17 Days
Duration
Moderate
Physical
Nepal
Location
+20
Age
Jun-Oct
Dates

Mustang trek is an exploration of the concealed valleys of upper Mustang in Nepal, nestled between Tibet and the Himalayas – a place different from the rest of the world. The wall city of Lo Manthang used to be a part of Tibetan kingdom of Gungthang until 1830s. The early history of Lo Manthang is embellished in myths and legends rather than the recorded facts. Even though the upper Mustang is changing it still surprises the visitors with its stunning vista and the stubborn way it cling to its unique culture. Indeed the culture is fighting back, crumbing art works are being restored. Crumbing monasteries have been rebuilt and refilled with the sound of bald-headed children in robes studying the ancient Buddhist ways. There are around 300 houses in Lo Mangthang having four castes: the royal caste, the everyday folk, the blacksmiths and the butchers and millers. The whole Lo manthang village has solar electricity now, along with a small herb garden of various holy decorations, flapping flags and of course stacked firewood. There was a time when it was the mandatory of certain family to supply the firewood for the royal family. Sky burial and polyandry are still in practice in this upper mustang region.

It is believed that Guru Rinpoche had fought with demon among the Mustang‘s snow-capped mountains, desert canyons, and grassland. Once Guru Rinpoche killed the demon, it is said he scattered the demon’s body parts across Mustang valley: its blood formed the towering red cliffs and its intestines tumbled near to Ghami where people have later build the stone prayer wall, the longest in Nepal, on top of the demon’s intestines.

Itinerary Highlights
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m]
Day 05: Trek to Chhuksang [2920m]
Day 06: Trek to Samar [3290m]
Day 07: Trek to Geling [3440m]
Day 08: Trek to Ghami [3460m]
Day 09: Trek to Charang [3490m]
Day 10: Trek to Lo Manthang [3730m]
Day 11: In & around Lo Manthang
Day 12: Trek to Lo Gekar
Day 13: Trek to Ghami [3460m]
Day 14: Trek to Chhuksang [2920m]
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom [2710m]
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
Day 17: Depart Kathmandu

1

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu

Meet, assist upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu by our representative and escort to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
2

Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley

After having breakfast, proceed on full day sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath stupa, and Patan city.

Kathmandu city: The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can’t help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area.

Swoyambhunath stupa: A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.

Patan city: Nowhere else can be seen such a compression of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

3

Day 3 Fly to Pokhara

Transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Pokhara. We take the short but scenic 30 minute flight to Pokhara, enjoying the views of Ganesh, Manaslu and the Annapurnas along the way. Upon reaching Pokhara, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day remains at leisure for the trek preparation or to browse around the area.
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.
4

Day 4 Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni -2780m

Transfer to the airport to connect the flight to Jomsom. We take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom (famous for its apples) where we will be met at the tiny airstrip by our trek crew. After some initial preparation of loads, we begin our trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Just out of Jomsom we cross a small suspension bridge and then walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is flat and quite barren, with craggy rocks and sand littering the trail. This makes it very easy going. We will get magnificent views of huge peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Kagbeni with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, fields of wheat and barley and a large red Gompa, give us a preview of scenes that we would come across in Upper Mustang. At the north end of the village is the police check-post. Here we will complete our paperwork before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal.
Overnight at Tented camp.
5

Day 5 Trek to Chhuksang-2920m

It is possible to trek right up the river valley, but we use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand but the path is kept interesting by the passing of mule trains bearing goods from Mustang and Tibet. On the west bank of the river are some caves and Gompa Kang. Unlike most monasteries in Upper Mustang which are of the Sakyapa sect, Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. We stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where we come across the first black, white and red Chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buck wheat and barley and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. Chhuksang village is only about 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chhuksang are some spectacular red eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.
Overnight at tented camp.
6

Day 6 Trek to Samar-3290m

There is a distinct change here, not only in the topography, but also in the culture, lifestyle and people, and the settlements become more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang practice agriculture. But due to lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is limited to sheltered plots of land. This spots the brown landscape with patches of green. Continuing north, we reach the river. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of a tunnel and north from here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable by foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Chele. Watch out for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs here, which are chained to many of the houses. From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass we descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major place to stop for horse and mule caravans.
Overnight at tented camp.
7

Day 7 Trek to Geling -3440m

We climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with its extensive fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles.
Overnight at tented camp.
8

Day 8 Trek to Ghami -3460m

From Geling, the trail climbs gently through fields, up the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing Chorten. We then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.
Overnight at Tented camp.
9

Day 9 Trek to Charang-3490m

Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.
Overnight at Tented camp.
10

Day 10 Trek to Lo Manthang -3730m

We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner.
Overnight at tented camp.
11

Day 11 In & around Lo Manthang

Today, you are free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the city and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborates mandalas painted on the walls. The king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this short tour will incur extra costs.
Overnight at tented camp.
12

Day 12 Trek to Lo Gekar

We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa.
Overnight at tented camp.
13

Day 13 Trek to Ghami -3460m

We continue our journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded gully to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, we walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami.
Overnight at tented camp.
14

Day 14 Trek to Chhuksang-2920m

Now we must retrace our route back over the Nyi La to Chhuksang.
Overnight at tented camp.
15

Day 15 Trek to Jomsom - 2710m

It’s a long and sad final day, passing back through Kagbeni to Jomsom where we end our trek. It’s now time for us to take a nice hot shower. In the evening, we celebrate with the Sherpas and porters, whom we have come to know so well over the last 2 weeks.
Overnight at tented camp.
16

Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara

We take a spectacular early morning flight along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Pokhara and catch a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. Receive upon arrival in Kathmandu and escort to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
17

Day 17 Depart Kathmandu

Free till departure and later, transfer to the International Airport to connect the flight to onward destination.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
  • 1 night twin sharing accommodation at the hotel in Pokhara.
  • 13 Days trek to Mustang as specified in the above itinerary on full board basis with the accommodation at ‘A’ shaped tent on tented camping trek basis.
  • All the camping gears such as A shaped tent to sleep-in, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, cooking utensils, food stuffs etc.
  • Well trained trekking crew members such as Sherpa Sirdar, Sherpa guide, Sherpa cook, Sherpa kitchen boys, Sherpa porters etc.
  • All the surface transfers and the sightseeing tours with A/C vehicle.
  • Entrance fees to the monuments during the sightseeing tours in Kathmandu valley.
  • Prevailing government taxes, ACAP fee, Restriction area fee etc, Tims card fee etc.
  • Two way airfare for Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu sector with domestic airport tax.
  • Two way airfares for Pokhara / Jomsom / Pokhara sector with domestic airport tax.
  • Two way airfares for Pokhara / Jomsom / Pokhara sector for Sherpa guide with domestic airport tax.
  • Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry  bills, camera fees etc.
  • Insurances of any sort and any extra cost arises during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disturbances or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Adventure Gear Nepal.
  • Any other services which is not mentioned in the COST INCLUDES section above.

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