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Upper Mustang Trekking

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World Heritage Sightseeing Combined with the Picturesque flight to Kathmandu – Pokhara  - Pokhara Jomsom and Jomsom – Pokhara. Easy and Peculiar Trekking Pleasure in the rainshadow of the Giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges.Be one of only 1200 outsiders permitted each year to visit the upper Mustang district. Trek the ancient trade route between Tibet and India along the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge. Witness a way of life almost unchanged for centuries, and one of the few traditional Tibetan cultures left on earth. Explore the monasteries and temples of the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Visit Pokhara, the Gem of Nepal, home of Lake Phewa and starting point of Annapurna treks.

  • Dates: Daily
  • Best Season: Four season
  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Trekking Days: 10 Days
  • Grade: Hard-Medium
  • Maximum Altitude: 3860 m
  • Commences At: Jomsom
  • Ends At: Jomsom
  • Code: HAUM-I
Price: $ 2185 Per Person

Itinerary

Day 01 -     Arrival in kathmandu.
Day 02 –    Half Day World Heritage Cultural Sightseing  in Kathmandu 
Day 03 -     Kathmandu-Pokhara Flight
Day 04 -     Pokhara- Jomsom in Flight/ Start Trek to Kagbeni
Day 05 -     Kagbeni-Tsaili  
Day 06 -     Tsaili-Geling
Day 07 -     Geling-Charang 
Day 08 -     Charang-Lo Manthang

Day 09 -     Lo Manthang 
Day 10 -     Manthang-Ghami via Gekar
Day 11 -     Ghami-Samar
Day 12 -     Samar-Kagbeni
Day 13 -     Kagbeni to Jomsom
Day 14 -     Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Day 15 -    Leisure in Kathmandu/ You can add Everest Mountain Flight
Day 16 -     Departure Kathmandu

 

The Kingdom of Lo in the Mustang Region of Nepal is one of the most remote kingdoms on earth. One of the few remaining authentic Tibetan cultures still left in the world, the northern part of this astounding kingdom is open to a small number of fortunate permit holders each year. For the adventure of a lifetime, join us as we explore the dramatic landscape and ancient culture of this isolated region.Sheltered by such massive Himalayan peaks as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Mustang is a rugged moonscape of walled monasteries, windy plains and towns that time forgot. The founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, came here in the 8th century to defend Buddhism against the forces trying to destroy it. To celebrate his successful battle, he built the temple of Lo Gekhar that still stands today, surviving along with an unadulterated Tibetan culture that cannot be found elsewhere.

 


The kingdom of Lo is strategically positioned along the main trade route between Tibet and India. In the 15th-17th centuries traders carried salt and wool to India and spices and grain back to Tibet, following the course of the mighty Kali Gandaki River. The Kingdom of Lo was part of Tibet until it joined with Nepal in 1790. This district is the lone bastion of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion in the predominantly Hindu Nepal.The kingdom was closed to outsiders in 1960, when eastern Tibetans began their fight against Chinese forces. The region was not reopened to outsiders until 1991, and upper Mustang is still closed to casual visitors. A small number of permits are issued each year to trekking companies.We hold certain number of permit everyyear in our Upper Extended and upto 10 days trip.

Mustang enjoys a longer trekking season than the rest of Nepal because it lies beneath the rain shadow of the Himalayas. It is not subject to the monsoons that hit other parts of the country and make trekking difficult. Because of the windy plains and arid landscape, this region is more rugged than other trekking areas of Nepal.

Our trek begins with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and then follows the course of the Kali Gandaki. This fast flowing river carved a deep gorge through the high Himalayas on its relentless flow to the plains. Climbing up this steep canyon, we hike several days to the walled capital city of Lo Manthang, virtually untouched since the 14th century.

 

 

Day 01         Arrival in Kathmandu


Today is your arrival we welcome you upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu or your choice of Hotel in Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur).Arrival city briefing follows after Hotel check in concerning the necessary formalities on your tour and trek program. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby historic/Countryside areas or resting.

Day 02        Half day sightseeing in Boudhanath/Pashupatinath  Kapan Monastery


Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu World Heritage sites where your guide will accompany you on a tour of UNESCO enlisted Hindu temples and the  unique fusion shrines of  Newari architectural  Hinduism and Buddhism reflecting ancient  golden  era in local traditions of the glories. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest with your guide or in your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. Our Trek Leader/Guide meets you in the afternoon for the trek briefing and for the final trek preparation. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali Welcome dinner in authentic Nepali Restaurant with the cultural dances that represents different customs and music instruments of Nepal. Private vehicle is there for you to pick up and drop in Hotel with our staff. Overnight  Hotel in Kathmandu


Day 03        Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight


Our tour officer  pick you up in the Hotel to drive to Domestic airport after breakfast. We take 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara, a naturally beautiful city located about 200 km west of Kathmandu where your trek commences and ends with fun and ever memorable time in close to Himalayan Mountains.
Once you arrive in Pokhara Airport, our guide receives you to transfer to the Hotel. Having hotel check in finalized our guide take you all for sightseeing around Pokhara. Pokhara has Mountain Museum,  Davis falls, Mahendra Cave and Boating in the Lake Phewa in the afternoon. Overnight Hotel in Pokhara

Day 04        Pokhara to Jomsom / start trekking to Kagbeni (2760m)

This morning we take a spectacular flight to Jomsom up the deep Kali Gandaki river valley. There are great views of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Massifs either side of the aircraft. It is from there the trek Begins .Jomsom is the administrative district headquarters of Mustang consisting a police check post, radio, Mobile, fluctuated internet communication with Kathmandu nowadays, and army camp and the   STOL Airstrip that we touch down on. One can immediately notice the change in scenery from Pokhara – It is Trans – Himalayan - arid and rocky. The barrenness is relieved by splashes of green cultivation.After crossing the wooden bridge to the east bank of the river Kali Gandaki through the town, the trail continues to the north end of the town and follows the gravel river bed before ascending gently and descending to a couple of houses( Eklaibhatti).The trail may follow the  river bed or higher on the east bank depending on the season and flow of the river. Continuing along the east bank we bypass the villages of Phalyak, Dakarjong and Panga, and finally reach Kagbeni. The village is  located at the confluence of the KALI Gandaki and the Jhong Khola (river) coming down from Muktinath. The village is a community of  mud and stone houses enclosed by walls. Flat roofs hold stacks of  firewood; The red coloured gompa situated on a raised stretch of land dominates the village. The monastery belongs to the Shakya sect and can be identified as such by the uniformly spaced grey stripes on its outside walls. Kagbeni was once ruled by a gyalpo(king) from his castle which is  now in ruins. The dynasty has died out but during its time it was powerful much like the barons of the Rhineland. There are good close-up views South to Nilgiri and Tilicho from here.


Day 05        Kagbeni-Tsaili (3100 metres)


We enter the restricted area of upper Mustang today, trekking along the Kali Gandaki gorge to the village of Chele. This cluster of whitewashed buildings is huddled at the base of a sheer cliff. The flat roofs of the houses serve as safe storage for the stacks of precious firewood used for cooking and heating. Life here has not changed much over the past centuries.


Day 06        Tsaili-Geling (3570 metres)


Traveling west from Chele, today we cross several mountain passes (Chele, Bhena and Yamdo). Rock formations chiseled by wind and weather line the route, providing a feast for the eyes. From Shyangmochen (3800 metres) we descend to Geling. Set in a green oasis of barley fields, the town of Geling stands in stark contrast to the barren landscape that surrounds it.

Day 07        Geling-Charang (3560 metres)


Today we take a gentle climb upward through the fields of barley and then more steeply to Nyi La (Nyi Pass), the southern boundary of the Kingdom of Lo. Our descent brings us into the town of Charang with its large monastery teetering on the edge of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Day 08        Charang-Lo Manthang (3700 metres)


We climb upward again to a final ridge, where we can look down through a natural gateway strung with prayer flags to the Plain of Inspiration. The walled city of Lo Manthang below is the summer home of the Raja of Mustang. A ring of rounded hills surrounds the city, each one topped with a fortress.


Day 09        Lo Manthang


We spend the day exploring this ancient city, capital of the kingdom and the center of its culture. Monasteries, temples, and ancient structures tell the story of the ancient Tibetan culture and the monastic traditions that are still alive here. Visit the huge seated Buddha in the Champa Lhakang that dates back to the 15th century and examine the beautiful frescoes of the Thugchen Gompa. The Raja may well be in residence at the Raja’s Palace, the largest building in Lo Manthang.

 

Day 10        Manthang-Ghami (3460 metres) via Gekar


We head out over pasture land and cross the Charang Khola to the isolated village of Gekar and Ghar Gompa. Our walk leads us over hills and through green valleys to the village of Ghami with its cluster of buildings surrounded by fields.

Day 11        Ghami-Samar (3300 Metres)


We climb today, up to the Nyi La pass before heading down to Samar, a picturesque settlement surrounded by poplar trees. This is a stopping point for mule and horse trains carrying supplies to the remote villages of this kingdom.


Day 12         Samar-Kagbeni


Our trek today takes us back to Kagbeni, where we exit the restricted area of upper Mustang. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 13         Kagbeni to Jomsom


Our trek today is short as we head back to Jomsom and a return to civilization, or the closest thing to it in this region.


Day 14        Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu


We take the early morning flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara. Please note that flights into Jomsom are sometimes delayed due to un-flyable conditions; be reassured that our field staff Pokhara, Jomsom and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimise the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the flying circumstances which can occur will be greatly appreciated. Overnight Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 15      Leisure in Kathmandu


Leisure Time in Kathmandu. You are also recommended to book Everest Mountain Flight in the Morning. Everest Mountain in Nepal is one of the “Must Do” flight of the World and your life experience. It’s indeed time for the souvenir hunting around Kathmandu’s noted places having optional trip to tranquil historic Heritages in your own or with us or  with our versatile guide. We provide extra drive and drop services anywhere.

 

Day 16         Departure Kathmandu


Our Tour officer meets you in Hotel for the Departure Transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport. We will be always welcoming you back to Nepal for various other stunning Trekings or looking forward to serving you in our other country travel arrangements.

 


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The Trek Cost Includes

-- All the International and Departure Transfers
-- Pre and Post Trek deluxe Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu & in Pokhara
-- Domestic airport Transfers
-- Domestic Flights Kathmandu – Pokhara- Jomsom- Pokhara
-- Private Vehicle from Kathmandu to Pokhara
-- Half Day Guided Cultural Sightseeing
-- Comprehensive Trekking Map
-- Authentic Nepali Welcome Dinner
-- All the accommodation and full board meals and hot beverages on the trek
-- Eco Conscious Camping accommodation with crews, chef, toilet tent,
-- shower  tent, Kitchen tents,Dining, Kitchen utensils.
-- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
-- Special Upper Mustang Trekking Permit upto 14 days 
-- Our Extensive Knowledgeable Licensed Guides & porter services with porter gears
-- Field staff Insurances
-- DomesticAirport Taxes
-- Dawn Jackets, Sleeping bag, walking poles, duffel bag, facilitiies
-- Extensive First aid medical kit 
-- Quick Rescue supporting services in case of Emergency
-- Extra snacks services
-- Satellite phone/Communication services in case of Emergency
-- Applicable government Taxes
-- Himalayan Eco Trek Team Management


The Trek cost excludes

-- All the personal expenses like Alcoholic beverages, Bottled drinks etc.
-- Medical and Travel Insurances
-- International Airfare and taxes
-- Visa Fees
-- Gratuities/Tips
-- Emergency Helicopter Rescue charges
-- Main Meals in Kathmandu and in Pokhara