Trekking Magical Mustang Nepal, Mountaineering Expeditions, Trekking Itineraries

The region of Tibetan influence north of Kagbeni is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. The ancient Kingdom of Mustang – the capital Lo Manthan was attached to Tibet in the 14th century, Although it retained its identity as an autonomous dynasty throughout the centuries - is a walled city where people still remain predominantly Tibetan. Still somewhat restricted (special permits are required) the trek to Lo Manthan (3730 m) refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of Kali Gandaki.

Annexed by Nepal in 17 century, but untouched by the outside world or the Chinese Cultural revolution, 14th century monasteries still remain active to preserve this magnificent Trans-Himalayan kingdom, with their unrivalled Buddhist shrines with cliff hanging monasteries, thankas, mandalas and deities and cave dwelling people. In this wild lunar landscape of unreal color and beauty, ruggedly carved mountains reach up to deep blue skies, while icy peaks glimmer majestically to the south. Vast and barren ridges extend to the northern horizon making one feel like an insignificant dot on a timeless landscape.

Duration :
14 to 15 Days Tour

Trekking Season :
October to early December and mid-March to mid-May.

Day 01 :
Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (8,957ft/2,730m), the administrative capital of Mustang. Rushing through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the planes seem puny under the looming Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The landscape is stark and naked - as harsh as truth itself. Only the green fields put up a sylvan pretence. Jomson is the usual airstrip, police post, army camp town. After crossing the wooden bridge to the river's east bank, depending on the season and the river flow. The trail reaches Kagbeni (9,055ft/2,760m) at the confluence f the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola. An old fort in ruins and a red Sakyapa monastery dominate the village. Southwards, the summits if Nilgiri and Tilicho loom.

Day 02 :
After crossing the confluence of the Gyalungbo, the trail reaches the village of Tangbe around midday, an ideal spot for lunch. The trail winds its way through the village to reach a group of settlements, Chausang. Those who can afford an extra day may want to stay there to explore a castle and a few prehistoric dwellings. The trail crosses the confluence of Narsing Khola with Kali Gandaki and comes out of the valley, climbing steeply, to reach Tsaili (10,007ft/3,050m) village.

Day 03 :
This day is a little tough as it involves climbing five passes, though not of substantial heights. Leave early for the climb to the Chotare Lampach pass. The trail then descends to Samar village located among popular trees lining irrigation canals. Descend to cross a stream and follow the trail climbing to Samar La. The trail descends again, goes past a few houses and ascends to another small pass. Descend and the trail reaches Yamda. The next trip is the climb to Dawa Lapcha pass (12,697ft/3,870m) marked by a large cairn and prayer flags. After this trail we will visit in Tamang settlement of Tamaghyang.

Day 04 :
Go up to Chaiti and up again to the Tstil La. The trail keeps to the left of the village and goes through two passes to reach the Tramar (also,Trakmar) village. There are some great views of Gemi and Damodar Himal from the passes. And you are in Upper Mustang.

Day 05 :
The destination is Lo-Manhang, the ancient capital of Mustang, where the kings still resides. A steep, one-hour climb north-east of Tramar gets you to the top of the plateau. Crossing it, you reach a small pass and descend to Marang village. The ancient temple of Lo Gekar has excellent samples of rock slate paintings. Another hour brigs you to the walled city, the Tibetan plateau shimmers in the distance and the Damodar peak looks on from the right.

Day 06 :
Spend the day exploring Lo-Manthang. Mustang is probably a mispronunciation of Mathang in Nepalese, which means Plains of Aspiration or Plains of Prayer. Mustang has come to signify the entire district south of the Tibetan border along the Kail Gandaki till Ghasa. It's the region north of Kagbeni, Upper Mustang, that the traveler looks for. Thubchen Gompa represents the practical and rational side of Buddhism; Chamba Gompa sighifies the mystical side. The third monastery, Chodi, belongs to the Sakya sect and forms the monks' residential quarters.

Day 07 :
A week into the trip, this day can be spent as a rest day. Or you could go excursion to the villages of Gharphu and Nyphu, north of Manthang. There are stunning cave monasteries there with dwellings inside.

Day 08 & 09:
A minor detour on the way back brings you to Dri village on the banks of the Mustang Khola. A steep climb takes you to camp at Yara village. On the ninth day, climb to the village of Gara, on way to the cave monastery of Luri. It's built inside the sandstone cliffs with a chapel and an inner room that contains a stupa embellished with deities. The monastery is supposed to have been built by Guru Padmasambhava.

Day 10-13 :
Returning to the main trail, reach Tsarang, an important town with a large monastery and palace that once housed the king. Continue south along the main tral, with a side trip to a meditation cave used by Guru Padmasambhava. Set deep in a juniper-clad valley, this cave with its self-emanted rock images and spiritual aura adds to the journey. The last day of trekking brings one back to Jomsom.

Day 14:

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.

Important Travel Tips

Altitude
Jomsom, the starting point is at 9,000ft/2,745m and the highest point is on top, of a small pass at 13,800ft/4,206m, just before reaching the town of Lo-Manthang, which is the highest campsite at 12,125ft/3,695m.

Highlights of the Trek
The cultural richness, especially of the interesting fortfield town of Lo-Manthang; spectacular Buddhist monasteries and villages perched on hillsides. The bleakness and aridness lend beautiful brown and red hues to the mountains, best brought out in the spectacular sunsets.

Trekking Supports Services
Reasonable guest houses and tea shops all along the trail. Jomsom and Lo-Manthang also provide basic food provisions. Some camping equipment can be bought at Jomsom and Kabana, but it must be brought along from Pokhara.

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