Overview
In the north of Nepal- hidden behind the famous Himalayan peaks Annapurna and Dhaulagiri - there is the small kingdom of Mustang. For centuries it was an important transfer spot for the trade between Tibet and India, until in the 1950`s this came to an end due to the political conditions. Mustang became a restricted area, and only since 1992 foreigners are allowed to enter the region again. This was one of the reasons why Mustang kept its origin. The Nepalese government tries to leave the area more or less as it is, untouched by mass tourism. In order to be able to keep the number of visitors small (at the moment there are about 1100 per year), every foreigner has to have a (very expensive) special permit before entering the kingdom.
In spite of the fact that Mustang is politically a district of Nepal, it is because of its geographical position in the Trans Himalayan as well as its cultural background of its inhabitants, who practice Tibetan Buddhism, much more related to Tibet. One finds hardly an area in Asia with such varieties as the highlands of Mustang: many different forms and structures due to erosion alternate with colorful rock formations along the deepest valley on earth, bizarre minerals and breathtaking gorges accompany us along the trail. In addition we find fairy-tail hamlets with its characteristic Tschorten (shrines) and reddish painted monasteries, fortresses in all states of decay, shining green or yellow crop fields like oasis, and as one highlight Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang - more than 600 years old and protected by a medieval city wall. All these impressions are topped with the huge white glacier peaks of the Himalayas.
The difference to this arid plateau in the Transhimalayas could not be bigger to what we will see during the second part of our trip. We will drive down into the green tropical jungle of the Nepalese lowlands, where we stay in a lodge in the Chitwan Nationalpark. On the agenda are hikes in the tropical forest , birdwatching, elefant rides as well as canu trips. Park rangers will accompany us and try to show us the endemic white Rhino, Deer, Antilopes, Gavial crocodiles and with lots of luck a Slotbear, Leopard or even Tiger.
Pokhara is a resort city of remarkable beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificent summit of Machhapuchhre rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant caravan route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakalis are other major communities here.
Jomsom (North of Pokhara) Nepal's spectacular diversity appears at its finest. The deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. Annapurna Nepal region is most popular trekking region in Nepal with plenty of trekking places, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30.000 annually). It's also among the tamest areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes.
Lo-Manthang's culture is deep rooted in the religious sentiments of its people. The township abound with many chhortens, mani-walls and monasteries. Prayer flags flutter above all the houses-conveying mantras to all corners of the world. The Lobas are exclusively Buddhists and conform to the Sakya-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Bon prevailed before Buddhism, which was later replaced by Ningma Pa Sect (Dhakar-Kayu subsect) and subsequently by Sakya Pa Sect (Sakyapa, Ngorpa subsects) of Buddhism.
Of the three Gompas in Lo-Manthang, the Jhampa Gompa is the oldest. It was built in 1387 AD during the reign of the famous king Anguin Sangbo and is believed to be a replica of Ghangtse Jhampa Gompa of Tibet , which still exists in Ghangtse
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Home-Kathmandu(B)
Day 02: Kathamndu
Day 03: Kathamndu-Pokhaara( 200km/6 hour)(B)
Day 04: Pokhara-Jomsom(2700m) Flight/ Trek To Kagbeni(2800)(BLD)
Day 05: Trek to Chele(3050m). (BLD)
Day 06: Trek to Geling (3520 m). (BLD)
Day 07: Trek to Charang (3580m) (BLD)
Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3780 m). (BLD)
Day 09: Exploration day around Lo Manthang . (BLD)
Day 10: Lomanthang to Ghami(3460 m) (BLD)
Day 11: Trek to Samar(3450 m) (BLD)
Day 12: Trek to Kagbeni (BLD)
Day 13: Kagbeni to Muktinath(3800m) (BLD)
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom(2800m). (BLD)
Day 15: Early morning flight to Pokhara.(B)
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (B, D)
Day 17: Kathmandu-Home
Itinerary Detail
Day 01: Home-Kathmandu(B)
Arrive Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathamndu(B)
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, covering Pashupatinath temple,Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar square and Swoyambhunath Stupa .
Day 03: Kathamndu-Pokhaara( 200km/6 hour)(B)
Drive to Pokhara, check in and boating tour. Overnight
Day 04: Pokhara-Jomsom(2700m) Flight/ Trek To Kagbeni(2800)(BLD)
Morning flight to Jomsom .(2700m). The flight offers great view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains .Meet your trekking staff in Jomsom and start hiking for few hours before we stop at Kagbeni(2800m) . Kagbeni on Nepal Tibet trade route is a traditional town with medieval look and interesting alleys. Your upper Mustang trekking starts from here and your trekking permit days are counted once you enter the check point here in Kagbeni .Overnight at tented camp .(B, L, D)
Day 05: Trek to Chele(3050m). (BLD)
The climb from Kagbeni to Chele passes through beautiful village of Tangbe, which offers white washed traditional houses and fields of barley, buckwheats and apple orchards. On the way we enjoy good views of Nilgiri mountain .Passing several ridges we cross a stream after Chhusang village, leave the Kaligandaki valley behind and climb further to the village of Chele. From Chele we start observing the typical Tibetan settlements of Upper Mustang .Overnight in tented camp.
Day 06: Trek to Geling (3520 m). (BLD)
The first part of the trek today is through steep trails arid desert like land. We will see several eroded canyons, and interesting chortens along the trail.After gaining substantial height , we descend down through pleasant trails to the ancient village of Samar .Climbing again to a ridge of 3800 m ,and passing through some gorges and valleys we reach the village of Geling .Overnight at tented camp.
Day 07: Trek to Charang (3580m) (BLD)
The trail is pleasant and the walk is softer today . The trail climbs gently up from Geling to an interesting pass and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge at Tangmar river we arrive to a Mani Wall , the longest and most spectacular in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600 m , the route makes a long gentle descent to village of Charang . The huge five-story white Dzong( is a fort ) and red Gompa are the main attractions for visitors. The collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddhas are also equally interesting. Overnight at tented camp
Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3780 m). (BLD)
From Charang we continue leaving some ridges behind and cross small streams before we finally reach a pass from where there is a view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. Descending further and crossing yet another stream , we climb up into the plateau of Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Hiking near the walled complex is as rewarding as the tour inside the complex. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 09: Exploration day around Lo Manthang . (BLD)
Inside the walled settlement of Lo Manthang are the houses of local nobilities and important Gompas and monasteries .There are lots of things of interest here .After completing the tour of Lo Manthang ,we hike or take a horse ride to the famous Nagyal Gompa which is about two and half hour walk, one way. Namgyal Gompa is situated on a hilltop, and serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Lomanthang to Ghami(3460 m) (BLD)
Today we descend from Lo Manthang and reach to the village of Ghami for our camp. It is a lovely village with lots and lots of farm land with barley fields and white washed houses .Overnight in tented camp.
Day 11: Trek to Samar(3450 m) (BLD)
Day 12: Trek to Kagbeni (BLD)
Day 13: Kagbeni to Muktinath(3800m) (BLD)
The trail goes through the ancient village of Jharkot where one can visit the Jharkot monastery, Tibetan herbal medical center and the old fortress of Jharkot, once served as palace. Trekking along the popular trail of Jomsom Muktinath trek we reach the important Hindu shrine of Muktinath and watch Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims on high Himalaya.Overnight in tented camp.
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom(2800m). (BLD)
Celebrate your last day of trekking with your trekking crew.
Day 15: Early morning flight to Pokhara.(B)
Day 16: Pokhara-Kathmandu(200km/6 hour)
Drive to Kathmandu , leisure time for shopping and rest. Farewell Nepali dinner with ethnic cultural program. (B, D)
Day 17: Kathmandu-Home
Departure transfer
Equipment List
Certain basic trekking equipment is essential on all routes I described in this site. Depending on the area and season, I will provide you with a comprehensive list of necessities. Many of the items on the list are available in Nepal. Here is some recommended Equipments List for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.
Clothing
Lightweight walking boots.
If new one is being bought, "walk them in" to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet.
Warm jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate. This is especially essential during winter, from December to February.
A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February these items are essential.
Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
A pair of lightweight/ heavy weight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Cheap loose cotton pants are available in Kathmandu.
Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10.00ft.
Thermal underwear. Which is excellent to sleep in at night in the winter months.
A tracksuit useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
1 lightweight long sleeved -shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item.
A sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks.
"Underwear" normal quantity and swimming costume, hankies.
Equipment & Accessories
Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film towel, soap, a book etc.
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones.
6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
Toiletries with large and small towels.
Toilet paper can buy in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Small headlamp and/ or torch with spare batteries and bulbs candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
Snow gaiters essential during wither and all treks going over at other times.
An umbrella (optional), which is quite useful to as a sunshade and useful when it rains.
Reading materials, camera and film, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional) - an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photographs.
Note: What ever mentioned above, we can suggest important thing while finalising booking.
Altitude Sickness
When trekking in Nepal Himalayas “Altitude related Problems” are the important factors to be considered because
there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers
understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000
meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on
those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly
if the mild effects are ignored.
We advise you to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000
meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness we recommend few
important points.
1. Basic Symptoms:
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms:
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms:
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.
What to do about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 –
500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to
dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day.
On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination
it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really
good way to get acclimatization. You may take Diamox 250mg tablets( as suggested by physician) the night before
flying / going to altitude. Sometimes the symptoms often disappear and the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it
night. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged;or we carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There is communication facility at Namche Bazaar; Doctors
at near by health post. Pigeon Travel & Tours (p) Ltd will arrange to hire Gammo bag upon request with extra cost.
The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. We can arrange for immediate evacuation,
by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.It is suggested all trekkers that to bring insurance
which cover helicoptor flight. It may cost you approximately Usd 3000-6000.
cost
