Meandering Mustang
 
A fascinating exploration of the starkly beautiful and once-forbidden kingdom of Mustang

Opened in 1992 to trekkers, the legendary region of Mustang in north-central Nepal is a geographic extension of the Tibetan Plateau, a windswept mountain realm harbouring one of the last authentic remnants of Tibetan culture which has remained virtually untouched by the outside world. The route travels up the world's deepest river gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, following an ancient trade corridor to Tibet through some magnificent landscape to the ancient walled fortress-city of Lo Manthang.

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (1,330m)
Day 2 In Kathmandu, sightseeing Kathmandu Valley
Day 3 Drive along narrow river valleys to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara (820m); optional hike to Peace Stupa for stupendous views of Pokhara and the Annapurnas
Day 4 Take the spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom (2710m); commence trek to Kagbeni (2,800m) through the world's deepest river gorge
Day 5/8 Trek through the stunning barren windswept edges of the Tibetan plateau, yak pastures and isolated villages along the Kali Gandaki Valley, to Lo Manthang (3,840m), crossing many high passes en route
Day 9/10 Explore the Royal Palace, monasteries and caves in the walled city of Lo Manthang and beyond
Day 11/15 Return to Jomsom via an alternative route
Day 16 Fly to Pokhara or continue fly to Kathmandu
Day 17/18 At leisure in Kathmandu
Day 19 Trip concludes

Trip profile
19 Day Trip
12 days point-to-point trek
5 nights Kathmandu
1 night Pokhara
Accommodation 6 nights Hotels, Guesthouses

Trek accommodation 12 nights Camping
TransportPrivate bus, plane
Type Camping
Style Discovery
When to Visit Apr to Oct
Altitude Max4,325m/ 14,186ft (ChogoLa Pass)
Altitude Avg 3,100m/ 10,170ft
GradeC+/ DIFFICULT+
-Involves trekking of up to 6-7 hours a day at a steady pace at altitude
-Dry and windy
-May become necessary at times to ford some rivers
Mule caravan passing by a khani

Highlights
-Kathmandu's ancient temples and markets
-Scenic drive to Pokhara through deep river valleys
-Beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara
-Spectacular Jomsom mountain flights
-Mule caravans reminiscent of olden times
-Walk through the world's deepest river gorge  sandwiched between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri
-Trek through the barren but spectacular trans- Himalayan region (in the rain-shadow area) with  superb mountain views
-Mustangi people and their unique cultures
-Age old Buddhist practices and Buddhist monasteries
-Walk on the historic trade route and explore the trading  villages
-Visit the Royal Palace and the temples in the walled city  of LoManthang
-Apple Pie and apple brandy
-Another magnificent flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu  affording superb mountain panorama

Inclusions
-All meals except main meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara;
-All ground transport, including airport transfers, and  flights as mentioned;
-All accommodations;
-Sightseeing in Kathmandu;
-All applicable permits and entrance fees;
-Full trek staff arrangements including a Trek Leader  and Sherpa guides;
-Porters or pack animals to carry personal and group  equipments;
-Use of Trek Pack;
-Group medical kit;
-All major group equipments, etc.

 
Comments
-Please note that Mustang is being connected by a  roadway to Tibet, and also as part of Nepal's drive to  bring road networks to remote areas. As a result you  will see a few construction works taking place along the  way
-This trek requires the participation of at least two  members as part of the Special Regulation Areas  policy
-The permit to gain access to this region is also very  costly with US$700 clamped on each individual trekker  for 10 days
-This trek could be combined with Annapurna Circuit but  takes longer