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KINGDOM OF MUSTANG VIA JOMSOM Trek

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  •   Duration: 18Days
  •   Activities: Trekking
  •   Country: Nepal
  •   Trip Grade: MODERATE
  •  Group size: 2-10 People

Overview

The ancient kingdom of Mustang was attached to Tibet in the 14th century although it remained an autonomous dynasty. Later it was annexed by Nepal, but the people still remain predominantly Tibetan. Untouched by the outside world or the Chinese Cultural Revolution, 16th century monasteries still remain active to preserve this magnificent trans-Himalayan kingdom, with their unrivalled Thangkas, Mandalas and deities.

A journey to Mustang is a journey of remarkable contrasts. In this wild landscape of unreal colour and beauty, ruggedly carved mountains reach up to deep blue skies, while icy peaks glimmer majestically to the south. Vast and barren ridges extend to the northern horizon making one feel like an insignificant dot on a timeless landscape.The high desert region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. Explore the thousand years of old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Make an adventure starting from world’s deepest gorge Kaligandaki Region into world’s highest regions of  Lo-Mangthang Valley.The Transhimalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, since the region was restricted for outsiders until Nepal Government announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991.The region preserves its own history and rich culture.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu (1360m)
  • Day 2 : Kathmandu City Tour (1360m)
  • Day 3 : Fly to Pokhara (850m)(Flight time : 30min)
  • Day 4 : Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (2800m)(Flight Time : 20 minutes Trekking Time : Approx 3 hours)
  • Day 5 : Trek to Chhusang (2980m)(Trekking Time : Approx 5 hours)
  • Day 6 : Trek to Samar (3620m)(Trekking Time : Approx 4 hours)
  • Day 7 : Trek to Ghilling (3570m)(Trekking Time : Approx 5 hours)
  • Day 8 : Trek to Charang (3560m)(Trekking Time : Approx  6 hours)
  • Day 9 : Trek to Lo Manthang (3840m)(Trekking Time : Approx 4 hours)
  • Day 10 : Rest & acclimatization at Lo Manthang (3840m)
  • Day 11 : Trek to Ghami (3510m)(Trekking Time : Approx 6 & half hours)
  • Day 12 : Trek to Samar (3620m)(Trekking Time : Approx 6 hours)
  • Day 13 : Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)(Trekking Time : Approx 4 hours )
  • Day 14 : Trek to Jomsom(Trekking: approx 4 hours)
  • Day 15 : Fly to Pokhara(850m)(Flight Time : 20 minutes)
  • Day 16 : Explore Pokhara (850m)
  • Day 17 :Fly back to Kathmandu (1360m)
  • Day 18 : International Departure

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu (1360m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our company representative and transferred you to the hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes.After your checkin the group leader will set a time for your trek briefing to discuss in regards to the trek. The evening is free but your trek leader will organise a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.

Day 2 : City Tour (1360m)

Today, you will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath ,the main temple for the hindus. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon is free. In the late afternoon you will be issued with your trek. Departure information for the next morning will also be given.

Day 3 : Fly to Pokhara (850m)(Flight time : 30min)

Transfer to the domestic terminal and fly to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 30 minutes. There are spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north, including the 8000 metre peaks of Manaslu and Annapurna during this short flight.On reaching Pokhara we are transferred to the hotel situated on the main lakeside area.After your checkin you have free time to explore this beautiful town of pokhara. Your leader will be on hand for any assistance required.

Day 4 : Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (2800m)(Flight Time : 20 minutes Trekking Time : Approx 3 hours)

After a breathtaking morning flight for 20 minutes it is necessary to spend some time in Jomsom (administrative headquarter of Mustang Disrict), while the trek staff sort out the loads. You will also need to relax a little and begin to acclimatize to the altitude.The trek begins by crossing the bridge north of the airstrip to the old part of Jomsom. The trail now heads north on the east bank of the wide stony Kali Gandaki. Expect for a high windy trail if walking in the afternoon. Keeping on the east side, continue past the side valley of the Panga Khola (stream) and around a bluff to the small settlement of Eklobhatti. From here another bend in the river takes you to Kagbeniand entry to the forbidden land.

Day 5 : Trek to Chhusang (2980m)(Trekking Time : Approx 5 hours)

Having completed the formalities, proceed out of Kagbeni north past the mani wall and iricheck point. At last you could venture beyond the sign forbidding tourists to pass this point, and the real adventure began.Almost immediately the path climbs quite steeply up into a jumble of gullies and small towers, zigzagging to a viewpoint over Kagbeni with Nilgiri. After a few more ups and downs the trail climbs to a plateau at 3040 m, then drops steeply into a dry river bed. Its then a short climb to Tangbe at 3060 m. Narrow streets lead into the village of white and red coloured houses, with a few chortens and fairly extensive fields.From here the trail again climbs to a high point around 3100 m. Soon after you leave Tangbe you can see Gompa Kang and some caves on the west bank of the river. About one hour beyond Tangbe you will reach Chhusang village at the confluence of the Narsing Khola and the Kali Gandaki at 2980 m. This village consists of three clumps of whitewashed stone houses and narrow alleyways. The Gompa lies above the southernmost settlement and there are some broken castle walls on the surrounding cliffs.

Day 6 : Trek to Samar (3620m)(Trekking Time : Approx 4 hours)

Crossing the stony floor of the Narsing Khola, one of the major side canyons on the route, the village of Tetang (also known as Te), is visible to the east. The trail passes below another fort and village with red and white striped cliffs of amazing eroded pipes, chimneys and gullies in glooming yellow, gold, orange and red colours. After a short walk along the river bed, there is a solid bridge across the Kali Gandaki at the point where it tunnels its way under a vast block of red sandstone. It is here now the trek leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3100 m.Immediately on leaving Chele, the path climbs steeply up to a plateau region through a small tunnel like gully. Climbing more gradually, the village of Ghyakar appears to the west as the path rounds a corner. A tremendous canyon opens out between the trail and the village, surrounded by patchwork fields of rich red buckwheat. The climb continues – a long, the steep, treeless, waterless slog – switchbacking up the side of a spectacular steep canyon, then traversing to a cairn marking the Chele La at 3630 m. After crossing the ridge the trail enters a large side valley and makes a long descent to Samar, surrounded by a grove of poplar trees at 3620 m.

Day 7 : Trek to Ghilling (3570m)(Trekking Time : Approx 5 hours)

The path leaves Samar near a large chorten and dives steeply for about 70 m into a deep side of canyon. The trail goes into another valley filled with stumps of juniper trees that have been harvested for firewood, crosses a stream and climbs up to the Bhena La 3830 m and drops gently to small settlement Bhena 3860 m. The route skirts a gorge, crosses a stream and climbs slightly to Yamdo. You have to yet climb another pass, the Yamdo La 4010 m, and descend steeply and then following a ridge to Shyangmochen at 3800 m.Its a short gentle climb to the Shyangmochen La at 3850 m where the trail enters another huge east-west valley. Descending past a large painted square chorten and then descend to the picturesque village of Gheling with its poplar trees and extensive fields of barley at 3570 m.

Day 8 : Trek to Charang (3560m)(Trekking Time : Approx  6 hours)

The trail from here turns westward and climbs gently through fields up the centre of the valley, passing below Tama village and its imposing chorten. Turning north, it rejoins the direct trail and becomes an unrelenting climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La at  4020 m. The descent from the pass is gentle for about 45 minutes to the Ghami La, a cairn on a ridge top about 45 minutes below pass. The trail then drops steeply to Ghami at 3510 m. which is a large village of whitewashed houses and surrounded by a large area of fields.The Charang trail descends below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmar Chu, then climb past the most spectacular stretch of mani (Buddhist prayer) wall. Beyond mani wall the route climbs a rocky gully, then traverses to the Choya La at 3870 m. Once over the pass the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang at 3560 m. The village is a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the large Charang Chu canyon. The huge five storey white Dzong (fortress) and red gompa are perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge at the eastern end of the village.

Day 9 : Trek to Lo Manthang (3840m)(Trekking Time : Approx 4 hours)

The trail leaves Charang to the northwest and once clear of the village drops steeply into Charang Chu canyon. After crossing the river the route is initially very steep up a stony track. As you round the corner and head north, a fine view unfolds to the south, with Charang on the edge of the cliff in the foreground and the great white caped Himalayan giants of Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I behind. Brikuti peak is visible to the South-East. The trail climbs gently along the west side valley to a chorten at 3620 m, about 2 hours from Charang.. A further hour takes you to 3700 m with some spectacular caves high up in the cliffs to the east. The path crosses a stream and heads north.  The trail now heads across an open region, always climbing gently beside a cliff. Having climbed around 3850 m, a pass is reached and through a narrow window at the summit the view ahead opens out to display the western valley of Lo Manthang. Just down from the pass is the first dramatic view of the walled city of Lo Manthang and the ancient ruined forts on the hills behind. There is a tremendous view to the east of the red, blue-grey, white and yellow eroded Mustang Khola canyon, to the north lies the flattish red coloured hills and the Tibetan border and the western view is dominated by the snow-capped peak of Manaslu. The descent to Lo Manthang is short and after crossing the small river and climbing briefly the fabled city is finally reached.

Day 10 : Rest & acclimatization at Lo Manthang (3840m)

A full day exploration and excursion in the walled city of Lo Manthang. Half day horse back excursion to the caves and monasteries. And after lunch you walk around to explore more of it including visiting the palace of the raja (king).

Day 11 : Trek to Ghami (3510m)(Trekking Time : Approx 6 & half hours)

The trail descends to a stream and makes a short climb to the large village of whitewashed houses surrounded by hectares and hectares of fields of Ghami at 3510 m.

Day 12 : Trek to Samar (3620m)(Trekking Time : Approx 6 hours)

Today retrace the upward trail and descend through Chele to the Kali Gandaki and trek downstream of Samar.

Day 13 : Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)(Trekking Time : Approx 4 hours )

Trek back to Kagbeni before your permit expires. The town itself is unique, also known as gateway to “Forbidden Land” where we stop for lunch. The mud packed houses, prayer wheels, narrow, stone streets, covered alleyway, chortens and old brick-hued gompa dominating the village and guarding the river intersections are reminiscent of old Mustang.

Day 14 : Trek to Jomsom(Trekking: approx 4 hours)

We retrace our steps through a barren, almost moon-like landscape dotted with patches of green cultivation. Man-made canals cut across the terrain, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. We lunch at Eklebhatti. Heading south, the wide, windswept valley floor has little fertile land, which means a hard existence for the inhabitants of the Upper Kali Gandaki. After a few hours following the valley downstream we arrive back at Jomsom, a dusty and wind-swept town where we spend the night in a lodge to await our flight back to Pokhara the following morning.

Day 15 : Fly to Pokhara(850m)(Flight Time : 20 minutes)

In the early morning we take a spectacular flight back to Pokhara and should arrive sometime in the mid-morning. We stay at the Barahi Hotel, which is located close to the lakeside. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring.Please note that Jomsom being high up in the mountains, sometimes flights can be cancelled and hence we might have to spend an extra night at Jomsom and hence the extra night at Pokhara will be adjusted.

Day 16 : Explore Pokhara (850m)

A free day in Pokhara to explore, shop or just take it easy. Your trek leader will be there to assist you for further sightseeing’s in Pokhara.

Day 17 :Fly back to Kathmandu (1360m)

After breakfast we are transferred back to the airport in the morning for our return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. The rest of the day is free to do shopping or further sightseeing.Our final night in Kathmandu gives us a chance to go out on the town and enjoy a final dinner (optional) with our travelling companions and new-found friends.

Day 18 : International Departure

Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.

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EVEREST PANORAMA TREKKING

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  • Duration: 11Days
  •  Activities: Trekking
  •  Country: Nepal
  •  Trip Grade: EASY
  •  Attitude:4000m
  •  Group size: 2-10 People

Overview

Everest panorama  is vastly different from one we lead in the city and is worth staving a look at. To look into the heart of the villages of these people we offer an exceptional 8 days trek.It is a wide range of spectacular scenery combined with unique cultural encounters with the Sherpa people who inhabit these high altitude regions.Everest panorama is famous for trekking.

The journey begins in the medieval city of Kathmandu, from where a short flight to the beautiful village of Lukla (2800m) will drop us to the heart of the everest panorama. The trek continues through the lush vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park, with pine forests, rhododendron flowers and an abundance of wildlife, to Namche Bazaar (3440m). A day of rest is necessary in Namche in order to get acclimatized to higher altitudes. The following days trekking will bring us to the village of Tengboche (3930m), home to the highest Buddhist monastery in the world (4000m) and also reputed by photographers as one of the best places to capture the awesome beauty of Mt. EVREST (8848m) and its neighboring peaks.

The concluding days of this adventure will be spent in the delightful and scenic villages of Khunde (3500m) and Khumjung, where we will have the opportunity to interact with the legendary Sherpa people in everest panorama and participate in their astonishing traditional lifestyle. Back down to Lukla from where we will take a short flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying the last views of the awe-inspiring Himalayan range and its people.

Outline Itinerary

  • DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
  • DAY 02:  Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
  • DAY 03:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860 m – Phakding (2,690m) 3 – 4 hours
  • DAY 04:  Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): 6- 7 hours
  • DAY 05:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
  • DAY 06:  Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,860m)  7 hours
  • DAY 07: Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m):  5-6 hours
  • DAY 08: Namche Bazaar-Phakding (2690m)
  • DAY 09: Phakding – Lukla (2860m)
  • DAY 10:  Fly Back to Kathmandu
  • DAY 11:  Final Departure

DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.

DAY 02:  Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s flight to Lukla.

DAY 03:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860 m – Phakding (2,690m) 3 – 4 hours

After an earlybreakfast, you will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

DAY 04:  Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): 6- 7 hours

Today’s our trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains will be viewed closely. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 05:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

This is the scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes,Wi-Fi, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize.Sherpa Holidays’ guide take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We further climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche and go further to one of the tea house for a tea break with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is loacted at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 06:  Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,860m)  7 hours

After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. We pay our visit to the monastery the same day at around 4p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Over night stay at lodge at Tengboche.

DAY 07: Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m):  5-6 hours

Today, we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers can be seen.After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m) for a relaxed lunch. We unknowingly appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. At this point, we would like to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 08:  Namche Bazaar-Phakding (2690m)

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages.we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on faces! Overnight in Phakding.

DAY 09: Phakding – Lukla (2860m)

Today we enjoy the last walk at lower altitude in the Everest region. Most tracks today is flat although we will have some descends ascents in the end. As we walk through the Sherpa villages, we notice impressive display of faith in Buddhism and cultural practices associated with it as prayer stones dot the landscape and prayer flags flap in the wind. We cross the Dhud Koshi River three times through the prayer flags strewn suspension bridges and also cross one of its tributary, Thado Koshi once. The final ascent of about 45 minutes from Chheplung takes us to Lukla, where we stretch our fatigued legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our fantastic trek culminates on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with faces that show happiness! This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity to spend some relaxing moments with whole crew as the porters will not accompany with us to Kathmandu. Overnight at Lukla.

DAY 10:  Fly Back to Kathmandu

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu.You can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. If you are interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives,you can visit to some nearby shops or vendors in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.If you are still keen on exploring any other areas in Kathmandu,you can talk to your leader and he will organize it for you accordingly.

DAY 11:  Final Departure

The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around Thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.