Mustang Trekking

Mustang Trekking 20 Days

Trip Code : HH/A-01

Accomodation : Hotel /Lodge

Trip Duration : 20 Days

Grading : Moderate

Maximum Altitude : 4200

Best Season : Oct-May

Overview

The ancient Kingdom of Mustang has long been shrouded in mystery. Closed for many years to foreigners, it finally opened its doors in 1991, only with the special permit for limited number of Tourist. This trek leads through the ancient trade route along Kali Gandaki river valley in the capital Lo-Manthang, right on the border of the Tibetan plateau. The Mustang is land of "Lo". The Mustangis or the people of Mustang call themselves Lobas and they still have a Mustang Raja (King of Mustang) just a state of Nepal. The houses in Mustang are mostly built of stone and sun baked mud bricks. The city wall and the four story palace of Lo Manthang are some of the most beautiful architectures in Mustang region. In the valley, we explore the Tibetan Empire, a fascinating Coast Highlands with unique landscape, sacred cave house and oldest Buddhist monasteries of Nepal, Mani walls and very friendly people, and fantastic panoramic views of mountain ranges, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Nilgiri.

The trek starts in Kathmandu with Hindu and Buddhist culture, ride over varied landscape and climate, twice overnight in Pokhara, the most beautiful city of Nepal and a unforgettable spectacular flight through between two above eight Thousand mountain Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I the deepest gorge in the world, two day Trekking to lower Mustang Thakali settlement, Marpha, Tukuche, Larjung and Kalopani and exploring the culture and tradition of Thakkhola valley, as well as a visit of important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhist in Muktinath, all of which are particularly special feature of Mustang trekking.

Highlights

Visit the best and the most popular trekking route of Nepal - the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek in the vicinity of the worldâ€™s 10th tallest peak and several other mountains in the Annapurna Massif.
Trek through the worldâ€™s deepest gorge - Kali Gandaki Gorge and the Kali-Gandaki river basin.
Trek in a beautiful landscape seeing varied flora and fauna including wildlife such as blue sheep and snow leopard.
Trek to the mesmerizing waters of Lake Gangapurna.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu:

Welcome to Nepal and Namaste! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our office will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel and help you check in. You will then be briefed about your daily activities. In the evening, we have welcome dinner and we'll talk a little about Nepal and our program. (-/-/D)

Day 2: Sightseeing tour through the UNESCO world heritage site:

First of all we visit the hindu temple Pashupatinath, which is one of the oldest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is for the Hindus what Mecca is for the Muslims. Situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple was built in Pagoda Style with gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. You’ll also be able to see cremation grounds that lie on the bank of Bagmati behind the temple. Then we drive to the holiest place of Buddhist, Boudhanath Stupa:One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is one of the holiest structures imposing a height of 37 meters with three massive level Mandala style platforms. It is surrounded by colourful buildings housing families creating a friendly enclosure. The Stupa is visited every year by ten thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. (B/-/-)

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara 820m. 210km. 6-7 hrs.

Early departure from Kathmandu to Pokhara We drive through countryside of Nepal enjoying the landscap and mountain sceneries. Travelling by road via the Prithvi highway, along the Trisuli and Marsyandgi River. (B / L / D)

Day 4: Flight to Jomsom and hike to Marpha 2600m. 5 hrs.

After our spectacular flight to Jomsom, we experance local culture, landscape, Lifestyle of lower Mustang towards the Kali Gandaki Valley. The Kali Gandaki is called Thak Khola here and the local people belong to the ethnic group known as ‘Thakali’, an enterprising and ambitious community who formerly dominated the salt trade with Tibet as it passed down this valley. Our Trek lead through the Syang Village to the Marfa. Marpha is a lovely village of paved streets and well maintained, whitewashed houses surrounded by productive fields and orchards. In the autumn, be sure to try some of the beautiful, locally grown apples or better still sample the local apple brandy. The well maintained Monastery is also worth a visit and we stop here for lunch. After lunch we continue back to Jomsom along the kali Gandaki River. We overnight in Marpha at Lodge.

Day 5: Trek to Kagbeni 2810m. 3 hrs.

After Brekfast we trek to Kagbeni along the Kaligandaki River. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa (monastery). In the afternoon we visit the monastery and explore the little bit Tibetan Buddhism. Kagbeni also known as the door way to the upper Mustang.Here is Restricted area for tourists. Tomorrow we will complete our paperwork formalities for our Trekking in Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office. Overnight at Lodge, (B/L/D)

Day 6: Trek to Chele 3100m. 5-6 hrs.

Today we inter the Upper Mustang and we follow the Kali Gandaki River, old trade route to the Tibet. We see many monastery and caves along the valley. Next we pass the village of Tangbe, which is situated alongside the east bank trail above the river. Here are the first black, white and red chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little village is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among whitewashed houses, fields of buck wheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern part. There are three separate parts to this village and some broken castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chussang are some spectacular red color eroded cliffs above the mouth of some inaccessible caves and we continue to Chele. Overnight at Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 7: Trek to Shyang Mochen 3800m. 6-7 hrs.

Climbing from Chele up a steep spur you come to a cairn and climb continues along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass 3660m. From here it traverses on a pleasant trail to Samar situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major stopping place for horse and mule caravans. we climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a chorten painted in red, black, yellow and white and then the trail goes into another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross the stream and climb to a ridge. We cross another pass, follow a ridge and descend to Shyang Mochen, a tiny settlement with a few teashops. Overnight at Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Trek to Ghami 3520m. 4-5 hrs.

The Trek leads cross the head of the valley to the N nyíl-la (pass 4020m.) This pass is the southern boundary of Lo or Mustang itself. We descent from the Nyi La along unique blue, gray and red rock formations to beautiful village Ghami. Afternoon, we can hike to longest and most spectacular mani wall of Nepal, which lies opposite side of Ghami village. Overnight in Ghami at Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 9: Trek to Charang via Dhakmar 3600m. 5 hrs.

After crossing Tangmar-Chu (river), we ascend towards the Dhakmar village, which is very beutiful village with red colored rock formations. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are the main attractions to visit and observe as well as the collections of statues, thankas and many large paintings of Buddha are other Attraction of the place. Overnight in village Charang at Lodge (3600m.) (B/L/D)

Day 10: Trek to Lo Manthang via Ghargompa 3800m. 5-6 hrs.

This is an opportunity to visit two more villages on our Trek. The trail climbs to Lo Gekar. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. After visiting Lo-Gekar trek to Lo Manthang. From the last small pass offer a beautiful view of old historical and cultural walled city of Lo-Manthang 3800m. (B / L / D)

Day 11: Day: Exploring the Lo Manthan and surrounding 4-5 hrs.

Today we drive to Chhoser village and we will visit Dzong cave and other beutiful budhhist monastry. Afternoon we explore Lo Manthan, the city contains about 150 houses, including king's palace is an imposing 4-storey building in the center of the city. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, he is respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout the kingdom. The city is an absolutely fascinating place, with narrow streets and houses built adjoining the city wall. Overnight at tent, walking time 4-5st. (B / L / D)

Day 12: Trek to Yara 3550m. 6-7 hrs.

Leaving Lo Manthang you head south following a steady trail across the plains before starting to climb toward Dhi pass 4100m. Enjoy the excellent views from the pass before descending steeply down to the beautiful village of Dhi, nestled at the foot of a colorful striated cliff. Relatively few tourists visit Dhi. It is worth taking a short walk out of the village to visit the old ruined monastery.After crossing the Mustang Khola (river) and following the smaller Puyon Khola strewn with ammonite fossils and past striking sculpted cliffs before starting to climb to the village of Yara. Overnight at Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Hike to Luri Gompa and back to Yara 4 hrs.

Today we make the day hike to the ancient cave monastery of Luri Gompa, which sits like a precariously balanced eagles nest amongst terracotta spires. There is no written record documenting the construction of the monastery but it is believed to date back to the 13th century. The small chambers of the monastery are carved into the rock, with incredible paintings adorning the smooth domed ceiling, and along several wall panels. We hike continue back through the dramatic scenery for another couple of hours, passing the village of Ghara and explore the distinctive villages of Gharaon our further return trek to Yara. Overnight at Lodge.(B/L/D)

Day 14: Trek to Tangge 3400m. 6-7 hrs.

After Yara we climb over a high plateau pass with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and descend to a tributary, the Ghechang Khola and look out for fossils as you trek along the river bed, after crossing the Ghechang Khola we follow the trail upward, climbing through arid, open terrain to a pass at 3,900m. From the pass you descend to the small but prosperous village of Tange 3400m. Overnight at Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 15: Trek to Chhusang 3000m. 10-11 hrs.

Today we have gentle climb for an hour or so, before crossing the Tage Khola. From the far side of the riverbank we climb steeply over several plateau with magnificent views of Himalayas to the pass at 4,200m. If we are lucky we may also be able to spot the rare blue sheep sometimes found grazing here. The path is generally wide and good. The exhilarating views continue as you follow the ridge through incredible wind carved hills until we see the village of Chhusang in the distance. Finally we descend to the green terraced fields that surround the pleasant village of Chhusang 3000m. Overnight at Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 16: Trek to Muktinath 3800m. 6-7 hrs.

Today is another highlight of our trekking. Starting with the steady climb up to the Gnyu La Pass 4,100m. We continue from here with fine panoramic views of the Himalaya for another couple of hours into the pilgrimage village of Muktinath, which is on the popular Annapurna Circuit and the many trekkers and bustling teahouses will be a complete contrast to our remote trek back from Lo Manthang. The temples at Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhist. Here we may see many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from India and Nepal, bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cows’ heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. many pilgrims, both Nepalese and Indian. Overnight at Lodge. (B/D/L)

Day 17: Trek to Jomsom 2800m. 6-7 hrs.

Via Lubra: Our trek today avoids the busy motor trail (jeep track) down through Lubra, which is small but beautiful village. We visit here little Bon Monastery and explore some Bon Culture. After lunch we follow continue along the Pandakhola and last an Hour along the Kaligandaki River valley to the Jomsom. Overnight at Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 18: Flight to Pokhara 820m.

Today we leave the Mustang and early in the morning we fly to Pokhara through the Kaligandaki Gorge, which is known as the deepest gorge of the World, with the Magnificent panoramic view of Himalaya, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif. When we arreive to Pokhara, we drive to Hotel and in afternoon we can do relax at Hotel or we visit Mountain Museum of Pokhar and explore the mountaineering activity of Himalaya. Overnight at Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 19: Flight to Kathmandu 1340m.

This morning we will take the short morning flight to Kathmandu. This exciting flight passes over the terraced Himalayan foothills, with views of the main range to the Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal and other more Mountains. After arrival we will transfer to the Hotel and afternoon we have enough time for Relaxing and in the evening we will go to traditional Restaurant for the dinner. (B/-/-

What's Include

All airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Manaslu)
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees as per Itinerary
Transport for sightseeing in private vehicle
TIMS (special trekking permit for Mustang) and national Park fee
Kathmandu to Pokhara transport in private vehicle
Lodge/Teahouse accommodation including full board during the trek
Government licensed holder English speaking guide during the trek
1 porter for 2 Clint and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance
Pokhara-Jomsom/ Jomsom-Pokhara/ Pokhara-Kathmandu flight including airport tax
Alpine Himalaya Friendship Treks Trekking luggage
First aid medical kit
Government taxes and office service charge

What's not Include

Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate US $ 40 cash and two passport photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance
Excess baggage charges (Domestic flight only 10+5 Kg aloud)
All bar bills like Alcohol, cold drink and hot drinks, except tea or coffee with breakfast
Cost differences in the case of early return from the Trekking than the scheduled itinerary
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, if early arrival, late departure, and early return from the Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides, Cook, Sherpas, Kitchen crew and porters