Upper Mustang Trekking

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Upper Mustang Trekking The Home Ministry of Nepal announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. There is also strict control in obtaining a special permit from the department of immigration to protect their tradition from outside influence as well as to protect their environment. The high desert region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as "Upper Mustang" that has its own nominal king. Upper Mustang trekking is one of Nepal's most mysterious and least known kingdoms. The landscape of Mustang is a barren moonscape of eroded sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces, which together present a colorful mosaic made up principally of earthen reds, yellows and brown. It is relatively easy trekking along the permitted route to Lo Manthang, which lies in the very heart of Mustang. The trek to Mustang is through an almost treeless barren landscape. Strong winds generally howl across the area in the afternoon, generally subsiding at night. Being in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Mustang has much less rain then the rest of Nepal. This trek starts from the Pokhara a beautiful lake town of the western Nepal and crossing the Annapurna conservation area will get to Upper Mustang. Either fly to Jomsom or walk from the Beni will reach at entry point of upper Mustang called Kagbeni. We start our Upper Mustang trek through the Holy river bank of Kaligandaki and follow the up stream to get to Lo-Mangthang, which is capital of the upper Mustang. On Mustang trek you may have chance to explore the thousand years of old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. You will have a great chance to accomplish the blessing from the King and the royal palace during the visit. The trek to Lo-Manthang is through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks make your trek wonderfully.Mustang trek lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas is perhaps the last enclave of pristine Tibetan culture. Forbidden & isolated from the rest of the World it was able to evolve its own distinctive culture and traditional which is so rich & unique. Lo-Mustang, the capital is walled city ruled by religious king. Untouched by modern civilization, life in Mustang goes on as it has for centuries in unhurried pace. Nepal alternative treks has been operating tea house trekking in this area since 2011. Lodges are well furnished and facilitated with all necessary aminities in all route that we suggest you. There are constructing road in mustang but we take you alternative route to avoid sound pollution and dust. We have designed the itinerary carefully to Lomanthang.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

JomsomJomsom is the gate way of Upper Mustang Trekking. Located at the elevation of 2800 meters it stretch over the river bank of kali Gandaki. The main inhabited of the place is Thakali people. Jomsom is also the Headquarter of Mustang district. Jomsom is accessible road and flight from Pokhara. Many trekkers fly from Pokhara to Joimsom and trek to Lo-Manthang. Also many trekkers finished their trekking and fly to Pokhara. There are ATM facilities in Jomsom. You can get coffee shop, department store fror shopping and etc. In ancient period it was a part of Trans Himalayas salt trading route. Jomsom is the complete rain shadow of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif. The area get a rare rainfall. There are Buddhist Monastery and museum in Jomsom. It is worth walk around Jomsom and experience the Himalayan markets. Kagbeni villageKagbeni is one of the beautiful village in the word. Located in the Valley of Kali Gandaki River. It is a fascinating madival village with closely packed mud and brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chhortens. The views Nilgiri peak, Kaligandaki Valley, local houses, Local People, red monastery, apple farming are the main hightlights of Kagbeni village. Kaligandaki River GorgeKaligandaki River gorge is the deepest canyon in the word. Lo-manthangThe city of the wall Lo-manthang is the main highlights of Upper Mustang Trekking. According to the Legend, Kingdom of Lo was founded by Ame Pal, which date back 1380 in n the rain shadow of Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Lo-manthnag is surrounded by ancient Buddhist monastery, Cave and museum. The numberous monasteries, chortens, mahne walls and caves of Upper Mustang are manifestations of rich cultural heritage. Monasteries and caves are different feature of any travelers through Upper Mustang. Choser Cave and MonasteriesChoser is a part of upper Mustang in the north of Lo-manthang and known for historical and religious sites. Garphu and Nymphu gompas are located in Choser as well as a well-maintained ancient cave dwelling and villages where houses are partially built in caves. Rs. 1000 NRS (approx. $ 10) tickets buyers can visit those religious sites and the caves in Choser area. Luri GumpaLocated near the village of Ghara and Yara about a day trip from Lo-manthang, Luri monastery is ancirnt monastery filled with artifacts, Buddhist frescos and chortens.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: Pokhara-Jomsom by flight ( 22 minutes) –Kagbeni ( 2858m./9375ft.) 3 hours walk — After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 22 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town. it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hours and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk reaches you to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. On arrival, check in the hotel with afternoon free for a stroll around the village. Stay there overnight at lodge .Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Kagbeni –chele ( 3050m./10004ft.) 5 hours walk — Our trek starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we will reach at Tangbe village with crops field. From here we trek forward to Chhusang after 1½ hour walk and crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village. Stay there overnight at lodge.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Chele –Syangboche ( 3475m./11467ft.) 6 hours walk. — We begin today with crossing two passes, Taklam La pass (3,624m) and Dajori La pass (3,735). On our way, we enjoy great views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and pass by Ramchung Cave. After we descend further then reach Samar Village. From here we walk on a trail above the village and reach a ridge. Next, we descend on a steep trail to a stream and continue our trek to Syanboche.Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Syangboche - Ghami ( 3520m./11616ft.) 5 hours walk — After breakfast, climb to the Yamda La pass at 3,850m. Along the way, we pass by a few teahouses, chortens and beautiful villages. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. We walk down to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Ghami -Tsarang ( 3500m./11480ft.) 6 hours walk — We start trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Charang . After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall (Secret stone wall of the Buddhism). From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang . Stay there overnight at lodge .Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Tsarang -Lo-Mangthang ( 3700m./12136ft.) 4 hours walk — Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay there overnight at lodge . Rest of the time explores the surrounding area.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7: Explore the Lo-Mangthang — Today you may have many choices to explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situates on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to camp. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hal which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- story building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. The interesting place where you may not tired to explore more and more. There are many places to explore and manage your time to explore the places. Every monastery requires the donations and entry fees which is made by your own. Stay at same lodge overnight .Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 8: Lo-Mangthang-Ghar Gompa ( 3810m./12573ft.) 4 hours walk — After a wonderful time at Lo-Mangthang we back to Ghar Gompa which is also interesting place to explore the local area . During the walk you will suffer the dusty wind and as suggested to walk in the morning. Stay there overnight at lodge .Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 9: Ghar Gompa-Ghiling ( 3806m./12584ft.) 5 hours walk — Today, we will back to Ghiling as our journey . After arrival and lunch enjoy the day explore the area but it will be dusty better to walk in evening time. Stay there overnight at lodge.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 10: Ghiling -Chusang ( 2900m./9570ft.) 5 hours walk — We re-track back to Chusang. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at lodge.Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Chusang -Jomsom ( 2700m./8856ft.) 5 hours walk — Today, we will have a last day trek as well as long. It is better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni finished the upper Mustang trails and join to the normal as Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom. Stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 12: Jomsom- Pokhara ( 820m./2706ft.) 22 minutes flight — This wonderful morning, after breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.Meals included : Breakfast Trek ends

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Pokhara-Jomsom by flight ( 22 minutes) –Kagbeni ( 2858m./9375ft.) 3 hours walk — After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 22 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town. it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hours and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk reaches you to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. On arrival, check in the hotel with afternoon free for a stroll around the village. Stay there overnight at lodge .+