Mustang Region Trek

Mustang Region Trek

Trip Overview

Lo’s kingdom is located along the primary commerce route connecting Tibet and India. Traders followed the Kali Gandaki River’s flow in the 15th to 17th centuries, transporting salt and wool to India and spices and grain back to Tibet. The Kingdom of Lo was a part of Tibet until 1790 before it became part of Nepal. This area is Nepal’s sole stronghold of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion.
 
When eastern Tibetans began fighting Chinese soldiers in 1960, the realm was closed to outsiders. Outsiders were not allowed back into the region until 1991. Even today, the upper Mustang is inaccessible to casual visitors. Each year, a limited number of permits are provided to trekking firms. Nonetheless, each trekking expedition in the upper Mustang’s restricted area is accompanied by a government liaison officer.

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu

    Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. A short briefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby sanctuaries or resting.

  • Day 02

    Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley

    Half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, including Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. In the evening, sample a delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Day 03

    Kathmandu-Pokhara

    We fly west from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gem of Nepal and the starting point for Annapurna treks. Take some time in Pokhara to enjoy the town, the dramatic scenery, and a walk along the shores of Phewa Lake.

  • Day 04

    Pokhara-Kagbeni

    Today, we'll take a short flight to Jomsom, the administrative capital of the Mustang district, which reveals spectacular views of the region. From Jomsom, we will trek to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the last settlement in lower Mustang with the greatest concentration of ethnic Tibetan traditions in the unrestricted area. We stay overnight here.

  • Day 05

    Kagbeni-Chele (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

    Chele-Geling (3570 metres)

    Traveling west from Chele, today we cross several mountain passes (Chele, Bhena, and Yamdo). The rock formations, chiseled by wind and weather, line the route, providing a feast for the eyes. From Shyangmochen (3,800 meters), 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, the 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. We will also visit the huge seated Buddha in the Champa Lhakhang, which dates back to the 15th century. We will then examine the beautiful frescoes of the Thugchen Gompa. The Raja (king) might well be in residence at the Raja’s Palace, the largest building in Lo Manthang.

  • Day 10

    Manthang-Ghami (3460 metres) via Gekar

    We will head out over pasture land and cross the Charang Khola to the isolated villages 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

    Back to Kathmandu.

    Fly or drive back to Kathmandu.

  • Day 15

    Kathmandu

    Depart from Kathmandu. The trek itinerary is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Whats Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Four nights hotel accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Licensed and trained trekking guides
  • Porters for carrying goods and supplies
  • All accommodation during trek
  • All meals and hot beverages whilst trekking
  • Transportation to and from trail head
  • All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
  • National Park/Conservation Area entry permit
  • Equipment such as sleeping bag, tents, mattresses
  • Cooking equipment (if required)
  • Camp-site charges (if required)
  • Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff
  • Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your insurance plan)

Not Included

  • International airfares
  • Travel/trekking insurance
  • Excess baggage charges more than 16kg
Total Cost in (USD) USD 2,350
Total Price: USD 2,350

Trek Details

Season

April through November

Duration

15 days

Trekking grade

Medium - Difficult

Starting point

Kathmandu

Finishing point

Kathmandu

Trek code

M1

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