Mustang valley Trek
Mustang valley is situated in the north of Annapurna himal and it is bordering to Tibetan plateau(China). It is used to be called Mustang kingdom. It was founded in the 15th century by a Tibetan monarch who consolidated various small local fiefdoms into the Kingdom of Lo. Though it was eventually incorporated in to Nepal. Mustang has remained isolated .its reputation as wild country was reinforced by the Tibetain guerilla fighters who sheltered here in the 1960s to make daring raids on the Chinese across the border .Following their expulsion by Nepalese army troops in the early 1970s. Even after it was included in the Nepalese territory , entry was tightly rusticated for foreigners. In 1992, Nepalese government declared the opening of Mustang. It is still fresh in people’s memory. During the trekking on this course, you will be visiting villages that are still retaining old Tibetan culture in a desolate desert area. It is one of the very different trekking in Nepal.
Flora and Fauna
The range of geographical and climatic regions has led to a diverse variety of flora and fauna with in the Annapurna region. these parts of area are heavily cultivated and the landscape is terraced paddy fields for most of the year.the higher up in the hills the natural vegetation changes from the tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech and rhododendron.
People and culture
The most prominent ethnic groups in the annapurna region are the Gurung, Braman, chetri, Thakali and the Manangba.
Upper Mustang
To trek into upper mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of the true mountain people, for years, cut off from the rest of Nepal. In many ways, a trek into upper mustang is similar to trekking into Tibet, which geographically it is a part of. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the raja of mustang, still has his home at the ancient capital, Lo Manthang.
Access to upper Mustang has only been possible for non-Nepalese trekkers for around ten years and, even today, access is still heavily regulated and restricted. To enter upper Mustang, that is to travel further north than Kagbeni, trekkers need a special trekking permit and mist be accompanied by a government appointed environmental officer. The expenses of the environmental officer have to borne by the group. Trekker must have arranged their trek through a government recognized trekking agency in order to be issued permits. The cost of the trekking permit is US$500 per person for ten-day trek in the restricted area.
Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the few parts of the country that are suitable for trekking during the summer monsoon period. Even at this time, the upper kali Gandaki valley is still quiet dry with only occasional rainfall. The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached is only 3800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Cold in winter and windy and dusty all year. Winter treks are best avoided due to southern parts of the country and even India.
There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable, in Mustang, to use mules to carry the loads. These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly, than human porters.
The Mustang trek requires a minimum of Ten days starting and ending in Kagbeni. This allows the trek to be completed within the ten-day permit period. The route basically follows the kali Gandaki valley but, on occasions, climbs high above the valley walls. The settlements are scattered with little sign of cultivation between villages. In Mustang, little will grow without irrigation, which makes the settlements reminiscent of oases.
Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here for local sight-seeing. Ponies are available for hire for this purpose.
The return trip can either follow the upward route or, for an alternative, the eastern bank of the kali Gandaki may be followed
Day 01: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Free day in kathmandu or self visiting around kathmandu valley
Day 03: By tourist bus to Pokhara valley. over night at Hotel.
Day 04: Early flight to Jomsom and trek for 3-4 hours to Kagbeni ( over night at lodge)
Day 05: Kagbeni to Chelle ( 5 to 6 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (6 to 7 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi( 5 to 6 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang ( 4 to 5 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 09: Charang to Lo-mangthang ( 5 to 6 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 10: Rest day at Lomathang and Explore arond.
Day 11: Lomangthang to Ghar Gomba ( 4 to 5 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 12: Ghar Gompa to Ghiling ( 5 to 6 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 13: Ghiling to Chelle ( 5 to 6 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 14: Chele to Jomsom ( 6 to 7 hours of walking) over night at lodge
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara by air and at the afternoon free time
Day 16: Free day in Pokhara or self visiting around
Day 17: By tourist bus to kathmandu . the bus journey will take 7 to 8 hours.
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu or self visiting to Bhaktapur city and Patan city
Day 19: Departure for onwards destination (Tour Ends )
Day 01. Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our airport representative will be waiting outside the airport terminal a few metres from the exit door. Please check your name at play card. He will bring you to hotel in kathmandu. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes.
Day 02 : Free day in Kathmandu or self sightseeing around ( option are)
Mount Everest flight
It is possible to book a flight to see Mount Everest whilst you are in Kathmandu. The cost is US$205.00 (subject to change) per person .
The one hour Everest flight takes off from Kathmandu Airport and flies east where you can see magnificent mountains, including Mount Everest, from a height of around 25,000 feet. You can enjoy a seemingly endless chain of snow capped peaks as you fly above the clouds, over glaciers and lakes, rivers and gorges from your private individual window. This excursion offers a great opportunity to experience and photograph the aerial view of the highest mountain peaks in the world, the Kathmandu valley and the landscapes of Nepal.
The mountain flights are operated by one of the domestic airlines and they depart in the morning. Please note that the flight only operates when the weather is good and view is satisfactory. The best season is September to May. If you are interested in booking this please ask your tour leader for further details.
Swayambunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
The famous Swayambunath Temple is perched on a hill outside Kathmandu and has a square golden stupa rising from a lovely white dome. Monkeys play on the steps up to this temple. Swayambhunath is said to be more than 2000 years old and is a very holy place for Buddhists as well as Hindus. You have a wonderful view over Kathmandu from here.
Boudhanath stupa
Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet . It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha , on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu .
History
Bodnath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site.
Pashupatinath Temple :
Situated 5km east of kathamandu, the temple of Lord Shiva , Pashupatinath, with two tired golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activites performed in the Temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The Temple was listed in the UNESCO world heritage Monument List in 1979
Day 03 :Kathmandu to Pokhara valley by regular tourist bus: 7-8 hrs drive,
Early in the morning your trekking guide will pick up at your hotel and travel together with you to tourist bus station and drive (approximately seven hours with breaks) through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside
(823m/2,700ft) and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore the surrounding lakeside areas and overnight at hotel.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure with several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks.The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.
The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni, 3-4 hrs walking: After an early
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, From Jomsom trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekle-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk reaches you to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,375ft), which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting wind swept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. On arrival, check in the lodge ( tea house) with afternoon free for a stroll around the village.
Day 05 :Kagbeni to chele, 5-6 hrs walk:
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we will reach at Tangbe village with crops field. From here we trek forward to Chhusang after ½ hour walk and crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village (3050m/10,004ft) after 18 kilometers for overnight at tea house.
Day 06 :Chele to Syanbochen, 6-7 hrs walk:
Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We will climbs to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. Further descends a little to the village of Samar for our lunch. Further walk around 3 hrs similar walk will reach you at Syanbochen (3475m/11,398ft) after 8 kilometers for the overnight at teahouse.Remaining time explore the surrounding area.
Day 07 :Syanbochen to Ghaymi, 5-6 hrs walk:
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda, and crosses over a few other passes. The longer climb will be to Nyi Pass(4,010m/13,193ft) after lunch, we descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi(3520m/11,546ft) after 12 kilometers walk.
Day 08 :Ghaymi to Charang, 4-5 hrs walk:
We start you trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Charang (3500m/11,480ft) for the overnight. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall (Secret stone wall of the Buddhism). From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang after 11 kilometers up and down to get to our teahouse for tonight stop.
Day 09 :Charang to Lo-Mangthang, 5-6 hrs walk:
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley (3700m/12,136ft). While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop. Rest of the time explores the surrounding area.
Day 10: Rest day and explore around Lomathang
Day 11 :Lo-Mangthang to Ghar Gompa, 4-5 hrs walk:
After a wonderful time at Lo-Mangthang we back to Ghar Gompa which is also interesting place to explore the local area takes 4-5 hrs. During the walk you will suffer the dusty wind and as suggested to walk in the morning.
Day 12 :Ghar Gompa to Ghiling, 5-6 hrs walk:
Today, we will back to Ghiling (3806m/12,484ft) as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day explore the area but it will be dusty better to walk in evening time.
Day 13 :Ghiling to Chele, 5-6 hrs walk:
We re-track back to Chele (3050m/10,004ft) for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at tea house.
Day 14 :Chele to Jomsom, 6-7 hrs walk:
Today, we will have a last day trek as well as long. It is better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni finished the upper Mustang trails and join to the normal as Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom (2700/8,856ft) for the overnight stop.
Day 15 :Fly back to Pokhara:
This wonderful morning, after breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.
Day 16: Free day in Pokhara or self sightseeing around ( Option are)
Fewa lake
Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the center of attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara.
Mahendra cave
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.
Seti River
Another of Pokhara’s natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti river. Flowing right through the city, this river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the rivers’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
Barahi Temple
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
Museum
The Pokhara Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed through models, photographs and artifacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang.
Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm
Devi’s Fall
Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall). Devi’s Fall (also known as Devin’s and David’s) is a lovely waterfall lying about two km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David..) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Day 17 :Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 7-8 hour of driving
Early in the Morning we will drive back through the scenic countryside and en route will stop for breakfast & lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu your trekking guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel and you own or further references you extending holiday as per your time and interest.
Day18: Free day in Kathmandu or self sightseeing ( Option are)
Bhaktapur durbar Squares:
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 Windows, built by King Ranjit Malla. The gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The palace of 55 Window was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windws. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal . There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the Bell of Barking Dogs. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, used to ring to signal curfew those days. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Galley, the Batsal Temple , etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on the column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979.
Patan
The ancient city of Patan , lying 5 km southwest of kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts, The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today’s visitors.
Patan Durbar Square:
Situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitor’s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, Temple and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan durbar Square consist of three main chowks or countryards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar narayan Chowk, The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture. The Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument list in 1979.
Krishna Mandir:
Built in 1637 AD, the temple of Lord Krishaa holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal . It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely 21 spires and is completely mad of stone.
Day 17 :Departure onwards destination ( Tour Ends)
Price Per Person US$ 1575.00 (Price are based on standard class hotel)
Price for meals and drinks during the trek Allow US$ 24-26 per person per day for trekking (off-course you are going to pay every day directly by yourself to the tea houses during the trek.it is just a guideline)
Single supplement US$ 150.00 per person ( you will get single room in kathmandu and during the trek. you can also book your trekking tour as a single person with us. in this case we will charge little higher)
Additional night in kathmandu will cost US$ 35.00 for Double room with Bed and Breakfast and US$ 30.00 for single room.
Additional night in Pokhara will cost US$ 35.00 for Double and US$ 30.00 for single room with bed and breakfast.
Trekking prices with out hotel in kathmandu and in pokhara will cost US$ 1475.00 per person.
Off-course it is always possible to upgrade the hotel in kathmandu according to your budget and interest. But it will cost you extra and you need to pay the differences.
Hotel we use in this tour
Kathmandu Prince Hotel (standard class hotel)
Thamel, Chhetrapati, kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4255961, 4255282, Fax : 977-1-4255282
E-Mail : [email protected] Website : www.kathmanduprincehotel.com
Or
Potala Guest House (Standard class hotel)
Thamel, chetrapati, Kathmandu Tel : 4226566, 4220467
Email: [email protected] Website : www.potalaguesthouse.com
Or
Hotel Marsyandi Mandala (Standard class hotel)
Thamel, Chhetrapati, Dhobichour, Kathmandu,
Email: [email protected]
http://www.marsyangdimandala.com
Hotel Kantipur (2 Star)
VIP Area Lake -Side Pokhara, Nepal
E-mail: [email protected]
http://hotelkantipur.com
or
Hotel we use in Pokhara
Pokhara village Resort (Standard class)
Email: [email protected]
[email protected] www.pokharavillage.com
Delux class hotel
Hotel Manasulu (3star)
Address: 230, Hotel Marg, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Website: www.hotelmanaslu.com
Grand Hotel Kathmandu (4star)
Email: [email protected]
http://www.grandhotelnepal.com
Hotel Manang Pvt. Ltd (3star)
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-1-4700389, 4700993
Email: [email protected],
http://www.hotelmanang.com
Hotel Yellow pagoda (4 star)
Contact Information
Kantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977 1 4227345, 4220041
[email protected]
www.yellowpagoda.com
Radission hotel kathmandu (5star)
https://www.radisson.com/kathmandu-hotel-np/nepkathm
Hotel Yak & Yeti (5star)
GPO Box no. 1016
Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel : +977-1-4248999, 4240520
Fax: +977-1-4227781/ 4227782
http://www.yakandyeti.com/
Hotel Barahi (Delux hotel 3 star)
Lakeside,Pokhara-6,
http://www.barahi.com
Hotel Temple tree resort and spa (Delux hotel in Pokhara) 4 star
Gaurighat, Lakeside 6, Nepal
[email protected]
http://templetreenepal.com
Fishtail Lodge Pokhara (5star)
P.O. Box 10
Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
Tel: +977 61 465071/460248/460258
Fax: +977 61 465072
E-mail:
[email protected] / [email protected]
http://fishtail-lodge.com/fishtail/
shangri-La Kathmandu & Pokhara (5star)
Address: Lazimpat, Kathmandu Nepal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +977-1-4412999 I 4419743
Shangri-La Pokhara:
Address: Gharipatan, Pokhara, Nepal
http://hotelshangrila.com/
Note: As per our company rule to confirm your booking with us we do need photo copy of your passport, one passport size photo graph, international flight details (Date of arrival , date of departure ,flight number ) and 15% of total amount as a down payment. Rest remaining other amount you can pay to us upon your arrival in kathmandu. Once you agreed to booking with us then we can provide you our bank details to make wire transfer or you can also pay by major credit cards such as visa, Master or by American express. in this case you need to send us copy of your credit cards. But it will cost you 5% extra because it is the rule of our local bank.
Note: If some one who is willing to book their trekking tour as a private then the tour will departure everyday.
What’s Included
- Airport Pickup and Drop by private transport (International flight and Domestic flight)
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist bus
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel with Bed and Breakfast (Centrally located, Attach bathrooms, hot and cold shower)
- 3 night hotel in pokhara with Bed and Breakfast ( hotel are centrally located, attach bathroom, hot and cold shower, Restaurant)
- 11 nights 12 days trekking in Lodge (lodges are simple ,clean enough and has a hot and cold shower)
- special Trekking permit for Mustang valley valid for 10 days. (Note: if some one who intend to spend more then 10 days in upper Mustang valley then it will cost extra US$ 50 per person per day for trekking permit)
- Trekking map for Mustang valley and for Annapurna Region
- Annapurna national park permit with TIMS card (we need 3photos for permit)
- One experienced trekking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), One trekking porter between every two client (Our trekking porter he will carry maximum 22 k.g. of baggage) .Their meals /accommodation /transportation /salary /insurance /equipments are included in price.
- Domestic Airfare ( Pokhara to Jomsom /Jomsom to Pokhara and domestic airport tax,
- Airfare for our trekking Guide and Trekking Porter
- Sleeping bag for trekking
- First aid kit Box
- All the govt tax
What’s not Included
- Personal bar bill, travel insurance/International airfare.
- Items of personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, tips etc.
- Nepal entry visa fee US$ 40 (duration 30 days from date of issue)- Available at Royal Nepalese Embassies and Royal Nepalese Consulates abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Sight seeing tour and All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu and Pokhara valley
- All the meals and drinks during the trek (Allow US$ 24-26 per person per day for trekking )
- Tips for trekking guide and for trekking porter.
