10/06/2016
Upper Mustang trekking
is one of Nepal's most mysterious and least identified kingdoms. The landscape of Mustang is an unproductive moonscape of worn sandstone pillars that are irregular moraine terraces, which presents a colorful mosaic made up mainly of earthen reds, yellows and brown. Upper mustang trekking is moderately easy trekking along the acceptable route to Lo Manthang, which lies in the exceptional heart of Mustang. The trekking to Mustang is through an nearly treeless barren landscape. Strong winds generally blow across the area in the afternoon, generally subsiding at night. Being in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Mustang has much less rain then the rest of Nepal.
Upper Mustang lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas is possibly the last remnant of pristine Tibetan culture. Forbidden & remote rest of the World. It was able to evolve its own unique culture and tradition that is so rich & unique. Lo-Mustang, the capital is a walled city ruled by a religious king. life in Mustang goes on as it has for centuries at a leisurely pace. As everywhere in the Himalayas, this area provides stunning mountain scenery highlighted by Dhaulagiri at 8167 meters (26,795ft) and Annapurna I at 8091 meters (26,545ft). You will be surrounded by more than 35 mountains over 6000 meters (19,680ft) high. The elevation of the trails rise from 2815 meters (9,233ft) to 3780 meters (12,398ft) above sea level.
Itinerary in Detail (Upper Mustang Trekking)
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic adventure flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks extensive down below you are almost delighted, beginning a whole series of unforgettable experiences which stays with you for a long, long time. Our representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and es**rt you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel.
Day 02. Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.
Day 03 Drive to Pokhara – 6-7 hours bus trip.
drive by tourist bus to Pokhara included in the price ( you can fly to Pokhara extra cost 97 euro or $118 also can take private car on same price depending on group size, to share) to Pokhara takes about 7 hours by bus, 5 hours by car and 25 minutes by flight.
Day 04 Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m ) – 30 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
We take the fantastic early morning flight to Jomsom (well-known for its apples) where we will be met at the tiny airstrip by our trek crew. After some initial preparation of loads, we begin our trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Just out of Jomsom we cross a small suspension bridge then after walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is gradual up hill and quite barren, with wrinkly rocks and sand littering the trail. This makes it very easy going. We will get magnificent views of huge peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Kagbeni with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, fields of wheat and barley and a large red Gompa, give us a sample of scenes that we would come across in Upper Mustang. At the north end of the village is the police check-post. Here we will complete our paperwork before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal.
Day 05 Trek to Chhuksang [2920m] 5-6 hours
The trail then widens considerably enlightening an endless stretch of sand but the path is kept interesting by the passing of mule trains bearing goods from Mustang and Tibet. On the west bank of the river there are some caves and Gompa Kang. Different most monasteries in Upper Mustang which is of the Sakyapa sect, Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. We probably stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where we come across the first black, white and red Chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little town is a labyrinth of slim alleys among white washed houses, fields of buck wheat and barley and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. Chhuksang village is about 2hrs walk further than Tangbe at the flowing together of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chhuksang are some spectacular red eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.
Day 06 Trek to Samar [3290m] 4-5 hours
Not only in the topography, but also in the society, lifestyle and people, and the settlements become more dotted, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang do agriculture. But due to be short of of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is partial to sheltered plots of land. The brown landscape with patches of green. Continuing north. When we reach the river, a steel bridge spans the river just in frontage of a tunnel and north from here the Kali Gandaki becomes impenetrable by foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Chele. Please watch out for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs here, which are chained to many of the houses. From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass we go down on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major place to stop for horse and mule caravans.
Day 07 Trek to Geling [3440m] 5-6 hours
We climb above Samar to a ridge and then move down into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. close by is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have shaped in the form of Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail climbs smoothly from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with its wide fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a combination of mud and stones.
Day 08 Trek to Ghami [3460m] 5-6 hours
From Geling, the track climbs gently through fields, up the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an impressive Chorten. We then begin a tough climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite calm and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.
Day 09 Trek to Charang [3490m] 3-4 hours and explore charang
Today's trek is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the superb views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rocky mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a enormous dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an outstanding collection of statues and thangkas.
Day 10 Trek to Lo Manthang [3730m] 2-3 hours & explore Lo Manthang
We spend part of the morning exploring the attractive village of Charang and its huge monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and ultimately we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entry so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner.
Day 11 In & around Lo Manthang
Today, we are gratis to explore the charming Village of Lo Manthang. The village contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the village and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborate mandalas painted on the walls. The king's palace is an impressive structure in the heart of the village and is engaged by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers carry on to look for his recommendation regarding many issues. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this short tour will incur extra costs.
Day 12 Trek to Lo Gekar & then to Ghami [3460m] – about 6 hours
We start our return trip from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers spectacular views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just pass the settlement of Lo Gekar, we arrive at the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghar- Gompa. We go on our journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before reducing down a steep eroded gully to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, we walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami.
Day 13 Trek to Chaile takes about 7 hours
we keep our views of Dhaulagiri and Nil Giri mountains and take lower trail via Rachen Gompa from Shyanboochen, Rachen Gompa is mystifying gompa grown itself lap of the rocky cave, continue to Samar and then to Chaile.
Day 14 Trek Muktinath (3900M) or Kagbeni about 6 hours to Muktinath and if you go to Kagbeni only about 4.30 hours
Now, we must retrek our route back to Chhuksang for awhile and then can take upper route to Muktinath a hindu's temple situated on the highest mountain 3900M, you can see many Nepali and Indian pilgrimist even walking on their bare feet.. Or you can trek same way back to Kagbeni..
Day 15 Trek to Jomsom [2710m] Muktinath to Jomsom about 5 hours but form kagbeni to Jomsom is about 3 hours.
It's a long and final day, passing back through Kagbeni to Jomsom where we end our trek. It's now time for us to take a nice hot shower. In the evening, we might celebrate with the Sherpas and porters, whom we have come to know so well over the last 2 weeks.
Day 16 Fly Jomsom to Pokhara and relax in Pokhara, walk around Lake side, may be boating.
