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LOST KINGDOM OF MUSTANG TREK - 18 DAYS

Upper Mustang Trekking:
Mustang is an ancient Himalayan Kingdom which lies in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of the Kaligandaki River. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern part and the northern where the languages, culture and traditions are alike to those of the Tibetan people. This area is consider as one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal. The whole area has an isolated and mystical feel to it, enchanting and inspiring visitors to this region.

The trek to Lo- Manthang is through high altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge sided valley of the Kali Gandaki. In places the gorge which the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint white washed houses.

Facts of the Trek
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Best season: February, March, April, May, October, November
Per day walking: 5 – 6 hours
Type of Trek: Teahouse & Camping
Duration: 18 days
Maximum Elevation: 4320m

Trekking ighlights
Explore the ancient Himalayan Kingdom
Interesting and picturesque places
World Deepest gorge
Buddhist monasteries
Ancient and isolated village
Unique culture and Tradition

PROGRAM
DAY 01- Arrive Kathmandu. Met, assisted and transferred to hotel. Welcome dinner at a Nepalese restaurant for typical Nepali food.Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 02 -Breakfast at hotel.
AM:0930-1230 hrs:We embark on a full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city,also called `Kantipur`or city of glory,visiting,`KUMARI`the LIVING GODDESS,Kasthamandap,the Big Bell,Kal Bharab etc.We also visit `Swayambhunath temple.This is a Buddist temple set high on a hillock with a commanding view of the Kathmandu vally.
PM: 1430-1730hrs:Tour of `Patan City`one of the three queen cities of the vally.Patan is the city of fine arts,and we visit Durbar Square,Krishna Mandir,Mahavihar-Golden temple of Lord Buddha,built in the 12th century.Also visit the Tibetan centre. Overnight.

DAY 03 - KATHMANDU - POKHARA
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight (30 min) to Pokhara. Arrive Pokhara and transfer to Fishtail Lodge, located in the middle of Lake Fewa and access is by Log raft pulled by ropes.Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 04 - POKHARA - JOMSOM
Fly to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang and start trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the "Upper Mustang". Over night camping at Kagbeni.

DAY 05 - KAGBENI - CHELE
There is a trail up the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Nilgiri peak which dominates the southern skyline at Kagbeni continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village about 1 1/2 hrs trek, and cross the river from there and continue north climbing up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030 Mt. The culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo from here.

DAY 06 - CHELE – GELING
The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock at 3540 Mt. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800 Mt. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there gently climb to a pass at 3770mt and descend to Geling.

DAY 07 GELING - CHARANG
From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on your trek NYI LA and descend below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmar Chu ( river), then climbs past what is perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m, the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha's.

DAY 08 - CHARANG - LO MANTHANG
The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang-Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally from a ridge at 3850 Mt. there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of LO Manthang.

DAY 09 - LO MANTHANG
Visit around Lo-Manthang...

DAY 10 - LO MANTHANG - GHAMI VIA GEKAR
This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of LO Manthang. The trail contours past two small ridges and valleys and across a ridge at 4070m then descends across to the south through two more valleys, meadows and a stream. The trail then makes a long rocky descent to Gekar. LO Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest Gompa in Nepal. Then crosses a ridge after a little climbing and drops down steeply to Thamar village. The trail descends along the side of the stone walls and fields of extensive villages, then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami.

DAY 11 GHAMI - SAMAR
From Ghami climb to NYI LA and descend to Samar through the same route.

DAY 12 - SAMAR - KAGBENI
Return trek to Kagbeni.

DAY 13 - KAGBENI - JOMSOM
Return trek to Jomsom.

DAY 14 - JOMSOM - POKHARA
Fly to Pokhara. Pokhara lakeside villages sits, "front row centre" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. Evening you're free to explore the colorful town. O/N in Pokhara.

DAY 15 - Breakfast at hotel. Day free for individual pursuits.Overnight.

DAY 16 - POKHARA - KATHMANDU
After breakfast you're return to Kathmandu by air. After arrive in Kathmandu you're free to shop and pick up some last minute souvenirs, rest and visit the shop etc..Overnight.

DAY 17 - Breakfast at hotel. Day free for individual pursuits. Farewell dinner tonight.

DAY 18 - Breakfast at hotel. Free until departure transfer to airport for outbound flight.