Mustang Lo Manthang Trek

14 Day(s)

Overview The Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is a captivating journey that takes trekkers deep into the heart of the remote and ancient Kingdom of Lo, situated in the breathtaking Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Starting from Jomsom, a charming town nestled in the Annapurna region, the trek gradually ascends through arid landscapes, barren hills, and rocky terrain. Trekkers traverse along the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world, surrounded by majestic peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop. The highlight of the Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is reaching the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang, an ancient…

Overview

The Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is a captivating journey that takes trekkers deep into the heart of the remote and ancient Kingdom of Lo, situated in the breathtaking Upper Mustang region of Nepal.

Starting from Jomsom, a charming town nestled in the Annapurna region, the trek gradually ascends through arid landscapes, barren hills, and rocky terrain. Trekkers traverse along the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world, surrounded by majestic peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop.

The highlight of the Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is reaching the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang, an ancient settlement steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture. The city boasts intriguing monasteries, whitewashed houses, and narrow alleys that exude a unique and mystical atmosphere. Visitors immersed in the local traditions, witnessing traditional dance performances and engaging with the warm and friendly locals.

The trek also takes trekkers to the remote villages of Ghami and Tsarang, which are adorned with ancient monasteries and chortens, offering insights into the region’s spiritual heritage. The diverse landscapes constantly change as the journey unfolds, ranging from arid desert-like terrains to lush barley fields and apple orchards in the lower regions.

As the trail climbs higher, trekkers often encounter strong winds and unique geological formations, such as the “Teechi” cliffs that appear like medieval castles precariously perched on cliffs. The experience made even more surreal as travelers witness the surreal “Lo Manthang Caves” which are home to centuries-old rock-cut dwellings.

The Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is a restricted region, and trekkers require a special permit to embark on this adventure. This restriction has contributed to preserving the area’s culture and natural beauty, making it a trek cherished by those seeking an off-the-beaten-path and culturally immersive experience.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, the Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is a mesmerizing journey that combines stunning landscapes, ancient cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. The blend of natural beauty, unique Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and a sense of adventure make this trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those eager to explore the hidden gems of Nepal’s Himalayan landscape.

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Trip Highlights

						The former ancient “Kingdom of Lo”, rich in Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
 Arid Landscape with patches of cultivated green fields.
Experience the 3-day Tiji festival in May (“pray for world peace”) in Lo- Manthang.
Visit historical, natural, cultural & heritage sites along with Nepal’s oldest Buddhist monasteries
View some of the 10,000 caves, temples & monasteries where monks meditate and practice their religious rituals.
Visit Lubra Village with its Bonpo religion (older than Buddhism).
Drakmar’s famous red cliffs.

					

Itinerary

It takes about six hours’ drive with beautiful mountain views and villages or you can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 minutes’ flight) and stay overnight at hotel

The 30-minute flight offers marvelous mountain view. Our trek starts from Jomsom. One can gain a unique experience while walking along the trail of this section. The landscape is barren. The sun is often hot and the powerful wind blows. The Kali Gandaki River-bed is about one-kilometer wide here. The river is divided into several streams. After completing about 3 hours of trek, we will reach Kagbeni, where we will stay overnight at camp.

The restricted area starts from Kagbeni. Foreign tourists are required to show permit at the local police post while going beyond Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, the trail climbs immediately to a ridge marked by a small stone chorten. Then, the trail descends and climbs over another ridge. After a few ups and downs along the narrow trail, we will reach a plateau at an elevation of 3,040 metres above sea level. The trail now drops steeply into a dry river bed and we need to make a short climb to Tangbe (3040 m). About one hour beyond Tangbe, we will reach Chhukung village. Some spectacular red organ-pipe eroded cliffs above the mouths of inaccessible caves can be seen across the Kali Gandaki from Chhukusang. After trekking for 5 and half hours’, we will reach Chele and stay overnight at camp.

We will have to pass through desert-like high altitude area that climbs in and out of huge side valleys of the Kali Gandaki. The climb from Chele is up a steep spur to a chain and a view of Ghyakar across a huge canyon. After crossing the ridge the trail enters a large side valley and makes long gradual descent to Samar. The trail climbs above Samar to a ridge, descends steeply to a stream. The, it climbs back to a chorten painted in red, and yellow, black and white all pigments made from local rocks. It’s short gentle climb to the Syangmochen La (3850 m). From here, we can see Geling. On this day, we will have to walk for about 7 hours and stay overnight at camp.

The trail from Geling turns westward and climbs gently through fields up the centre of the valley, passing below Tama Gaon and its impressive chorten. After then, we will reach Nyi La (4,020 m.) and have beautiful mountain views and landscape. After making a bit descent down to Ghami, we can see a long Mani wall along the way. The staring trail descends below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmar Chu. Then, the trail climbs past what is perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch of Mani wall in Nepal. After Choya La pass, we will reach Tsarang. On this day also, we will have to walk for 7 hours. And we will stay overnight at camp.

The trail descends down to Tsarang Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a chain on a ridge opposite the village at 3,580m. Then, the trail enters the Tholung valley and turns north and climbs gently to a large isolated chorten that marks the boundary between Tserang and Lo. Finally, we will reach Lo La (3,950 m). There is a view of the walled city of Lo-Manthang. A short descent leads onto the plain of aspiration, and then the trail crosses a stream and climbs up onto the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Our trek for the day ends after 5 hours’ walk. Then, we will stay overnight at camp.

(explore around)

The trail goes gently up. After 2 hours’ walk, we will reach Chogo La (4,200 m.). We can have breath-taking views of mountains, valleys, and pasturelands with many yaks grazing. Then, we will head down to Lo-Ghekar. After completing about 4 hours’ walk, we will stay overnight at camp.

After covering a distance of about 505m from Lo – Ghekar, we will reach Marang La and enjoy mountain views and Dhakmar village. We can also see a green community forest and nearby village with hundreds of caves at Dhakmar. Within 2 and a half hours, we will reach Ghami, where we will stay overnight at camp.

We will follow the same trail.

From Syangmochen, the trail goes down hill passing through small villages of Samar, Chele and Chuksang and Tetang. We will stay overnight at camp.

Tetang to Muktinath (3,760m.):The trail goes up steep hill till Ghyu La (4,135m.) From here, we can have a panoramic mountain view Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Thorong Peak and many more. The trail goes down hill cross the hanging bridge and walking through Dzong village and we will reach the famous pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Today’s trek will be complete within about seven hours of walk and we will stay overnight at camp.

Muktinath to Jomsom (2,760m.):The trail goes gently down hill to Eklebhatti. Then, the route to Jomsom is straight. Better to walk early in the morning because the wind blows after about 11 a.m. Today’s trip will be completed within 5 hours and we will stay overnight at camp or lodge.

Fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom

What's Included

1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3/4/5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast) & Other Destination Based on Trekking Area.
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from trail head.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Fare well dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Trekking Duffle Bag
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.

What's Excluded

1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Trip Information

“NEPAL’S REMOTE WILD WEST”

The Kingdom of Lo Manthang– rich in history and Tibetan culture.

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to one of the most remote and isolated regions in the Himalayas bordering Tibet..

Mustang was previously known as the Kingdom of Lo with Upper Mustang only opened to trekking since 1992 making it one of the most preserved regions in the world. The majority of people still speak Tibetan dialects!

The Upper Mustang trek gives you an opportunity to explore many hidden valleys wedged between Tibet and the Himalayas. The walled city of Lo-Manthang (3840m) used to be a part of the Tibetan Kingdom of Gungthang until the 1830s. The remoteness and rugged landscape are unlike anything seen elsewhere in Nepal. This is a surreal landscape that will make you feel you have stepped back in time.

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