The Kingdom of Mustang Valley Trek -17 Days

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The upper mustang called the ‘ Forbidden Kingdom’ and it is steeped in undisturbed Tibetan Buddhist subculture with historical monasteries, traditional villages and cave dwellings excessive up at the cliffs, as well as the stunning architecture on view on the walled metropolis of Lo Manthang (capital of Mustang region) The upper Mustang trek into the faraway Trans-Himalayan place of this semi-independent Tibetan state gives an adventurous 14- 20-day itinerary with staggering hiking thru striking semi-arid barren region with colorful rock formations, deep ravines and snow-capped peaks surrounding you. The history, subculture, delusion, and legend blend flawlessly with stunning surroundings. In commonplace usage, the call Mustang refers back to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki (recognized to its population as Lo). Mustang has long, wealthy and complex records that make it one of the most thrilling places in Nepal. The early history of Lo is shrouded in legend, delusion, and thriller, however, there are records of events in Lo as early as the eighth century. Upper mustang it is quite likely that the Tibetan poet Milarepa, who lived from 1040 to 1123, visited Lo. In Lo itself the countryside is just like the Tibetan plateau with its limitless expanses of yellow and grey rolling hills eroded by wind. There is more rain in the decrease a part of top Mustang and the hills tend to be tremendous red fluted cliffs of tiny round stones cemented collectively through the dust. Villages are several hours apart and appear in the distance nearly as mirages; throughout the summer season, after the crops are planted, they're green oasis inside the barren region-like landscape.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and Welcome Dinner — Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, one of our representatives will greet you and will transfer you to the hotel. Welcome Evening dinner at authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural performance. Airport pickup by private Car, Van or Bus (According to group size) Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar Day 02: Fly to Pokhara — This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest town and our first night's camp. Overnight: Private Eco-camp Day 03: Fly to Jomsom (2710m), trek to Kagbeni (2810m), walk approx. 3hrs. — This morning we board a scenic flight to Jomsom, the start of our trek and where we will meet our trekking crew. After a long journey from our respective homes we have a half-day walk to stretch the legs that brings us to Kagbeni, an impressive village that is our gateway to Mustang. To pass beyond this point we will need a special Mustang permit. We will meet our liaison officer and the crew will prepare for tomorrow's crossing into Mustang. Overnight: Eco-Lodge Day 04: Drive to Chhuksang (2900m) 2 hours, walk to Samar (3660m) approx. 3-4hours. — We enter Mustang by 4x4 Jeep and follow the road along east bank of the river over a series of small ridges and past Tangbe, where we encounter the distinctive black, red and white chortens that typify upper Mustang. At Chhusang our jeep ride ends, here we will take a detour to the beautiful village of Tetang before returning to Chhusang for lunch. Following lunch we begin our trek in earnest along the road until we near the village of Chele (1 hour), where we cross to the west bank of the Kali Ghandaki and begin our ascent to Samar along a beautiful trekking trail. Immediately, the strong influence of Tibetan culture of Lo is evident with the decoration of the houses. As we ascend our views of the surrounding area beyond the Gandaki improve, we will pass the village of Ghyakar and trek on to the Dorjori La (3735m) our first pass crossing for the trip. From there we descend to our camp for the night in the village of Samar (3660m). These altitudes should not present any acclimatisation issues, so we just take our time and enjoy the walk. Overnight: Camping Day 05: Trek to Chhunggar (3750m), walk approx. 7 hours — The trail this morning involves crossing of a series of large spurs before we reach the Chungsi Cave on the Syanboche Khola. Here the Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, meditated on route back to India from Tibet. It's then upward along the Syanboche Khola to the Syanboche La (3850m). It is in this area that there are some iconic chortens and an excellent view of this barren but beautiful countryside. Following lunch, we follow the road through some undulating terrain to our camp at Chhunggar (Kunga). Overnight: Camping Day 06: Trek to Dhakmar (3820m), walk approx. 6 - 7 hours — Avenues of poplar trees and fields of barley mark the way as we head to Nyi La. At 4020m this is the highest point of the trek thus far and offers fantastic views both south towards Annapurna and further into Mustang. The famous red cliffs a real feature of the landscape. We take a detour from the road to cross the Ghami La (3765m) before arriving in the village of Ghami in time for lunch. From Ghami we leave the road behind and trek on for a further 3 hours, making a gradual ascent to the village of Dhakmar Overnight: Camping Day 07: Trek to Lo Manthang (3830m), walk approx. 6 - 7 hrs. — Today we make our final approach to Lo Manthang. Today's route takes us far from the motor road to Lo Manthang and allows us to get a sense of what life before modern transportation must have been like for the people of Upper Mustang. We start by following the trail along the top of one of Mustangs famous red cliffs to the Mui La (4100m), descending slightly to Lo Gekar for lunch. At Lo Gekar we will be visiting the Ghar Gompa (monastery) which is believed to pre-date the first monastery built in Tibet, that being Samaye Monastery built by the Padmasambhava. Following lunch, it's a gradual ascent to cross the Chango La (4280m) before making a final descent to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Overnight: Camping Day 08: At Lo Manthang (3830m) — Today is yours to explore this outstanding historical and cultural centre. There are 4 major Gompas to visit during our stay. The palace is the home of the Raja (King) and his Rani (queen). Although the Raja's function is now primarily ceremonial he is seen as a person who can help people resolve local issues. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe the vibrant Tibetan culture. An optional side trip is also available either on horse or jeep to the nearby Chosar Valley. Chosar is a remarkable location with towering red-cliffs with caves that were inhabited as far back as 2,500 years ago. The cost of this optional side trip is paid locally (USD$35 for horse or USD$150 for a jeep that can fit up to 7 people). Overnight: Camping Day 09: To Yara (3650m), walk approx. 6 hours. — Today we depart Lo Manthang and head south-east. The morning walk will start with a steady climb up to Lo La (3950m). From here you will have a spectacular view back at Lo Manthang and the surrounding area. Shortly after we leave the road once more as we walk toward the Dhi La (3950m) before descending into a beautiful canyon where we will find the village of Dhi. From Dhi we will follow the Punyung Khola past many more beautiful cliffs to the village of Yara. Overnight: Camping Day 10: Rest day at Yara, explore Luri Gomba — This morning we'll walk to Luri Gomba (approx 2-3 hours), and return to Yara in the afternoon. Overnight: Camping. Day 11: To Tangge (3240m), walk approx. 6 - 7 hours. — This morning we cross the Puyung Khola and start a gradual climb for an hour or so to a view point where we will have views back at Yara village. From here it is a gradual descent to the Dechyang Khola where we may be lucky enough to spy the beautiful peaks of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. After crossing Dechyang Khola the trail continues towards Tangge. Your efforts trekking to the lunch spot (4015m) will be rewarded with a feast for the eyes as we savor the views of the Himalayas. After lunch we will descend to a plateau and on to Tanggye, our overnight stop. Overnight: Camping Day 12: To Paha (4218m), walk approx. 5 - 6 hours. — This morning we cross the Tangge and Yak Kholas before ascending once more along a fantastic trail with gorgeous views on your back, be sure to stop ever once and a while to soak them in. Tonight we will make camp in an area used by local herdsmen to graze their livestock when conditions allow. Overnight: Camping Day 13: To Chhusang (2900m), walk approx. 5 - 6hrs. Drive to Kagbeni (2810m), 2 hours. — As is often the case, what goes up must inevitably come down. Today we make our final descent to Chhusang, gradual at first as we follow the ridge line towards the Kali Ghandaki, on route the views of the surrounding area are bound to be as good as any other section of our journey. After approximately 3 hours and with Chhusang in view below, we make a rapid descent back to where it all began. Following lunch we return to Kagbeni by 4x4 Jeep. Overnight: Eco-lodge Day 14: To Jomsom (2720m), walk approx 3 hours. — One final stretch to Jomsom to take in the view of this splendid part of the world. Overnight: Eco-Lodge Day 15: Fly to Pokhara and Kathmandu — This is a fantastic way to conclude our journey. The spectacular flight down the Kali Gandaki that defies description with the huge mountains of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges towering above us. At Pokhara we board another aircraft for yet another spectacular mountain flight, this time along the face of the Himalaya past the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges. On arrival in Kathmandu we transfer to the hotel. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar Day 16: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. — Today we are going to visit four of the UNESCO world heritage listed sites in Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, we start for Kathmandu valley city tour which includes the UNESCO heritage site in the City valley. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrims’ sites for Hindus all over the world and It is the temple of Lord Shiva, the temple where the dead bodies are criminated on the Bagmati River. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest stupas in Asia and holiest Buddhist Pilgrims and famous tourist destination in City Valley and It is also famous for over 50 Tibetan gompas or monasteries. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the places of the ancient king palace who ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. Swayambhunath(Monkey Temple) is located in the heart of the City valley and It is another famous tourist destination and holiest Buddhist pilgrims in Kathmandu Valley. Day 17: Final departure — Our representative transfers you to the Kathmandu airport to catch your returning flight back home. Thank you for Travelling with Churen Himal Treks and Tours. Airport drop by private Car, Van or Bus (According to group size) Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 10Rest day at Yara, explore Luri Gomba — This morning we'll walk to Luri Gomba (approx 2-3 hours), and return to Yara in the afternoon. Overnight: Camping.+