Upper Mustang Trekking / Lo-Manthang Trek

Total area : 2350 sq km.
Population : 6500 people.
Local administration : 7 Village Development Committees (VDC).
Village : 31 villages.
Tourists : Approximately 1000 tourists per year.
Plants : 47 different plants.
Mammals : 40 different mammals.
Birds : 51 different birds.
Reptile : 1 reptile.
Monasteries : 13 major monasteries.
Caves : 5 different caves.
Trekking time : Aug – Nov / Mar – Jul.
Max. Altitude : 3880m.

Upper Mustang is a remote desolate and extremely fascinating region of Nepal set amongst wind eroded hills on the northern borders of Tibet. It was previously a forbidden Kingdom, it is now a Kingdom within Nepal that still retains its own King.Upper Mustang was only opened ( officially ) to tourists in 1992, then with strict limits on the amount allowed in one year. The destination is the historic walled city of Lo Mangtang.
Life in Lo-Manthang has continued much the same as it has for centuries. People are steeped in religion here with numerous Gompas, Mani walls (prayer walls) and chortens adorning the Kings palace and surrounds. Prayer flags flutter above each household, spreading good blessings to all corners of the world and the universe beyond. This area can be trekked all year round regardless of season. August is the mildest month, in winter there can be 30 to 40cms of snow to negotiate. The people are well adapted to the region after many centuries of experience surviving the harsh climate.They survive by practicing a form of agro-pastoralism and seasonal migration, farming is done whenever irrigation is possible, only one crop (barely) can be produced. The barely supports the local population for only 6 months a year with severe food shortages the rest of the time. As a result, during the winter months almost 70 percent of the local people emigrate to either the lower part of Mustang, Pokhara, Kathmandu or India, for employment and trading.


If you are planning a visit to Mustang you need to be in good physical condition. The tour commences with a flight from Katmandu to Jomsom via Pokhara.If you want to extend your time, It is possible to trek in for nine days from Pokhara.
The trekking route crosses the villages of Tangbe, Samar and Geling to reach Tsarang . The settlement of Tsarang is considered as one of the highlights of the tour, a day before Lo Mangthang.
In ancient Tsarang a set of human hands remains said to belong to the site’s master builder. According to legend, the King cut the builder’s hands off to stop him from constructing another masterpiece to compete against it.

It is expensive to visit the region, a single permit cost $700 U.S. for ten days, extendable at a further $70 U.S. a day. All provisions must be carried in, accommodation is under canvas with full Nepali support staff.


Itinerary for Lo-Monthang Trekking :
Day 01 : Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day02 : Trekking Preparation and leisure .
Day 03 : Drive or Fly to Pokhara 200 km. Pokhara is a inter mountain valley at an altitude of (900m ) with thegreat views of Mountain and its reflection on the level ofFewa Lake.
Day 04 : Early morning fly to Jomsom (2720m), after the breakfast we start trek to Kagbeni (2900m). The trail fromJomsom to Kagbeni follows all along the Kali Gandaki River. Camp at Kagbeni.
Day 05 : Kagbeni to Chhuksang (3050m). At places the trail is steep and passes through the ridges.
Day 06 : Chhuksang to Samar (3700m). The trail passes through the village of Chele along the Great Canyons and mysterious colorful caves. Part of the trail passes through up hill on a rocky saddle. The village of Samar is famous for birds watching and rare green views in a rocky place likeupper Mustang.
Day 07 : Samar to Tamagaon (3850m). While hiking from Samar to Tamagaon one can experience the great views of Nilgiri Hills, Thorang peak and other higher Himalayan range.
Day 08 : Tamagaon to Tsarang (3650m). The trail passes through the village of Ghemi. We camp at village of Tsarang; the village is famous for ruined muddy fort of Mustang King. Also the village of Tsarang is famous for old monasteries, buckwheat field and canyons.
Day 09 : Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3760m). Lo Manthang located in the wide valley at Tibetan plateau is the capital city of Mustang. We can visit their Majesty's the King and Queen at their palace. The historical and spiritual city of Lo Manthang is worth place to explore with its beautiful setting and picturesque buckwheat and barley fields.
Day 10 : Explore Lo Manthang.
Day 11 : Lo Manthang to Ghemi (3690m). Ghemi is famous for the ancient and longest Mani wall in Nepal which is said to be the large intestine of a demon.
Day 12-15 : Ghemi back to Jomsom
Day 16 : Jomsom- Fly to Pokhara
Day 17 : Leisure or Free day
Last Day : warm departure

 

Share this post