Mustang Tour is a tour in a remote and semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom. It lies in the northern part of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains and is one of the last fortresses of undisturbed Tibetan culture in the world. Only opened to Westerners in 1992, the Mustang tour takes you to the capital Lo-Manthang in the fascinating upper Mustang region. It is a challenging trek due to the high altitude, exposed terrain, and continuous winds. Lo-Manthang, a walled city is the capital of Mustang situated at an elevation of nearly 3800 meters. It lies in the central part of northern Nepal and at the top of the Kali Gandaki River. The entire region is famous for its inaccessible caves, Chortens, monasteries, and barren desert-like conditions. Hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges, Mustang is a truly beautiful trekking zone. Special Area Trekking Permits are required for the trekkers to visit this region.
We start our Mustang Tour by traveling to Pokhara. It is a long journey so sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery along the highway as the farms, rivers, and hills pass by. Pokhara lies in the west direction of Kathmandu and is 220 km away. On reaching Pokhara, check-in at the hotel and rest or roam around the Lakeside to enjoy the sunset.
Overnight: Overnight in Batika Classic Hotel or Similar.
In the morning, you will start your day with a 25 minutes flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The early part of the flight to Jomsom is extremely breathtaking. Under clear weather conditions, one can witness the Annapurna (8091m), the Dhaulagiri (8167m) and many more radiant peaks peeking out from the clouds. After landing in Jomsom you can have your Breakfast and begin your trek, heading to Kagbeni following the Kali Gandaki River, the trail is rough and barren but is mostly flat. You will enjoy lovely views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna. A medieval looking town, Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers, is an interesting windswept village which is situated on the main age-old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. The Mustang district has the oldest monastery which houses secrets which have still yet to be unveiled.
Overnight: in local lodge.
Today you will commence your trek from Kagbeni. After walking for some time you will see the caves on the west hand side and the Gompa Kang. You will have a good climb to Tangebe (3060m), a labyrinth of narrow alleyways; here you will find the typical Mustang chortens painted in black, white and red colours. Now, Chele is just two hours walking from here.
Overnight: in local lodge.
With the dream of reaching to the extremely new world near Nepal – Tibet border, you will start trekking from Chele for the beautiful Place Syangbochen. You will pass through summer pass on the way. Now you will find two walking paths, the upper path leads to Syangbochen via Vena and the lower pass leads to Milarepa cave. The more adventurous path will be the lower one as you will find the herds of the Himalayan transportation i.e. ponies, horses and donkeys carrying heavy loads on their back which are supported by ropes on their body. You will reach Syangbochen walking for the whole day. Syangbochen is a tiny Tibetan style village with some small shops and houses.
Overnight: in local lodge.
In the early morning, you can have a beautiful view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) standing with other surrounding mountains from Syangbochen. After having Breakfast, you will start walking for Dhakmar to the beautiful village i.e. Ghami passing Syangmochen Pass of 3850 m altitude. From Ghami you continue walking to Tsarang. The place is surrounded by red muddy rocks all around with the Buddhists Prayer flags fluttering due to the gushing wind.
Overnight: in local lodge
Your trekking resumes for Lo-Manthang as you walk through Dhakmar Pass. The past is really magnificent as there are natural rocks that look like frozen ice and the architecture is made by human beings. From the pass, you will reach the Ghar Monastery a red color, which stands with 1200 years old historical importance. Continuing your trekking to Lo-Manthang. Lo Manthang was formerly a walled capital of the Lo Kingdom. Lo is culturally and linguistically Tibetan northern two-thirds of Mustang District. The homeland of Thakali people who speak a different language and have a synthesis of Tibetan and Nepalese culture. The village is noted for its tall whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas, and the King’s Palace, nine-cornered, five-story structures built around 1400.
There are four major temples: Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the “God house”; Thubchen Gompa, a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of Jampa Gompa; Chodey Gompa, now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa, which is popularly known as the “New Gompa”. The presence of the architecture in the almost treeless barren landscape which together presents a colorful mosaic made up principally of earthen reds, yellows, and brown color mosaic has increased the value of this destination.
Overnight: in local lodge.
The seventh day of the Mustang Tour is your sightseeing day in and around Lo-Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for many lamas. You will start your day for Zhong cave and Tshosher Monastery (a 1000 years old Tibetan Monastery) by hiring either a Horse or by Jeep. After returning from these places to Lo-Manthang, you will start the local sightseeing which includes King’s palace, Monastery, local surroundings, and the village. The king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues.
Overnight: in local lodge.
From today, we will start our return journey from Lo-Manthang to modern civilization. On the way, you can see many natural scenes which increase the joy of traveling. Afterward, you will return to Ghami.
Overnight: in local lodge.
In the morning, you will continue our way back to the village of Samar. It will take about 7 to 8 hours of trekking.
Overnight: in local lodge.
In the morning, you will continue our journey to Muktinath. If Muktinath is not possible then Kagbeni will be your final destination for today.
Overnight: in local lodge.
In the morning, you will have a sightseeing tour of the very famous Hindu temple Muktinath, where lots of pilgrims come to worship their god. From here you can experience one of a kind panorama view of the mountain so don’t forget your camera to capture the moments. You will start descending towards Jomsom to catch the flight to Pokhara, the next morning.
Overnight: in local lodge.
We take an early morning 20-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon landing at Pokhara airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Today, you will have free time so we give you a chance to explore the beautiful valley of Pokhara with its Natural and cultural beauty.
Overnight: in Batika classic hotel or similar.
In the morning, our driver will receive you at your hotel and then drive you to Kathmandu. The drive is about 6 to 7 hours and is a scenic drive to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, you’ll be then transferred to your hotel. This marks the end of the Mustang Tour.
Overnight: in a hotel Yatri Suites & spa or similar.
