Trip Overview

• Destination: Nepal
• Max Elevation: 4350 Meters
• Best Season: Spring(March – May) and Autumn(Sept – November)
• Total Duration: 18 Days

The ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang is the trans-Himalayan village of Nepal. The hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang.  The Upper Mustang Trek offers wonderful landscapes and colorful barren hills holding interesting myths. As it is located in the rain shadow region of Nepal, the trek is also possible during the monsoon season during June and August.

Even though the Upper Mustang trek is possible during winter, the cold temperature and snow might not be suitable for everyone. Even the ethnic group of Lo-Manthang leave the area to avoid the snow and frosty temperature.  Geographically, Upper Mustang is the perfect place to observe the Tibetan plateau and culture. Visiting Upper Mustang make you feel like visiting Tibet and inheriting the Tibetan Buddhism. Upper Mustang is also popular for Tiji Festival, which means ‘prayer for world peace’ and during the summertime, people celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival.

The exact dates vary and determined by the Buddhist calendar. The Tiji Festival functions with the religious ceremony which reflects the empowerment of strength and harmony between all devotees. The king of Lo Manthang keeps the main role and the festival celebrates with the performance of music and dance by monks. After exploring the 3 Days Tiji Festival. The three days celebrating the Tiji festival are ritually known as “The Chasing of the Demons”.

It is based on mythological legends. During the festival, Tiji tells the story of immortal “Dorje Jono” who was responsible to fight against his Devil father. After all, he saved the kingdom of Mustang – Lo Manthang. Then our journey returns to Tsarang, Syangboche, Chhusang, than finally to Jomsom and back to Pokhara.

Itinerary

• Day-1 - Arrival to Kathmandu (1380m)

  Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (TIA), our representative from Hillstrek will be there to pick you up. You will be transfer to hotel in half an hour drive wit private vehicle. We discuss about our trip and you have time for refreshment. In the evening we are together again for welcome dinner in typical nepalese restaurant with cultural program

• Day-2 - Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu

  After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for half day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley UNESCO protected world heritage sites .You will have your lunch in the restaurant with the view of Stupa then you will be back to hotel. You will meet your tour leader and discuss about the trek and do last minutes arrangements

• Day-3 - Flight or Drive to Pokhara

  Early in the morning after breakfast, We can drive by private transport to Pokhara or we can have flight about 30 minutes to reach pokhara from Kathmandu. If we drive, then it takes 6 hours to reach the pokhara, on the way we can have beautiful views of mountain and green hills. Then reaching at pokhara you can admire the spectacular view of the Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri Mountain and other snow-capped mountains.

  Alternative: If you have flight in the morning to Pokhara. Then in afternoon you can do sightseeing in Pokhara.

• Day-4 - Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)

  Early in the morning, we will transfer to the Airport for the flight to Jomsom. The flight from Pokhara has beautiful views of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri and takes about 20-25 minutes to reach at Jomsom Airport. Jomsom is the districts headquarter of Mustang. Then we will have breakfast in Jomsom. From here your trekking starts by the river side of Kaligandaki. KaliGandaki is the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade to Tibet. In the afternoon from jomsom onwards it is very windy. Then continue walking through river side about  3 hrs we reach to the Ekle-Bhatti. Few minutes rest at there. From here our trekking starts to Kagbeni which is the main gate to the upper Mustang. Kagbeni situated at an altitude of (2,807m). Kagbeni is the checkpoint to the Hindu pilgrims Muktinath and also the traders between the Nepal and Tibet. You will explore the Kagbeni village and an old Monastery .Overnight at guesthouse.

• Day-5 - Trek to Chele (3,050 m)

  After breakfast, we start our journey with the particular permit check and follow the trail  towards the east of Kaligandaki riverside and climbing the up and down hill trail to the north we reach to the Tangbe village. The village is narrow with white washed houses; homes are surrounding by buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards farms. After some rest we continue to trek towards Chhusang. The path to the Chhusang is close to the nature. After crossing the Chhusang village and, continues north climbing up to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. Trek now leaves through the tiny edge reach to the Chele village. Stay overnight at guesthouse

• Day-6 - Trek to Syangboche (3,700 m)

  We start our trek by walking forward to Samar. We walk up hill to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through the flat terrain, plateaus and narrow stretches with attractive views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Domador Danda. Then we reach petite village of Samar, hiking up to the village to edge then slowly down to the steeply to a stream. We continue walk for 3hrs to Syangboche village. We can relax and enjoying the cool stream and juniper tree. We can visit the popular cave known as Chungsi cave. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 7 - Trek to Ghami (3,520m)

  Early in the morning after breakfast we hike up hill to the Yamda La (3,850m) crossing a teahouses, chortens and local society which follow the Tibetan Style method residence with open Varanda. The trail passes the barley fields and we climb Nyi-La Pass (4,010m). Finally we reach to the Ghami. The Ghami is the third biggest village in the Lo region. Ghami Village is covered by the large barren field. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 8 - Trek to Charang (3,500 m)

  After Breakfast, We cross the Ghami  Khola , the trail leads to plateau, gray and red cliffs and passes through the Mane wall which is made by the followers of Buddhism. The trek ahead north east to the Charang village is covered with the maize fields, houses are separated by the stone walls of the Tsarang Chu. There is a big white dzong and red Gompa, collection of statues and Thankas are the main attraction of Charang. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 9 - Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3,700 m)

  Today, we will get chance to visit two villages in our trek. Lo-Ghyakar Gompa is the oldest gompa in the Nepal. Then after visiting to the Lo-Ghyakar we Continue trek towards Lo-Manthang with the beautiful views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. Until the trail reaches to the Lo-Mathang we have minor climbing. Finally we reach to the plateau of Lo-Mathang the capital of Mustang and the hills on the Tibetan Border. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 10 - Explore Lo-Mangthang

  Today, we will visit the area. Visiting to the Namgyal Gompa takes 2 hours and it is situated on the hilltop,  which is the important monastery for the local people. Now from here continue trek to Tingkhar. Tingkhar is the last village lies on the Lo-Manthang which consists of around 40 houses. Or we can visit to Tall Champa Lakhang which is known as God House, Thugchen Gompa, Chyoid Gompa and Entrance hall are the main attraction of this God Houses. We can view the beautiful four- storey building of the king’s palaces which is surrounding by the views of Himalayas. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 11 - Trek to Yara (3,600m)

  We start our trek after breakfast; we leave the village and walk slowly until we reach Dhi-La with dusty trail from where the last view of the Lo-Manthang.  After rest we continue walk to the downhill by the narrow path. Then we came to wide plateau and walking down by the rocky mountain we reach at Dhi village. Then stop for lunch at this village. Then from this village we have to cross the suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and walk a short steep climb. Then, our trail goes along the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the amazing landscapes and many caves at the stone walls until reaching Yara village. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 12 - Trek from Yara to Tangye (3,240 m)

  We start our trek to Tangye. Today we have to pass through the difficult way by steep rise and long way trail. Then continuous walk for a long time finally we reach at Dechhyang Khola which origin is from Damodar Kunda. It takes about 30 minutes. We find everywhere Saligrams (the black fossils of marine animals). Then we have our lunch here. Then after lunch we again trek through the ups and downs steep then we are on a huge plateau and cross it for reaching to Tangya village. We can see several big Chhortens. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 13 - Trek to Tetang (3,040 m)

  We start trek by leaving the village, crossing the bridge then follow the short river route. After crossing the river, we steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Paha (shelter house) where we take our pack lunch. Here is small water tap for drinking water. After the lunch break we continue crossing many small passes until we reach the top of the hill. It takes about 3 hours. Then again trek down to steeply and we meet strong winds until we reach Tetang village. We have an excellent view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snow peaks during the trail. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 14 - Trek to Muktinath (3,700 m)

  We start our day by leaving the village and passing through the Mani walls in the villages. Then we climb up plateau and continuous climbing up until reaching small pass from where we can see the high mountains and picturesque view of Muktinath. Then the trail leads down to the small stream and cross by a bridge. After that, we enter in the village of Chhyongar and follow the level trail until reaching Muktinath passing Kani/gate. In the evening, we explore to sacred place for Hindus and Tibetan Buddhist in about 30 minutes in its compound. We can visit the 108 brass water spouts, Muktinath temple stands enshrining Vishnu, a Hindu’s  god. When we visit to Muktinath Temple at once, we are free/salvation of escape from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Below the temple there is another Buddhist monastery where the combination of earth-water-fire that gives for Muktinath’s great religious significance. And we can also see the magnificent view of Nilgiri Himal and Daulagiri I. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 15 - Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m)

  After breakfast, we start  our trek to Jomsom. From here walk down to the Jharkot village where we visit the ancient Sakyamuni Buddhist Monastery and Traditional Medical Center. Then, we follow the dusty road trail for a while and choose short cut left trail until reaching Eklebatti where we have our lunch. After lunch, we follow again dusty and strong wind road level trail along the Kaligandaki River to reach Jomsom. Stay overnight at guesthouse.

• Day- 16 - Fly to Pokhara (820 m)

  Early morning after breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. In a short flight to Pokhara you can enjoy the magnificent view of mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer you to the hotel. Rest for some time in hotel or you can hang out on the lake and overnight at hotel.

• Day- 17 - Drive to Kathmandu

  After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. The path leads with beautiful scenery through Marshyangdi and Trishuli river. Then arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transfer to your hotel. In the hotel you can be fresh up and relax for few hours. Or you can spend the evening leisurely by shopping and celebrate dinner together with Adventure Team member, overnight at hotel.

• Day- 18 - Departure Transfer

  We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. You must leave hotel 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight time.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1380mtrs)

Day 02: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)

Day 03: Flight or Drive to Pokhara

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m)

Day 06: Trek to Syangboche (3,700m)

Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3,520m)

Day 08: Trek to Charang (3,500m)

Day 09: Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3,700m)

Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Day 11: Trek to Yara (3,600m)

Day 12: Trek from Yara to Tangye (3,240m)

Day 13: Trek to Tetang (3,040m)

Day 14: Trek  to Muktinath (3,700m)

Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)

Day 16: Fly to Pokhara (820m)

Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 18: Departure

Cost Included/ Excluded

     Cost Included

• International flights and Nepal entry visa.
• Travel insurance.
• Foods, beverages and bar bills.
• Dinner and lunch at Kathmandu and Pokhara except as in the itinerary.
• All kinds of Personal equipment and expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Emergency evacuation.
• Gratitudes to the guide and porters.

     Cost Excluded

• International flights and Nepal entry visa.
• Travel insurance.
• Foods, beverages and bar bills.
• Dinner and lunch at Kathmandu and Pokhara except as in the itinerary.
• All kinds of Personal equipment and expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Emergency evacuation.
• Gratitudes to the guide and porters.

Trip Highlights

• The semi-desert higher plains behind the Annapurna massif.
• Tibetan Buddhist culture.
• Conserved Caves and ancient cultural artifacts.
• Tiji Festival, the festival celebrated with the performance of music and dance by monks.
•   settlement like Tsarang, Syangboche, Chhusang.
•  Equivalent to the Tibetan plateau and culture.