UPPER MUSTANG
Mustang, a former kingdom beyond the Himalayas
In the small kingdom of Mustang, we are traveling in a region under Tibetan cultural influence. Villages, monasteries and chortens and in the distance the snowy fortresses of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri describe an ideal composition for hiking.
Due to its geographical location, the Mustang, a small Himalayan kingdom, has always maintained privileged links with Tibet, and in particular cultural and religious ties influential for the fervent Buddhists who inhabit it. In addition, the absence of large passes naturally made Mustang the place of passage obliged between India and Tibet by the valley of Kali Gandaki. It is in this universe so close to Tibet, and somewhat isolated from the rest of Nepal, that we hike. Here, the arid land contrasts with the snow-capped peaks that run endlessly. Lo Manthang, a fortified town with many monasteries, welcomes us for a cultural stopover.
We leave Mustang to return to Kathmandu and pick up some other Nepalese images.
- A summer trek on the Tibetan plateau along the Kali Gandaki canyon
- A remote region of Tibetan culture, lively and preserved
- A rich cultural heritage restored in Lo Gekar, Lo manthang, Luri Gompa...
- A spectacular mountain flight between Jomsom and Pokhara
Gallery
Itinerary
For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...
Welcome by Base Camp Trek staff, transfer at hotel
- Accomodation : Hotel
We drive to Pokhara (6 H) along the Himalayan range.
- Accomodation : Lake Side Retreat Hotel on BB
After a beautiful mountain flight between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, we start our trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the gateway to Mustang.
- Elevation positive 150m- Elevation negative: 0m
- Walking hours : 3h
A gradual walk to the fortified village of Jarkhot. Optional excursion to Muktinath (3,800 m) to visit the Vishnu temple and a famous pilgrimage centre ( 2 h walk) . This walk allows to better acclimatization to the altitude.
- Elevation positive 750m- Elevation negative: 50m
- Walking hours : 4h
- Accomodation : Lodge
We enter upper Mustang in Dzong village. Visit small monastery on the top of the village on rocky peak. Then climb to Gyu la Pass (4 000m). Long descent in an extraordinary setting of ochre rock walls to reach the village of Chhusang.
- Elevation positive 650m- Elevation negative: 1 200m
- Walking hours : 5 to 6h
- Accomodation : Lodge
After crossing the Kali Gandaki gorges, short walk toward Chele. After Chele the path carved in rock rises to the Taklam Pass (3 650m) a short descent to reach our camping site in Samar village.
- Elevation positive 650m- Elevation negative: 150m
- Walking hours : 5h
- Accomodation : Lodge
Easy trekking day to cross several small passes between 3 600m and 3 800m with great views on the Annapurna range. After Syangboche trek to Geling village dominated by an old fortress and a monastery of the Sakya School.
- Elevation positive 700m- Elevation negative: 400m
- Walking hours : 6h
- Accomodation : Lodge
Crossing the Nyi La (3 950m) and Ghumi La to reach the village of Ghemi (3 520m) for lunch.
Visit the small monastery in the heart of the village surrounded by caves that served as a shelter against the invaders. In the afternoon easy climb into one of the most dazzling Mustang landscape of red walls that dominate the village.
- Elevation negative: 550m
- Walking hours : 6h
- Accomodation : Lodge
It is the longest day of the trek but without any major difficulties. Easy climb to Mui la pass (4 100m) to reach the oldest Mustang monastery, Ghar Gompa, of the Nyingmapa School whose frescoes have been restored. After lunch, we cross the Marang Pass to descend on Lomanthang, the capital of Mustang, in striking scenery.
- Elevation positive 900m- Elevation negative: 700m
- Walking hours : 7h30
- Accomodation : Lodge
Day of visit or rest in Lomanthang, a small walled in city on the Tibetan plateau. It was in the 15th century an important religious enter and a market between India and Tibet. Stroll through the winding streets of the village to discover the two historic monasteries, Jamba Lhakhang and Tukche whose sumptuous frescoes are under restoration by a Italian team.
- Accomodation : Lodge
Reaching the small pass of Loday La Pass at 3 950m then walk on a plateau above 4 050m before descending towards Dhi to cross the Kali Gandaki river and reach Yara village.
- Elevation positive 500m- Elevation negative: 700m
- Walking hours : 5h
- Accomodation : Lodge
Excursion to the Tashi Kabum cave and the Luri Gompa monastery sheltering superb 15th century Buddhist frescoes. Back to the same camp.
- Elevation positive 250m- Elevation negative: 250m
- Walking hours : 4h
- Accomodation : Lodge
Crossing a deserted and rocky plateau, far from any home. Short descent to the Dhechyang Khola River (black river) where there are many fossils. Climb to the Sertang Pass (3 975m) where we picnic. Extraordinary view of the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri ... Then descent via several levels of plateau to the village of Tangge.
- Elevation positive 600m- Elevation negative: 800m
- Walking hours : 6h
- Accomodation : Lodge
Departure early in the morning for a long day of walking. Cross the Yak Khola river before progressive climbing to a pass (4 150m). Short descent to have lunch in Paha. Long walk on a ridge before a steep descent into the valley of the Nursing Khola and Chhusang village.
- Elevation positive 1 100m- Elevation negative: 1 300m
- Walking hours : 8h30
- Accomodation : Lodge
Easy day while crossing the village of Tangbe and walkto Kagbeni where we will have lunch. After -noon easy following the windy Kali Gandaki to Jomsom.
- Elevation positive 50m- Elevation negative: 250m
- Walking hours : 6h
- Accomodation : Lodge
Early morning beautiful mountain flight between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Free time in Kathmandu.
- Accomodation : Hotel
Visit of Pashupatinath Temple, Buddhnath Stupa and Imperial City of Patan.
End of our services.
What's included
- Domestic airport Taxes
- 4 nights in hotel Holy Himalaya or Similar in Kathmandu on BB
- 1 night in hotel Lake Side Retreat or Similar on BB
- Trek in Lodge full board
- English speaking Guide for trekking
- Trekking Staffs / 1 Assistant Sherpa from 4 pax / 1 Porter for 2 pax
- Carrying of luggage up to 13 kg / person during the trek
- Trekking Permit ACAP & TIMS
- Insurance of the staffs
- Domestic airport taxes
What's not included
- Mustang Special Permit
- Lunch & Dinner at Kathmandu & Pokhara except Breakfast
- Visa Nepal at airport (50$ + Photos)
- International flights
- Inlsurance detail its compulsory
- Tips, Personal expenses, Drinks, Sleeping bag, hot shower, Battery recharge during trek...
Suppliments
>> Mustang Special Permits : 550$
>> Single room for 4 nights : 115$
CLIENT REVIEW
Jean Werlen Trip (Voyage) : UPPER MUSTANG Date of Trip : 09/08/2016 au 26/08/2016
The 3 passes of Kumbu bring together varied and prodigious landscapes. We were able to appreciate these marvels thanks to an efficient and empathetic support.
First of all when we arrived, complicated and very dispersed, a warm welcome by our attentive guide. Then to recover my baggage then "lost" at CDG, a mobilization of the agency to find it, then driving (by motorbike) and introduction with airport agents to, finally, find the equipment. This misadventure made us grasp our vulnerability but also the essential security provided by the agency.
More classically I want to underline the permanent attention of our guide throughout the course, transfers and journeys. Always in an equal and attentive mood, he never ceases to explain. The whole team is in unison, efficient and friendly. The mastery of French, and even some expressions in Alsatian, make the contact more fruitful. Obviously the size of the group (7 people) and prior knowledge considerably help the collective dynamic and facilitate mobility. The ability to constantly adapt, even to improvise securely, provides comfort and discoveries that are far more interesting than the development of a preliminary program.
In short it was a very nice trek, very nice and serene. Thank you all.
Jean - Michel & Corinne PECHENOT Trip (Voyage) : UPPER MUSTANG Date of Trip : 12 Sep - 03 Oct 2019
This is our sixth trip in six years to Nepal and always with Base Camp Trek. A true friendship is created with the team: Guide and porters. Nepal is not always easy and it's reassuring to know that behind the team that accompanies, this is a solid and reliable organization. In addition, during the trek, it is always possible to adapt the course according to the conditions of the mountain and the participants. We found this great flexibility that allows to better enjoy Nepal and avoids stress. In summary, that happiness!
