Hiking in the rain shadow – Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)

Hike in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges to the former kingdom of Lo – travel back centuries to the earthen walled city of Lo Manthang.

Nepal has a strict tourist policy when it comes to Upper Mustang – you are required to pay an amount of $50 a day and travel with a liaison (guide) at all times. All these policies, however, add up to what simply may be the best cultural hike in the world. It also means that you won’t bump into other hikers as you would in the Everest or Annapurna trekking regions.

 

Trip Overview

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 2
Sightseeing around Kathmandu.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hrs)
Day 4
Flight to Jomsom (2713m) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m).
Day 5
Trek to Chele (3030m).
Day 6
Trek to Gheling (3510m).
Day 7
Trek to Dhakmar (3781m).
Day 8
Trek to Lo Manthang (3800m).
Day 9
Explore Lo Manthang.
Day 10
Trek to Tsarang (3650m).
Day 11
Trek to Tangya (3240m).
Day 12
Trek to Khamba Camp (3600m).
Day 13
Trek to Muktinath (3760m).
Day 14
Trek to Jomsom (2750m).
Day 15
Fly to Pokhara.
Day 16
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6-7 hrs)
Day 17
Spare day in Kathmandu.
Day 18
Departure from Kathmandu.
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Detail Itinerary

Day 1

On the very first day of your trip, you will experience something truly Nepalese; traditional Nepalese dinner. But rest assured our representatives will be there to pick you up at the airport, help you check in to your hotel and then take you out for dinner.

Day 2

You will spend the second day sightseeing around Kathmandu - there’s the monkey temple, the Boudhanath Stupa and some ancient heritages of Nepal to be visited. In the latter half of the afternoon our guides will brief you and help you sort out all the equipment for the trip.

Day 3

The highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara follows deep river valleys, across bridges and modern townships with roadhouses for travelers to stop and eat. The journey is about 5 hours long and if we start early you’ll be in Pokhara by mid day. You can spend the rest of the day strolling around Lakeside, a chilled out place to eat and hang out, go paddling in the Phewa lake and sort out any last minute trekking gear.

Day 4

The flight to Jomsom is one scenic ride that you’re never going to forget. The flight is only 20 minutes long and you get so immersed in the view outside the airplane window that the flight will seem too short. The first trekking day is comparatively easy and the walk between Jomsom and Kagbeni takes only 3 hours if you are a really good hiker. Since it is your first day trekking, you can walk leisurely and enjoy the scenery around you.

Day 5

The strenuous part of the trek begins today and the trail gets steep as soon as you start walking. Lots of ups and downs and around 7 hours of walking finally brings you to Chele.

Day 6

More ups and downs - the trail first climbs along a steep canyon and then drops gently to Samar where you’ll stop for lunch. From Samar the trail climbs up to a ridge and then descends into a spectacular gorge before crossing a stream. From there the trail goes up and down some passes before reaching Gheling.

Day 7

After a hearty breakfast in Gheling, follow a trail along the valley towards Nya Pass (4050m) and walk down to Ghemi for lunch. After lunch hike further up to the Dhakmar village.

Day 8

A day of ups and downs as you walk past small settlements, colorful chortens and a monastery before you reach your tea house in Lo Manthang.

Day 9

An entire day to explore the walled city of Lo Manthang and its surroundings. Visit the King’s Palace, Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa and the Chhoser caves.

Day 10

Walk up to a monastery early morning and see the monks pray. Return to your tea house for breakfast before walking down to the beautiful village of Tsarang.

Day 11

After a night in Tsarang walk down to Tangya after crossing the Kali Gandaki river. The river cannot be crossed during monsoon because of flood.

Day 12

The trail goes up to the Pa and Cha Cho La passes, offering some spectacular views of the barren landscape. Today’s stop is Khamba Camp.

Day 13

An easy day as you trek to Muktinath and visit the Muktinath temple and explore the surrounding “Muktidhara” or 108 waterspouts, the Muktikunda and the Gomba Sumba monastery.

Day 14

Walk down towards Jomsom crossing the beautiful villages of Jharkot and Khinga.

Day 15

Fly back to Pokhara airport. You can spend the rest of the day strolling around Lakeside, a chilled out place to eat and hang out, go paddling in the Phewa lake and sort out any last minute trekking gear.

Day 16

The journey between Pokhara and Kathmandu is about 5 hours long and if we start early you’ll be in Kathmandu by mid day. You can spend the rest of the day strolling around the eateries and souvenir shops of Thamel.

Day 17

An entire day in Kathmandu for yourself. Eat as much as you want, go shopping or do nothing at all! If you’re not trek weary, we’ll take you to the Last Resort for an adrenaline pumping bungee jumping adventure.

Day 18

Again our representatives will be there to transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell.

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