Mustang is a very popular trekking region in Nepal and has been described as “desert in the mountain”. The trek to this region is a very rewarding one for those who want to experience the hospitality of the people living in this remote region. Department of immigration issued only a small number of special permit since 1991. This is a perfect destination where ample scope is offered for visiting Buddhists monasteries.
This semi autonomous and heavily Tibetan influenced region was “described by Tilman as fascinatingly ugly country, the more fascinating for being so little known” indeed, the trek to LO – Manthang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill, panoramic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several others peaks make your trek memorable. A liaison officer is needed for this trek.
This trek begins from Jomsom - accessible by air, Pokhara – accessible by road or Besisahar – accessible by road (If starting from Besisahar include Annapurna circuit too).
» Itinerary Details:
Day 1 : Kathmandu - Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara (200km), approximately 7 hours away by tourist bus. We will see good scenery of countryside while driving. We will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara around 2:00 o'clock. Pokhara is an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. We can explore its scenic land on bicycle/on foot or as your own like boating in Fewa Lake over looking the region of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. In the evening prepare for the trek. O/N in Pokhara. DAY 2 : Pokhara - jomsom - Kagbeni
Today fly to Jomsom (20 minutes) the district headquarters of Mustang district and we start walking up to Kagbeni. An easy and lovely day walking along the riverside to Kagbeni just 3 hours. The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus peak will make you buy some extra rolls of film. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for overnight stop. Day 3: kagbeni - Chele
The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki climbing over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed house, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The Nilgiri peak, dominates the soughern skyline of Kagbeni, will be enjoyed all the way by different shapes. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village in about ½ hrs trek and crosses the river and continues north climbing up 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 Chaile at 3030 m. From here the culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo. Day 4: Chele- Geling
The climb continues along step, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, 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 3800m. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there gently climb to a pass at 3770m and descend to Geling. Day 5: Geling ・Charang
From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar chu (river) we will arrive to a MANI WALL 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 6: 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 3850m. 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 7-8-9: 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 Hal which are the main attraction 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 exciting to see the others.
Besides Lo Manthang there are two other interesting valley worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as 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. If we have enough time we can hike surrounded green hills from were we can easily get views of Tibet and Mt. Kailas. Day 10 : Lo Manthang - Ghami via Gekar
This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on our return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The descends across to the south through two more valleys and across a ridge at 4070m then descends across to the sough through two more valleys, meadows and a stream. The trail then makes along rocky descent to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is older then Samye Gompa in Tebet 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 11 : Ghami ・Samar
Frm Ghami climb to NYI LA and descend to Samar through the same route. Day 12 : Samar - kagbeni
Return trek to Kagbeni. Day 13 : Kagbeni - Jomsom
Three hours walking back along the bank ob Kali Gandaki River. Day 14 : Jomsom - Pokhara
Fly back to Pokhara in the morning. It takes about 19 minutes. O/N in Pokhara. Day 15 : Pokhara - Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu. O/N in Kathmandu.
1. Airport pick up & drop by Ghale Treks and Tours Private Vehicle.
2. A Professional Tour/Trekking guide
3. One porter each two clients in tea-house trek, required cook, trek crews & porters in tent trek
4. Insurance, lodging, food & allowance to your trek crews
5. Tent & mattress for tent and camping trekking
6. All meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
7. Land transportation as per itinerary
8. All accommodation as per itinerary
9. Trekking Permit, TIMS, National Park / Conservation Entry Fees.
10. Domestic Flight Ticket as per itinerary.
11. All applicable taxes and service charges of Ghale Treks and Tours.
12. Farewell Dinner at Nepali Cultural dance restaurant.
1. International Airfares and airport departure taxes as applicable.
2. The cost of personal items like laundry & all kind of soft & hard drinks
3. Optional excursions
4. Cost of visas, travel insurance
5. Tips
6. Gratuities for services provided on a personal basis
7. The single supplement payable on all bookings where only one person is traveling
8. All others except committed to provide in cost included section above.
In addition to obvious items such as hiking boots, warm clothing, UV sunblock etc., here is list of things that you might not have considered taking along, but that can greatly enhance the quality and comfort of your journey.
Soft and light shoes (sneakers or kung-fu shoes are perfect) -
after a long hike in inflexible hiking boots, you will be extremely happy to have some light and soft footwear to to wear around the lodge or in the village.
Lightweight knapsack -
this is very useful for short trips away from your lodge, and will save you having to lug your large backpack along. It should be big enough for your camera and a change of clothes and sleeping bag, if you plan to spend a night away.
Lightweight sleeping bag -
as most (all?) lodges can offer you blankets, a light sleeping bag should be sufficient for the journey. Taking a light bag will save you valuable space in your backpack.
Fabric bandaids -
blisters on the feet can turn a wonderful walk into a hell. Bandaids (sticking plasters) should be immediately applied to any area of the foot that there is irritation and friction - don't wait for the blister to develop before doing this. However, only fabric made bandaids will stick to a sweaty foot. Others (even those that claim to be water-proof) will fall off in minutes. A good alternative to bandaids is duct tape. Works great for blisters and also proves invaluable in many other ways.
Personal First Aid and Emergency Gear -
First aid kit with moleskin and bandages designed to cover blisters Sunscreen lotion.
Energy snacks. So many different types are available buy a variety and sample them to learn which brand gives you the biggest boost.
An emergency kit in case you get lost. Include a whistle, compass, space blanket, string, duct tape, matches and iodine tablets.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Binoculars
Knife
Extra pair of prescription glasses
Bug Repellent
Are You in Good Enough Shape?-
You may walk a mile or two on pavement comfortably, but can you walk four or five miles a day ? or more? on varied terrain without collapsing on the couch for the rest of the afternoon? Once you've chosen a trip, Ghale Treks and Tours will inform you, what level of physical fitness you should be at to take the trip. Then, create a plan to ensure you are ready physically.
Ways to Get in Shape for Walking and Hiking -
For many trips it's okay to start your training a month or two before you leave for vacation. Spending time at the gym working with weights and on a treadmill, StairMaster or stationary bike is one route. Supplement the training with long walks or hikes on weekends, preferably on dirt trails instead of pavement. Jogging on toughens you up and increase your agility and stamina.
Bring the Right Pack -
Bring a pack that fits your body comfortably? whether it's a day pack to hold your water bottle, snacks, sunscreen lotion and jacket ? or a pack designed to hold enough gear for a multi-day hike through the mountains.
Travel time from September to May (but not June/July/August, because then it is rainy-monsoon season in Nepal)
After every meal (three times a day), tea/coffee will be served during the trekking. Apart from this, every morning we provide clients with either boiled water or soft black tea to carry with them on their Thermos Bottle. For the supplement of extra drinks, clients have to buy mineral water themselves which is available at all places.
Recommended equipment list: sleeping bag, a warm jacket, good trekking shoes, sunglasses/sun cream, an insulated bottle for hot drinks and basic medicines.
Maximum luggage weight 20 kg per person.
There are always 1 or 2 additional porters with the crew who take care of clients who get sick or unable to even carry their daily private luggage.
Shower possibilities every 3-4 days during the trek but the cost in not included at trip, no laundry service available.
A prepayment of 30% has to be paid directly after reconfirmation at our company bank account. Final payment becomes upon arrival in Kathmandu before starting date of the tour.
Japanese Version
