Pokhara/flight to Jomsom-Kagbeni-Chele-Charang-Lo Manthang-Gekar-Samar-Kagbeni-Jomsom-Flight to Pokhara/Kathmandu
Mustang is one of the few places in the Himalayan region that has been able to retain its traditional Tibetan culture unmolested. Authentic Tibetan culture now survives only in exile and a few places like Mustang, which have had long historical and cultural ties with Tibet. " says His Holiness the Dalai Lama This semi-autonomous, heavily Tibetan influenced region was described by Tilman as fascinatingly ugly country, the more fascinating for being so little known." Indeed, the trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, along a steeply undulating rocky trail, from which there are panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and a range of other soaring peaks. The small kingdom of Mustang, closed to westerners until 1992, is an enchanting land of windswept vistas, red walled monasteries, and feudal towns. Geographically and culturally more a part of Tibet than Nepal , Mustang contains a wild landscape of eroded cliffs and hidden caves . According to the local agent, Padamasambhava-the great founder of Tibetan Buddhism, before building Samye (the oldest monastery in Tibet) came to Mustang to stand guard against and do battle with the evil powers out to destroy Buddhism. The temple of Lo Gekhar in eastern Mustang was built by Padmasambhava after his triumphant battle and still stands guard today. The journey to this mysterious lost kingdom begins with a spectacular flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, following the gorge of Kali Gandaki between the great mountain massifs of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri . We follow the Kali Gandaki River into the restricted area of Mustang and trek through remote villages, little changed by twentieth century influences. Lo Manathang-the fortified capital city of Mustang , where the king of Musang resides is a 5 days trekking from Jomsom. We have time to explore the city and visit outlying villages to the north of the capital. All this through a landscape of indescribable vastness and beauty, home to the infamous snow leopard, the endangered bharal (blue sheep), and the mythical mehti (abominable snowman). Rimmed by 20,000+ snowcapped peaks and bathed in hues of orange and red rocks with sporadic fields of vibrant green, yellow and red of barley, maize, and buckwheat, Mustang is a step back to a simpler time. We take the chance to meet the king, who is a simple and friendly personality. Our return is via the rarely visited eastern side of Mustang and the ancient Gompa at Luri. Hidden canyons and stairways lead to the Gompa which contains unique wall paintings. Scenically unlike any other area in Nepal , a trek into the hidden Kingdom of Mustang is a uniquely rewarding experience.
Day 01: Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2900m/9,512 ft) It's another short flight (25 minutes) from Pokhara to Jomsom, which otherwise is a 7-8 days strenuous trekking. The air route follows the the World's deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki Gorge between Annapurna I (8,091m) and Ddhaulagiri (8,167m) mountains. Upon arrival, collect the gears and supplies and trek 3 hours to Kagbeni alongside the Kaligandaki River.
Day 02: Kagbeni to Chele (3030m/9,938ft, 7 hrs) Leaving town ascend little Chroten with dusty path. Up and down along side of Kaligandaki arrive Tangbe for lunch than still same kind of path cross the Chusang River and cross the bridge on Kaligandaki. Little climb to Chele with good views of walls with red color.
Day 03-04: Chele to Charang (3,650m/11, 972 ft) its two days trekking to Charang, with 7 hrs daily walk. This day stay with several passes and good views of mountain and colorful landscape, which is water, washed walls. Alpine meadows with animals Chortens, Mani walls and little bhatties .
Day 05: To Lo Manthang (3,760m/12,338 ft, 4 hrs) Lo-manthang-the capital of Mustang is situated in the elevation of 3,760m/12,338 ft and is accessible by 4 hrs hiking from Charang. This is the chief destination of our trek. This fortified town is believed to be 600 years old. The wall around the town is believed to protect the town and its dwellers from the evil spirits. Explore the mysterious capital of the lost Kingdom.
Day 06: At Lo-manthang -the capital of Mustang is situated in the elevation of 3,760m/12,338 ft and is chief destination of our trek. This fortified town is believed to be 600 years old. The wall around the town is believed to protect the town and its dwellers from the evil spirits. Explore the mysterious capital of the lost Kingdom.
Day 07: To Ghami via Gekar This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lomanthang. Crossing a ridge at 4,070m, the trail then bumpily to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is one of the oldest Gompas of Nepal and older than the famed Samye Gompa of Tibet.
Day 08: To Samar Today we back track the route we took heading north to Lo Manthang, but we will camp in the quaint town of Samar. 6.5 hours..
Day 09: To Kagbeni Again retrace our steps to Kagbeni, where we will leave the restricted area of Mustang. 6 hours.
Day 10: To Jomsom A short walk to Jomsom on this day. Time to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. 1.5 hours.
Day 11: Flight to Pokhara to Kathmandu Get on board for flight to Pokhara and connect to Kathmandu. This is a mountain flight and subject to weather condition. Allow a couple of days in Kathmandu before you make your international connection back home.
Travel Note
Difficulty Level This is a moderate graded trekking, with a maximum altitude of 4070m, suitable for the people of all ages with normal health conditions. In average, you will require to walk 5 to 6 hours a day with a small day pack. Some days are even shorter. If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. Check with your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program. Porters or pack animals, leaving members free to carry only a light daypack, will carry all gear and camp supplies. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required. Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice, and other details from procuring visas to advice on local customs.
Accommodation along the trail Mustang area does not have lodging facility and so we have to go with a well supplied team of Sherpas. Camping gears include two person sleeping tents, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, shower tent, dinning table and chairs, kitchen equipmetn etc. Shower tent will be set up only if water source is in easy access. The gears and supplies are carried by porters or pack animals. The kitchen team comprise a Cook and 3-4 helpers, who serve you 3 hot meals a day. Food menu ranges Nepali, Indian and western cuisines. You are advised to bring supplement foods like vitamins, energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates etc to supply enough calories.
What A Typical Trekking Day is Like? The trekking day typically starts at 6:30 a.m. with a hot cup of tea or coffee served at your tent. This is soon followed by a large bowl of hot water for washing. Then it's time to pack your bags and sit down to a hearty breakfast of porridge, eggs, and toast. By 7:30 or 8:00 you're off on the trail. For about three hours you'll walk through villages, forests, and up and down green hills and valleys. There's plenty of time to visit local teashops, stop for a view or a photo, and exchange a smile or greeting (Namaste!) with the friendly Nepali people who share the trail. A trailside lunch breaks up the day, giving you time to rest and refuel with a substantial hot meal prepared by the staff. After about an hour of eating, napping, and relaxing, it's time for the afternoon hike. You arrive in camp/lodge around 4:00- p.m. and have time to wash up and get settled in the lodge before enjoying tea and snacks. The next few hours are free to write in your journal, read a few pages in a novel, play cards, engage in conversation, walk around the neighborhood or simply relax. The day closes with a hot, multi-course dinner that often includes ethnic cuisine as well as western favorites. Yak cheese pizzas and momos-Tibetan pot-stickers are the local specialty to try. After dinner you can gaze at the stars and the moonlit peaks, recount the events of the day, or retire to your bed to read for a while or doze off to sleep.
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Booking and Cancellation
Deposit. A non-refundable land deposit of US$150.00 plus the cost of internal airfares is requested. Also forward your trip application form and a copy of the photo page of your passport.
Balance Payment Balance payment is due 90 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. If balance of payment is not received by the requested date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without prior notice.
Cancellations Cancellations received 90 days prior departure will attract admin fee US$ 30. Cancellation received less than 90 days and more than 45 days prior to the departure date will be charged 25% of the land cost. Cancellations received less than 45 days and more than 15 days prior to the departure date will be charged 75% of the land cost. There will be no refund on cancellations received less than 15 days. Air ticket cancellation charges will be as per the policy of concerned airlines.
Activities:
Hiking, village and monastery visit, meet the locals and also we will try to meet the king of Mustang.
Trip Grading:
Moderate
Trip Type:
Non-Touristic
Group Size:
02-10 pax
Start From:
Jomsom
Finish In:
Jomsom
Highest Altitude:
4070m ( 13,350ft)
Best Season:
April to June, Mid-September to Mid November
Tour Cost
US$ 2550
Optional Activity
Prior flight to Jomsom-the trail head, a couple of days in Pokhara visiting its sights recommended. Optional rafting trips 2-3 days and short warm up hikes near Pokhara are available
Inclusive
Special permit
All camping and kitchen gears
All crews that includes cook, porters, sherpas and necessary pack animals
3 meals a day
Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu airfare
Exclusive
Accommodation and meals in Pokhara
Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature
Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events such as flight cancellation, sickness etc
Travel Insurance
