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Welcome to the most isolated and unexplored corner of the Himalayas, Mustang - a land where the soul of the man is still considered to be as real as the feet he walks on; a land said to be "barren as a dead deer" but where beauty and happiness abound in spite of hardships.

The forbidden Kingdom of Mustang (at present - Mustang District of Nepal) has a long, rich and complex history that makes it one of the most interesting places to trek in Nepal. The early history of Lo Manthang (capital of ancient Mustang Kingdom) is shrouded in legend, myth and mystery, but there are records of even in Lo Manthang as early as the 8th century. It is quite likely that the Tibetan poet Milarepa, who lived from 1040 to 1123, visited Lo Manthang.

At present, Mustang is one of the very popular trekking regions in Nepal. The region of Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as "Upper Mustang". The trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks make your trip memorable one.

The Government of Nepal announced opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. According to government regulation, only organized trekking is allowed to trek in Upper Mustang with a special permit.

The Trip
Day	Itinerary
1	KATHMANDU - POKHARA You have breakfast being of the early morning before 7:00 AM. This morning you will be drive to Pokhara (200km) the road mostly follow the Trisuli River, depart 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 6 hrs away by tourist bus. Along the drive you see beautiful scenery. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara with enough time to enjoy the colorful town of Pokhara. O/N stay in Pokhara.
2	POKHARA - JOMSOM Fly to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang and start trek to Kagbeni, 3-4 hours, the starting point of the "Upper Mustang". O/N camping at Kagbeni
3	KAGBENI - CHELE There is a trail up the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Nilgiri peak that dominates the southern skyline at Kagbeni continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village about 1 1/2 hrs trek, and cross the river from there and continue north climbing up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030 Mt. The culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo from here
4	CHELE - GELING The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock at 3540 Mt. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800 Mt. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there gently climb to a pass at 3770mt and descend to Geling.
5	GELING - CHARANG From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on your trek NYI LA and descend below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmar Chu (river), then climbs past what is perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m, the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha's.
6	CHARANG - LO MANTHANG The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang-Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally from a ridge at 3850 Mt. there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of LO Manthang.
7	LO MANTHANG There are four major places and several other places like the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house", the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall, which are the main attractions of this town. An another attraction is the four-story building of the Raja's Palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalayas. Having seen one, you are excited to see the others.
8	LO MANTHANG Besides LO Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Nangyals "The Monastery of Victory " is the newest and most active Gompa in LO. The eastern valley contains Chosar, the site of a High School, Garphu and Nyphu Gompa and is the main trading route to Lhasa.
9	LO MANTHANG - GHAMI VIA GEKAR This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of LO Manthang. The trail contours past two small ridges and valleys and across a ridge at 4070m then descends across to the south through two more valleys, meadows and a stream. The trail then makes a long rocky descent to Gekar. LO Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest Gompa in Nepal. Then crosses a ridge after a little climbing and drops down steeply to Thamar village. The trail descends along the side of the stone walls and fields of extensive villages, then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami.
10	GHAMI - SAMAR From Ghami climb to NYI LA and descend to Samar through the same route.
11	SAMAR - KAGBENI (Return trek to Kagbeni)
12	KAGBENI - JOMSOM Return trek to Jomsom.
13	JOMSOM - POKHARA Fly to Pokhara. Pokhara lakeside villages sits, "front row center" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of our trip. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting places like a boating on Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. Evening you are free to explore the colorful town. O/N in Pokhara.
14	POKHARA Leisure day for self-activities and rest.
15	POKHARA - KATHMANDU After breakfast you're return to Kathmandu by road. Upon arrive in Kathmandu, check in to your hotel and free to shop and pick up some last minute souvenirs if your are leaving next day for your home or next destination.
	* Travel Kit	Since the trip include high altitude over 4000 meters, you should bring: - at least a pair of very warm jackets, wind coat, good trekking shoes, medicine of high altitude and stomach disorder, other personal belongings, sleeping bag, toiletries, water bottle, flash light, sunglasses, at least 6 months valid passport (some copies of passport photos for visa and permits) and other personal values, etc.
	Cost Range	US $ 1800 - $ 2000 (per person) - including accommodation, flight and ground transfers, special permit and guided trip. The costs are depending on group sizes.