Mustang Trekking

Mustang is located in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of Kali Gandaki River, which has been opened for the trekkers since 1992. It is the most mysterious and least known kingdom of Nepal. The landscape of Mustang is a barren moonscape of battered sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces, which together present a colourful assortment made up mainly of earthen reds, yellows and browns often known as “Hidden Valley”. It is relatively easy trekking for all ages along the permitted route to Lo Manthang, a small kingdom under one of the few Nepalese principalities supposed kings, King Jigme Palwar Bista. 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 rainfall then the rest of Nepal. Most of the populations of Mustang live near the river of 2300m above the sea level.

Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern and the northern parts where the languages, culture and traditions are alike to those of the Tibetan people. Mustang 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 progress its own characteristic culture and tradition which is so rich & unique. Lo-Mustang, the capital is a walled city ruled by a religious king. Untouched by modern civilization, life in Mustang goes on, as it has for centuries in unhurried pace. As everywhere in the Himalayas, this area provides spectacular mountain scenery highlighted by Dhaulagiri at 8167m and Annapurna I at 8091m. You will be surrounded by more than 35 mountains over 6000m high.

Fact Treks
Trek: Mustang
Trek starts: Jomsom
Trek duration: 20 days
Grade: Moderate
Maximum Height: 4010m
Minimum Height: 2720m
Minimum group size: 1 pax
Trek End: Jomsom

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and a representative of Nepal Adventure Guide will welcome and transfer you to your selected hotel by private vehicle.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley by private vehicle with an expert tour guide.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
2. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
3. Boudhanath Stupa (Large white Buddhist Stupa)
4. Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple)
5. Patan Durbar Square (Ancient city)
6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (55-window palace)

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus (6-7 hrs) (202km) or by flight (45 minutes). Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara near lake side.

Day 04: Pokhara to Jomsom (2720m) by flight and trek to Kagbeni (2800m) walking (5 hrs)
Early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni in the Mustang district. During the flight we will be able to view Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) and many more. It is 8km (3 ½ hrs) trek to Kagbeni, which is situated at the confluence of the Jhong Khola (river) and the Kali Gandaki River. Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 05: Trek to Chele (Tsaile) (3050m) walking (7 hrs)
Today we will trek18km (7 hrs) from Kagbeni to Chele, where we head north along the Kali Gandaki River. The trail goes up and down for two hours to avoid the many river crossings, and then climbs steeply to a plateau avoiding a vertical-walled bluff ahead. From here it is a gradual climb to Tangbe (3 ½ hrs). The trail climbs to (3,100m) and then drops steeply to the banks of the Kali Gandaki. We will walk along the river bed crossing to the western bank before making a small climb to Chele. Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 06: Trek to Syangbochen (3820m) walking (7 hrs)
Syangbochen is 12km away, walking (6hrs), where the trail from Chele climbs to Taklam La Pass (3624m) along plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. It then descends a little to the village of Samar, altogether three hours from Chele. Between Samar and Syangbochen small pass Bena La (3870m) and Samar to Syangbochen (3 ½ hrs) Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 07: Trek to Ghame (3520m) walking (4 ½  hrs)
A shorter days trekking of 10km (4 ½ hrs), starts with the trail gently climbing to the (3850m) passing tea houses, chortens and Tibetan influenced villages, and crosses over a few other passes. The longer climb will be to Jaite la Pass (4010m) it is highest accessible in this trek. And then trail heads steeply descends to Ghame Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3500m) walking (5 hrs)
This day will be easier for trekking as it is 11km (5 hrs) to Tsarang. After crossing Ghame Khola below Ghame, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long mani wall. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang, gradually climbing and then descending. It is beautiful walking and stunning views backwards. There is big Monastery and old palace as well. It is big village as well as lots of terraces and Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 09: Trek to Lo Manthang (3750m) walking (5 hrs)
Lo Manthang is 13km (5 hrs) away from Tsarang and along the way the trail hosts magnificent views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail at first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further on the trail ascends gently to the windy pass of Lo Manthang (3850m), from where you can see the Lo Manthang valley. While descending to Lo Manthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 10: Hike to Chhosar Village (3900m) of Nyaphu and Gharphu Monasteries and Jhong cave walking (5-6 hrs) (3 ½ hrs) go and (2 ½ hrs) come back.
It is wonderful day hike and must start early morning because it takes (3 ½ hrs). It is situated eastern valley and the Nyphu and Gharphu monasteries as well as Jhong cave. There is a secondary school as well. It is really historical place where we can see old monasteries and lots of caves. It takes couple of hours to explore it. Then back same trail in Lo Manthang. Stay in same lodge or in same tented camp.

Day 11: Explore the Lo Manthang valley
full day sightseeing Lo Manthang valley then explore the historical places as Royal palace where is living Mustangi King (Jigme Palwar Bista) as well as biggest monasteries where is lots of monk students are studying. Visitor can meet directly to King in Royal palace. Of course King will wish as well for great trek as well as great life. It will be nice rest day as well. Stay same place in lodge or in tented camp.

Day 12: Trek to Ghami (3520m) walking (7 hrs)
It is quite long walking day around (7 hrs) Lo Manthang to Tsarang (4 hrs) then Tsarang to Ghami (3 hrs). It is beautiful walking but trail goes Lo Manthang to Tsarang gradual Tsarang to Ghami up and down massive landscape views as well as stunning Mountain views. Ghami village also one of beautiful village as well as there is small clinic which one is organized by Japanese organization. Stay at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 13: Trek to Samar (3660m) walking (6-7 hrs)
It is long walking day around (7 hrs) first part ascends up then cross the hill then continuously descends down most of part up and down and arrive in Syangbochen again continuously up and down but stunning Mountain views and landscapes sceneries.  It is really wonderful walking day it is always Buddhist religion and Buddhist culture. Stay at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 14: Trek to Kagbeni (2820m) walking (6-7 hrs)
first of all big descend till Chaile (1 ½ hrs) then continuously trail heads river bank of Kaligandaki. It is really nice trail and arrive Chhusang village, Tangbe village then arrive Kagbeni. It is really beautiful walking day scenery will be Mt Tilicho peak, Annapurna I, Nilgiri range, Dhaulagiri range and much more peaks. It is quite windy as well. Kagbeni is one of beautiful valley where is big Monertery and entry and exit place of Upper Mustang trek. There is big check post for upper Mustang. Stay overnight at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) walking (4 hrs)
It is easy walking in final day on trek. Trail heads always bank of Kaligandaki valley. We can say it is big windy valley as well. Jomsom is one of apple garden where is the product verities from apple as apple pie, apple brandy, fresh apple juice etc. Jomsom is quit big village because it is headquarter of Mustang district. It will be last night with our team I mean with stuff has to celebrate nicely. Stay at lodge or in tented camp.

Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight (18minutes)
Early Morning fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel in Pokhara near lake side by private vehicle and spend the day nicely in Pokhara.

Day 17: sightseeing and relaxing in Pokhara.

Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus (6-7 hrs) (202km) or by flight (45 minutes), Stay overnight at your selected hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Shopping something Souvenir and sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Departure day
A representative of Nepal Adventure Guide will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle.

Price Includes:

• Airport pick-up and drop off by private vehicle.
• Four nights in your selected hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
• A full day’s sightseeing in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
• All meals during the trek (lunch, dinner, breakfast and tea or coffee).
• Accommodation in lodges or guest houses or camping in twin shared tents with mattress.
• All necessary equipment for camping
• One English speaking government trained license holder and well informed trekking guide.
• One porter for two people to carry luggage.
• Dependent on group size, cook, kitchen boy and extra porters
• All expenses for guide and porters - meals, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance, transportation (bus/flights) etc.
• First Aid kit bag.
• Government and local area taxes where applicable.
• TIMS card fees (Trekking Information Management System).
• Return transportation from Kathmandu to (Arrival and Departure town goes here) by tourist bus or by flight.
• Transfers from airport to hotel and return by private vehicle.
• Domestic Airfare (Pokhara – Jomsom and Pokhara / with departure airport tax)
• 3 nights in a Pokhara hotel with breakfast.
• Special Trekking permit for 10 days in Upper Mustang Valley US$500 per person  (See the ‘Trekking Permits’ link under ‘Trekking Info’ for current fees)

Price Excludes:

• Nepalese entry visa fee. (See the ‘Visa Information’ link under ‘Trekking Info’ for current fees)
• Travel insurance.
• Soft and alcoholic drinks (mineral water, hot water, coke, fanta, beer, spirits, etc).
• Snacks (Chocolate, biscuits etc).
• Hot water, hot shower, heater charge, battery charge, phone calls and laundry service.
• Donation, tips and personal expenses.
• Emergency evacuation and medical equipment.
• Hire equipment and other personal items (sleeping bag, down jacket, hiking boots camera, toilet rolls etc).
• In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides, etc, the extra charge will be borne by themselves.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara.

About Entry Permit Fees

• For 10 days per person US$500.
• After 10 days, each person pays US$50 per day.
• The permit entry/exit and main check points are in Jomsom and Kagbeni.

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