Trip Overview
Mustang region opened to foreigners in 1992, is by far Nepal’s most controlled trekking area. Mustang is an ancient Himalayan Kingdom which lies in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of the Kaligandaki River and is a part of the Tibetan plateau, the Languages, culture and traditions are also similar to Tibetans. This area is consider as one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal. This was a part of Tibetan Kingdom of Gungthang until 1830′s.
The medieval wall city of Lo Monthang, unofficial capital of Mustang still remains a kingdom. The history of Lo Monthang is based on myth and legend rather than the recorded detail. Mustang maintained its status as a separate principality until 1951. The king of Lo Monthang still retains his title and he has been given the honorary rank of Colonel in the Nepalese Army. The trek to Lo- Manthang is through high altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge Kali Gandaki valley, the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint white washed houses.
It’s a great privilege to trek generally in the upper region of Mustang. Mustang is also familiar with the name “The Last Forbidden Kingdom” because it had hardly any contact with Nepal and it remained hidden until their King was later acknowledged by Government of Nepal. Due to the fact that Mustang remained hidden, the natural and cultural heritage got preserved.
Trekkers require a special permit granted by the Government and should be accompanied by an official appointed by Government itself. Mustang has a complex, long and rich history which makes it an interesting place to visit in Nepal along with its stunning natural beauty.
The trek starts from Kagbeni, the gateway to start the journey to Upper Mustang. Trekkers will pass through the semi-arid desert and its stark landscape surrounded by the shadow of Dhaulagiri snow-capped mountain to Lo-Manthang. You will get the opportunity to gain knowledge about their culture, rock paintings, gompa, monasteries and also exploration of caves. The panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna Mountain is also the part of this thrilling journey. The culture, history and the myth combine flawlessly with the astonishing surrounding.
A visit to Tingkhar and Namgyal Gompa within Lo Manthang itself provides visitors to gain further more insight about cultural understanding of Mustang. Tingkhar is also the last main village of the northwest area and there is also the King’s Palace. Explorer will also be able to know about Amchi museum and school. Amchi are the ancient Tibetan doctors. We can know ancient healing art of Tibetan people and the adaptation of it in the modern-day requirements.
Gyakar, another place famous for its Gompa is few hours walk away from Lo Manthang. There is 1200 years old Ghar Gompa in Gyakar which is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. The Gompa is also very well known for its rock paintings.
It is also believed that if we make a wish in this place, it will be granted. Upper Mustang trek is a high-altitude trek. The altitude is in between 3000 meters to 3800 meters. It is then intensified by the dry air present in the surrounding. It won’t be a major problem for those who are born at the higher altitude but it may be for people living in lower altitude. So, in order to avoid the altitude problems, the trek is carried out leisurely but, in a day, average walking is about 5 to 6 hours.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 01: Arrival KTM andtransfer to hotel.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu - Pokhara
Day 03: Fly from Pokhara - Jomsom then trek to Kagbeni
Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni – Chele
Day 05: Trek from Chele – Syangmoche
Day 06: Trek from Syangmoche – Ghami
Day 07: Trek from Ghami – Charang
Day 08: Trek from Charang – Lo Manthang
Day 09: Rest day & Trip to Chhoser Cave
Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang – Drakmar
Day 11: Trek from Drakmar – Ghiling
Day 12: Trek from Ghiling – Chuksang
Day 13: Trek from Chuksang – Jomsom
Day 14: Flight from Jomsom – Pokhara
Day 15: Drive from Pokhara – Kathmandu
Day 16: Final Departure