Adventure around former forbidden walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang .
Upper Mustang Trekking, the wild-west of the Nepal Himalayas range with desert-like appearance due to its arid and barren landscapes.A spectacular and photogenic country enclosed within high walls of colored canyon walls and towering cliffs, dotted with small caves.Truly a unique place on earth, an extension of the vast Tibetan South-West plateau or a table-land, once forbidden land. Until it was opened to the outside world in 1992 but remains a restricted area of Nepal.Upper Mustang lies close to the border of Nepal and Tibet, on the main old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route. Where caravan of yaks, mules, and horses laden with goods from both Nepal and Tibet passed through Upper Mustang. The trade still exists but in smaller ways, than in earlier good old days. Upper Mustang at one time an independent country after separating from the Tibetan royals way back in the year 1380 A.D. Then after many years of self-regime, the kingdom of Mustang became part of Nepal and had the freedom. Having its King or Raja of Mustang to self-govern the country under the shadow of the Nepalese Government.At present the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang still exists, the last late king Jigme Parbal Bista has passed away. Without a legacy to the heritage of a royal throne, since Nepal became a Republic nation. An interesting and mystical country of Upper Mustang with mind-blowing picturesque scenery to enjoy along with its hidden cultures.Upper Mustang trekking begins with a swift scenic flight from beautiful Pokhara city to land at Jomsom. The headquarter town of Mustang district, where the adventure starts walking on the windswept plain of Kaligandaki River valley. Heading due North-West through Kagbeni, the entrance of Upper Mustang, and then reaching several lovely isolated villages.The trek leads within a wall of canyons and high-colored cliffs and overnight stops in the comfort of a homely lodge. As the trail follows to Ghami, Tsarang traditional villages, then over high scenic passes to enter the walled former kingdom Lo-Manthang. Once inside the walled kingdom takes you back to the medieval period, an interesting and exciting place to experience.At Lo-Manthang with time to explore places of historical and cultural interest visiting its famous monasteries and fort palace. As well as witness the local traditional cultures and then return journey on the same scenic route to Jomsom. For last overnight around Mustang area and then flying back to scenic Pokhara city. A perfect place to complete the adventure with a memorable and wonderful experience on Upper Mustang Trekking.
On first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport received by our guide and staff with traditional greetings. Taking care of your baggage, and then a short drive to the hotel, located in the heart of a city near the exciting areas at Thamel. Check into your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed from the Jet-Lag, join in with other members for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offering information regarding the trek, hotels, local lodge. As well of local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurants. Entertains the environment with folk cultural program as introduction to Nepalese heritage and culture.
On first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport received by our guide and staff with traditional greetings. Taking care of your baggage, and then a short drive to the hotel, located in the heart of a city near the exciting areas at Thamel. Check into your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed from the Jet-Lag, join in with other members for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offering information regarding the trek, hotels, local lodge. As well of local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurants. Entertains the environment with folk cultural program as introduction to Nepalese heritage and culture.
Depending upon the trip cost where flight or drive included, as per the size of a group either travel by private car, coach or in regular Tourist Bus to Pokhara.An interesting overland journey and the best way to observe Nepal’s rural farm life, as drive heads beyond Kathmandu valley. Views of snow peaks along the drive following the Trisuli River for some hours. As drive diverts due west then reaching at beautiful city in Pokhara by the serene Phewa lake side. Where all good hotels, shops and restaurants are located, an exciting place for overnight stop.(Options for short flight of half hour to Pokhara from Kathmandu)
Depart from the hotel in Pokhara, a short drive to Pokhara airport and then on short scenic flight to Jomsom. Enjoy glorious panorama of snow peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya on 22 minutes flight. Landing at Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang district, taking a refreshing break. Start the trek following a wide windswept plain of Kaligandaki River to Kagbeni for overnight stop in a nice lodge.
From Kagbeni village, the entry point of Upper Mustang morning walk follows Kali Gandaki River upstream. Walk continues reaching a nice farm areas at Tiri-Gaon village facing amazing views of towering red mud cliffs. As well of great wall of canyon, as trek continues to Chele.Before Chele walking past Tangbe, Tsusang (Chusang) villages and then crossing a small bridge to Chele / Tsele. As walk leads to a broken canyons and ruin castle walls with high cliffs.
After crossing a bridge, a short climb to Chele village for overnight stop.
Morning from Chele village walk leads to steep climb for an hour to a ridge at 3,130 m high. Enjoy views from of Gyagar village across a huge walls of canyons, as uphill walk continues to another high ridge. Reaching at 3,540 m, and then downhill to Samar past monument of Chorten painted red, black, yellow and white. Walk continues to another valley coming across small juniper trees, and then over a stream with climb to a ridge. Then finally ending the day walk with a long descend to Syangbochen for overnight stop. A small farm settlement with few tea shops and simple huts serving as lodges and inns.
After Syangbochen morning leads to climbs on gradual ups through the center of a valley, past Tama Gaon village. Walk continues with a climb to cross over Nyi La pass 3,950 m, the highest point of this trek. The pass forms the southern boundary of the Lo areas and Upper Mustang, from the top downhill reaching Ghami village. A lovely place with a nice lodge for overnight, Ghami one of the main major village of Lo areas.
From Ghami, morning leads to a gradual climb reaching 3,770 m high ridge, and then heading downhill to Geling. A village with large fields of barley, walk then leads towards blue, grey and red cliffs across a valley. Walk leads to a bridge over Tangmarchu River, and then coming across a long stretch of Mani Walls. One of the longest in Nepal, from here a short climb and then down to Charang for overnight halt. A lovely and interesting village with rows of maze fields, and willow trees facing a huge five storied white Dzong. As well a Red Gompa located on the edge of Kali Gandaki gorge.
Finally after several days of walk heading towards our main destination Lo-Manthang, morning walk follows to a short down. Reaching Charang-Chu River, after crossing a bridge a steep climb to a ridge through Tholung valley. As our route diverts north with climb to a large Chorten, marking the border between Charang (Tsarang) and Lo. From here walk across a stream towards a wide windswept plain with short climb to a ridge at 3,850 m. Facing view of walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang, then downhill to a stream that outlines Lo-Manthang.As climb leads to the southern gate of the walled Lo-Manthang, the main entrance inside the kingdom of Lo Manthang. Reaching the old town, once it was known as a city of walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. An exciting place to be, takes you back to medieval period era times.After a close look of the areas transfer into one of the best guest house for pleasant halt for two overnights.
Enjoy the free day at Lo-Manthang for leisure activities and to explore its interesting historical and cultural sites. Visit leads to four major monasteries / Gompas of Lo-Manthang the Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House). Includes the Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall. These are the main landmarks of Lo-Manthang, charge entry fees to enter these historical and religious sites. The tour of late King Jigme palace is well worth a visit if it opens for outsiders. Lo Manthang is also famous for Tije a colorful and lively festival takes place annual in the month of May. As per the Buddhist Lunar calendar, for interested people can coincide this trek for the festival event.
After a wonderful time at Lo-Manthang, morning walk leads on the same route for few hours following a gradual path. As climb leads to Marang village, from here heading west on an old trail to Drakmar village for overnight stop.
Morning leaving Drakmar, trail follows to a longest and spectacular series of Mani walls.A sacred-holy prayer stone walls laid and built by Buddhist pilgrims, as walk leads to a bridge over Ghami Khola. Then reaching Ghami village, from here walk for few hours towards south to Ghiling for overnight stop. After getting organized in a nice lodge with time for tour of Geling monastery. Here witness and exciting prayer wheel spinning by a strong flow of water.
Leaving the nice lodge or a guest house of Ghiling, morning starts with gradual climb to Syangboche village. As walk leads to a small pass of Yamda La at 3,860 m high, facing views of snow-capped peaks. Includes Dhaulagiri and Nilgiris Himal, from here downhill to a small villages of Bhena and Samar. The trail follows a stream that leads to Chusang village for overnight stop past Gyakar and Chele villages.
From Chusang / Tsusang, last day walk follows on pleasant, moderate trails to Kaligandaki River plain. Then reaching Kagbeni for possible lunch stop on this amazing old village of strong Tibetan culture. Afternoon walk to a small settlement of Ekale Bhatti, located on the junction of Muktinath Temple and Annapurna Circuit trail. Walk on wide plain of Kaligandaki River to Jomsom town for last overnight around Mustang district. At Jomsom in the comfort of lovely hotels and lodge, a famous town populated by Thakali. The main tribes of Lower Mustang and Kaligandaki valley interwoven to Buddhism religion and culture.
Enjoy early morning breakfast at Jomsom, and then short walk to Jomsom airport for short scenic flight to land at Pokhara. After completing the adventure to Upper Mustang, from the airport transfer your hotel. Having lunch rest of the afternoon at leisure for individual activities.
Depart from the hotel in Pokhara, for interesting overland journey back to Kathmandu on the same scenic highway. On reaching the hotel in Kathmandu by late afternoon, rest of day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Option for short flight of half hour to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
Enjoy a relaxing free day in Kathmandu on completing one of most adventurous trekking. On this rest day one can join in for another exciting tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities. Well worth a visit, rest of day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs of Nepal.
Your last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as per your international flight time our staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to guide and staff as you enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after an amazing great adventure to Upper Mustang Trekking.
The best seasons for Upper Mustang Trekking are in spring and autumn/fall however one can visit nearly all year round, except the wet monsoon time of July and August.The main flow and high season are spring starting from March to May, where days are longer with enough sun-light hours. Morning and late afternoon till night time is cold from 2,500 m above, chances of light rain and snow-fall sometimes.The next best season is autumn/fall, the high time for trekking around the Himalayas.Most days are crystal clear for scenic walks and best views, but short days due to sun-light hours. Can be much colder from late afternoon till the next morning before the sun hits the area. Chances of snowfall sometimes around the high region of Upper Mustang above 2,500 m high. Upper Mustang can visit during the monsoon wet months of June to August, as the area falls within rain-shadow. The monsoon’s dark rain clouds are blocked by the high Himalayan Mountain range, which is why the country with near-desert landscapes.
Nepal is a country of the world’s highest mountain range known as the Himalayas, where 80 % of landscapes are covered by hills. As well as greater ridges and mountains, where one can expect walking ups and downhill.The only flat land of the country is located south, which extends from the Far East to the Far West of Nepal. The low land is known as the Terai belt, of sub-tropical climate, the country with most mid and high hills.The people around Upper Mustang, are populated by Mustang tribes known as Lobas.Practice Buddhism with ancient Bon a pre-Buddhism cult and religion. One can witness the villages with every house festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. As well as a monastery is known as Gomba. Includes long rows of the prayer wheel and religious walls.Nepal has more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 native spoken languages, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhism religions.On this trek expect more uphill and downhill walks, but with constant views of snow-capped peaks. Overlooking Annapurna, Nilgiris, and Dhaulagiri as far as the Manaslu Himalaya range.
People with enough time in Nepal, can join in for various adventure sports activities in Pokhara. Likewise Paragliding, Ultra-Light Flight, Bungee Jumping,Zip Flyer, White water or scenic float Rafting. Other extension program is Mountain Biking for few days, and trip to Chitwan National Park for Wild-Life Safari.