Kingdom of Mustang trek (camping/tea house)

Based on 4 reviews

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Total Duration:16 Days
  • Trekking Duration:16 Days
  • Trip Grade:Moderate

Trip Highlights

The Kingdom of Mustang had been a forbidden land until just recently. Even now the Upper Mustang is only opened for a limited number of trekkers. Rich in amazing landscapes, in Mustang you come across some of the important historical sites.

• Explore the extension of Tibetan plateau, typical Tibetan traditions, Bon (pre-Buddhist) and Buddhist culture
• Unearth lost treasures of the Forbidden Kingdom
• Relive the history of the Walled city of Loman-thang, just as it was for hundred years ago
• Grand views of the snow-capped peaks.
• Enrich soul with dramatic landscapes, warm and friendly locals

Trip Overview

Mustang is one of the Hidden gems of Nepal, kept out from outsiders for quite an elaborated period. As a result, completely untouched by the influence of outside culture, the region has a rich Tibetan culture and traditions to offer. Located to the north of the mountain giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Mustang trek offers a natural Himalayan camping and tea house trekking trails through the untouched lifestyle of the local people, authentic religious and cultural aspects of their lives and wonderful landscapes.

The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang possesses natural beauty that traverse beyond human imagination. The area is covered with thousands of cliffs, tough hard rocky terrain, changing colors with the pace of the sun, giving a new sense to beauty to the barren land which is theorized to have been much greener land dating some 10,000 BC but not anymore. The region stretches through the trails comprising rugged arid mountains, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and moraine valleys.  The landscapes resembling the Tibetan ones with the mountain backdrop lures thousands of trekkers all around the year deeply bounded by love with the wonderful feeling and trekking adventure as soon as they put a foot on the airport ground in the Windy City Jomsom.

Beside the natural beauties, Mustang highlights cultural delights so diverse that trekkers get to witness the authentic cultures of four to five ethnical tribes in short span of time, wholesomely unique and amazing in their own ways. Mustang accommodates several ancient monasteries, the ruins of the palace of ancient kingdom of Lo, and the walled city of Lomanthang has incredibly settled ancient hamlet.

Mustang trekking is particularly designed for observation of the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang and their local peoples living with pure diversity into the myths Land of Tibetian ancient since 13th century. Opened only couple of years before for tourists, the camping/tea house trekking is uniquely suitable for those wanting to experience the essence of Buddhism and understand the historic events and influences of 14th century.

The most convenient way to get to Mustang trek is to take a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The Mustang trekking begins from Jomsom.  For those who may not like flying there is however, a reward for taking a flight as you will be in for a treat – flying through the deepest gorge in the world, between the Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri. From Jomsom, you will follow the famous Kali Gandaki River upstream, partly walking in the river bed itself, to Kagbeni.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Getting permits and preparation
  • Day 03: Fly to Pokhara. Pokhara sightseeing or rest and relax in Pokhara
  • Day 04: Fly to Jomsom 2720m and trek to Kagbeni 2810m
  • Day 05: Trek to Chele 3050m via Tangbe/Chhusang
  • Day 06: Trek to Ghilling 3570m
  • Day 07: Trek to Ghami 3,460m
  • Day 08: Trek to Charanag 3560m
  • Day 09: Trek to Lo Manthang 3,730m
  • Day 10: Day trip in Manthang
  • Day 11: Trek to Drakmar 3810 m
  • Day 12: Trek to Syangmochen 3,806m
  • Day 13:Trek to Chhuksang 3050m
  • Day 14:Trek to Jomsom 2,700m
  • Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu
  • Day 16: Final departure

Detail Itinerary

Welcome. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your respective hotels.Short briefing about the trip will be given.

Today we will get the permits for you Mustang trekking. You can visit around the city, some shopping and preparation for the trekking. Overnight at the hotel

You will take an early flight to Pokhara. Our representative guide will accompany you from this day. Pokhara is another wonderful city in Nepal. Take out some time for sightseeing, walk around the beautiful Fewa Lake and relax before you journey.

Today we will take an early morning flight to Jomsom which is famous for its apples, strong winds and the landscape. We begin our trek on an open trail alongside a beautiful valley. We pass through Eaklibatti village after Jomsom which is ideally located at the bank of two rivers. The village is beautiful with flat-roofed houses and also has ruins of an old fortress. Camping in Kagbeni

We get our permits checked then begin our trek on a trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on sand amidst strong winds before ascending on a hill. We reach the Tangbe Village and admire its narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, barley and buckwheat fields, and apple orchards. We continue our walk and pass another village and cross a river on our way. Next, we walk on a ridge before reaching Chele Village. Camping for the night at Chele

Our trek from today will be a little hard compared to what we experienced before. Our walk today involves crossing two passes, Taklam La pass 3,624m and Dajori La pass 3,735m. On our way, we enjoy great views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and pass by Ramchung Cave. We descend further and reach Samar Village. From here we walk on a trail above the village and reach a ridge. Next, we descend on a steep trail to a stream and continue our trek to Ghilling.

We ascend to the Yamda La pass at 3,850m. On the way, we pass by a few teahouses, chortens and beautiful villages. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. From here, we descend to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village.

Our trek today begins with a descent through a rough and often slippery trail. We then cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola and begin ascending. The pathway is beautiful with mani walls along the trail. Next, we cross the Tsarang La Pass at 3870m and reach Tsarang village. The village lies atop the Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and a red gompa towards its east.

We begin our trek by descending to a canyon and cross a river before beginning our uphill trek to Lo La pass which at 3950m. From the top of the pass we can admire the beautiful Lo Manthang village. From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village. From here the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond) is quite good.

Today is excursion day to Choser village, back to Lo Manthang after vising monasteries and caves.

We trek on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang. Our trail passes through Gyakar village which houses a century old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings. According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled. We explore the Gompa which is 1200 years old and continue our trek to Drakmar for an overnight stay.

We start our trek early to avoid strong winds and descend for the most part of the trek. Our trail passes through a dry plateau and fields before reaching Syangmochen. The walk can be relatively difficult as we are most likely to experience strong winds on our face, but we still get good views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We can tour the village around the evening.

We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk on the same trail as before going up to Lo Manthang. On the way to Chhuksang we can enjoy great views of the Himalayas and small villages we pass en route.

Today is the last day of our trek and it is a long one. After trekking for a while, we come to an end of our Mustang trails and join the trails of the Annapurna circuit. We stop for lunch at Kagbeni. After lunch, we continue our trek to Jomsom for an overnight stay.

We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. The airplane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains making the flight itself an amazing experience. After arriving in Pokhara, we can either drive or take a flight back to Kathmandu.

Our team representative will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.

" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.

I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back" 

M/s C. Kasper,
Brazil

I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt

Tania,Steve & Jesse Pitt,

I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host. 
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip.  Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared.  Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest.  On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!

Mrs. M. Barnett,
Auckland, NZ

We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme.  His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.

Mr. G. Clark,
Auckland NZ

Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.

Mr. & Mrs. Peters from Poole,
Poole, UK

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