Upper Mustang Trekking

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Black Diamond at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After check into the hotel, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Dinner

Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Black Diamond briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Breakfast

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. En-route we will see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. We can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara. Overnight in Hotel Middle Path.

Breakfast

After an early breakfast transfer to the Pokhara Airport to take the spectacular flight to Jomsom (headquarter of Mustang region and famous for its apples) which is flying over the gorge of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna. From Jomsom, we cross the small suspension bridge and then walk along the Kali Gandaki River bed enjoying the stunning view of Mt. Nilgiri, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail is very windy in the afternoon. After 3 hours walking through flat and barren land, we reach Ekley-bhatti village and then an hour walk takes us to Kagbeni which is situated on the bank of two rivers, Kak Khola and Mustang Khola. Confluence of these two rivers forms Kali Gandagi River. Kagbeni is the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we walk upstream of Kali Gandaki completing the paperwork formalities in police check post. On the way, on the west bank of the river, we can see some caves and Gompa Kang. Most of the monasteries in Upper Mustang are of the Sakyapa sect, but the Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. We stop in Tangbe village for lunch, where we come across the first black, white and red Chortens that personify Upper Mustang. The little town is a maze of narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buckwheat and barley and apple orchards. From there 2 hours walk bring us to the Chuksang village which is situated at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chuksang are some spectacular red eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We head continuing to north and reach the river. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of a tunnel and north from here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable by foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Chele. Watch out for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs here, which are chained to many of the houses. From Chele we climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Beyond the pass, we descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major place to stop for horse and mule caravans.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We climb above Samar to the ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Syanbochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail climbs gently from Syanbochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with its extensive fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Geling, the trail climbs gently through fields, up the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing Chorten. We then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, the loose and dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. Along the trail enjoy the magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you are free to explore the fascinating Village of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. Visit Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After then visit Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Passing the settlement of Lo Gekar, we continue our journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded gully to Dhakmar for lunch where the oldest monastery in Mustang and the oldest Tibetan monastery in the world, the Ghare Gompa also known as Lo Gekar Monastery is located nearby. After lunch, we walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will keep our views of Dhaulagiri and Nil Giri mountains and take lower trail via Rachen Gompa from Syanbochen, Rachen Gompa is mysterious gompa grown itself lap of the rocky cave, continue to Samar and then to Chele.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Now we must retrace our route back over the Nyi La to Chuksang for awhile and then can take upper route to Muktinath- holiest temple worship by both Hindus and Buddhist. We may meet many Nepali and Indian devotees even walking on their bare feet.

Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Today is the final day of our trek. After 5 hours walking along the Kaligandagi River bank with spectacular view of Nilgiri, Tukuche, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, we reach in Jomsom where we end our trek. It’s now time for us to take a nice hot shower. In the evening, we celebrate the success of our long and adventurous trek of Upper Mustang with the Sherpas and porters.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside. Overnight at Pokhara: Hotel Middle Path.

Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Black Diamond staffs. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Breakfast, Dinner

You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Black Diamond will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Breakfast