The Mustang Trek is arguably the optimum trek if you want to view and experience the nature in its raw and ruthless form since it is a high altitude desert of rich red and ocher land, deep gorges, narrow cliffs, and wilder mountains. Mustang, meaning fertile plain, appears to be live landscape painting in shades of red, brown, and other. It is one of the remotest areas of Nepal and is sparsely populated. Its elevation ranges from 1,372 to 8, 167 meters. The 7th highest mountain in the world the Mount Dhaulagiri lies here along with several peaks over 7,000 meters. The region, dotted with beautiful small villages, has more than 10,000 manmade caves; many of them are more than 1,000 years old. These caves have been used for centuries by the wandering ascetics of the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism to perform tantric yoga.
Formerly, it was an independent kingdom, called the Kingdom of Lo, cut off from the world. The Monarchy was abolished in 2008. It was alone kingdom inaccessible to the outsiders. It was opened to foreigners only in 1992, and of course for the limited number of people with special entry permit issued only through registered trekking agencies. It makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world. It has an almost exclusive Tibetan culture. The entire district is included within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area of Nepal.
The region has been of great interest to archaeologists, art historians, and anthropologists. Some of the caves in the region have frescoes and statues depicting practices of Buddhism. The region is still a center of Buddhist scholarship and art.
In addition, even the Temples feature amazing Tibetan art. Owing to its history and geography, it is one of the last bastions of traditional Tibetan life. What’s more, the scenery of the trail will reward you with forests of rhododendrons. The trail’s highest point is Muktinath at 3,800 meters. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindu as well as Buddhist. Some of the top tourist attractions are Lomanthang, Muktinath, the Mustang Royal Palace, Tibetan art and culture.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath & Patan
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 04: Flight Pokhara to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni
Day 05: Trek Kagbeni to Chaile
Day 06: Trek Chaile to Geling
Day 07: Trek Geling to Drakmar
Day 08: Trek Drakmar to Charang
Day 09: Trek Charang to Lo-Manthang
Day 10: Visit Lo-Manthang (Exploration day)
Day 11: Trek Lo-Manthang to Yara
Day 12: Visit Lori Gompa
Day 13: Trek Yara to Tange
Day 14: Trek Tange to Tetang
Day 15: Trek Tetang to Muktinath
Day 16: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom
Day 17: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 18: Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 19: Visit Bhaktapur
Day 20: Departure
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath and Patan: Start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Swoyambunath followed by a visit of a true open air museum, Patan.
Swoyambhunath is one of the oldest stupa of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the valley. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and most glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha.
Patan- the second largest town in the valley is situated to the south of Kathmandu. Patan's great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous temples of widely diverse styles, as well as many Buddhist monasteries, are scattered around the fascinating town. Patan is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m): Early morning drive to Pokhara by private vehicle. In the afternoon we visit Devi’s falls, a waterfall goes through a very deep and narrow canal, also visit Guptesowri Cave, a very natural and attractive cave, and Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 514m
Day 04: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m): A short and scenic flight to Jomsom then we start our epic journey. Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the district. As we start our trek from Jomsom, we follow Kaligandaki valley which leads us to legendary Mustang region. It is about 3 hours trek to Kagbeni (2800m). Kagbeni is a very fascinating medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields, and high mountains.
Overnight: Lodge
Flight Time: 20 minutes
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: +1980m
Day 05: Trek Kagbeni to Chaile (3060m): The trail follows the East bank of the Kali Gandaki River and climbs over many ridges as it heads north to reach Tangbe Village. From Tangbe Village, the trail goes to Chhusang and then crosses the river, climbing up to reach Chaile.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 260m
Day 06: Trek Chaile to Geling (3500m): Our climb today continues along the treeless and waterless terrain along a spectacular and steep canyon. We pass a rock cairn at 3540m. After that the trail makes long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge and then the trail descends further down to the village of Samar. The trail then climbs above Samar to a ridge, and descends into a large gorge and follows along another field, crossing a stream and climbing up to a ridge at 3800m. After that, the trail again climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes before the final descend to Geling.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 440m
Day 07: Trek Geling to Tragmar/Dhakmar (3800m): we start our day with gentle ascent and a little steeper slope to reach the Col Nyi La (3950 m), the highest pass of the trek. We arrive at the center region of Mustang which is also known as Lo. The trek continues down to the valley to reach the village of Ghami (3520 m). Then we cross a river and begin a steep uphill about 45 minutes then gradual walk for 2 hours to Tragmar/Dhakmar.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +300m
Day 08: Trek Dhakmar to Charang (3580m) via Ghar Gompa: we start our day hiking to Ghar Gompa Monastery; it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world which was built in 8th century. Then we continue our trek with a steady climb to a small pass, then descend in a valley overlooked by a cliff of red blue and gray and after crossing a steel suspension bridge on the River Tangmar Chu, we arrive to the Mani wall (prayer wall) and then go through another small pass at 3600m then a long and gentle descent until Charang. Charang is the second largest village of Mustang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -220m
Day 09: Trek Charang to Lo-Manthang (3900m): The trail descends about 100m down from Charang and crosses the Charang–Chu. After that the rocky trail climbs steeply up to the cairn on a ridge at 3850m; finally, we can see the walled city of Lo from that ridge and after a short descent followed by a gentle climb takes us to the plateau of Lo-Manthang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 320m
Day 10: Exploration Day in Lo-Manthang (Capital city of ancient Mustang): We visit several different sites of Lo-Manthang today starting with Tungchen Gompa, the Champa Lakhang (God House), the Chyodi Gompa and Raja's Palace (Royal Palace). And if time permits, we visit surrounding villages on a horse.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 11: Trek Lo-Manthang to Yara (3650m): crossing arid land, sharp ridges and lunar landscapes we arrive to the village of Yara which is situated along a huge cliff carved by troglodyte dwellers.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 5 hours.
Difference in Elevation: - 250m
Day 12: Visit Lori Gompa: we start our day hiking to Lori Gompa; visit Lori Gompa and surroundings. It is fairly enjoyable day visiting ancient gompa, caves and stupas. Then we retrace our steps back to Yara and spend another night in Yara.
Overnight - Lodge
Walking time: 4 hours.
Day 13: Trek Yara to Tangya (3240m): a long and tiring day through Upper Mustang plateau and crossing a pass at the elevation of 3700 m takes us to the village of Tangya.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 7 - 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 410m
Day 14: Trek Tangya to Tetang (3040m): enjoying the strikingly contrast views of the arid land of Upper Mustang and rocky land and snowy cliffs of Annapurna range, we trek through a pass at the elevation of 4100m to the village of Tetang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 8 - 9 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 200m
Day 15: Trek Tetang to Muktinath (3760m): crossing another pass at the elevation of 4050m (Gyu La pass), we trek to Muktinath; a sacred place for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 720m
Day 16: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m): continuing our descend, we trek through Jharkot, a traditional village; enjoying the view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges and following Kaligandaki river back to Jomsom.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1040m
Day 17: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (820m): a scenic flight to Pokhara in the early morning.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 minutes
Difference Elevation: - 1900m
Day 18: Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): a short flight back to Kathmandu which provides spectacular view of the mountain ranges one more time.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Difference in Elevation: + 514m
Day 19: Visit Bhaktapur: today we visit Bhaktapur, an ancient city.
Bhaktapur - Located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the 'City of Devotees', the 'City of Culture', the 'Living Heritage', and 'Nepal's Cultural Gem'. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. This fascinating city reminds you the true Nepali culture and living style of medieval period.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 20: Transfer to the airport and departure.
Special Note: This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget. For the Pokhara - Kathmandu segment, we can depart by flight or by bus/van.
NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.
| Srl. |
Description |
Qty. |
Remarks |
|
| 01 | Day back-pack |
1 |
||
| 02 | Gore-Tex Jacket |
1 |
||
| 03 | Down Jacket |
1 |
||
| 04 | Fleece Jacket |
1 |
||
| 05 | Micro Fleece |
1 |
||
| 06 | Trekking pants(Trousers) |
2 |
||
| 07 | Hiking shoes (Boots) |
1 pair |
||
| 08 | Runners (sport shoes) |
1 pair |
||
| 09 | Trekking Socks |
3 pair |
||
| 10 | Rain poncho |
1 |
||
| 11 | Sun-glasses |
1 |
||
| 12 | Water bottles |
2 |
||
| 13 | Thermal underwear(long) |
1-2 |
||
| 14 | T- shirts |
2-3 pair |
||
| 15 | Sunscreen/lotion |
1 |
||
| 16 | Flip flop (sandal) |
1 |
||
| 17 | Towel |
1 |
||
| 18 | Hat(Baseball cap) |
1 |
||
| 19 | Pristine drops (Water purifier) |
1 |
||
| 20 | Head light/flash light |
1 |
||
| 21 | Sleeping Bag |
1 |
||
| 22 | Gloves |
1 |
||
| 23 | Wind Proof Trouser (s) |
1 |
||
| 24 | Personal medical kid |
1 |
||
| 25 | Toiletries |
1 |
||
Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.
Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year. Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer. Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C. Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.
The summer/monsoon period: It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions "trans-Himalayan", Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.
Autumn: mid September – mid December - Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.
In winter: mid-December - mid-February - Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to - 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.
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