The Mustang region of Nepal, also known as the “Kingdom of Lo,” is a remote and mystical area in the north-central part of the country. Here’s an explanation of what makes it special:
Geography and Landscape
- Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it a desert-like area with rugged terrain, deep canyons, and striking cliffs.
- It’s divided into two parts:
- Lower Mustang: Includes areas like Jomsom, Marpha, and Kagbeni. It’s relatively more accessible and has diverse natural beauty with mountain views.
- Upper Mustang: Known for its barren landscapes, ancient caves, and Tibetan-influenced culture.
Key Highlights
- Muktinath Temple: A sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, located in Lower Mustang.
- Kagbeni: A beautiful village marking the entrance to Upper Mustang, with stunning views and cultural significance.
- Lo Manthang: The ancient capital of Upper Mustang, featuring royal palaces, monasteries, and colorful festivals.
- Apple Orchards in Marpha: Famous for apple products like cider, brandy, and dried fruits.
- Caves and Rock Formations: Thousands of ancient caves in Upper Mustang used as meditation retreats or burial sites.
Adventure and Trekking
- The Mustang region offers incredible trekking opportunities, including the Upper Mustang Trek, which provides views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
- It’s perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures with cultural immersion.
Why Visit Mustang?
- Scenic Beauty: Desert landscapes juxtaposed with snow-capped peaks.
- Cultural Richness: Ancient monasteries, unique festivals, and Tibetan culture.
- Adventure: Trekking, mountain biking, and exploring remote areas.
- Accessibility: Easy access to Lower Mustang (via road or flight) and the thrill of venturing into Upper Mustang.
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrive at Kathmandu airport as per your flight schedule and transfer to the hotel (Kathmandu Prince Hotel or similar).
- Meet the guide for an introduction and briefing about the trek.
- Meals (lunch and dinner) at your own expense.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02 :
Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided cultural tour (9 AM - 4 PM) of Kathmandu Valley, visiting Pashupatinath, Patan, and Boudhanath.
- Transportation and guide services are included; site entrance fees are payable on-site.
- Meanwhile, necessary trek permits for Mustang are arranged.
- Meals at your own expense.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 :
Jonurney Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)
- Early departure accompanied by your guide in a tourist bus to Pokhara.
- Check-in at Hotel Glory Garden
- Free evening in Pokhara.
- Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 :
Flight to Jomsom (2,720m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m)
- Start your trek with a 20-minute flight to Jomsom (2,720m).
- Walk along the Kali Gandaki River, passing the Nilgiri Mountain (7,061m).
- Reach Kagbeni (2,810m), a fortified village known for its Tibetan-style architecture.
- Trek duration: 3 hours.
- Overnight in a lodge.
- Note: Flight to Jomsom is weather-dependent and may be delayed or postponed. If canceled, a long road journey via private minibus will be arranged.
Day 05 :
Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m)
- Enter Mustang region and follow a mule trail.
- Visit Gompa Kang monastery and cave dwellings.
- Witness the first black, white, and red chortens of Upper Mustang.
- Pass through Chuksang village with winding alleys.
- Trek duration: 6 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 06 :
Trek from Chele to Syanboche (3,475m)
- Ascend towards Samar village (3,400m).
- Cross an iron bridge and pass through a red rock tunnel.
- Reach Baga La Pass (3,700m) and Yamdo La Pass (3,900m).
- Enjoy stunning views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks.
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 07 :
Trek from Syanboche to Ghami (3,520m)
- Trek via Shyang Mochen to Gheling village.
- Cross Nyi La Pass (3,990m) and Ghami La Pass (3,520m).
- Reach Ghami village, home to a 500-year-old monastery.
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 08 :
Trek from Ghami to Dhakmar (3,820m)
- Pass Nepal’s longest mani wall (240m) engraved with Tibetan mantras.
- Arrive at Dhakmar, known for red cliffs and traditional Mustang-style houses.
- Trek duration: 1.5 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 09 :
Trek from Dhakmar to Lo Manthang (3,700m)
- Visit ancient cliffside caves, believed to be burial sites.
- Cross the Prayer Plain, lined with sacred chortens.
- Arrive at Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Mustang.
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 10/11 :
Acclimatization and Exploration in Lo Manthang
- Explore the royal palace and 15th-century monasteries.
- Walk through narrow alleys and observe Mustang’s unique way of life.
- Overnight stays in Lo Manthang.
Day 12 :
Trek from Lo Manthang to Tsarang (3,620m)
- Trek past ancient chortens and barley fields.
- Visit a monastery with beautiful murals in Tsarang.
- Trek duration: 5 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 13 :
Trek from Tsarang to Gheling (3,550m)
- Walk through whitewashed Mustang villages.
- Visit Gompa monastery for panoramic views of Nilgiri and Tilicho.
- Trek duration: 5 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 14 :
Trek from Gheling to Chusang (3,300m)
- Trek through the arid landscape of Upper Mustang.
- Reach Chusang, located at the confluence of two rivers.
- Observe ruins of an ancient fortress near the village.
- Trek duration: 6-7 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 15 :
Trek from Chusang to Jomsom via Kagbeni (2,600m)
- Retrace your journey through Kagbeni.
- Trek duration: 7 hours.
- Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 16 :
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Early morning flight to Pokhara (subject to weather conditions).
- Spend the day relaxing by Phewa Lake and exploring Pokhara.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17 :
Journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Travel back to Kathmandu via tourist bus (optional flight available).
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18 :
Departure from Kathmandu
- Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time before airport transfer.
