Step into the past and explore a kingdom long isolated from the outside world

Formerly the kingdom of Lo, Nepal’s Mustang region lies hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna at the very roof of Asia. Long isolated from the outside world, its people have maintained a way of life almost unchanged for centuries. As you make your way through this secluded land you’ll pass brightly painted chortens (Buddhist shrines), enormous monasteries, and arresting views of the snow-covered Himalaya. In the capital of Lo Manthang, you’ll appreciate the timelessness of an ancient culture marked by the ruins of old forts, monasteries rich in art and history, and caves replete with magnificent religious statues.

Activities

14 days strenuous hiking on varied terrain at medium elevation (max. 13,280')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the last bastion of pure Tibetan culture and religion
• Enjoy a rare opportunity to step foot into a region accessible only by special permit
• Exclusive journey with the Himalayan trekking experts since 1969!

Duration: 20 days Start Location: Kathmandu End Location: Kathmandu

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu

  Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal. Afternoon orientation with your MTS trip guide.

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  Day 2 : Kathmandu and Bhaktapur

  Morning city tour of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You're free to explore Kathmandu on your own for the rest of the day.

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  Day 3 : Morning flight to Pokhara (3,000')

  Scenic morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a lively town set beside Phewa Lake.

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  Day 4 : Morning flight to Jomsom (9,053') and begin trek to Kagbeni (9,315')

  Morning flight to Jomsom and we begin our trek to the medieval village of Kagbeni. (3 hours hiking)

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  Day 5 : Chele (10,168')

  We enter the forbidden kingdom of Mustang and trek to the Tibetan village, Chele. (6-7 hours hiking)

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  Day 6 : Geling (11,170')

  From Chele, we hike to Samar, where we stop for an early lunch.  In the afternoon, we face a challenging four-hour hike with three high ridges to scale on our way to Geling. (8-9 hours hiking)

• Day 7 : Charang (11,677')

  In the morning, we'll cross the 13,186-foot Nyi La Pass and descend to village of Ghemi. After lunch we'll pass over the Dhakmar Chu River and climb another challenging ridge before touring the ancient town of Charang.

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  Day 8 : Lo Manthang (12,595')

  From Charang, we'll cross the Charang Chu River and begin our climb. After trekking through a desert-like landscape we'll get our first view of Lo Manthang, our final destination.

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  Days 9 - 10 : Lo Manthang (12,595')

  Enjoy two full days of exploring Lo Manthang and its many sights.

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  Day 11 : Return Trek - Yara (11,742')

  Leave Lo Manthang and begin our return trek to Jomsom via different trail. (6-7 hours hiking)

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  Day 12 : Gara (11,742')

  Visit Luri Gompa, an ancient cave monastery built into the sandstone cliffs. (7 hours hiking)

• Day 13 : Tange (10,892')

  Retrace the trail for about 1 hour before heading south to Tange. (6 hours hiking)

• Day 14 : Pa (13,280')

  The trail leads from Tange down to the Tange Khola River. After a couple river crossings, a very steep hike reveals a panoramic view of Tsarang, Lo Manthang, and the northern border. Next, we reach the summit of Pa with views of Dhaulagiri on our way to camp. (6 hours hiking)

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  Days 15 - 16 : Tetang (9,630') / Muktinath (12,450')

  Exceptional views of the entire Mustang Valley can be seen today as well as Kali Gandaki Valley and Thorang La Pass. The trail is narrow and steep for most of the day before arriving at Tetang. (6 hours hiking)

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  Day 17 : Jomsom (12,450')

  Visit the temple and holy shrines of pilgrimage site Muktinath before heading for Jomsom. (5 hours hiking)

• Day 18 : Kathmandu

  Return flight to Kathmandu.

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  Day 19 : Kathmandu

  Morning tour of Kathmandu, if our flight from Jomsom is not delayed.

• Day 20 : Fly home

  Transfer to the airport and fly home.

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  Yak & Yeti Hotel

  Kathmandu, Nepal

  A 5-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, the Yak & Yeti is the perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored Nepali tradition. Guests will find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens, while enjoying a state-of-the-art gymnasium, spa, shopping arcade, atrium, tennis courts and swimming pools.

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  Shangri La Village

  Shangri~La Village, Pokhara is a discreet, compact resort which is a 5 minute drive from the airport and 3km from the Phewa lake, with 65 meticulously designed rooms surrounded by spacious landscaped gardens and a panoramic view from every room.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Sanjeev Chhetri

  Sanjeev Chhetri is a graduate of Delhi University, India, and has been leading treks in Nepal, Tibet, India and the Alps since 1990. He is an avid bird-watcher and very well traveled, with time spent in India, Tibet, China, England, Ireland, France, Thailand, USA and Switzerland. He lives with wife and son in Kathmandu. Sanjeev is very knowledgeable of the cultures, religions, and traditions of the countries he leads trek for and enjoys sharing his experiences with you.

photo credits: MTS Photo File