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| Mustang (Lo- Manthang) Trek (15 Days) |
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| To the northwest of the
Annapurnas, this formerly restricted area was opened in 1992 to
a limited number of tourists. A deliberate policy of cultural and
environmental preservation has meant that Mustang remains one of
the world’s very special trekking destinations. Renowned to
be one of the most scenically rewarding in Nepal, this new itinerary
is a rare chance to combine a beautiful trek with the cultural element,
for which Mustang is most famous. We will visit fascinating temples
and monasteries and enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the rocky
Tibetan Plateau with its numerous fluttering prayer flags with snowy
peaked backdrop (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho).
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Katmandu
- Pokhara (915m) by bus |
| Day
- 01 |
Katmandu
- Pokhara by bus (200 km) in 7h. |
| Day
- 02 |
Pokhara - Jomosom (2713m) by
plane – trek to Kagbeni (2810m) 4 hr.
We walk north through the arid plateau lands that stretch up
to Tibet. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand
and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This enjoyable
start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks
all around such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche (6920m) and,
in the west, the awesome mountain above Kagbeni--Nilgiri. Over
to the south and southwest the entire Annapurna Massif can be
seen |
| Day
- 03 |
Kagbeni - Chele (3000m) in
6h 30.
The trail climbs up steadily towards the Tibetan plateau. At
first, the path follows the river closely, later it leads eastwards
to a flat piece of dry and desert-like land. The scenery is
amazing with its red sandstone pillars and canyons. Thousands
of years of erosion have formed the landscape; rock formations
in fantastic forms and colours will be our companion throughout
the trip. The small town of Chele is nestled among extensive
barley fields that blanket the hillside. |
| Day
- 04 |
Chele - Geling (3500m) in 6h
30.
The climb continues along the side of a spectacular steep canyon
to a pass at 3500m with great views of the Himalayan chain,
the Nilgiri and Tilicho. From here, it descends on a pleasant
trail to Samar (3300m) situated in a grove of poplar trees.
This is a major stopping place for horse and mule caravans.
Then the trail climbs steadily into a valley filled with juniper
trees to reach 3800m. We then descend gently towards Geling. |
| Day
- 05 |
Geling - Tsarang (3500m) in
6h.
The trail climbs gently through fields, and then becomes steeper
to reach Nyi La (3840m). This pass is the southern boundary
of Lo or Mustang itself. We descend to Tsarang, a large spread-out
village inhabited entirely by Lobas. The huge five-storey monastery
fortress is perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge, to
the East end of the village. The Gompa houses an excellent collection
of statues and Thankas. |
| Day
- 06 |
Tsarang - Lo Manthang (3700m)
in 5h.
We climb gently above the valley to round a large chorten visible
for miles around, then continue to the final ridge (3850m).
Through a prayer flagged notch, a natural portal, lies the ‘plain
of inspiration’ beneath our feet. Out in front of us,
the red and grey monastery of Namgyal, summer residence of the
kings of Mustang. In the centre, surrounded by a ring of rounded
hills, each topped by a crumbling fort, stands the amazing walled
city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the inner kingdom, and the
seat of its great monastic tradition. The prosperity of the
city comes mostly from the time of intense commerce with Tibet
(salt and wool). |
| Day
- 07 |
Lo Manthang.
We now have two full days to explore the many monasteries, ancient
halls and temples of the walled city and the areas around it.
The centre of the city is dominated by the three major buildings:
the Champa Lhakang, (housing an enormous painted seated Buddha,
claimed to be dating back to the early 15th century); the Thugchen
Gompa, with its wonderful frescoes; and the Raja’s Palace,
the most imposing building in the city, with its solid tapering
walls sweeping up to a full four stories. You might even have
the occasion to meet Jigme Dorje, the Raja. |
| Day
- 08 |
Lo Manthang - Ghami (3460m)
in 6h 30.
For the first part of the return journey to Kagbeni, an alternative
route crosses the Tsarang Khola farther westward. Our track
meanders through this wide sparse pasture land. Then we reach
a greener valley and descend past the isolated settlement of
Lo Gekar to the welcome lush green of the trees around Ghar
Gompa. Afterwards, we walk up to a small pass and continue over
to the lovely green valley of Tramar, where the distinctive
red-fluted cliffs return to contrast with the yellow hues of
the north. Continuing down through the village fields we reach
Ghami, a pretty whitewashed village with a small gompa and a
nunnery. |
| Day
- 09 |
Ghami - Samar (3300m) en 6h.
We rejoin our outward journey. We steadily climb up to the Nyi
La pass, then go down and cut across Tama Gaon, avoiding descending
all the way to Geling. |
| Day
- 10 |
Samar- Chuksang (3050m) in
4h.
A steep descent towards Chele. The trail leads south to join
the Kali Gandaki route. We are back amongst green fields. |
| Day
- 11 |
Chuksang - Kagbeni en 5h
The route gets easier. We start with a gentle climb through
paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass and descend through
fir tree and rhododendron forests to Tillije. |
| Day
- 12 |
Kagbeni - Jomosom en 4h.
A short walk that gives us time for an excursion to Marpha.
A welcome or difficult return to civilisation after the unspoilt
simplicity of Mustang. |
| Day
- 13 |
Jomsom – Pokhara by plane. |
| Day
- 14 |
Pokhara - Katmandu by bus. |
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