Mustang, a hidden Kingdom behind the Himalayas
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the old streets of Kathmandu, enjoy the buzzing ambiance and get a first glimpse into Nepalese life.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals not included -
Day 2 Route Katmandou - Pokhara
After an early breakfast, you take public transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The Himalayan Mountain range looms into view as you leave the Kathmandu Valley through the small Mountain Pass of Thankot (1400m); you can admire the towering peaks of Ganesh Himal (7400m), Langtang (7200m) and Manaslu (8163m). Drive on through several valleys and along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Pokhara Valley at the foot of the Annapurna.
Drive: 6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel -
Day 3 Flight Pokhara - Jomsom - Chhusang (3000 m)
Today begins with a domestic flight between Pokhara and Jomsom (2700 m). Weather permitting, this mountain flight offers magnificent views of the Annapurnas, the Dhaulagiri mssif and Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest in the world. At Jomsom, you take a local vehicle to Chusang, a pretty village mainly inhabited by Gurung and Thakali people. At Kagbeni – the entry point to Upper Mustang – you must complete Government formalities relating to the Mustang Special Permit before entering multicolored mineral universe of Upper Mustang,.
Elevation: + 300m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 4 Chusang - Chele (3100 m) - Taklam Pass (3625 m) - Dajong Pass (3660 m) - Samar (3600 m)
Enjoy breakfast with wonderful views of Nepalese landscapes. Todays walk crosses the Kali Gandaki gorge and then it is a short climb up to the small village of Chele. After Chele, a beautiful trail carved into the rock leads in turn to Taklam-La (3625 m) and Dajong-La. It is a beautiful walk down to Samar (3600m), a very old village found in the middle of a wooded grove next to a stream.
Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation: + 650m/-150m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 5 Samar - Chungsi Cave - Syanbodche (3800 m) - Geling (3570 m)
Today begins with an uphill section before your trail descends to Chungsi Cave. According to local legends, Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Tibet, meditated in this cave. You hike gently upwards to Syangboche (3800 m) for lunch and then continue to the village of Geling (3570 m) known for its old fortress and a Sakya school monastery which you visit to see the beautiful Tantric Buddhism murals.
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: + 750m/-800m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 6 Geling - Nyi la pass (4000 m) - Ghumi pass (3765 m) - Ghemi - Dhakmar (3820 m)
Today you cross two mountain passes: Nyi La (3950 m) and Ghumi La (3765 m). Stop in Ghemi village (3510 m) for lunch. Here, you can visit the small monastery in the heart of the village, it is surrounded by caves which, in the past, served as a shelter against invaders. This afternoons agenda features an easy climb in one of the most dazzling places ever along the iconic red Mustang walls which dominate the village of Dhakmar.
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: + 860m/-610m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 7 Dhakmar - Mui La Pass (4 100 m) - Ghar Gompa (3920 m) - Marang La Pass (4230 m) - Chogo pass (4320 m) - Lomanthang (3 840 m)
Today is not the most challenging hiking day but it is the longest. It is an easy uphill walk to Mui la pass (4100 m) and towards the oldest Mustang monastery, Ghar Gompa. This Nyingmapa School monastery has beautiful, newly renovated frescoes which are well worth a visit. After lunch, you cross the Marang and Chogo passes and plunge into Lomanthang, the capital of Mustang which is surrounded by striking scenery.
Hiking: 7 to 8 hours
Elevation: + 900m/-850m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 8 Lomanthang: Rest day and discovery
You are in the Mustang Capital! Lomanthang is a small, walled city featuring early iconic 15th century monastaries. Stroll through the winding streets of the village to discover the two historic monasteries of Jamba Lhakhang and Tukche, and their sumptuous frescoes. Lomanthang is very close to Tibet and Tibetan cultural influences can be observed.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 9 Jhong - Nyiphu - Chossar - Lomanthang
Today you take Jeeps towards the Tibetan border Sicha Khola valley. Leave the Jeeps at the foot of Jhong Cave, a real troglodyte skyscraper! On your way back, we visit the monastery of Nyiphu. Return to Lo-Manthang, through the fabulous lunar landscape of Chossar and several charming villages.
Transport: 30 min drive in jeeps
Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation: + 100m/-100m
Accommodation: The same lodge -
Day 10 Lomanthang - Dhi - Yara (3640 m)
Climb up to Loday Pass (3950 m) and walk along a plateau at 4050m above sea level, then then hike down to Dhi. You cross the Kali Gandaki River and arrive in the village of Yara.
Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation: +500m / -700m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 11 Yara - Luri - Yara
Discover the unique Luri Gompa monastery and its ancient Buddhist art. Visit the Luri caves and beautiful 15th century Buddhist frescoes before returning to Yara.
Hiking: 3 hours
Elevation: + 200m/-200m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 12 Yara - Sertang Pass (3945 m) - Tangge (3420m)
Today you cross a rocky desert plateau, far from any civilization. It is a short descent to Dhechyang Khola River (the black river) where you can find lots of fossils! From here, you climb to Sertang Pass (3945 m) for a picnic. Extraordinary views of the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri await us. We descend via several stages to the village of Tangge.
Hiking: 6
Elevation: + 800m/-1000m
Accommodation: Homestay -
Day 13 Tangge - Cho Cha la pass (4210 m) - Chusang (2980 m)
Early morning departure for a long day of hiking. Cross Yak Khola and climb up to Cho Cha La Pass at 4210 m. Then, its is a short descent to your lunch spot in Paha. A beautiful afternoon walk along the ridges awaits, then you make the steep descent into the valley of Nursing Khola and join Chusang village.
Hiking: 8 to 9 hours
Elevation: + 120m/-1600m
Accommodation: Homestay -
Day 14 Chhusang - Gyu Pass (4070m) - Muktinath (3800m)
Today begins with an easy climb to the beautiful village of Tetang at 3040m. Then, you climb to Gyu Pass (4070m). Along the way you can enjoy beautiful views of the 'white mountian' Dhaulagiri (8165m), the 'blue mountain' Nilgiri (7061m) and the villages of Muktinath and Jharkot. Next, you walk down to the temple of Muktinath, dedicated to the Hindu god of liberation and flanked by 108 taps where Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims take holy showers to cleanse their karma.
Hiking. 6 hours
Elevation: + 1200m/-450m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 15 Muktinath - Lupra - Jomsom (2720m)
You leave Muktinath through a small Mountain Pass at 4000m with beautiful alpine landscapes. On the way, with a little luck, ypu will see the bharal 'blue sheep' of the Himalayas. A steep descent leads to Lupra, a village which sits well-hidden in the gorge of Lupra Khola. Lupra is rarely visited by tourists and maintains a charming authenticity. After a quiet break in this village, you head back to Jomsom following the Kali Gandaki River.
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: + 100m/-1200m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 16 Flights: Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, a lovely journey above the Kali Gandaki, the deepest canyon in the world, flanked by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Then you fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, free time upon arrival.
Accommodation: Hotel
Dinner not included -
Day 17 Visit: Kathmandu
Bodhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and home to the the Buddha's discerning eyes as well as several surrounding monasteries. After the Buddhist stupa, you visit Pashupatinath Temple. This is the most important Hindu temple, it belongs to the God of destruction and reconstruction. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India pray, dance, sing and make offerings in this temple every day. Traditionally, when Hindu people die, they are cremated and here we find the most important site for cremations which take place on the bank of the holy river called Bagmati.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals not included -
Day 18 End of stay
End of our services
Period & budget
When to travel?
The best period for travelling is during the following months:
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Price
The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.
Included
- In-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
- Accommodation in 3 * hotel / B&B in Kathmandu (Hotel Tibet, Manaslu or similar)
- Accommodation in a 2 * hotel in Pokhara (Hotel Lake View or similar)
- Trek on full-board and lodge accommodation
- Accompaniment by an English speaking Altaï Guide
- Domestic flights: Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara
- Visits as per itinerary: with a cultural guide and private vehicle
- Porterage of luggage: up to 11 kg maximum per person during the trek
- Trekking support team: assistants and porters
- Trekking permits: ACAP and TIMS
- Staff Insurance
Not included
- Entrance to historical sites & monuments
- Meals in Kathmandu & Kathmandu Valley
- Nepalese visa: US $ 25 to U$ 40
- Mustang Special Permit: 600 US$ (12 days)
- International flights
- Insurance: Repatriation, Medical & Helicopter Services
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses - all that is not in "THE PRICE INCLUDES"
Notes
Level 3/5
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Invoice procedure
Cancellation policy
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: No cancellation fees.
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: 30% of trip price will be retained.
- Cancellation received within 20 days of the departure date: 70% of trip price will be retained.
Changes to travel contract
Pricing
Contract transfer
Insurance
Practical info
Staff
Food
Accommodation
Transportation
Budget & exchange
Tips
Vital equipment
- Warm Sleeping Bag
- Water purifiers (micropur, aguatabs ...)
- A cap or sunhat
- 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
- Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, preferably in quick-drying technical material
- A light fleece or equivilent (plus extra warm layers if necessary)
- A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
- Lightweight waterproof over trousers
- Suitable shorts
- Walking trousers
- A pair of high-rise walking boots - strength, good grip of the foot and ankle (high stems) and impermeability are essential. Choose shoes with non-slip soles (vibram).
- A pair of trainers/sandels or equivilent casual shoes for cities, villages and evenings
- Thick walking socks
- Warm gloves, hat and scarf (it can be chilly in the mountains)
- Your personal toiletries and a fast drying towel
- Water bottle(s). Min. 2 litres, light and isothermal
- A good pair of sunglasses (think min. category 3)
- Sun-cream, face and lips
- Head torch and spare batteries
- A pocket knife
- A pair of hiking poles
- A waterproof bag cover (or plastic bags) to protect your belongings
- Toilet paper
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Your camera
- Notebook or travel diary
Material
- No cotton
- Always carry dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and water proof protective outer layers
Luggage
- A rucksack (35-40L or 45-50L) for use as a day bag. This will contain your (vital) personal belongings for the day (sweater, spare t-shirt, water bottle, picnic-lunch, sunglasses, small things ... )
- We use porters to transport our other belongings when trekking. Please bring a flexible travel bag with zips for easy access max 80L and max 13kg (16kg with camping gear). Please do not bring suitcases or other hard bags which the porters cannot transport.
- You may also be able to store some belongings securely at the hotel in Kathmandu.