Description
Group Size: Maximum 15 participants
Tour Grading: Moderate and Adventure
Activity: Culture, Heritage, Nature, Hiking& Trekking
Sights: Jomsom, Kali Gandaki Gorge and River, Lo-manthang, Lo Gekar Gompa
Best Season: February, March, April, May, August, September, October and November
Trip Route: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chele, Charang, Lo Manthang, Ghami via Gekar, Samar Kagbeni, Jomsom, Pokhara and Kathmandu
Mustang, commonly referred to as ‘Upper Mustang’, is an arid river valley that runs north-south off the upper corner of the Annapurna Circuit. Both culturally and geographically, it’s more similar to Tibet than Nepal and used to form its kingdom, with its capital in Lo Manthang (the turnaround point of the trek). Lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, and officially one of Nepal’s restricted regions, this trek is known for its desert beauty and harsh, cliff-faced landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Jomsom
- Kali Gandaki Gorge, the World’s deepest gorge
- Good views of the Phobjikha red walls and cliffs
- Lo-Manthang the Capital of Mustang
- Lo Gekar Gompa, one of the oldest Gompas in Nepal
- The quaint town of Samar
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu, sightseeing
Welcome to Nepal! You will be met on arrival in Kathmandu, and we transfer you to the hotel. Later, take a tour of the capital city of Nepal by visiting the temple of the Living Goddess, Durbar Square with its array of temples, and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Travel up to the 2000-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa – nicknamed the monkey temple, set high on a hill with commanding views of Kathmandu Valley.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 2: Flight to Pokhara
This is a half-hour flight that takes you right across the Himalayas, offering spectacular views of the vast Tibetan plateau as well as majestic Himalayan peaks. If you are lucky to have a seat on the right side, you will see Mount Everest if it’s not blanketed by clouds. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in hotel and take some rest,
Overnight: Hotel
Day 3: Flight to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
It is a short flight (25 minutes) from Pokhara to Jomsom, which otherwise is a 7-8 day strenuous trek. The air route follows the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Gorge, between Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) mountains. Upon arrival, we drive to Kagbeni, alongside the Kaligandaki River.
Day 4: Kagbeni to Chele
Leaving town, we ascend Little Chorten via a dusty path. Up and down alongside the Kaligandaki, arriving in Tangbe for lunch. Following the same path, we cross the Chusang River and cross the bridge on the Kaligandaki. Then a short climb to Chele with good views of the red walls and cliffs.
Day 5: Chele to Charang
It is two days of trekking to Charang, with 7 hours of walking each day. We crest several passes and are rewarded with good views of mountains and the colorful landscape of water, painted walls, alpine meadows with animals, chortens, and mani walls.
Day 6: Charang to Lo Manthang
Lo-Manthang, the capital of Mustang, is situated at an elevation of 3,760m and is accessible by a 4-hour hike from Charang. This is the chief destination of our trek. This fortified town is believed to be 600 years old. The wall around the town is said to protect the town and its inhabitants from evil spirits. We will have ample time to explore this mysterious capital of the lost kingdom.
Day 7: Lo-Manthang to Ghami via Gekar
This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo-manthang. After crossing a ridge at 4,070m, the trail then proceeds to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is one of the oldest gompas in Nepal and is even older than the famed Samye Gompa of Tibet.
Day 8: Ghami to Samar
Today we retrieve steps heading north to Lo Manthang, but we will camp in the quaint town of Samar. (6.5 hours).
Day 9: Samar to Kagbeni
We retrace our steps to Kagbeni, where we will leave the restricted area of Mustang (6 hours).
Day 10: Jomsom
Kagbeni to JomsomIt is a short walk to Jomsom on this day. It is our final day to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs (1.5 hours).
Day 11: Flight to Pokhara
Get on board for the flight to Pokhara. This is a mountain flight, so it will be subject to weather conditions.
Pokhara consists of lakes, gorges, waterfalls, a mysterious cave temple, and gorgeous mountain views that truly and rightfully make it the natural capital of Nepal. Later, explore the lakeside and the wonders of the area. Begin at Devi's Fall where water cascades down from the lake and disappears into Earth. You may also want to visit the Tibetan village and its monastery. In the evening stroll around the lakeside and get soaked completely in its serene environment.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 12 — Pokhara
Early in the morning, we drive to Sarangkot (1992m) for the beautiful sunrise view and Himalayan panorama. On a clear weather day, Sarangkot affords spectacular views of the western range of the Himalayas and the valleys. On the way back, we can stop at Bindaebasini temple – the most revered of the Hindu temples in Pokhara. We will also stop at the vibrant old Bazaar. For keen hikers, you can hike to the Peace stupa at the ridge top towering over the Fewa lake. Take a boating trip in the Fewa Lake and visit the island temple of Goddess Barahi – probably the most visited of all temples in Pokhara. Depending on your interest, you can also visit the Mountaineering and National History Museums.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 13: Flight to Kathmandu, Departure
After early morning breakfast depending upon flight schedule drive to Kathmandu International Airport for departure to onward destination and bid farewell.
