Mustang Trek
Long isolated from the outside world, Mustang is one of the few places in the world that was, until recently, inaccessible to tourists. This isolation has helped the people of Mustang to maintain a way of life almost unchanged for centuries. Hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna , it is considered to be a restricted area where a special trekking permit is required through a registered trekking agency. From August 2003, the provision of a liaison officer (a guide from the government) has been withdrawn by the government of Nepal . Nevertheless, the special permit charge is US $ 700.00 dollar for 10 days and US $ 70.00 per day there after.
The Mustang trek can be completed in 14+21 days by flying in to Jomsom but some people enjoy going up from Pokhara through the gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna . This lower section is a part of the Annapurna circuit or the Muktinath trek. Mustang was the self-ruled independent kingdom of the Lo-people until the end of the18th century. However, it is also an integral part of Tibetan civilization especially for the Buddhist sect of Shakyapa. This is one of the prominent pre-historic areas housing the only fossils of sea-creatures from millions of years ago when the Himalaya was under the sea of Tethis . These fossils are found in the bank of the Kaligandaki River . Other archaeological remains found here are preserved in the eco-museum of Jomsom and other museums of the country. Historic caves are found in almost all the villages here. Some of these caves still house artifacts that are believed to be from the pre-historic humans of the Stone Age.
Medieval Buddhist monasteries here preserve the amazing art, architecture and religious monuments of Tibetan art and religious history. Many old monasteries were destroyed in Tibet during the cultural revolution of China in the 1950s but Mustang escaped this destruction. Some of the monasteries are built beneath the caves, which demonstrate the incredible art works of Buddhist monks of that time. Deserted dry hills and valleys make this area still removed from modern civilization. The culturally rich and religiously dedicated people of Mustang welcome visitors with their ever-friendly smiles.
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Itinerary - Program 25 Days
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu . Welcome clients at the airport and trasfer to hotel and check-in. A short briefing on the program after refreshment.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing two medieval cities in Bhaktapur and Patan.
Day 03: Katmandu - Pokhara. Early morning after breakfast at 07:00 AM you will be drive or fly to Pokhara. It is 200 Km far from Katmandu and it takes approx 6 hours by Tourist bus. The road mostly follows the Trishuli River with beautiful scenery. You will be arrived late afternoon at Pokhara with enough time to enjoy the colorful town of Pokhara .
Day 04: Pokhara - Jomsom (2800m) - Kagbeni
Fly to Jomsom, The district headquarters of Mustang. Trek to Kagbeni starting point of upper mustang. It takes approx 2 hrs. You have enough time to visit around Kagbeni. You will be visiting Monastery. Overnight stay in Camp.
Day 05: Kagbeni - Chele
It takes approx 6-7 hrs. There is a trail up the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak , which dominates the southern skyline at Kagbeni continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village about 1 1/2 hrs trek, and cross the river from there and continue north climbing up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030 Mt. The culture changes
from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo from hereto chele at 3100m. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 06: - Chele - Gheling
It takes approx 7-8 hours. On the way we have to cross the Chele-La (3630m) and Samar (3620m). When you start climb up you have to see Chorten Painted in red, Tellow, black and white walls all they made by local rocks. Way to gheling we have to reach in Bhena (3860m), Yamdo (3920m), and climb to yet another pass Yamdo-La (4010m). Chyangmochen to Gheleng (3570m). Overnight stay in Gheling.
Day 07: Gheling - Charang
Approximately it takes 6-7 hours. From Geling, the trail climbs gently up to the interesting pass on your trek NYI LA (4020m) and descend below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmar Chu (river), then climbs past what is perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal . Climbing over another pass at 3600m,the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many largepaintings of seated Buddha's. After passing Choyo-La (3870m) we have to reach in Charang (3560m). Overnight stay in Charang.
Day 08: Charang - Dri
Approximately it takes 4 hours. Camp in Dri. Overnight stay in Camp.
Day 09: Assimilation day in Dri. Sight seeing in Yara and Luri Gompa. Back to Dri. Overnight stay in Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Lomangthang.
Approximately it takes 5-6 hours. Besides Lomanngthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Nangyals "The Monastery of Victory " is the newest and most active Gompa in LO. The eastern valley contains Chosar, the site of a High School, Garphu and Nyphu Gompa and is the main trading route to Lhasa . Overnight stay in Camp.
Day 11: Lomangthang
Day 12: Lomangthang
Day 13: Trek to Sangmoche.
It takes approx hours. Lower part of Ghemi then flow the upward route. Chemi La pass and Yiy la. Slowly steeply drop down to the Geling. Then we have to pass Jaite (3820m) and descend gently chhukung-Kah, after passing Syangmochen La (3850m) we have to reach in Sangmoche. Overnight stay in Camp.
Day 14: Trek to Tengbe
Approximately it takes 7-8 hours. Descend retrace the upward trail throught Yamdo and Behena to Samar and Desend through Chele to Chhuksang then Tengbe. Overnight stay in Camp
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom.
It takes approx 5-6 hours. trek back to Kagbeni before your permit expires then Jomsom. Overnight stay in Camp.
Day 16: Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu . Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 17: free day in Kathmandu and in the evening a farewell dinner.
Day 18: Transfer from hotel to the airport for final departure.
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Cost for Mustang/Lomanthang Trek (18 days) Per Person:
| Group Size |
Deluxe |
Standard |
Teahouse |
| 2 to 4 Pax |
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| 4 to 7 Pax |
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| Pax 8 to 11 |
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| 12 to 14 Pax |
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1 group leader fully complimentary if group consists of 16 pax
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