Upper Mustang Classical 19 days

After Breakfast first we check all the trekking equipment and if missing some of trekking gear, we can buy during the sightseeing. Full day sightseeing proceeds to the prominent UNESCO world heritage site to Syambhunath Stupa the Buddhist sanctuary said to be nearly 2000 years old. The hill itself is pleasant place overlooking the entire valley of Kathmandu. The all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha painted in prominent blue atop the dome are visible from long distance from around the Kathmandu city. Then proceed to patan durbar squar also call Lalitpur the city full of fine arts. It covers the dozens of temples like Krishna Mandir, Kumbeswor temple, Golden temle. Next site proceed to Pashupatinath Temple the holiest Hindu Temple situated on the bank of sacred holy river Bagmati. Sightseeing continues to the Boudhanath Stupa the biggest Stupa around inhabited by Tibetan Refugee since 1959AD. The day ends at Kathmandu Durbar Squar where can visti the Living Goddes Kumari who appear on the balcony of her temple to greet her devotees, Kastamandap temple (Though now it is under reconstruction process after collapsed in earthquake in 25 April 2014), the temple made out of single tree and named Kathmandu as it was known as Kantipur in earlier times. Kathmandu Durbar Squar cover dozen of temple concluding Kumari temple, Hanuman Dhoka, Maizu dewal, Taleju temple, Nautale Durbar, Kaal Bhairav, freak street and many more.

Overnight in a Boutique Hotel on BB Basis

Early breakfast at the hotel, the trekking guide will pick up you to the Pokhara bus station. Tourist standard comfortable bus drive early in the morning about 7 hours to arrive in Pokhara. Or you may 25 minute flight to Pokhara which we may book the flight on your chosen time from 08 AM to 16:30 PM. 20 drive from Thamel to Kathmandu domestic airport and 10 minute drive from Pokhara airport to lake-side Pokhara. This flight also a amazing Himalayan scenery flight.

On the driving way to Pokhara, Beautiful farming land terrace, rivers, uncountable green hill mountain with villages of different ethnic group of people are the scenic views. Pokhara located in the Midwest of Nepal has many natural lakes overwhelming with the view of snow caped mountain. Great view of the Himalaya can be seen from the dam side/ south part of Pokhara though lake side has huge density with touristic facilities.

Overnight in Pokhara on BB baisi.

We take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom where we will be met at the tiny airstrip by our trek crew. After some initial preparation of loads, we begin our trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Just out of Jomsom we cross a small hanging bridge and then walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. It’s also very picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. Kagbeni provides us with a taste of scenes to come in upper Mustang, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa. At the police check- post at the north end of the village, there is a sign saying “restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point.” Here we will complete our paper work before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

It is possible to trek right up the river valley, but we use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand but the path is kept interesting by the passing of mule trains bearing goods from Mustang and Tibet. On the west bank of the river are some caves and Gompa Kang. Unlike most monasteries in Upper Mustang which are of the Sakyapa sect, Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. We stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where we come across the first black, white and red chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buck wheat and barley and apple orchards. Nilgri Peak continues of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chhuksang are some spectacular red organe pipe eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

There is a distinct change here, not only in the topography, but also in the culture, lifestyle and people and the settlements become more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang do practice agriculture, but because of the lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is in sheltered plots of land, scattering the brown landscape with patches of green. Continuing north we reach a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the river flows. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of the tunnel and north of here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable on foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Chele. Watch out here for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs which are chained to many of the houses. From Chele we climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass we descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major stopping place for horse and mule caravans (5 to 6 hrs walking).

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

We climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of chortens and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling with it extensive fields of barley. As in all the settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre- painted houses are constructed using mud and stones, with roofs made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

From Geling the trail climbs gently through fields, up the centre of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing chorten. We then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La (3840m). The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction, the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white –washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, are a source of inspiration. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread- out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village is a huge dzong (fortress ) and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo- Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north east corner.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Today is free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Mantang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the city and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborate mandalas painted on the walls. The king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout the kingdom. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this cost is excluded in the tour.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

We begin our return journey from Lo-Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo- Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we camp near the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

We continue our journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded gully to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, we walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Gami.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Now we retrace our route back to Chhuksang.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Retrace again back to Jomsom where we end our trek. It’s time now for a nice hot shower and a celebration in the evening with the sherpas and porters we have come to know so well over the last 2 weeks as a part of your family.

Overnight: in a Mountain Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

We take a spectacular early morning flight along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Pokhara.

Overnight: in a Boutique Hotel on BB basis.

After breakfast we’ve sightseeing around Pokhara valley. You’re free in Pokhara Valley also called “ Magic Land” or Dreamland’ of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake overlooking the region of Annapurna areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. After lunch you’re free to shop for souvenirs or rest overnight at Pokhara depend on your choise.

Overnight: in a Boutique Hotel on BB basis.

Drive to Kathmandu and next day transfer from hotel to international airport to board onward journey flight. Or combine with other trip from Pokhara like white water rafting or safari tour at Chitwan Park. The cost would be extra for any additional program.

Overnight: in a Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu on BB basis.

Transfer from hotel to international airport to board onward journey flight. Or combine with other trip like Sightseeing in UNESCO world heritage site around Kathmandu valley or join the day trip for white water rafting or safari tour at Chitwan Park or any other activities in your favor.  The cost of extended activities will be extra.