24 Hours Support
+9779851036590
info@aimnepaladventure.com
24 Hours Support
+9779851036590
info@aimnepaladventure.com
Duration: 18 days
Cost: USD 2450
Trip Type: Hotels & Lodge
Grade: Moderate to Adventurous
Altitude: 3,950 m
Activities: Sightseeing tour, exciting flights-drive and scenic walks.
Area of Trekking: Nepal Far North West Himalaya around Mustang district.
People and Culture: Buddhist and Thakali
Start & End of treks: Jomsom to Jomsom
Seasons: April to November months includes monsoon wet months as Mustang area falls under rain-shadow blocked by Himalaya.
Trekking Duration: 12 Nights and 13 Days (Jomsom to Jomsom).
UPPER MUSTANG JOURNEY
‘explore high and scenic Lo country of Upper Mustang with interesting culture’
Upper Mustang Journey, we have designed and planned this awesome trip to Nepal Wild Far West, where one can visit in short duration of time taking less than two weeks with interesting and fascinating time around Upper Mustang.
For Upper Mustang Journey we have used trekking and drive with both good options to save time and energy where you can have enough space for views and soak into local fascinating culture of Buddhism and ancient Bon-sect practice of pre-Buddhism, which still exists around higher areas of Far Western Himalaya.
Upper Mustang was closed for outside visitors been opened since last two decades, where nor motorable road has reached in this high and beautiful country, where Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade and Caravan Trail of Nepal and Tibet still exists between the two countries via high Karo-La pass which passes through high Upper Mustang.
Using moderate days for Upper Mustang journey where one can enjoy its beautiful landscapes which is actually an extension of vast and wide Tibetan plateau, considered as world largest and highest plateau, where our adventure leads into high canyon with eroded giant cliffs walls of fascinating and impressive colors.
Starting our marvelous Upper Mustang Journey taking a scenic short flight to land at Jomsom a nice town and headquarter of Mustang district, where our journey leads past impressive farm villages around Yak grazing country with fabulous views of Dhaulagiri-Nilgiri’s and Mustang Himal.
As adventure continues past nice lovely villages with few tree lines around of Poplars and Willows includes large fields of buck-wheat, barley and mustard crops encountering array of Mani (prayer inscribed stone walls) with rows of spinning bells that adorns nice villages of Upper Mustang.
Finally our fantastic journey enters once former walled kingdom of Upper Mustang at Lo-Manthang which was ruled by late Raja / king of Mustang, now a museum here with time to marvel this interesting medieval period villages with narrow alley lined with stone paved streets and shops.
Exploring its impressive village and traditional Tibetan style houses and as well visit of late king fort palace, where our route takes to high areas of Mustang visiting Yari and Luri Gompa of ancient heritage, where few people often venture this remote isolated areas.
Finally our adventure comes to an end with tour of holy Muktinath a famous pilgrimage spot for both Hindu and Buddhist followers, and then completing our amazing and memorable adventure Upper Mustang Journey back at Jomsom with scenic flight to beautiful Pokhara.
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour and preparations for the trek.
Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara 820m (220 k.m) - 06 hrs journey.
Day 04: Morning flight to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,830 m - 04 hrs.
Day 05: Drive to Chusang 2,820 m and start walk to Samar 3,290 m - 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Ghiling 3,570 m - 06 hrs.
Day 07: Drive to Ghami and walk to Dhakmar 3,520 m - 05 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,810 m - 05 hrs.
Day 09: At Lo-Manthang for local excursion and explore the village-town.
Day 10: Trek to Yara 3,650 m - 06 hrs.
Day 11: At Yara explore around Luri Gompa.
Day 12: Trek to Tangbe 3,240 m - 06 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Tetang 3,040 m - 06 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath 3,800 m - 06 hrs.
Day 15: Trek or drive to Jomsom 2,715 m – 02 hrs ride with 4 hrs walks.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara 860 m (22 mins on air) with afternoon tour of Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels - 07 hrs.
Day 18: Depart for International flights homeward bound.
For more trek information and details contact us:
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
On reaching at Kathmandu international airport received by our representative and guide, then transfer for short drive in the heart of Kathmandu city and to your hotels.
After checking into your pleasant rooms then join in for group briefing regarding Upper Mustang Journey with other useful information to make your stay in Nepal with us more enjoyable and worth-while.
Evening includes group dinner in a nice Nepalese restaurant with cultural programs as entertainment.
Day 02: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour and preparations for treks.
Morning after breakfast in the hotel, our tour guide will take you in the heart of Kathmandu city, for exciting historical and heritage tour of old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square of great importance.
Tour includes Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess) Kastamandap Temple where Kathmandu name derived from, a temple built with the wood of a single tree, tour of old palace during the reign of Malla and late Shah kings.
As tour continues towards famed landmark of Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,500 years old a Buddhist Chaitya or Stupa, facing all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, as tour continues towards famed landmark of Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,500 years old a Buddhist Chaitya or Stupa, facing all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Afternoon tour of famous Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and visit Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest dome shaped monument in Asia of Buddhist religion and culture.
After an exciting and interesting tour head back to hotel preparation for Upper Mustang Journey next early morning with exciting drive to Nepal Mid-West.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 820m (220 k.m) - 06 hrs journey.
Morning exciting drive to Nepal Mid West at Pokhara where journey leads on Nepal most busy and interesting highway, where drive leads for near six hours to reach Pokhara, and then transfer to respective hotels by the Phewa Lake.
Afternoon with time for short walks around the lakeside full of good restaurants-shops- and stores with excellent hotels.
(Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu)
Day 04: Morning flight to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,870 m - 04 hrs.
After pleasant stop in Pokhara, morning transfer to Pokhara airport for short scenic flight to Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, during air exciting close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
At Jomsom transfer to lodge with time in the afternoon short walk around this interesting town, famous for delicious apples and its products. Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang, and home to Thakali tribe interwoven with Buddhism religion and culture.
After a break here walk heads towards Kali-Gandaki River valley, a good walk of 2-3 hours reaches you at Kagbeni village, where strong influence of Tibetan culture dominates from here onward. Kagbeni is the start and end point of Upper Mustang trekking and route to Tibet border by Karo-la pass.
Kagbeni an interesting village of strong Tibetan influence in culture, traditions and way of daily life, afternoon time to explore this impressive village and to observe the local people and around its old monastery.
Day 05: Drive to Chusang 2,820 m and start walk to Samar 3,290 m - 05 hrs.
From Jomsom our adventure begins taking a drive past Kagbeni village, heading uphill on leaving Kali-Gandaki River behind. Drive leads towards barren countryside all the way with occasional stop, passing through some small villages as ride progress drive past Tangbe, another hour of good journey brings you at Chusang line up with few trees amidst the red earth surrounding. Chusang lies at the confluence of the Narsang stream and the Kali Gandaki River.
At Chusang begins our actual walk leads to Chele village after crossing a stream through broken canyons and ruin castle walls on the surrounding cliffs, across the river from Chusang are some spectacular red eroded cliffs above the mouths of inaccessible caves.
After crossing the small bridge an uphill walk for 45 minutes brings you to Chele village, where walk gets steeper for an hour up at a ridge above 3,130m, from here great views of Gyagar across a huge canyon.
Trek continues with a slow climb on the windswept terrain till the pass is reached at 3,540 m and then gradual descent leads you at Samar for overnight stop.
Day 06: Trek to Ghiling 3,570 m - 06 hrs.
Morning walk leads to a short climb above Samar village to a ridge, with downhill heading to a large gorge past a Chorten painted red, black, yellow and white-all the colors are made from local rocks. The journey continues into another valley with juniper trees, after crossing the stream the walk follows uphill path to a ridge at 3,800m, the trail climbs over to another pass, from here the route descends to Shyangbochen, a small settlement with few tea shops at 3,710m. After a good break here, the trek continues to a gentle climb to a pass at 3,770m entering towards a huge valley, from here taking the right downhill path towards our overnight stop at Geling with its large fields of barley on the outskirt of the village.
Day 07: Drive to Ghami and walk to Dhakmar 3,520 m - 05 hrs.
From Geling, our route climbs gradually unto fields to the centre of a valley, past below Tama Gung settlements walk continues with long climb across to a valley and then cross Nyi La pass 3,950m.
The highest point of the trek as well the southern boundary of Lo. From here a gradual descend for half hour brings to junction; the right path leads direct to Tsarang while the left leads to Ghami village for overnight stop one of the main major of Lo region.
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,810 m - 05 hrs.
Walk today leads to our major highlight and destination in walled former kingdom at Lo-Manthang, as morning begins with short descend crossing Charang-Chu River with steep climb to a ridge, then past Tholung valley. The trail diverts north with gentle climb as walk ascends to a large Chorten, which marks the boundary between Ghami and Tsarang with Lo.
Walk follows crossing a stream, reaching a great wide windswept landscape, finally reaching on top of a hill at 3,850 m, offering grand view of walled former kingdom of Lo Mananthang, where short descent brings you to a stream that outlines the walled kingdom and a village, form here a short climb on a plateau that leads you to southern wall of Lo Manthang village.
The only entrance to the village is from the northeast corner, so one has to circuit the wall to the main entrance gate sometimes.
Day 09: At Lo-Manthang for local excursion and explore the village-town.
At Lo-Manthang with full day to explore around amazing place, which is a large village about 150 houses plus number of resident for the lamas, the houses are closely packed, and the palace and monasteries are in the bottom portion in this vertical part of the L shaped houses.
The school, health post, police post and several important chhorten are located outside the walls to the north of the gate and east of the monastic part of the city. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the village is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community.
Although the local call them as Lobas, people from Lo, of strong Tibetan influence and practice similar culture. Before strong trade with Tibet was disrupted, all of the salt and wool trade on the Kali Gandaki passed through Lo Manthang, and this brought a substantial amount of money to this great village town. The Mustang raja's palace stands an imposing 4 storey building in the centre of the city. It is the home of late Raja, Jigme Parbal Bista, and the rani (queen), who was from the noble family of Lhasa.
Day 10: Trek to Yara 3,650 m - 06 hrs.
After breakfast return journey using the same route for some hours with pleasant walk, where our trail diverts heading east-ward with steep descends leading to a small village of Dhi situated on the bank of the Phuyung Khola.
The trail crosses the small wooden bridge over the Phuyung Khola and climbs steeply to reach the small village of Yara where the Buddhist player flags greets you, explore the incredible erosion landscape on the way to Yara village.
Day 11: At Yara explore around Luri Gompa.
A rest day at Yara to explore around this amazing country where few hours of walk from Yara village brings to a small settlement of Luri Gompa and explore Luri Gompa and caves of full of Gompas (monastery and shrines).
Day 12: Trek to Tangbe 3,240 m - 06 hrs.
After an interesting and fascinating time above high country of Upper Mustang and in Luri Gompa with historical and impressive phenomenal monastery, starting morning on a high trail through grass less and barren, arid terrain with just bare red eroded hills weathered by strong winds and snows, and then walk slowly encountering a small ridge top to head downhill to Tangbe village at 3,370 m high, this is a moderate size village of about 30 houses, the houses are closely attached.
On the rooftops piles of dry big logs and woods stored for many years as status, which reflects prosperity of the society which is common traditions in this arid areas of Mustang and in Tibet where woods are very scarce.
Day 13: Trek to Tetang 3,040 m - 06 hrs.
Walking on barren wilderness of red earth landscapes in complete ambiance the path is gentlefor few hourswith views of distant snow capped peaks and the heading downhill and up at Tetang a small village for overnight stop around Yak pasture field.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath 3,760 m - 06 hrs.
Walk from Tetang to Muktinath, heading towards Lower Mustang a long day before Jomsom, as the morning begins on a gradual winding trail where there is two routes to holy Muktinath direct while the other leading Kagbeni.
While our route leads north east trail, passing several temporary huts and shelters of Yak herders, the high path with super views of Nilgiri’s peaks and Dhaulagiri range, trail winds on the gradual with much wider trail to Muktinath for overnight stop, afternoon visit the holy Muktinath temple and its premises.
Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage area where people from Nepal and India visits here to offer prayer and to Liberate from bad deeds, as the Mukti means to be free, here natural elements are displayed in miraculous form-flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burn on water, stone and earth an offering said to have been first lighted by Brahma, the Hindu creator, this natural wonder have awed man from the beginning, for Muktinath sanctity goes back into antiquity of 2,300 years ago.
This area is equally holy for Hindu and Buddhist, around Kaligandaki and Muktinath pilgrims search for black shiny fossils called Shaligram (ammonite), found in abundance around this area.
Day 15: Trek or drive to Jomsom 2,715 m 2 hrs rides and 04 hrs walks.
Morning catching the wonderful views of snowcapped peaks our last day walk leads downhill to valley floor at Kaligandaki River valley near at Ekle Bhatti, from retrace the journey back to Jomsom with time in the afternoon to explore this interesting town of Thakali people, who were the early traders with Tibet.
From Muktinath to make the trip and the day shorter one can take a drive down at Kaligandaki River valley, and then on pleasant track to reach at Jomsom after two hours of exciting ride.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel.
Early morning after breakfast where sweeping 22 minutes scenic flight to land at Pokhara with grand views of peaks, on reaching Pokhara airport transfer to respective hotels by the lake Phewa.
After lunch sightseeing tour around Pokhara with Devi’s Fall (a massive cascading waterfalls), Guptswor Cave, Vindhyabashini temple and white Seti River and its deep gorge.
Rest of the day enjoy walk along the Phewa Lake or take a boat ride around the lake.
Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Morning an early drive back to Kathmandu on same interesting highway with exciting moments as drive leads through rural farm villages and towns with views of mountains after six hours journey ending at Kathmandu, and then transfer to your respective hotels.
(Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
Day 18: Depart for International flights homeward bound.
Final and last day in Nepal, country of high Himalaya and varied culture, after a memorable experience and great scenic adventure on Upper Mustang Journey and with your time for international flight our staff transfer you to the airport for homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective destinations.
