Trip Grade
Easy
Duration
18 Days / 5 -7 Hours Per Day
Country
Nepal
Season
Spring / Fall
Max Altitude
3,810m
Trip Type
Trekking
The historical remote Mustang trek unseal the once Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, tucked away from the rest of the world, lies just north of the main Himalayan range of Nepal. Mustang is a land where the soul of the man is still considered to be as honest as the feet he walks on. A land said to be "barren as a dead deer", but where beauty and happiness abound despite hardship, it was a part of the Tibetan Kingdom of Gungthang until the 1830s. The walled city of Lo Monthang, the unofficial capital of Mustang, remains a kingdom within a kingdom. The early history of Lo Monthang is embellished in myth and legend rather than recorded fact. Mustang maintained its status as a separate principality until 1951. The king of Lo Monthang still retains his title. He has been given the honorary rank of Colonel in the Nepal army.
Trekking in Mustang was officially opened in 1992. It allows limited numbers of trekkers each year to protect and conserve the local Tibetan tradition and the fragile environment. A trek into this fabled forbidden kingdom of vast, arid valleys, eroded canyons, ocher valley, yak caravans, and colourfully painted mud brick houses on the back dropped of the majestic mountain of Nilgiri, Tukche, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri makes your medieval walled kingdom Mustang trekking an exceptional one.
Shangrila Eco Trek regularly organizes treks to the Himalayan Kingdom of Mustang. The TIJI festival is a three-day ritual known as" The chasing of the Demons", one of the region's most important festivals. Over the festive time, monks dressed in elaborate costumes and masks perform dances and rituals that are supposed to drive away evil spirits. Dressed in their finery, people from all over Mustang gather in Lo Monthang to celebrate the Tiji festival.
DAY
1
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey.
DAY
2
This day is dedicated to preparing for the trek and exploring the city of Kathmandu. You will meet with your trekking guide and go over the details of the trek. Afterward, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
DAY
3
You will either take a 30-minute flight or a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city in western Nepal. You will have the rest of the day to explore Pokhara and prepare for the trek.
DAY
4
You will take a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, a town in the Mustang region. From there, you will begin your trek to Kagbeni, a picturesque village located at the entrance of Upper Mustang.
DAY
5
You will continue your trek to Chuksang, a small village located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
6
You will trek to Samar, a village located on a ridge overlooking the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
7
You will trek to Gelling, a village located on a hill overlooking the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you will visit Chungsi Gompa, a beautiful monastery perched on a cliff.
DAY
8
You will trek to Tsharang, a village located in the heart of Upper Mustang. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
9
You will trek to Lomanthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
10
You will have a rest day in Lomanthang to explore the town and its surroundings. You can visit the eastern and western valleys, including Chokser, Chonup, Namgyal, and other traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
11
You will trek to Dakmar, a village located on a hill overlooking the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you will visit Ghar Gompa, a beautiful monastery perched on a cliff.
DAY
12
You will trek to Syangmochen, a small village located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
13
You will trek back to Chuksang, a small village located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
14
You will trek to Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional Mustang villages.
DAY
15
You will trek back to Jomsom, where you will spend the night before flying back to Pokhara the next day.
DAY
16
You will take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, where you will spend the night.
DAY
17
You will have a free day in Kathmandu to explore the city on your own or relax at your hotel.
DAY
18
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination
