The trails have opened in this once forbidden kingdom. Mustang, just beyond the Annapurna Massif, is obviously one of the least traveled territories on earth. Open to outsiders in 1992, experience this land of deep valleys, open fields, steep cliffs, and alpine forests. Mustang's climate is arid because it lies within the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Yet, it is a region of geographical and cultural contrasts. From rocky hills to icy deserts to grazing pastures to turquoise lakes, Mustang will push your limits physically and mentally. Gradually as the region has opened up, it?s rich history has come into focus. This ancient kingdom has a small population--under 10,000 people. Sitting like a unmapped gem between northwestern Nepal and Tibet, Mustang shares both countries? cultures and is considered one of the few remaining bastions of traditional Tibetan Buddhism?unspoiled and safe. It is this cross-pollination of cultures that lends to Mustang?s mystic. Start in the capital, Kathmandu. Then, the journey heads north past the Annapurna region. The trek starts gradually from Pokhara, then, to Jomsom, then, on to Kagbeni, the gateway to the forbidden kingdom. With some of the largest Tibetan Buddhist gompas now open to trekkers, Mustang attracts trekking lovers who understand the cultural significance of this area to those who live there and how they want to share yet preserve their part of the world. Set your spirit free in a land once off limits. *Please note that this trek requires a good level of physical fitness to complete.
Please note: because trip highlights can be subject to change, please contact one of our trip specialists to discuss the specifics as they will pertain to your trip.
DAY 1 | TO KATHMANDU
Arrive at the international airport in Kathmandu. You’ll be greeted there then transfer to the Hotel Tibet near the Royal Palace. If this hotel is not available, then equivalent accommodations will be arranged.
DAY 2 | WHAT TO DO IN KATHMANDU
Have breakfast at the hotel then start the day in the capital city. Kathmandu is ripe for exploration. ‘Kath’ means wood and ‘Mandir’ means temple or edifice. This city is a fusion of traditional and modern. Mingle with traditional life in festivals celebrating living goddesses. Stay connected and email in the cybercafes that line the streets of the Thamel district. Take your other meals in the city. Then return to the hotel for the evening to prepare for tomorrow’s flight. [B]
DAY 3 | TO POKHARA
Take breakfast at the hotel before the morning 30-minute flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara, rent a boat on the Phewa Tal Lake. The peace pagoda, the Temple of Varahi, is in the middle of the lake. Dock, then climb the hill to reach it. You’ll stay overnight in a hotel in New Pokhara to rest up for the beginning of the trek tomorrow. [B]
DAY 4 | TO KAGBENI
It’s trek launch day. Wake up to a hearty breakfast at the hotel and prepare. You’ll fly to Jomsom (almost 10,000 feet above sea level) for the first leg. Trekking through treeless, barren landscape, step-by-step, rise higher into the “Rain Shadow” of the Himalayas. Although, there is hardly any rain, the monsoon season brings clouds and winds. The afternoon winds might howl but they’re only calling you to climb higher. Passing village after village of sun-baked, mud brick and stone structures and even palaces, you’ll head to Kagbeni, the gateway to Mustang. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Kagbeni. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | IN KAGBENI
The first day was just the warm-up. Wander around the village and monastery. You’ll have today to rest and get acclimated to altitude and thin air at the tented camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | TO CHELE
After the rest and acclimatization day, take breakfast at the camp. Then, a second full day of trekking commences. The trail follows the east bank of the Kaligandaki River heading north. Pass Gompa Kang, a monastery of the Nyingmapa sect which is unusual here since the majority of Mustangi practice Sakyapa Buddhism. Then, move on to Tangbe and Chhuksang passing a trio of chortens or small stupas. When you get to the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Narshang Khola Rivers, note the spectacular red, fluted pipe cliffs and deep caves. Just north, the Kali Gandaki is not made for foot traffic but sometimes the Lobas who live in the upper Mustang travel the passageway on horseback. As the trail leaves the Kali Gangdaki valley, there’s a steep ascent up a rocky gully to Chele, tonight’s campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | TO GELING (3600m)
Start the day with a steep climb to a cairn with a view of Gyager’s mud walls. Continue along the canyon wall then gradually descend to Samar, a caravan rest stop. Take careful steps when climbing past Samar to a ridge. Then, descend into a valley filled with fragrant juniper. It’s an up and down trek through Shyangmochen. From here, the trail takes a turn to caves where as legend has it, the statues of Padmasambhava were born and if a part of the statue is ever broken, supposedly, it will grow back. Take it easy as you climb out of the valley and make another descent through the barley fields of Geling. Stay in Geling overnight. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | IN GELING
Rest and acclimate in Geling. Explore the village limits then, return to camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | TO CHARANG
Today, follow the trail through open fields and a valley to Tama Gung’s steep chorten. The trail leads to an unrelenting climb to Nyi La on the southern boundary of Lo. From unrelenting to gentle, the descent eases to Charang and a maze of willow trees. Cottages dot the landscape atop Charang Chu canyon. Stay overnight at a tented camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | TO LO-MANTHANG
Begin the day by descending down a hill to cross the river. Then, make a steep climb up a ridge. Next, enter the Tholung valley and follow the trail to the village border of Lo—marked by a chorten. The terrain changes as you cross another stream. The walls of Lo-Manthang mark a contrast as the trail turns into a road along a desert-like landscape. Descend to the “plain of aspiration,” then over a stream to the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Make a loop to the northeast gate of the town. Stay overnight at a tented camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | THE DAY IN LO-MANTHANG
The next two days, explore Lo-Manthang’s temples. The main one is the Choydi Gompa with dozens of shiny brass and copper statues. The Champa Lakhang monastery dates from 1420 and houses the statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Visit Thugchen Gompa, another monastery and its massive assembly hall. Built around the same time as Champa Lakhang, the monastery is in need of restoration. Hike back to camp in the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | TO THE NORTH OF LO-MANTHANG
Trek to the northern reaches of Lo-Manthang where there are more monasteries to explore. Tibet is in the distance. Return to the tented camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | TO GHAMI VIA LO GEKAR
After breakfast, the trek heads east along not-so-well traveled trails. Continue across a ridge to a large bleak valley and up again. Cross two more valleys. Then, it’s a rocky descent to the ravine of Lo Gekar with a beautiful tree-lined stream. Visit Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest and active monasteries in Nepal. Next, trek through alpine meadows to the eroded gullies of Tahmar. A stream meanders through this pastel-colored stretch of valley. Take the trail to the huge red cliffs then, descend into Ghami. Stay overnight at a tented camp in Ghami. [B,L,D]
DAY 14 | TO SAMAR
After the good night’s rest in Ghami, it’s a more direct route to the next destination. Follow the trail to Nyi La then to Charang. Retrace your steps to Samar. Stay overnight in Samar. [B,L,D]
DAY 15 | TO CHUSANG
Today’s trek is to Chusang. Stay here for the night. [B,L,D]
DAY 16 | TO MUKTINATH
Take it easy as you ascend to Muktinath. Your legs have carried you this far and you’ll want to see the Vishnu shrine, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Stay overnight at a tented camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 17 | TO JOMSOM
After exploring the temple and the nearby monastery, take the shorter descent to Jomsom for an overnight stay at a tented camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 18 | TO POKHARA
In the morning, fly to Pokhara then transfer to the hotel. This day is yours. Take another turn on the village roads and lake in Pokhara. Stay overnight in a hotel. [B]
DAY 19 | TO KATHMANDU
Fly back to Kathmandu then transfer to the hotel. Take advantage of another free day. Rest your body and soul in the capital. Go out if you feel like it or hang out in the hotel. [B]
DAY 20 | IN KATHMANDU
If rested, the city is yours to explore. Stupas, markets, restaurants. This is the last full day in Kathmandu. Test your language skills at a restaurant in town. Make the most of it. Then, return to the hotel in the evening to pack for tomorrow’s departure. [B]
DAY 21 | ADIEU KATHMANDU
Take breakfast, then say your goodbyes. There’s free time to do those last minute things in the city. Return to the hotel. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight home. [B]
| 
| 
