Upper Mustang is a remote desolated and extremely fascinating region of Nepal set amongst in wind eroded hills on the norther borders of Tibet. Previously forbidden Kingdom within Nepal was opened only on 1992 for the travelers but with strict limits on the amount allowed in one year. The destination is the historic walled city of Lo-manthang.
Life in Lo-manthang has continued much the same as it as for centuries. People are steeped in the religion here with numerous Gompas, mani walls engraved by Buddhist prayers and Chortens adorning the Kings Palace and surrounds. Prayer flags flutter above each household, spreading good blessing to all corners of the world and the universe beyond. This area can be trekked all year round regardless of season. August is the mildest month, in winter there can be 3-40 cm of snow to negotiate. The people are well adapted to the region after many centuries of experience surviving the harsh climate. They survive by practicing a form of agro-pastoralism and seasonal migration. Farming is done whenever irrigation is possible. Only one crop (barley) can be produced. The barley supports the local population for only 6 months a year with severe food shortages the rest of time. As a result, during the winter months almost 10% of the local people emigrate to either the lower part of Mustang, Pokhara, Kathmandu or even in India for employment and trading.
If you are planning a visit to Mustang you need to be in healthy physical condition. The tour starts with a flight from Kathmandu-Jomsom via Pokhara. If you want to extend your time, it is possible to trek in for 8/9 days from Pokhara.
The trekking route crosses the village of Tange, Samar and Gelling to reach Tsarang. The settlement of Tsarang is considered as one of the highlights of the tour, a day before Lo-manthang.
In ancient Tsarang a set of human hands remains said to belong to the site’s master builder. According to legend the King cut the builder’s hands off to stop him from constructing another master piece to compete against it.
It is bit costly to visit the region; a single permit costs US$ 500 for 10 days, extendable as further US$ 50 a day. All provisions must be carried in, accommodation is under canvas with full Nepali support staff or for small group can be done as simple lodges with very limited menu.
Upper Mustang Trekking
(Lo-Manthang Trekking )
Day 01:- Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Orientation, preparation for the trek. Day at leisure.
Day 03:- Drive (7-8hrs; 200km) or fly (25min) to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful mountain valley with Lakes and great Mountain View reflecting on it.
Day 04:- Early Morning fly to Jomsom (2720m) after breakfast we continue as warm up walking to Kagbeni (2900m). The trail from Jomsom to Kagbeni follows all along the KaliGandaki river.
Day 05:- Kagbeni to Chhuksang (3050m).
Day 06:- Chhuksang to Samar (3700m). The trail passes through the village of Chele along the great canyons and mysterious colorful caves. Samar is famous for bird watching and rare green views in cozy place like upper Mustang.
Day 07:- Samar to Tamagaon (3850m). While hiking from Samar to Tamagaon, one can experience great views of Nilgiri Himal, Thorang peak and other higher mountain range.
Day 08:- Tamagaon to Tsarang (3650m). We hike through the village of Ghemi and we arrive at village of Tsarang. The village is famous for ruined muddy fort of Mustang King. Also the village of Tsarang is famous for old monasteries, Buckwheat and canyons.
Day 09:- Tsarang to Lo-monthang (3760m). Lo-monthang located in the wide valley at Tibetan plate is the capital city of Mustang. We can visit their majesty’s the King and Queen at their palace. The historical and spiritual city of Lo-monthang is worth place to explore with its beautiful setting picturesque buckwheat and barley fields.
Day 10:- Explore Lo-monthang.
Day 11:- Lo-Monthang to Ghemi (3690m). Ancient village with longest mani wall I Nepal which is said to be the large istenstine of a demon.
Day12-15:- Ghemi- Jomsom.
Day 16:- Jomsom-fly back to Pokhara.
Day 17:- Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Day 18:- Deaparture transfer to the airport for tour onward journey or continue your add-on tour of Nepal/Bhutan Tibet.
Included:
Not Included:
Depending upon your Demand/Time/Budget, types of hotel you wish to stay, Please figure out your preferable date and time and then reach out to us at
Packing checklist:
TREKKING EQUIPMENT / INFORMATION / CLOTHING
It is not intended to be a final and authoritative checklist BUT we provide you information on clothing and equipment requirements.
For those who would like a more detailed discussion of these issues we ask you to contact at info@wanderhimal.com. The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recommend that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable
Footwear:
Legwear:
Body:
Head/Hands:
Other Items:
Optional Items:
Recommended Mountaineering Kit:
In addition to the items mentioned above for trekking, the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks. Plastic or leather mountaineering boots, with gaiters and crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
Peak Climbing:
And Finally:
We would really love a bit of sense of humor, an open mind and an understanding that trip to Nepal is an adventure to a land which is very different on its own.
Accommodation:
Here is a list of some of our recommended Hotels and Lodges. Kindly let us know so that we can arrange accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is trekking for me?
If you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you will find a trek in the site to suit you. Normally the shorter treks tend to be easier whilst the longer ones often require a better standard of fitness. All treks in the site have been graded. It is also worth remembering if we are tailoring your tour, you can choose the pace and direction of your experience.
2. How far do we walk each day?
This is best measured in time – about 5 to 6 hours for each full day (or 12-15 km) in hilly terrain. In the morning we walk from 8-11 am and in the afternoon from 1-3 or 4 pm. A 1/2-day or full day for rest is planned for each trek over 8 days in length.
3. Where to stay during trek?
In the more popular trails (Annapurna Everest and Langtang) there are well-established Mountain lodges providing sleeping accommodation and meals. Gone are the days when trekkers had to share dormitories, almost all lodges nowadays provide private rooms and many also have solar showers and clean toilet facilities. You can of course opt. for a camping trek in these regions but as many campsites are connected to lodges it is debatable whether there is real benefit being under canvas. Trekking in more remote areas necessitates transporting in all the needs for the group (tents food etc). Our cook team prepares food and drinking water is adequately treated.
4. What about the tents and sleeping bags if I camp?
Tents & pads, are provided. Tents are designed for double occupancy. Please bring your own sleeping bag if trekking in Nov- Dec make sure your sleeping bag is rated to -10 degree C.
5. What will the trail be like in the trek?
Most of the trails that we follow are centuries old. Because of the rugged nature of the Himalayas, there is more exposure to heights as the grade is steeper. Where the trek follows rivers there will be bridges, as the trail will often reverse sides. The bridges are constructed with cables, wire, and plank and are strong enough for heavily laden pack animals.
6. Is the food/ water safe to eat / drink?
Hygiene when trekking generally has improved considerably over the last ten years; we have local knowledge to choose the lodges, which maintain a high standard of hygiene. If you are camping in a tent, all meals are prepared to high standards, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. We discourage the purchase of bottled water for the obvious environmental reasons. Please bring a water bottle with you, which you can refill.
