Nepal Upper Mustang Trek ( 14 days)

Lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif in central Nepal is the hidden Kingdom of Mustang , an intriguing parched region, forming part of the Tibetan plateau. Untouched by the outside world, 16th century monasteries remain active, adorned with unrivalled frescoes, thankas and status of gigantic deities, preserving ancient traditions. Mustang is the land of Barley field's pasture for grazing herds. These upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River that has tantalized a generation of trekkers - have recently been opened in 1992. Mustang being a restricted area, there are certain formalities required by the government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit. The journey to Mustang begins with a flight to Jomsom via Pokhara. Two days walking from Jomsom we cross the traditional boundary into the wild lunar landscape of Mustang. Our itinerary allows plenty of time to explore the main town of Lo Manthang , the impressive walled capital. Mustang trek is scheduled during the summer months when the people are most active in the fields, villages and monastery. This trek begins from Jomsom –Kagbeni.

Detail Outline Itinerary

DAY 01 KATHMANDU – POKHARA
This morning you will be drive to Pokhara (200km) the road mostly follow the trisuli river, depart 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 6 hrs away by tourist bus. Along the drive you see beautiful scenery. You will be arrive late afternoon at Pokhara with enough time to enjoy the colorful town of Pokhara. O/N stay in Pokhara enjoy the afternoon time around the city.

DAY 02 POKHARA - JOMSOM
Fly to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, during you’re a short flight you will be much closed to the Mountain Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range and start trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the "Upper Mustang". Over night camping at Kagbeni.

DAY 03 KAGBENI - CHELE
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 whitewashed 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 /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.

DAY 04 CHELE - GELING
The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock at 3540 Mt. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800 Mt. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there gently climb to a pass at 3770mt and descend to Geling.

DAY 05 GELING - CHARANG
From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on your trek NYI LA and descend below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmar Chu ( river), then climbs past what is perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m, the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha's.

DAY 06 CHARANG - LO MANTHANG
The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang-Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally from a ridge at 3850 Mt. there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of LO Manthang.

DAY 07 LO MANTHANG
There are four major places and several other places like the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house", the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attractions of this town. An another attraction is the four-story building of the Raja's Palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Having seen one, you are excited to see the others.

DAY 08 LO MANTHANG
Besides LO Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Nangyals "The Monastery of Victory " is the newest and most active Gompa in LO. The eastern valley contains Chosar, the site of a High School, Garphu and Nyphu Gompa and is the main trading route to Lhasa.

DAY 09 LO MANTHANG - 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. The trail contours past two small ridges and valleys and across a ridge at 4070m then descends across to the south through two more valleys, meadows and a stream. The trail then makes a long rocky descent to Gekar. LO Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest Gompa in Nepal. Then crosses a ridge after a little climbing and drops down steeply to Thamar village. The trail descends along the side of the stone walls and fields of extensive villages, then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami.

DAY 10 GHAMI - SAMAR
From Ghami climb to NYI LA and descend to Samar through the same route.

DAY 11 SAMAR - KAGBENI
Return trek to Kagbeni.

DAY 12 KAGBENI - JOMSOM
Return trek to Jomsom.

DAY 13 JOMSOM - POKHARA
Fly to Pokhara. Pokhara lakeside villages sits, "front row centre" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. Evening you're free to explore the colorful town. O/N in Pokhara.

DAY 14: POKHARA - KATHMANDU
After breakfast you're return to Kathmandu by road. After arrive in Kathmandu you're free to shope and pick up some last minute souvenirs, rest and visit the shop etc.. O/N in Kathmandu.
Package Cost: € 1560.00 per person
Group size: (minimum 2-8 max) person
Departure Date: May (10-23 ) , September( 04-17) 2010

COST COVERS
Special Mustang Trekking permit
Conservation/national park fees and all govt. taxes.
4 (four) nights hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing bed
Two over night accommodation in Pokhara
Round trip Domestic airfares and domestic airport tax.
All airport/hotel/airport transfer
An Experience head Sardar/Guide.
Trained Cook and Kitchen boy(s).
Required number of porters
All camping gears, high quality tents two men tent with sleeping mattress.
Kitchen tents and Toilet tent
All meals quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice)
Complete first aid kits
Insurance of all local team members
Equipment for porters
Half day world heritage sites tour.

COST DOES NOT COVER
Medical/personal high risk insurance (suggest have rescue coverage policy as well)
International airfares and departure tax.
Major meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Cost of personal expenses
Extra night accommodation
Tips
Please contact us at: trek_adventure@yahoo.com
Visit us at: www.nepal-adventuretrek.com
Telephone/Mobile: 0977-9841379821

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