. Around 1200 people live in about 150 houses, connected by narrow alleyways. Most of the houses are two-storeyed, with the bigger buildings being monasteries or palaces. There are some chortens in front of the main gate, and after these the first building we see is the 40’ high king’s palace.

There are three monasteries in Lo Manthang, but monks are only resident in the newest, Chode Lhakhang, which is about 200 years old and offers secular as well as Buddhist teachings. The other two monasteries are no longer used, but are looked after by different families, who share the duties of changing the water each morning and lighting the butter-lamps when night falls. Many people here protect their homes from evil spirits by hanging ‘ghost traps’ over their doors – these are decorated goat skulls with pieces of string knotted around).

The landscape around Lo Manthang is jigsaw-like in its diversity, being composed of valleys, canyons, plains, snow-topped mountains and rivers, with the ancient city as the centerpiece

 

Mustang Trekking

 

Day 11 Trek to Yara (7 hrs,3650m) o/n in camp.(B.L.D)

 

Day 12 : Trek to Tange (7 hrs,3200m) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)
Day 13 : Trek to Tetang Tetang ( 7/8 hrs, 3600m) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)
Day 14 : Trek to Muktinath (6 hrs, 3800m) o/n in camp (out of Upper mustang). (B.L.D)
Day 15 : Trek to Jomsom (5/6 hrs, 2700m) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)
Day 16 : After breakfast we will fly back to Pokhara,o/n in a hotel. (B)
Day 17 : Drive or fly back to Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel. (B)
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel. (B)
Day 19: Transfer to the international airport. (B)

 

Mustang Trekking

 

Included
  • Pickup and drop from to the international and domestic airport in Kathmandu
  • Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • 3 meals a day during trekking (B, L, D)
  • Government licensed guide with privet transport during sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Government licensed trekking guide during trekking
  • Staff insurance, pension fund, wages, equipment and local transport
  • All the necessary kitchen equipment, member, dining, kitchen and toilet tent during trekking
  • Domestic flight ticket (Pok-Jom-Pok)
  • Accommodation in hotel and camp during trek
  • Cook, Sherpa & Porters during trekking
  • Mustang special permit and conservation fee

 

Not Included
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Monument entrance fees during sightseeing in city in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal insurance and helicopter rescue in case of emergency
  • International flight ticket
  • Nepal visa fee USD 40 and 4 passport sized pictures
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for staff

 

Note: It is also possible to combine with some other activities such as Bungy Jump, Canyoning, Paragliding, Mountainbike, white water rafting and wildlife safari. The program can be customized according to your duration.

 

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