Address: Jorpati-3, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: besttripsinnepal@gmail.com
Contact No: 986-0034887
Mustang Trek with Miniature Mountain Valley Information
USD 2150.00 P/P
Highlights
Join Best Trips Nepal for a 14-day Mustang Trek with Mountain Valley, exploring Lo Manthang’s Tiji Festival, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and Upper Mustang’s Tibetan culture.
Embark on a 14-day Mustang Trek with Mountain Valley by Best Trips Nepal, a cultural and adventurous journey into Nepal’s Upper Mustang, a hidden kingdom near the Tibetan border. This trek coincides with the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, a three-day Buddhist celebration of masked dances and rituals at Chöde Monastery, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The route follows the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest, through arid landscapes and vibrant rock formations, reaching Lo Manthang’s walled capital with its Royal Palace and ancient monasteries. Trekking through villages like Kagbeni, Chele, and Charang, you’ll cross high passes like Nyi La (4,020m) for panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. With a maximum altitude of 4,020m, this moderately challenging trek is ideal for adventurers seeking culture and wilderness. Best Trips Nepal ensures expert guides, sustainable practices, and restricted area permits for a seamless experience in this Himalayan desert.
- Witness the vibrant Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, featuring monk-led dances and rituals for world peace.
- Trek through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest, with views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
- Explore Lo Manthang’s ancient monasteries, Royal Palace, and Tibetan-influenced architecture.
- Cross high passes like Nyi La (4,020m) for stunning Himalayan vistas and desert landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 01: Depart to Pokhara (920m, 6 hours by bus or 30 minutes by flight)
After breakfast, drive 6 hours or fly 30 minutes from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying river and mountain scenery. Check into a Lakeside hotel, relax, visit the area, or go boating on Fewa Lake. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom (2,710m, 20 minutes) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m, 3.5 hours)
Fly 20 minutes from Pokhara to Jomsom, Mustang’s headquarters. Trek 3.5 hours to Kagbeni along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, exploring antique houses, monasteries, and Tibetan-style temples. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 03: Trek to Chele (3,050m, 5-6 hours)
Trek 5-6 hours from Kagbeni to Chele along the Kali Gandaki River, passing Chunksang and Tangbe villages. Cross a bridge and climb steeply for 35 minutes to Chele’s mud-and-stone village. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 04: Trek to Geling (3,440m, 7-8 hours)
Trek 7-8 hours from Chele to Geling, ascending through side valleys of the Kali Gandaki. Climb to Chele La (3,630m), descend to Samar (3,620m), and pass Bhena La and Yamdo La before reaching Geling’s awe-inspiring village at 3,570m. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 05: Trek to Charang (3,490m, 6-7 hours)
Trek 6-7 hours from Geling to Charang, climbing west through fields and Tama Gaon to Nyi La (4,020m). Descend to Ghami (3,510m), cross Choya La, and drop to Charang, a maze-like village at 3,560m with a 500-year-old monastery. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840m, 4-5 hours)
Trek 4-5 hours from Charang to Lo Manthang, Mustang’s capital, enclosed by a 300m-long, 150m-wide wall protecting over 1,000 residents. Explore the fortified area’s rope-stone lanes and Tibetan heritage. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 07: Day Hiking in Lo Manthang (3,840m)
Spend a rest day exploring Lo Manthang, visiting the King’s Palace, low-caste settlements, ancient monasteries like Jampa Lhakang, and the herbal medical school. Engage with Mustang’s Tibetan culture. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 08: Observe Tiji Festival and Explore Lo Manthang (3,840m)
Witness the Tiji Festival’s vibrant conclusion at Chöde Monastery, featuring monk-led dances and rituals for world peace, derived from “Tempa Chirin” (prayer for peace). Explore Lo Manthang’s cultural sites further. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek to Ghami (3,510m, 5 hours)
Trek 5 hours from Lo Manthang to Ghami, passing mud-and-stone houses with straw and pebble roofs, typical of Mustang’s arid region. Explore the village’s traditional architecture. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek to Samar (3,700m, 5-6 hours)
Trek 5-6 hours from Ghami to Samar via Geling, following a narrow path that widens to reveal desolate landscapes, farm terraces, and Mt. Nilgiri. Reach Samar, a small Tibetan-influenced village. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek to Chhusang (3,370m, 5-6 hours)
Trek 5-6 hours from Samar to Chhusang, passing a vertical ridge with lush hill views. Continue to Tetang, the upper village of Chhusang, nestled between two hills. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom (2,710m, 6-7 hours)
Trek 6-7 hours from Chhusang to Jomsom, descending through the Kali Gandaki Gorge via Jharkot, Khingar, and Kagbeni, known for Tibetan art. Pass Eklebhatti and enjoy views of Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara (920m, 20 minutes)
Fly 20 minutes from Jomsom to Pokhara. Explore Lakeside, visit temples, caves, or enjoy views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri from Phewa Lake. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 14: Back to Kathmandu (1,350m, 6 hours by bus or 30 minutes by flight)
Drive 6 hours or fly 30 minutes from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Check into a Thamel hotel, relax, or explore nearby shops and cafés. Overnight at a hotel.
Included
- Permits: All necessary permits for trekking and climbing.
- Base Camp and Camps: Full logistics and setup at base camp and higher camps.
- Trekking Guides: Experienced and certified professional trekking guides.
Excluded
- International Flights: Flights to and from Nepal
- Personal Gear: Personal climbing equipment (e.g., boots, clothing, gloves)
- Personal Expenses: Tips, snacks, and souvenirs
Trip Organization
Best Trips Nepal has been a premier adventure travel company based in Kathmandu, dedicated to delivering sustainable and authentic experiences. Specializing in cultural treks like the Mustang Trek with Mountain Valley, we guide adventurers through Nepal’s remote landscapes and vibrant traditions. Our experienced guides, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to local communities ensure meaningful journeys that leave only footprints behind. Join Best Trips Nepal to witness the Tiji Festival and explore Upper Mustang’s timeless beauty.
FAQs
1. Is the Mustang Trek with Mountain Valley suitable for beginners?: This trek is moderately challenging, suitable for fit beginners with some trekking experience, due to altitudes up to 4,020m and daily treks of 5-8 hours. Best Trips Nepal provides experienced guides for support.
2. When is the best time for this trek?: The trek is timed for the Tiji Festival in late spring (May), offering clear skies and mild weather. Mustang’s rain-shadow location makes it viable during early monsoon (June), with fewer crowds.
3. What permits are required for this trek?: An Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit ($500 for 10 days, $50/day extra) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (NRs 3,000) are required, arranged by Best Trips Nepal. A minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are mandatory.
4. Why choose this trek?: This trek offers a rare chance to witness the Tiji Festival, explore Lo Manthang’s Tibetan culture, and trek the Kali Gandaki Gorge, blending spirituality, culture, and Himalayan adventure in a remote setting.