Chasing the Demons in Mustang 21 Days / 20 Nights
HAT25
Quick Inquiry
Contact An Expert
Contact Person: Devraj Nepal
Tel: 977 (1) 4351780
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Travel Info
Trip Type:
Nepal Moderate TreksMaximum Altitude:
8167mDurations:
21 daysTrip Starts:
KathmanduTrip Ends:
KathmanduAccomodation:
Hotels in cities and tea houses.Best Time For Travel:
May Trip Over View
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.
Lo Manathang — the fortified capital city and home to the king of Mustang — is a 5 day trek from Jomsom, an old trading town previously used by Tibetans. The trek to Lo Manthang will take you through an almost treeless barren and intimidating landscape and along a steeply undulating rocky trail. From this trail there are the unrivaled panoramic views of Nilgiri, Anapurna, Dhaulagiri and a range of other soaring peaks.
We will explore the city and visit outlying villages to the north of the capital — all of this through a landscape of indescribable vastness and beauty; and home to the infamous Snow Leopard, the endangered Bharal (Blue Sheep) and the mythical Yeti (Abominable Snowman). Mustang is a step back to simpler times with 20,000+ snow capped peaks engulfing the region; bathed in hues of orange and red rocks with sporadic fields of vibrant green, yellow and red of barley, maize and buckwheat. During our visit we’ll hopefully be lucky and have the opportunity to meet the friendly King of the region!
We will also attend the famous Tiji Festival of Mustang; which is a three-day ritual known as "The chasing of the Demons”:
Tiji is a myth that tells the story of a deity named DorjeJono who battles against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. DorjeJono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land.
Throughout the festival the events and stories of the myth are re-enacted. The festival is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring) and ushers in the wetter monsoon season. Tiji comes from the words "ten che"; meaning "the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all the worlds" and is a spring renewal festival that also celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Our return is via the rarely visited eastern side of Mustang; there will be an opportunity to view the ancient Gompa at Luri. Hidden canyons and stairways lead to the Gompa, which contain unique wall paintings rarely seen by the eyes of tourists.
With scenery unlike any other area in Nepal, a trek into the hidden Kingdom of Mustang is a uniquely rewarding experience and a true 'off-the-beaten-path adventure'. Hands-down the best trek in Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara.
Day 04: Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2900m/9512ft).
Day 05: Kagbeni - Chele (3030m/9938ft, 7 hrs).
Day 06-07: Chele - Charang (3650m/11972ft).
Day 08: To Lo Manthang (3760m/12338ft, 4 hrs).
Day 09-13: Explore Lo-Manthang and attend the Tiji Festival.
Day 14: To Ghami via Gekar.
Day 15: To Samar.
Day 16: To Kagbeni.
Day 17: To Jomsom.
Day 18: Flight to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 19-20: Two reserve days.
Day 21: Depart.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, meet our representative and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Explore the Durbar Squares, Hindu Temples, Buddhist Monasteries, arts and architectures of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara
Drive 6 hours or take an optional of 30 minutes mountain flight to Pokhara. In the afternoon, visit the local sites in Pokhara.
Day 04: Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2900m/9512ft)
It's another short flight (25 minutes) from Pokhara to Jomsom. The air route follows the world's deepest gorge - the Kali Gandaki Gorge between Annapurna I (8,091m) and Ddhaulagiri (8,167m) mountains. Upon arrival, trek 3 hours to Kagbeni alongside the Kaligandaki River.
Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3030m/9938ft, 7 hrs)
Leaving town we ascend little Chorten via a dusty path. We travel up and down alongside the Kaligandaki River and arrive at Tangbe for lunch. Following the same path we cross the Chusang River and then cross the bridge on Kaligandaki. We then have a small climb to Chele with good views of the red cliffs.
Day 06-07: Chele to Charang (3650m / 11972ft)
It is a two day trek to Charang, with 7 hours of walking each day. Over the two days, we will cross several mountain passes and enjoy good views of the mountains and their colorful landscape. We will see Alpine meadows with animals and pass by many Chortens, Mani walls and little bhatties (small hotels providing basic foods).
Day 08: To Lo Manthang (3760m/12338ft, 4 hrs)
Lo-Manthang-the capital of Mustang is situated at an elevation of 3,760m/12,338ft and is reachable by a 4 hour hike from Charang. This is the chief destination of our trek. We will have an opportunity to explore this mysterious capital of the lost Kingdom.
Day 09-13: Explore Lo-Manthang and attend the Tiji Festival
This fortified town is believed to be 600 years old. The wall around the town is said to protect the town and its dwellers from the evil spirits. For the next several days we will explore this mysterious capital of the lost Kingdom and attend the Tiji Festival.
Day 14: 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 Lo-Manthang. After crossing a ridge at 4,070m, the trail then proceeds to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is one of the oldest Gompas of Nepal, even older than the famed Samye Gompa of Tibet.
Day 15: To Samar
Today we back track on the route we took heading north to Lo Manthang, but this time we will camp in the quaint town of Samar. This will be approximately 6.5 hours walk.
Day 16: To Kagbeni
Again retrace our steps to Kagbeni, where we will leave the restricted area of Mustang. 6 hours.
Day 17: To Jomsom
Today is a short walk (1.5 hours) to Jomsom. There will be time to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs.
Day 18: Flight to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Get on board for flight to Pokhara and connect to Kathmandu.Note: this is a mountain flight and subject to weather conditions.
Day 19-20: Two reserve days
If weather favors us and we can fly as planned, we can utilize these reserve days for optional sightseeing or a visit to Chitwan National Park.
Day 21: Depart
Transfer to airport for your international flight back home.
Includes
- Twin sharing accommodation in kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Domestic airfares as on itinerary.
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
- All transfers.
- Special Permits for Mustang Restricted Area.
- Tea house accommodation in trekking.
- During trekking, 3 meals a day.
- Crews Insurance.
- First Aid Kit.
- Trekking guide and porters.
Excludes
- All expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone etc.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- Extra expenses caused due to nature and unforeseen events.
- Emergency medical transportation and evacuation.
- Travel Insurance.
- International airfare to and out of Kathmandu.
Trip Gallery
