Upper Mustang Trek - Luri Gompa - 17 Days

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Kerry Pitts
5 years ago
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1 Mustang is an ancient Himalayan Kingdom which lies in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of the Kaligandaki River. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern part and the northern where the languages, culture and traditions are alike to those of the Tibetan people. This area is consider as one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal. The whole area has an isolated and mystical feel to it, enchanting and inspiring visitors to this region. The trek to Lo-Manthang is through high altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge sided valley of the Kali Gandaki. In places the gorge which the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal s oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint white washed houses. Duration: 17 days Price: $1999 Group Size: 2 Grade: Moderate Destination: Nepal Activity: Trekking Region: Upper Mustang Equiment Lists: Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacket Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes. Clothing :

2 Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit. Other equipment: Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters. Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit. Itinerary: Day 1: International Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m) Lantang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you in an airport & transfer you to your Hotel, after refreshment you will be picked from hotel lobby to office where you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits. Day 2: Permit preparation Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1300m) This day we will use for issuing your trek permit & brief you Shorty regarding the trip. However you can use this day for sightseeing. After breakfast, you will start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. We will arrange a guide of an English speaking language to give you a tour and introduction to our rich culture amongst our ancient and fascinating history and religion. In our sightseeing tour you go to Swayambhunath (Monkey temple), Pashupatinath (Hindu pilgrimage temple) and Kathmandu Durbar square (home of living goddess & ancient royal palace) & Baudhanath (Biggest stupa in south Asia). Day 3: Kathmandu - Pokhara (900m) Drive or fly to Pokhara. Pokhara is situated on the side of Lake Fewa, it is a beautiful area with Fishtail mountain (Machhapuchchhre) rising not far behind within the Annapurna range. Only 200km from Kathmandu it can take 6/8 hours by road depending on the season. Day 4: Fly from Pokhara - Jomsom(2720m) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m) Overnight in Tea house BLD Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni After an early breakfast transfer to the airport just 10 minutes from hotel 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 WITH THE HORSES on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-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 hotel with afternoon free for a stroll around the village. Overnight at Camp. Day 5: Kagbeni - Chele(3050m) Kagbeni to Chele Actually, Kagbeni is the entry point to upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, trail leads up the east bank of Kali Gandaki 2

3 and climbs over many ridges as it head north. After, that, through the interesting cave, Gompa crossing place of Tangbe, Chhuksang and reaches Chele (3,030m). Walking time takes about 5/6 hours. Overnight at Camp. Day 6: Chele - Gilling (3570m) From Chele, trail leads ascending to Samar. After that it climbs above Samar to a ridge, descends into a large gorge past a Chorten painted in red, black, yellow and white, all pigments made from local rock. From there one can enter another valley filled with juniper trees and drops to Bhena (3800m) and trail ascends goes to the place of Giling Walking time takes approximately 6/7 hours, Overnight at Camp. Day 7: Gilling - Tsarang (3560m) At the place of Geling, the trail climbs gently through field up the centre of the valley; it passes above Tama Gaon and its imposing Chorten. After crosses Tangmar Chu River, with a short climbing enters Tsarang (3490m). Walking time takes about 5/6 hours, Overnight at Camp. Day 8: Tsarang - Lo Mangthang (3810m) Lomanthang is the capital city of upper Mustang. To reach Lomanthang from Charang, trail leads descending about 125m and climbs steeply up a rock trail through a desert like landscape.afternoon we will visit King Palace and Lo-mangthnag Walled city, Walking time takes about 3/4 hours. Overnight at Camp. Day 9: Explore Lo Manthang (3810m) Home to only 150 houses and a number of Lama residences Lo Manthang is interesting to walk around. There is a blood drinking festival held, worth a look for the less squeamish. Day 10: Lomanthang to Yara (3720m) & Explore Luri Gumba Take same way back from Lo Manthang to Tsarang until Lo La pass and turn to left side. Follow the small path which is dragging along the barren Collins and steep rocky descending to the Die village. Die means a village a bid shadowed from windy and likely a Lakeland make a lunch break here and step forehead to Yara along the small river meanders and climb up to little typical designed settlement. The lodges are very simple and have to eat local food what are available. If you are camping group it doesn't matter everything will be supplied from trekking kitchen but if you are on lodge trekking, you have to be satisfied by what you get. If you have longer time you can make a day break here and hike up to visit Luri Gumba and Yara Ghara Gumba for day excursion. The famous Bodisatwa padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) had meditated in this cave for a long time so it is considering the mighty holistic place. Day 11: Yara to Tange (3520 m) Today it could be strong day so morning breakfast should be made very early because you have to cross pandey River. Hot lunch is not possible for the day so we must carry picnic from Yara. If we start late, River grows higher because of ice melting and makes difficult for cross. We have to take off shoes to cross the River. Many local people are running along the bank looking for fossils because only this river flow them. After crossing; it turns to steady up layer to layer like paper pages for couple of hours to the little col, then gradual descending along brown barren lands to Tange. 3

4 Day 12: Tange to Tetang (3310m) This small settlement under the brown hill with terrace agricultural cultivating area is the earnest village. Above the village still there are live marks of ancient caves where the people from this area used to live, but moved down after they learnt building houses. Cross the suspension bridge and catch the way which leads to steady up to the hill top call Pa (4060 miter). It is very interesting way however very challenging, Mountain Tilicho, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Mustang Peak are visible from the way. The trail often leads along the ridge so views of landscape and valley are quite interesting over the day. Walking in jig-jack, one ridge to other ridge, hill to the other hill is long and challenging. It descends quite down from Cha Cha La pass (4040 m) and may be very slippery downhill in winter season. Day 13: Tetang to Muktinath(3760m) It is almost steep up for a couple of hours then it goes easy climbing/walking. Take pack lunch and enough drinking water for the day. Cross the finest village Zhong, Thinggar to Muktinath holistic town. Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom(2720m) Before breakfast go to make tour in temple where morning activities is most powerful. Thousands of pilgrims are queuing and holding the offering to the temple. The main temple is call Bishnu (the deity protector) behind the temple 108 taps are containing to offer the fresh sprouting water shower for pilgrims. 24hours lighting flame on the water monastery is about 100 meter away from the temple and only nuns are living in this monastery. This is the important place for both Hindus and Buddhist pilgrimage. Day 15: Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu(1300m) Jomsom - Pokhara Fly back to Pokhara (900m) in the morning & continue fly to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel. Day 16: Free Day in Kathmandu(1300m) This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening you will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance. Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu (1300m) All too soon it's time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate. Cost Include: Airport pick-up & drop-off transportation by private vehicle Twin sharing deluxe accommodation with breakfast Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Escorted with English speaking guide. Private transportation. Entrance fees Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu (Tourist Bus) Pokhara / Jomsom / Pokhara flight ticket for member and nepali guide Accommodation in tea house during trek Meals - Breakfast, lunch, dinner - during trek Sleeping bag Trekking map for group All necessary paper work & permits A First Aid and Eco trained & government licensed English speaking guide 4

5 One porter between two members during trek Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of trekking staff Travel & rescue arrangement ACAP All government taxes Farewell dinner Cost exclude: International Airfare Nepal Visa Fee (USD 40 for 30 Day) Special restricted permit First 10 days US$ 500 per person After first 10 days US$ 50 per day per person Airport Departure taxes/excess baggage charges Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara Water Medical evacuation in case of emergency Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu flight fare / Private Personal gear & clothing - these may be available for hire Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance Soft/hard drinks Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual Anything not specified in the Cost Include section 5

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