Description

To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of true mountain people, who were not much in touch with the rest of Nepal for hundreds of years, and even until recent times had an officially recognized king.

In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang.

Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted. To enter Upper Mustang, that is to travel further north from Kagbeni, trekkers need special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed officer.

Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during monsoons. During this time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall.

Day 01: Kathmandu to Beni
Drive to Beni (285km), approximately 9hr away by Jeep . We will see the good scenery, of the countryside while driving. We will arrive in the Evening . Beni is an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. 

Day 02: Beni to Muktinath
Breakfast at hotel, your tour will start from Beni to Muktinath drive 4 WD Jeep, through the river bank of Kaligandaki via Ghasa, Marpha, Jomsom along the Kaligandaki Valley(10 hrs) Arrival Muktinath , evening rest, Overnight stay at Hotel. Along the way, you will witness the barren wilderness of the Mustang valley, Rupse waterfall and most of all the memorable off-road travel.

Day 03: Muktinath to Lomanthang
Breakfast at Hotel, then a short 15 min trek to Muktinath temple, holy bath at 108 waterspouts "Muktidhara", and dip in 2 Mukti Kunda, & worship at Muktinath Temple, we head towards Lo-Manthang.The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus peak will make you buy some extra rolls of film.  The Nilgiri peak dominates the soughern skyline of Kagbeni. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village and we cross the river and continue north climbing up to a huge red chunk of the conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chaile at 3030 m. From here the culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo. The climb continues along step, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and the cairn of rock at 3540m. 

There gently climb to a pass at 3770m and descend to Gelling. From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, grey and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river) we will arrive at a MANI WALL perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang-Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally from a ridge at 3850m. there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang.

Day 04: Explore Lo-Manthang
There are four major places and several other places like the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house”, the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hal which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four-story building of the Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Having seen one, you are excited to see the others. Besides Lo Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja’s summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as active Gompa in Lo. The eastern valley contains Chosar, the site of a high School, Garphu and Nyphu Gompa and is the main trading route to Lhasa. If we have enough time we can hike surrounded green hills from where we can easily get views of Tibet and Mt. Kailas.

Day 05: Lo-Manthang to Marpha
After Breakfast, we head back towards Marpha.

Day 06: Marpha to Pokhara
Breakfast at Hotel, then a short sighteeing to Maprha Village "the apple capital of Nepal", where you can buy souvenirs at the souvenirs shop. Then Drive back to Pokhara. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 07: Pokhara to Kathmandu
After Breakfast, the Jeep leaves early morning to Kathmandu. It takes 7 hours (200 Km). 

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