Upper Mustang Trekking Nepal - 24 Days
At present Mustang is a very popular trekking region in
Nepal. The Home Ministry of Nepal announced the Opening of the restricted areas
in October 1991. There is also strict
control in obtaining a special permit from the Department of Immigration to
protect their tradition from outside influence as well as to protect their
environment. According to government
rule, liaison officers should always accompany with the trekking groups. The
region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to
Kagbeni is generally referred to as “Upper Mustang". The trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost
tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views
of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks make your trek
memorable.
The small kingdom of
Mustang, closed to westerners until 1992, is an enchanting land of windswept
vistas, red walled monasteries, and feudal towns. This tiny kingdom was not
only a major corridor of trade from the 1400's to before the Chinese occupation
of Tibet, but also figured importantly into early Buddhism in Tibet. Local
legend tells the tale of the great founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava,
who before building Samye (the oldest monastery in Tibet) came to Mustang to
stand guard against and do battle with the evil powers out to destroy Buddhism.
The temple of Lo Gekhar in eastern Mustang was built by Padmasambhava after his
triumphant battle and still stands guard today.
Our route will take
us across the vast Kali Gandaki riverbed, up over windswept passes at 14,000
ft. and across the 'Plain of Aspirations' to the walled capital city of Lo
Manthang. All this through a landscape of indescribable vastness and beauty,
home to the infamous snow leopard, the endangered bharal (blue sheep), and the
mythical mehti (abominable snowman). Rimmed by 20,000+ snowcapped peaks and
bathed in hues of orange and red rocks with sporadic fields of vibrant green,
yellow and red of barley, maize, and buckwheat, Mustang is a step back to a
simpler time.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive In Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
Day 03: Kathmandu - Pokhara
Day 04: Pokhara - Tikhedhunga (1491m.)
Day 05: Tikhedhunga - Ghorepani (2855m)
Day 06: Ghorepani - Tatopani
Day 07: Tatopani - Ghasa
Day 08: Ghasa - Marpha
Day 09: Marpha - Kagbeni
Day 10: Kagbeni - Chele
Day 11: Chele - Geling
Day 12: Geling - Charang
Day 13: Charang - Lo Manthang
Day 14-15-16: Lo Manthang
Day 17: Lo Manthang - Ghami Via Gekar
Day 18: Ghami - Samar
Day 19: Samar - Kagbeni
Day 20: Kagbeni - Jomsom
Day 21: Jomsom - Pokhara
Day 22: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 23: Kathmandu
Day 24: Departure
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