Mustang is a remote semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom north of the Annapurna and Dhaulgiri Mountains and is one of the last bastions of undisturbed

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Homer Shepherd
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Mustang is a remote semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom north of the Annapurna and Dhaulgiri Mountains and is one of the last bastions of undisturbed Tibetan culture in the world.

Indeed a challenging trek due to high altitude, exposed terrain and continuous strong winds. Lo-Manthang a walled city, is the capital of Mustang situated at an elevation of nearly 3800 meters.

1 Mustang is a remote semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom north of the Annapurna and Dhaulgiri Mountains and is one of the last bastions of undisturbed Tibetan culture in the world. Only Opened to Westerners in Our trek takes us to the capital Lo Manthang in the fascinating Uper Mustang region. Indeed a challenging trek due to high altitude, exposed terrain and continuous strong winds. Lo-Manthang a walled city, is the capital of Mustang situated at an elevation of nearly 3800 meters. Its lies in central part of northern Nepal and at the top of the Kali Gandaki River. The entire region is famous for its inaccessible caves, chortens, monasteries and arid desert like conditions. Hidden behin the majestic Himalayan ranges, Mustang is a truly beautiful trek zone. Special area trekking permits are required by trekkers when they visit this region.

ITINERARY Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu (1300m/4264 ft). Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal.

greets you with a traditional offering of Khada (ceremonial scarf used in Tibet and Mongolia, symbolizing purity,

You will also get briefed about upcoming trip.

trip to world heritage sites within the valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas.

temples on the subcontinent which is home to thousands of devotees and Sadhus.

We explore this stupa going around the prayer wheel amidst fluttering colorful flags and prayers being chanted.

Perched on a hilltop on the south western part of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the most important religious and

2 ITINERARY Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu (1300m/4264 ft). Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon exiting the Tribhuvan International Airport, the smiling Sacred Himalaya representative awaits your arrival and greets you with a traditional offering of Khada (ceremonial scarf used in Tibet and Mongolia, symbolizing purity, goodwill, auspiciousness and compassion) You are transferred in the heart of Kathmandu. You will also get briefed about upcoming trip. Overnight at Hotel Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation After a breakfast we take you on a guided day trip to world heritage sites within the valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We then visit the pilgrimage sites of the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrines of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is home to thousands of devotees and Sadhus. The Bouddhanath stupa is another pilgrimage center which is a very popular and important place for Buddhists. We explore this stupa going around the prayer wheel amidst fluttering colorful flags and prayers being chanted. After lunch at Boudha we proceed to Swayammbhunath also known as the Monkey temple. Perched on a hilltop on the south western part of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Nepal and is associated with the birth of the Kathmandu Valley civilization. After exploring the surrounding areas we visit Kathmanduu Durbar Square which is an old royal palace of Kathmandu where we see temples, ancient architectures and Kumari (Livin goddess). The evening is free and will be spent in preparing for the trek.

The drive will take approximately seven hours taking you through the beautiful river view and Nepalese countryside and finally

3 Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara Valley, 7-8 hrs drive Once you tuck into your breakfast, your Tour officer will pick up you and transfer you to Airport/Sacred Himalaya private vehicle (incase ypu are travelling by road). The drive will take approximately seven hours taking you through the beautiful river view and Nepalese countryside and finally reaching Pokhara lakeside (823m/2700ft). You are then transferred to the hotel and rest of the time is spent exploring the surrounding lakeside areas. Overnight at Hotel

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele, 5-6 hrs walk Our journey starts with a check of the Upper Mustang trekking permit. We proceed onwards folliwing the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki and continue up rive.

After nearly an hour s walk on the riverbed, we find old fossils on the path, cross an old wooden bridge and pass a huge red rock which had fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which

Day 06: Chele to Syangbochen, 6-7 hrs walk The trek today gets a bit challenging. Grom Chele the first part of trek is an uphill.

4 Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele, 5-6 hrs walk Our journey starts with a check of the Upper Mustang trekking permit. We proceed onwards folliwing the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki and continue up rive. We start taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the unique region. The first village we lay sight on is Tangbe village surrounded by its green flelds. From here we trek forward to Chhusang. After nearly an hour s walk on the riverbed, we find old fossils on the path, cross an old wooden bridge and pass a huge red rock which had fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki river follows. We head on to a small ridge which takes us on to the Chele (3050m/10,004ft) village. Overnight at Teahouse. Day 06: Chele to Syangbochen, 6-7 hrs walk The trek today gets a bit challenging. Grom Chele the first part of trek is an uphill. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft), through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of the Tilocho Peak, Yakawa Kang Peak, Nilgiri an amodar Danda. Onwards we escend to the quaint village of Samar for lunch. After a nourishing lunch it will take 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syangbochen (3475m/11,398ft). At afternoon we will explore the surrounding are and have a community evening with the Locals. Overnight at Teahouse.

Day 07: Syangbochen to Tsarang 6-7 hrs walk After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La pass

We oan notice the typical local architecture painted bright red and white.

Upper Mustang region (3520m/11,546ft) for lunch.

From here the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside one of the longest Mani wall.

5 Day 07: Syangbochen to Tsarang 6-7 hrs walk After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La pass (3,850m/12,667ft) passing teahouse,chortens and small local settlements. We oan notice the typical local architecture painted bright red and white. We climb up to the Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) and descend to Ghami one of the larger villages in Upper Mustang region (3520m/11,546ft) for lunch. After lunch we are on the road again and cross the Ghami Khola. From here the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside one of the longest Mani wall. Barren hills and uncanny rock formations with no greenery or the remotest sign of human life welcome us. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang, 9derived from the Tibetan word Chaptrun Tsetrang- Cooks crest), and after 11 Kilometers of ascending and descending we reach Tsarang our stop for the night. The eerie silence on route this desert stretch is overpowering and we are glad to reach Tsarang. Overnight Teahouse

Day 08: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours We begin our trek by descending to a canyon and cross a river before beginning our uphill trek

From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village.

6 Day 08: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours We begin our trek by descending to a canyon and cross a river before beginning our uphill trek to Lo La pass which at 3950m. From the top of the pass we can admire the beautiful Lo Manthang village. From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village. From here the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond) is quite good. Overnight in Lo-Manthang at Teahouse. Day 09: Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization Lo Manthang is a walled town of the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. We spend the day touring three major gompas of the town namely Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda. All of these gompas have undergone expert restoration over the last two decades. We can also trek to Tingkhar which is a beautiful village located north-west of Lo-Mangthang. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day 10: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours We trek on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang.

According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled.

Day 11: Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours We start our trek early to avoid strong winds and descend for the most part of the trek.

7 Day 10: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours We trek on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang. Our trail passes through Gyakar village which houses a century old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings. According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled. We explore the Gompa and continue our trek to Drakmar for an overnight stay. Day 11: Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours We start our trek early to avoid strong winds and descend for the most part of the trek. Our trail passes through a dry plateau and fields before reaching Ghiling. The walk can be relatively difficult as we are most likely to experience strong winds on our face. Ghiling is mostly dry, but we still get good views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We can tour the village around the evening. Overnight in Ghiling.

Day 12: Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours We begin our trek after breakfast.

On the way to Chhuksang we can enjoy great views of the Himalayas and small villages we pass en

Day 13: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours Today is the last day of our trek and it is a

8 Day 12: Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk on the same trail as before going up to Lo Manthang. On the way to Chhuksang we can enjoy great views of the Himalayas and small villages we pass en route. Overnight in Chhuksang. Day 13: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours Today is the last day of our trek and it is a long one. After trekking for a while, we come to an end of our Mustang trails and join the trails of the Annapurna circuit. We stop for lunch at Kagbeni. After lunch, we continue our trek to Jomsom for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. The airplane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains making the flight itself an amazing experience.

9 Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. The airplane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains making the flight itself an amazing experience. After arriving in Pokhara, we can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight in Pokhara. Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu. Afternoon to do some sightseeing. We take the morning flight to Kathmandu. Afternoon do some independent sightseeing. One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which presents a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colorful temples and shrines. This evening we will have a dinner in one of Kathmandu s excellent restaurants. Day 16: Depart Kathmandu Depending on the time of your flight departure, you may have time for a little more sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu. We will then take you to Tibhuvan airport 3 hours before the departure time of your flight home and see you to your departure terminal where we will say goodbye and hope very much, that you will have enjoyed your time with Sacred Himalaya. Cost for Trip: per person. What's Included In our standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast Teahouse accommodation during the trek All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary Domestic flights (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu) Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader Porter service All the Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS) Mustang Special Permit (US $500 Per Person) All government and local taxes

10 Not Included in the Cost Nepalese visa fee Excess baggage charge(s) Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary) International flights Travel and rescue insurance Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.) Important Note: Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Sacred Himalaya. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required. Equipment & Packing List This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Important documents and items Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance. Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts. Credit or debit cards for use atbank/atm/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveller's cheques, etc. Head Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic) Headlamp with extra batteries Sunglasses with UV protection Prescription sunglasses (if required)

11 Upper Body Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves) Light and expedition weight thermal tops Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket Down vest and/or jacket Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable Hand 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves Lower Body Non-cotton underwear briefs 1 pair of hiking shorts 1 pair of hiking trousers 1 pair of fleece or woollen trousers 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric Feet 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, broken in ) 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals Cotton socks (optional) Sleeping 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F) Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional) Rucksack and Travel Bags 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/ cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carry-on) A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding Medical Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids) 1 skin-blister repair kit Anti-diarrhoea pills Anti-headache pills Cough and/or cold medicine Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxaccin, etc. (can be bought very cheaply and easily in Kathmandu). Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.

12 Multi Vitamin tablets if desired. Water purification tablets or Steripen. Practical Items 2 water bottles (1 litre each) Toiletries 1 medium-sized quick drying towel Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable) Deodorants Face and body moisturizer Female hygiene products Small mirror Personal Hygiene Wet wipes (baby wipes) Tissue /toilet roll Anti-bacterial hand wash Extras/Luxuries Reading book Journal and pen Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps) 1 modest swim suit Plug adapter (UK to 2 round pegs) Accommodations We will be staying at Apsara boutique hotel a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu; and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 150. Sacred Himalaya will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Meals All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome dinners for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the teahouses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.

03. 3 T Shirts go for light, quick dry polyester or nylon

03. 3 T Shirts go for light, quick dry polyester or nylon *Trekking Equipment Check List S.N Equipments Comments 01. Good walking boots with ankle support Ideally waterproof with Gore-tex 02. 2 pairs of lightweight polycotton quick dry trousers good choice are