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16
Daily Tour
10 people
English
The Lo Manthang or Upper Mustang trek is one of the adventurous treks in Nepal Himalayas. The Upper Mustang trek is the ultimate gateway to the mysterious world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. It takes you through off-the-beaten arid and isolated terrains in trans-Himalaya region. The region is still impressively appraising the fascinating cultures and lifestyle attracting more travellers and researchers every year.
This Upper Mustang trek is not only for the tough trekkers but suits the regular visitors and the travellers, too. It is perfect for those who appreciate the nature, culture and adventure at one go. It is also for those who seek to travel for research in Tibetan Buddhism, geology, archeology or anthropology.
This Lo Manthang trek is based on a combination of flight, drive and trek. The trip can always be customised according to the requirements, with the addition or deduction of the trip days. We can also alter thee mode of transportation as per your travel need. The travel is possible throughout the year, however, the best time to travel is in April through October due to its pleasant weather for the trek.
The trek is partly attaches with Annapurna Circuit trekking, one of the most popular trekking trails in the world.
Upon arrival, our staff will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer to Hotel. After short rest, we will visit the Swayambhunath temple, said to be 2500 years old stupa on a hillock, which offers a breath-taking view of Kathmandu City and the Sunset view is stunning. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979, this Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. Next, we will visit historic Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka) if you are lucky, you will be able to have a glance of the famous living Goddess- Kumari. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, a 6-hour scenic drive will take you to Pokhara. Lunch will be served on the way. Pokhara is the second largest city and famous tourist destination in Nepal. You can enjoy the view of one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas - the Annapurnas and the famous “Fishtial” mountain, which is known as Machapuchare in Nepali towering over the tropical setting of Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. After short rest we will proceed for 1-hour boating at Fewa lake which is in a short walking distance from your hotel. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
An early breakfast at Hotel, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom. A 20-minute scenic flight over the mountain ranges of Mt. Fishtail, Annapurnas & Dhaulagiri, will take you to Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. Jomsom is a small town and also a major town on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards, it is very windy in the afternoon, continue on the gradual path along the Kali Gandaki river for about 3-hrs to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Rout. Dinner and overnight at Kagbeni.
Our trek starts following the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the trek we come across scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows up and downhill. Firstly we will reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki river follows. We head on to small ridges and reach at Chaile village. Overnight stay at Chaile village.
Today, we climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Kunda. Further a short descend to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs or similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. Overnight stay at Syanbochen.
After breakfast, we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages with Tibetan style of houses with open veranda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi, the third largest village in the Lo region. Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren. Overnight stay at Ghaymi.
After breakfast, we'll begin our slow trek and after crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by Buddhist followers. From the end of the wall, the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for the night's stopover. Overnight at Charang.
Today, we arrive at Lo Manthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo Manthang Valley. While descending to Lo Manthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. Overnight at Lo Manthang.
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo Manthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attractions of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja’s palace (the abode of Mustangi King) as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.
Today, we are returning from Lo Manthang, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. Explore the local area and farming village. There is likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning. Overnight at Drakmar.
We get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area. Overnight stay at Ghiling.
After breakfast, we take a slow trek Chhuksang for about 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight stay at teahouse in Chhuksang.
Today is last day of our trek. We start early as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the Upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna Circuit Trek. After lunch at Kagbeni, we will head on to Jomsom for an overnight stop.
After morning breakfast, we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, it is free and easy time for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers overland drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, transfer to airport and fly back home.
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