Upper Mustang 18 Days Trek

<p>After your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in medieval and modernized Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transfered to the hotel. After check in and some refreshments, our senior guide will come to meet you and give you a brief orientation about Upper Mustang Trekking. You can then go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with the neighbourhood, have supper and go to bed. This is your first overnight in the valley of temples and cows, probably the most in the world.</p>

<p>The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, being the historical and cultural heart of the country, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and other types of adventure seekers. The city is a marvelous amalgamation of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western cultures and influences. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities. These two cities, like Kathmandu, have a rich historical, cultural and religious legacy which is reflected in the many temples, monuments and artifacts that they contain. You will be taken on a half-day guided tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur cities. In Kathmandu, you will be visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous and revered Hindu shrine in the country; Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Soyambhunath, which contains both Buddhist and Hindu shrines and stands as testimony to the religious harmony that exists in the country; and the 15th-century 55-window palace in Bhaktapur. An orientation session for the trek, which commences the following day, will be organized in the evening.</p>

<p>After breakfast, we leave our hotel early morning for a drive with scenic views along the road to Pokhara via Prithivi national highway. The drive could take roughly 7-8 hrs to reach Pokhara. We also have the option for a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara for 35 minutes. We will visit some prime spots in the lake city after refreshing at our hotel we will do a tour of some beautiful places in Pokhara that include Davids fall (if we reach early by road), and the Phewa Lake etc. we then do an overnight at our hotel by the lake in the lovely ‘city of lakes’ on BB Plan.</p>

<p>You take the early morning flight which again will give close-up views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and nearby satellites, 20 minutes flight in a small aircraft. Directly north of Jomsom is the pretty village of Kagbeni, Where there are about 80 families living here, most of them traders who are the link in the chain between modern Nepal and the Tibetan-type people of Mustang. Just out of Jomsom you cross a small hanging bridge and then walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is pretty barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This very easy, enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri (26,794ft), Tukuche (22,703ft) and in the west the awesome mountain above Kagbeni, Nilgiri (22,769ft). Over to the south and south-west can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. You are more than likely to meet Indian pilgrims on their way to and from Muktinath on this stretch, and other Europeans for an hour or two who will be on the world-famous Annapurna Circuit. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, what with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa. At the police check-post at the north end of the village there is a sign saying ‘Restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point’. Here you will complete your paperwork formalities for you to enter this long-forbidden region of Nepal. ACAP have set up a very interesting information post here with displays of Mustang artifacts and photos.</p>

<p>It takes approx 6-7 hrs. There is a trail up the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak, which dominates the southern skyline at Kagbeni continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village about 1 1/2 hrs trek, and cross the river from there and continue north climbing up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030 Mt. The culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo from here to chele at 3100m. Overnight stay in camp.</p>

<p>It takes approx 7-8 hours. On the way we have to cross the Chele-La (3630m) and Samar (3620m). When you start climb up you have to see Chorten Painted in red, yellow, black and white walls all they made by local rocks. Way to gheling we have to reach in Bhena (3860m), Yamdo (3920m), and climb to yet another pass Yamdo-La (4010m). Chyangmochen to Gheleng (3570m). Overnight stay in Gheling.</p>

<p>Gheling trek to Dakmar (3820mtr) via Ghami, crossing Nyi La (4010mtr), Ghemi la (3520mtr) stay in Dakmar, beautiful colorful landscape and village, if time permit go up to Lo-Ghakyar and camp there so we can reach to Lo-Manthang earlier next day Max 6 hours walk</p>

<p>Dakmar to Lo Manthang via Lo Gekar (3800mtr), visit the Oldest Gompa in Mustang \"1400 years old\" we have to cross Mui La (4170mtr) and trek to Lo Manthang (3840mtr) crossing Chogo La (4230mtr), Camp at Lo Manthang, reach at the afternoon. </p>

<p>Rest day in Lomanthang: for acclimatization and visit Royal Palace, Chhosar village, Jhong Cave, Gharphu village and Namgel monastery and back to Lomanthang over night at lodge</p><p>Lo Manthang is untouched since the 14th century. 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 elaborated 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 and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout the kingdom. Your first overnight in the lodge of Mustang on full board meals.</p><p>We will vist the Chhosser ridding by horse and carry self packed lunch. Chhosser is a mysterious, by its beauty of architecture. This cave looks like cliff but inside it there are step by step floor with 44 rooms. This cave is so amazing that it gives the feeling of being in Alien place and returned back to Lo-manthang for overnight at camp with full board of meals.</p>

<p>Finally, from the camp (Lo-Manthang) a short climb takes us up to a glacial valley with views of reddish brown historical wall city (the rainshadow zone) during the return back. From here we get an unforgettable image of the Lo. When come up to the hill, if you want to change the route you have to go by the opposite site. Along the mountain ridge after one hour the trail descends down to the village of ‘DHI’. The time is taken in between while streaming down. On the way, you will see the meadows of farming fields nearby the river side. That is DHI village and this is where we have our lunch break down here. After our lunch break, we cross a river to follow a path along the left bank of a river side to Yara at (3,838m). From here in the dry season the trail follows the riverbed but in the monsoon it winds up the hills to a final steep climb to the top. It looks a natural sandy castle in front of you when you are atop on the Yara hills. In some places you will find a kind of salty dust like mineral on the hill. Overnight at lodge on full board meals.</p>

<p>Today we head down to Luri Gompa which was founded in the 13th century, it is also called Kagyukpa cave monastery. There are golden written lama’s books found here. The route continues up to Duyung Khola {river} which runs from the Damodar Kund (basin). This place is also famous for hindu pilgrims. the headwater is an area of land from where the water runs down into the KaliGandaki river. This place is famous for black ammonite fossils found hereabouts. Hindus and Buddhists collect these fossils to worship in their belief that it is the embodiment of God Vishnu. Overnight at lodge on full board meals.</p>

<p>Early in the morning we leave Yara along a high winding path. This soon leads down to the Dhechaeng Khola (river) which runs from the Damodar Kund (basin). The trail just crosses the small river of melting ice water and then we climb up for around one and a-half hour to DHI village along the winding desert mountain path to the Lo-Pa village of Tangya. The inhabitants of this gentle religious group of Buddhism are mostly busy in local businesses; the small foot hills roll away to distance horizons sheltering the villagers from the gentle winds coming in from the valley. From the village you turn your face to the north and we see some sandy cliffs over several hundred years old.Hereabouts we find the small village of Tangbe.</p>

<p>Today we leave very early in the morning with our pack lunch because of the long distance compared to the other days. We climb some steps & then crossing over a suspension bridge following the trail to right side. We Soon come to the Yak khola (river) before climbing a terraced hill to PA at 4,210m, it is the highest point of the Upper Mustang trip. The trail climbs for about two and a half hours then you summit on the top (4,200m) it is a steep climb that covers your body with sweat. From here you are able to see in the distance the Damodar Himal and Saribung Himal at (6,346m). The main trail continues along the flat land to left after one and a-half hour walking; its now time to find a spot for lunch at PA. No houses but only the ruins remain here but drinking water sources are available here. So we will not waste much time as we just crossed only half the way. This leg of the journey takes another four to five hours total walking which is our target of the day. Now the trail descends and it is rough way so we must be careful! Injuries can happen due to carelessness. We can haul up here for some rest as the steps goes down and down. Meanwhile, you are able to see right down the mud roof valley that is your destination of the day. This is the village which we call Chhuksang or Tetang. </p>

<p>Today, gradually we trek up till Gyu La {pass} 4,077m. It is one of those beautiful days and we take it easy on our walk. We will pass through Kharkas where we can see grazing domestic animals as well as wild mountain goats. Its peaceful up the valley as we reach to the top of Gyu La. From the pass you can see panoramic views of Thorong peak, Nilgiri, Tukche peak & the lovely Muktinath valley. We reach Muktinath via Chhenkar village.</p>

<p>This is a pretty easy day, the trail gradually descend to Eklebhati at Kali Gandaki River valley, and we walk another two hours along the wide sandy and windy valley. The trail moves between two hills.</p>

<p>This takes about 25 minutes and stay overnight at our hotel in Pokhara. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the after and frequent change of the weather prevent the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. </p>

<p>While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana ‘Temple of wishes’. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people happily engaged in their daily chores. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. In the evening, we will visit a well known Nepali kitchen for dinner; & as you savor your meal, you will be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles.</p>

<p>After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again some day…</p><p></p>