Grade: Vigorous
Trek days: 18
Min group size: 3

OUTLINE ITINERARY

In October 1991 the Nepalese Government announced that all of Nepal was open to trekking groups (but not to individuals), allowing us the long awaited opportunity to visit the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki valley known as Mustang. Only a handful of foreigners have ever visited this isolated region. It is to be hoped that the limited number of trekkers allowed into Mustang will also limit the amount of adverse change.

The ancient Kingdom of Mustang was attached to Tibet in the 14th century although it remained an autonomous dynasty. Later it was annexed by Nepal, but the people still remain predominantly Tibetan. Untouched by the outside world or the Chinese cultural Revolution, 16th century monasteries still remain active to preserve this magnificent trans-himalayan kingdom, with their unrivalled thankas, mandalas and deities.

In this wild lunar landscape of unreal color and beauty, ruggedly carved mountains reach up to deep blue skies, while icy peaks glimmer majestically to the south. Vast and barren ridges extend to the northern horizon making one feel like an insignificant dot on a timeless landscape.

A journey to Mustang is a journey of remarkable contrasts. Stark Tibetan landscapes contrast with lush rice fields and Hindu shrines with cliff hanging monasteries.

Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern region, with five villages inhabited by people related to the Manangis; and the northern region (the ancient kingdom of Lo), where the language, culture and traditions are almost purely Tibetan. The capital of Lo is named Manthang, which translates from the Tibetan as ‘plain of aspiration’. The portion of the upper Mustang district north of Samar is Lo and its capital is Manthang. The king of Lo is the Lo Gyelbu.

There are many complex issues relating to the development of Upper Mustang and the procedures under which trekkers are allowed to visit the area. Change and development will come to Lo regardless of the degree of protection that is extended. Despite their isolation, the people of Lo are worldly, well traveled and resourceful. They are essentially Tibetans and are skilful traders, travelers and merchants.

If you would like more information about this trip email us

PROGRAM BASED ON 13 DAYS IN RESTRICTED AREA

• Day 01 : Drive or fly Kathmandu/Pokhara – Overnight Pokhara
• Day 02 : POKHARA-JOMSOM-KAGBENI (2800 m – 8 km – approx. 3 hrs walk)
• Day 03 : KAGBENI-CHHUKSANG – 2,920 m – 14 kms – 5 hrs walk (RAD01)
• Day 04 : CHHUKSANG-SAMAR 3,290 M – 13 km – approx. 5 hrs. walk(RAD2)
• Day 05 : SAMAR-GEILING 3,440 M – 14 KM – approx. 5 hrs. walk(RAD3)
• Day 06 : GEILING-TRAMAR – 3,600 m – 14 KM – approx. 5 hrs. walk(RAD4)
• Day 07 : TRAMAR-LOMANTHANG 3,700 M – 15 KM – approx. 6hrs walk(RAD5)
• Day 08 : EXPLORE LO MANTHANG (RAD06)
• Day 09 : LO MANTHANG & EASTERN VALLEY, NYPHU, GHARPHU : 5/6 hrs round trip (RAD07)
• Day 10 : LO MANTHANG & WESTERN VALLEY, NAMGYAL & TINGKAR (RAD 08)
• Day 11 : LO MANTHANG-DRI – 3,290 m – 17 KM – 6 hrs walk (RAD09)
• Day 12 : DRI-LORI GOMPA – 6 HRS RETURN (RAD10)
• Day 13 : DRI-TANGE – 2,940 m – 18 KM – 7 hrs. walk (RAD 11)
• Day 14 : TANGE-CHHUKSANG – approx. 8 hrs. walk (RAD 12)
• Day 15 : CHHUKSANG-MUKTINATH OR KAGBENI(RAD13)
• Day 16 : MUKTINATH/KAGBENI-THINI/JOMSOM. Walk to Jomsom to catch a flight back to Pokhara. Overnight Hotel
• Day 17 : Fly or drive back to Kathmandu