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This
trek takes you behind the Himalayas to the once-forbidden kingdom of Mustang,
a Tibet-like valley, with arid terrain and wind-eroded hills. Opened to
a handful of trekkers recently, Mustang attracts adventurers from around
the globe. The trip to Mustang is one of the finest adventures that Nepal
can offer
GRADE:
MODERATE - CHALLENGING
DURATION: 21 DAYS
(16 DAYS TENTED TREK, 1 DAY POKHARA, 4 DAYS KATHMANDU)
Located
at the upper end of the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the deepest in the world
Mustang is famous for its untouched culture, its harsh landscape, its
unique art and architecture, and some of its prehistoric caves are still
used by passing travelers.
Mustang sees very little rainfall and relies on trade for most of its
income. Its capital Lo Manthang (3730m) is a fortress-like legendary city
of about 150 stone houses and Tibetan-style monasteries. Local inhabitants
are known as Lobas and they practice Tibetan Buddhism.
The trek starts from the Jomsom airstrip (2713m). You will pass through
Kagbeni, a settlement of closely packed mud houses, winding alleys, and
impressive chortens. At Charang an ancient fortress standing at the edge
of a great hill houses Buddha statues and sacred scroll paintings. Then
you will walk across desert-like terrain, climb over a ridge, and enter
the valley of Lo Manthang.
Despite the apparent squalor
of the city, it is prosperous and wealth is measured in terms of acreage,
horses, and social standing. One of the most striking aspects of the city
is the local architecture. The roof of the house is used to store large
stacks of firewood, often indicative of social status and wealth. On the
walls are horns of sheep and yak. At Mustang we will be visiting monasteries
that date back to the 1420s. You will especially love the intricate mandalas
painted upon its walls and enjoy a visit to Thugchen Gompa, a massive
assembly hall supported by huge wooden columns near the center of the
city.
Sherpa Trekking will introduce you to King Jigme of Mustang and his queen
and you will see how he and his ancestors have lived in this ancient enclave
over the centuries. We will also take you to the upper Mustang area and
its two secret valleys. You will see the Mustang King's summer palace,
Namgyal Gompa (the Monastery of Victory), and other important gompas.
The valleys are on the main trading route to Lhasa used over the centuries
by pilgrims, traders, and invaders. This trip to Mustang is sure to move
your heart even if you have traveled extensively throughout the world.
Dep 1: 11 May - 31 May |
Dep
2: 17 Sep - 07 Oct |
Dep 1: 29 Apr - 19 May |
Dep
3: 16 Sep - 06 Oct |
Dep 2: 19 May - 08 Jun |
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Day
1-2: |
Arrive
in Kathmandu - Transfer to hotel - Welcome dinner. Full day sightseeing
tour around ancient Stupas, Temples & Palaces of Kathmandu. |
Day
3: |
Overland
to Pokhara - Explore the town of Pokhara |
Day
4-17: |
Fly to
Jomsom (2713m) - Trek around the village & Rest.- Trek to Kagbeni
(2810m) - Cheley (3050m) - Ghami (3520m) - Tsarang (3500m) - Lo Manthang
(3700m) - (Side trips to Chhosar, Tinghar, Phuwa & Namgyal, Nyphu,
Kymaling) - Gar Gumpa - Gami - Sangmuchey- Cheley - Kagbeni - Jomsom |
Day
18-19 |
Fly to
Pokhara - Drive to Kathmandu. |
Day
20 |
Time
on own. |
Day
21 |
Trip
ends after breakfast, Transfer to international airport for departure. |
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