This unique trek takes us into an arid region beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The route entails traveling across desert like landscape, barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and moraine valleys. It is a land of barley field and pasture where sheep are seen grazing and ponies are used to carry loads. The views of windswept Kali Gandaki Valley, vast spaces around Kagbeni, sprawling ridges and high mountains provide a mind blowing experience for the brave adventurer. Trekking in Mustang is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal. Trekkers will have a close up view of the primitive society that has remained unaffected by modernization for centuries. The king still exists and grants audience to the visitors in his palace at the walled city of Lo Manthang.
Mustang Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (4264 ft)
Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Malla Treks P Ltd. He or she will escort you to the hotel; there will be a briefing on the trek arrangement. Overnight in Kathmandu (breakfast including)
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara
In the late morning, we take a scenic flight to Pokhara ( 2,700ft) , passing over the deep valley and rivers of central Nepal and taking views of the Ganesh , Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals. After checking into our lovely hotel we will have lunch at the hotel. After lunch we will visit in lake side, over night at the hotel in Pokhara (Breakfast including)
Day 03: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (9,375ft): 3-4 hrs
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000 miters such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.
Day 04: Kagbeni to chele (10,004ft): 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village.
Day 05: Chele to Geling (11,710 ft ): 8-9 hrs
We have fabulous view of the Nilgiri range as we make a long climb up to the view of the Samar (11,847 Feet) and enter the high altitude desert country. Samar surrounded by popular, is a major stopping place for horse caravans our afternoon hike brings us over three high ridges (the highest is 13,153 fit) and past some teahouses then continues to Geling. This is a long and difficult day.
Day -6 Geling to Charang (11,677 Ft) 7-8 hrs
After climbing gently through barley field below the village of the Tama Gaun, we will begin an unrelenting climb that takes us across the head of the valley to the Nyi La pass (13,186 feet) , the southern boundary of mustang proper. A gentle descent brings us to the Village of Ghami (11,513 feet) in the afternoon we cross a suspension bridge over a river, pass one of the most impressive and longest mani walls in Nepal, climb another high pass (12,694 feet), and enter the ancient town of Charang. The entry portal is picturesque, with a nearby five story dzong (fortress monastery), formerly the home of the kings of the Mustang, and the vast red Dorje Dhen Gompa, which we will visit as time permits.
Day 07 : Charang to Lo-Mangthang (12,136ft): 5-6 hrs
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.
Day 08 : Explore Lo-Mangthang
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.
Day 09 : Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (12,500ft): 6-7 hrs
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. Explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.
Day 10: Dhakmar to Ghiling (12,484ft): 5-6 hrs
Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time.
Included meals:
Day 11: Ghiling to Chhuksang (10,004ft): 5-6 hrs
We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at teahouse.
Day 12: Chhuksang to Jomsom (8,856ft): 6-7 hrs
Our last day of the day would be a long one. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.
Day 13: Fly back to Pokharato Kathmandu
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara and flight back to Kathmandu,
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu. Hotel (Breakfast including)
Day 14: Fly Home: Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Malla Treks P ltd will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Important Note :
Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Malla Treks . Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.