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18 DAYS UPPER MUSTANG TREK

HIGHLIGHTS: KATHMANDU CITY • KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE • SWOYAMBHUNATH STUPA • PATAN DURBAR SQUARE • POKHARA • JOMSOM • KAGBENI • LO MANTHANG

Lying in the rain shadows of Himalaya, upper Mustang is truly a place of magic, mystery and mystique. Bordering Tibet in North, upper Mustang lies at an altitude ranging from lowest 2,850m above sea level. It remained an isolated and mysterious region until it was opened for tourist in 1992. Since the opening of this region it saw the surge of tourist arriving here to see its dramatic landscape, rich Tibetan culture and several unique and ancient monasteries. This is no doubt one of the beautiful place in Nepal but is also a harsh place to live in. Most inhabitants in this Himalaya region are living through agriculture and winter trading to lower region. The means of transportation here are mules and horses only. Tourism is the best hope for the people here. People now have started several guesthouses providing accommodation and meals to the travelers. The lack of contact with urban population has left its Tibetan culture untouched and this makes this place more unique. This trek is once in a life time experience. You will fly to Jomsom to start this dramatic trek. This trek will pass through the barren landscape which is due to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas blocking the rain shadows creating a desert similar environment. The trail passes through villages Chele and Tangbe crossing several passes of around 4,000 meters. You will pass through the mysterious ancient ruins of palaces and local monasteries until you arrive capital of Lo-Manthang. As you move further up valley you will realize the culture becomes increasingly Tibetan. Throughout the trek you will stay in local lodges available in this area and enjoy unique beauty, culture and people of this isolated Himalaya region.

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DAY 01: ARRIVAL – KATHMANDU (-/-/-)

Arrive in Kathmandu. The small, mountain-sheltered Kathmandu valley is the historical center of Nepal. This capital city of the country awakens with prayer, the tinkling of the bells and chanting. This city has long been a cultural and racial melting pot, with people coming from all part of the country. Famous for its sacred temples, biggest Stupas and stunning Newari architecture it is the place never to be missed by cultural enthusiasts.

Meeting and assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Our representative will collect necessary photographs for necessary trek permit and provide trek briefing. Rest of the day is free.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 02: KATHMANDU (BREAKFAST/-/-)

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is referred to as an old city. Most of the temples which you visit here today are a mere three or four centuries old, the bequest of Malla kings. Visit Kumari Chowk home of Kathmandu’s living goddess who comes out to the balcony to greet the audience.

This site has been declared as one of the UNESCO world heritage site.

Continue on to the Buddhist temple of Swoyambhunath

Swoyambhunath referred as “Monkey temple”. Situated on the top of the hill west of Kathmandu, this is one of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal.

From its hilltop settings offers a bird eye view of Kathmandu valley. It is particularly striking on the early evening when city lights start illumination.

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Afternoon, tour of second largest town in the valley Patan.

Patan Durbar Square forms heart of Patan. This city is referred as “City of Beauty”. With its long Buddhist history, the four corners of city are marked by Stupas said to have been erected by great Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The concentrated mass of temples here are undoubtedly most stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 03: MORNING, DRIVE TO POKHARA (BREAKFAST/-/-)

Morning, drive to Pokhara Valley (205 kms/6 hrs drive).

After Kathmandu, Pokhara is the most popular destination in Nepal. It is also referred as city of lakes and mountains. It is also the gateway to one of the best trekking location in the world. Upon arrival in Pokhara transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara

DAY 04: FLY TO JOMSOM AND TREK TO KAGBENI (2810M, 4 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Jomsom (25 min) and trek to Kagbeni. Kagbeni retains its medieval feel with its slim, coated flag alleys, antique chortens, and large, ochre religious residence perked up higher than the city.This is the entry point of upper Mustang.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Kagbeni

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DAY 05: TREK FROM KAGBENI TO CHUKSANG (2,900M/5 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Start your trek from Kagbeni walking through the arid landscape, glimpsing the train of mules passing by ferrying goods from upper mustang or even from Tibet.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Chuksang

DAY 06: TREK FROM CHUKSANG TO SAMAR (3,150M/4 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Start trek to Samar. You will notice a significant change in topography, lifestyles and culture today. Walk through the scattered settlement and passing through the village of Chele.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Samar

DAY 07: TREK FROM SAMAR TO GELING (3,510M/5 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today the trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and you enter another huge valley before descending to Geling.

Here there are extensive fields of barley which are the main agriculture product in this region.

Dinner and overnight at local lodge in Geling

DAY 08: TREK FROM GELING TO GHAMI (3,490M/5 HRS) (BREAKFAST/-/-)

Today trek from Geling to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed houses village sheltered by the overhanging cliffs.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Ghami

DAY 09: TREK FROM GHAMI TO CHARANG (3,610M/5 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, till you arrive a large spread-out village of Charang at the top of the Charang Chu canyon.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Charang

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DAY 10: TREK FROM CHARANG TO LO-MANTHANG (3,730M/4 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang, the lofty, walled capital.

Here there are a unique collection of mud-walled buildings huddled within seven meters high walled crowned by watchtower.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Lo-Manthang

DAY 11: LO - MANTHANG (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today explore around the village of Lo-Manthang through town’s narrow winding streets. Visit the 14th century gompa adorned with classical wall frescoes, statues and thangka.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Lo-Manthang

DAY 12: TREK FROM LO-MANTHANG TO GHAMI (6 HRS WALK) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today trek back to Ghami through alpine meadows.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Ghami

DAY 13: TREK FROM GHAMI TO CHUKSANG (6 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today, trek further down to Chuksang.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Chuksang

DAY 14: TREK FROM CHUKSANG TO MUKTINATH (3,795M/6.5 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Trek from Chuksang to Muktinath. Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for the Hindus and Buddhist situated in the Himalayas. It is said that the misery and the sorrows will be comforted once the person visit this temple.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Muktinath

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DAY 15: TREK FROM MUKTINATH TO JOMSOM (2,713M/4 HRS) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today, is the last day of your trek. You will trek back to the rendezvous point of your trek.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge in Jomsom

DAY 16: FLY FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA AND CONNECT YOUR FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU (BREAKFAST/-/-)

Early morning, walk to the airport of Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, connect your flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 17: KATHMANDU (BREAKFAST/-/FAREWELL DINNER)

This day is free in Kathmandu for your personal activities/shopping.

Evening, farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant. This is one of the wonderful experiences to taste typical Nepali food which we call “Dal Baht” with lentils. You will be surprised with the variety of Nepalese dishes that will keep on coming. The server with a gentle smile in their face will name you every item in Nepali as well as in English language before serving you. Along with the food you will be kept entertained with typical Nepali folk shows. You will get a chance to see the dance performance of different ethnic groups of Nepal in theirs unique cultural uniform.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 18: KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST/-/-)

Free till departure. Transfer to the airport at time to connect your onward flight.

<<END OF PROGRAM>>

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PRICE: ON REQUEST

Inclusions:-

√ 4 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast √ 1 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast √ 12 nights’ accommodation in local lodge/guest house during the trek with all meals in the same lodge or along the way √ All necessary airport transfers on private basis as per the program √ Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu on Private basis with service of a local English speaking guide √ Kathmandu/Pokhara private surface transfer with our chauffeur √ Annapurna Conservation area fees √ Trekking permit √ An experienced Sherpa guide and required number of porter during the trek √ Farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant with cultural shows √ All applicable entrance fees (except in museums) Exclusions:- × Restricted area permit fee (USD 500 for 10 days- Should be paid in USD cash upon arrival in Kathmandu directly) × Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara airfare (will be advised separately) × Pokhara/Kathmandu airfare (will be advised separately) × Down Jackets, walking stick, sleeping bags (if required//can be rented in Kathmandu also) × Tips. gratuities, expenses of personal nature × Cold/hot beverages, mineral water, hot water (payable directly)