Mustang is the name of a district in the far north west of Nepal. Mustang trek lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas is perhaps the last enclave of pristine Tibetan culture.
Upper Mustang Trekking
Upper Mustang Trekking
Forbidden & isolated from the rest of the World it was able to evolve its own distinctive culture and traditional which is so rich & unique. Lo-Mustang, the capital is walled city ruled by religious king. Untouched by modern civilization, life in Mustang goes on as it has for centuries in unhurried pace. Upper Mustang is restricted area of Nepal. Who wish to visit Mustang, have to pay special permit fee and apply for permit in any Gov. Register trekking agency in Nepal.The region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as “Upper Mustang”. Mustang is one of the few places in the world that has long-lived a very close-niche life and that region was inaccessible but now is accessible to outsiders. Until the 1990s, the isolated region of the Kali Gandaki valley known as Upper Mustang was closed to trekkers due to its sensitive location next to the Tibetan border. This isolation helped the people of Mustang to maintain their lifestyle and heritage that remained almost unchanged for centuries. Hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Mustang is filled with beautiful trekking zones.Comparatively, treks into Mustang are among the most expensive in Nepal. However, for many people the cost is more than justified by the chance to explore this high desert region that has far more in common with Tibet than it does with Nepal. The brown landscape, jagged peaks, and mud-walled villages are reminders of what Tibet must have been like before the Chinese invasion.
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m / 4264 ft]
DAY 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: by plane 30 Minute
DAY 03: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft] 4-5 hrs
DAY 04: Kagbeni to Chhusang chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 6 -7 hrs
DAY 05: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs
DAY 06: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 6-7 hrs
DAY 07: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 5 -6 hrs
DAY 08:Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 6 -7hrs
DAY 09: Explore Lo – Mangthang Area
DAY 10: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 7 -8 hrs
DAY 11: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 6-7 hrs
DAY 12: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 6-7 hrs
DAY 13: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 7 -8 hrs
DAY 14: Fly back to Pokhara 20 Minutes
DAY 15: Drive or Fly from from Pokhara to Kathmandu
DAY 16: Fly Home: Farewell Friend
Tribhuvan International airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Beauty Nepal Adventure will arrange to pick you up from the airport.
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara and catch great views of the Himalayas from the right side of our airplane. After arriving in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city we are again greeted with great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna and others.
Note: Sightseeing and Trek preparation day in Pokhara
After an early 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.
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onward 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 among 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 Chaile village.
Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) 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.
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) 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.
Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghami 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 Tsarang 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 Jhong and red Gompa to get to our tea house for tonight’s stop.
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang 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.
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- story building of the Raja’s ( King ) palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Mustang region.
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Dhakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.
Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 6-7 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time.
We Re-back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after +6 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at tea house.
Today is our last and long day trek. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and Overnight at Kathmandu.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.