Mustang Trekking

The last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Mustang is located beyond the great Himalayas and is host to a large museum of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Those who visit this region are rewarded by the opportunity to witness and learn about traditional customs, a unique lifestyle and breathtaking views of Silvery Mountain and canyon-like valleys. The popularity of visiting this region is strictly controlled by the Department of Immigration, through which you must obtain a trekking permit, in order to protect Mustang from the overwhelming influence of development, and to protect the environment from overuse and neglect.

The Capital, Lo Manthan is an old walled town still undisturbed and untouched by western civilization, and daily life is much as it has been over the centuries. Around Lo Manthan one can explore the nearby Namgyal Gompa, the village of Tenger and the Nyamook Gompa. Strange are the cave dwellings that are the villages of Guruk and Sija, cut into the surrounding cliff sides, inhabited even today.

There are many possible trekking routes in Mustang. Try the Tibetan influenced region between the Kali Gandaki and Kagbeni rivers, known as 'Upper Mustang'. Further North, you can trek to Lo Manthang through a barren, almost tree-less landscape, on a steep and rocky trail for panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks.

Trek Fact :

Total trip 16 nights/17 Days
Mode of transport: Road & Air
Mode of Accommodation : Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara & camp during trek
Highest Elevation: 3850m
Best season: Summer, Autumn & Spring
Minimum Group Size 1+

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Half Day Sight seeing in Kathmandu & trek preparation day
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara for 6 hrs. O/N Hotel
Day 4: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (2800m):

Day 5:
Kagbeni to Chele: (3060m):
There is a trail along the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over numerous 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, looms massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village and cross the river there. Continuing north, climbing up the trail, we reach a huge red mass of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030m. The culture changes from the Managi culture to that of the Tibetan of Lo from this point.

Day 6:
Chele to Geling: (3510m):
The climb continues through steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. This is followed by a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge before descending further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samara to a ridge, and then descend into a large gorge and to another valley field. Cross a stream and climb 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 7:
Geling to Charang: (3620m):
From Geiling the trail climbs gently up to the interesting pass on NYI LA and descends below blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the TangmarChuRiver. We then climb past what is perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch of main walls in Nepal. Climb over another pass at 3600m then make a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa makes an interesting visit in which to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as numerous paintings of seated Buddha's.

Day 8:
Charang to LO Manthang: (3890m):
The trail descends for about 100m from Charang, crosses the Charang-Chu and climbs steeply via 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 before climbing up to the plateau of LO Manthang.

Day 9-10:
LO Manthang:
There are four major attractions, and several other places to visit, here. The Tall Champa Lakhang 'good house', the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the entrance hall are the main attractions of this town. Another attraction is the four-story building of the KingPalace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalayas. Besides LO Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting: The western Tingkhar, the site of the King's summer Palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Nangyals 'The Monastery of Victory', which is the newest and most active Gompa in LO. The eastern valley contains Chosar, the site of a high school, Garphu and Nyphu Gompa.This is the main trading route to Lhasa

Day 11:
LO Manthang to Ghami via Gekar:
The trail climbs steadily to a pass marked by a cairn offering a last glimpse of LO Manthang. The trail contours past two small ridges and valleys before crossing a ridge at 4070m and descending southwards 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 is one of the oldest Gompas in Nepal. We cross a ridge after a little climbing and drop down steeply to Thamar village. The trail descends alongside the stone walls and fields of extensive villages before climbing to a ridge. It is a short descent from there to Ghami (3490m).

Day 12:
Ghami to Samar: (3160 m):
From Ghami climb to NYI LA and descend to Samar via the outward route.

Day 13:
Samar to Kagbeni: (2800):
Return trek to Kagbeni.

Day 14:
Kagbeni to Jomsom: (2750m):

Day 15:
Fly for 25 minutes Jomsom to Pokhara:

Day 16:
Drive to Kathmandu

Day 17:
Free from Program or Departure