Mustang, refers to the arid Tibet like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki, lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is the land of barley fields, pastures for grazing herds. Our trek offers you a special opportunity to explore this incredible topography with an almost treeless barren landscape and countryside similar to the Tibetan plateau, which is rich in ancient tradition and mythology. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions, the southern region with five villages inhabited by people related to the Manangis and the northern region (the ancient region of Lo) where the language, culture, and traditions are almost purely Tibetan.
In lower Mustang the hills tend to be great, red fluted cliffs accompanied by the beautiful valley of Kali Gandaki River, that flows all the way from Tibet and a spectacular panorama of the massif Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range rising behind. While upper Mustang offers an endless expanse of yellow and Grey rolling hills, denudation by the wind, which is prevalent in this region, the views that you will catch here is simply breathtaking and astonishing. Crossing the lonely landscape with several passes (the highest being the Nyi La at 3990m), villages appear in the distance as tiny green oases nestled within the valley's only grove of trees or looming as fortresses preached on rocky crags, leads us to the spectacular walled town of Lo-Mangthang. Visually extraordinary place, a home of the Mustang Raja (King) and full of beautiful temples and Monasteries. Overall, Mustang involves a wilderness of huge proportions and offers a truly exceptional experience.
Mustang was closed for some time because of a guerrilla war that was waged along the border of Tibet and because of the ecological sensitivity of the region and also to protect the ancient culture and tradition. Re-opened only since 1992. The region is a restricted area and there are certain formalities required by the Government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit.
The long forbidden region of upper Mustang is now open for trekking. After an exciting flight from Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki, we land in Jomsom and begin trekking north towards the kingdom of Mustang. Hiking past the villages with multi-storied houses, monasteries and crumbling castles, we reach Lho- Monthang, the walled capital of this Kingdom. On the way out, we take a different and more remote route to Chuksang vai Yara and Tengge, at Yara we take a chance to visit few old monasteries including Luri Gomba and also to Tashi Kambuk (a cave). Mustang trek can also be done during the summer months when the people are most active in the fields, villages, and monasteries.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel &trek briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Tours, necessary preparation & packing
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara and explore the area
After morning tea, we will drive towards Tribhuvan Airport, domestic terminal for Kathmandu to Pokhara flight. Pokhara is the centre of Western Development Region and Gateway to Annapurna Region. In 20 minutes of scenic flight, we will enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna Mountain, Ganesh Mountain, Nilgiri Mountain, Manaslu Mountain and other mountains. Once we reach Pokhara Airport, we will be transferred to the hotel. After refreshment, we will visit Phewa Lake. Boating is available upon your own expenses. We will visit the Bazaar area and return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4
Fly to Jomsom (2,720m) trek to Kabgeni (2,810m), 3 hours
We will catch early morning flight from Pokhara Airport and fly parallel to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains for about 20 minutes to reach small airstrip at Jomsom. Jomsom is a windy town. Once our crew members are ready with luggage, we will begin Upper Mustang trek. We will follow the scenic path along the edge of Kaligandaki River to Kagbeni. Sorrounded with mountains, Kagbeni is the best place to end the trek on this day.
Day 5
Trek to Chele (3,050m), 6 hours
Heading from the eastern edge of Kali Gandaki River, we will climb the ridge and then lower down to Tangbe village. Walking past the narrow alleyways and farms, we will enjoy the close-up view of looming Nilgiri Mountain. Moving out of small Tangbe village, we will make it to Chhusang village. We will cross the river and then continue to climb north. We will leave Kali Gandaki valley and climb uphill to Chele (3030m). Culture from Chele onwards is different than culture found in villages at lower region. Stay overnight at Chele.
Day 6
Trek to Geling (3,570m), 7 hours
After early morning breakfast, we will follow the ascending path through steep and barren slope with no sign of vegetation. Walking through the canyon, we will reach to the pass at 3540m. Enjoying the spectacular views of surrounding mountains from the pass, we will make gradual descend to chortens. We will continue to follow the descending trail to small Samar village from where we can enjoy the view of Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. We will make sharp ascend from Samar to Geling where we will stay overnight.
Day 7
Trek to Tsarang/ Charang (3,560m), 6 hours
Leaving Geling early in the morning, we will follow the ascending path to Nyi La Pass. After brief rest, we will make gradual descend along cliffs across the valley. We will arrive at the bridge existing above Tangmar Chu River. Climbing uphill from Tangmar Chu River, we will pass through long mani walls to the Pass located at 3600m altitude. We will lower down from the pass to Charang where we can visit old five–storey white Dzong. Red gompa is another attraction in Charang. Stay overnight at Charang.
Day 8
Trek to Lo Manthang (3,809m), 5 hours, the capital of Mustang
After an early morning tea, we will leave Charang and make gradual descend to Charang–Chu River. The path from Charang Chu River rises up through steep section to the top of ridge at 3850m from where we will get the first view of fortified Lomanthang city. We will lower down from the ridge and cross small river to reach Lo Manthang. Stay overnight at Lo Manthang.
Day 9
Explore the area, Lo Manthang
This is an acclimatization day. We will explore around Lomanthang which is the ultimate destination of Upper Mustang Trek. Lo Manthang is the capital City of Mustang. There are several interesting places around Lomanthang that we can visit on this day. Tingkhar is one of such attractions. Tingkhar is the last village of Mustang. Similarly, monasteries like Namgyal Gompa, Thugchen Gompa and Chyodi Gompa are other attractions. We can also visit ancient Lo Manthang Palace which is the residence of local king. Stay overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 10
Trek to Yara (3,650m), 6 hours
We will begin our return trip back to Jomsom on this day. We will follow the different path than we had taken to arrive at Lomanthang. We trek through the Dhigaon and crossing the Kali Gandaki River towards to the Damodar Kund. We stay at Yara village for the overnight.
Day 11
Extra day at Yara, visit to Luri Gomba and Tashi Kambuk, 4-5hours
Today is not walking camp to next site, instead we take bit of relax day and after having breakfast leaving our duffle bag behind at Yara, we proceed to visit to the very old Buddhist monastery ‘Luri Gomba’ and also to Tashi Kumbuk, a mysterious cave and we take step back to Yara for the overnight stay.
Day 12
Trek to Tangge (3,240m), 6 hours
After an early morning tea and breakfast at Yara, we are ready for quite a long day walk to remote area of Upper Mustang. While you walk from Yara to Tangge, all most you can’t see any local villages and teahouses. After walking of more or less 6 hours, finally you reach at Tangge, where we will stay overnight.
Day 13
Trek to Chusang (2980m), 7/8 hours
A strenuous walk of about 7/8 hours will take us to Chusang from Tangge. It’s a long day walk via Paha (4,200m) campsite through the deep forest and climbing the hill ‘Siyakko Tang Danda’ (4,230m). Its one of the longest and challenging day walk through out the trek into the most remoteness of Upper Mustang area. We take lunch break in the middle of the day with pack lunch with few drinks and keep walking until we reach at Chhusang where we stay for the overnight.
Day 14
Trek to Muktinath (3,760m), 6 hours, Ultimate destinations of Hindu pilgrimage
Leaving Chusang early in the morning, we will follow the gradually rising trail towards ridge. After series of ups and downs, we will reach Muktinath temple. This is the holy temple that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the Lord of Salvation. Visit Muktinath temple to see 108 water sprouts. There is also a Jwala Mai temple where fire lights up eternally. We will also visit the Vishnu temple. Stay overnight at Muktinath.
Day 15
Trek to Jomsom, 5 hours, explore around the area
From Muktinath, we will follow the descending path through dry land with no vegetation. We will reach to the bank of Kaligandaki River. Following the river, we will reach Kagbeni. We will pass through Kagbeni to ekle Bhatti village before moving further along Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Optional plan is we could jeep drive to Jomsom instead of walk and Explore Jomsom Bazaar. Stay overnight at Jomsom.
Day 16
Fly KTM via Pokhara
We will drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon. Scenic flight from Pokhara will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest. Write a journal and arrange your photo albums. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 17
Free day, shopping
This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. Pashmina Shawls, Khukuri (Gurkha Knife) and handmade products are popular gift items. You can also visit Basantapur Durbar Square in the evening.
Day 18
Int’l Departure for onward flight to home
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon
