The Kingdom of Mustang had been a forbidden land until just recently and it has only been opened to tourists in 1991. The former Kingdom of Lo is located north of the main Himalayan chain, between the snow-capped mountains on the east and west, bordering Tibet. It forms a relatively wide and leveled ridge towards the north with passes not lower than 4600m/15,090ft. The climate and the land is dry and arid making it an amazing high altitude desert. Villages are located in the valley between up to the altitude of 4,000m/13,125ft. This is the route where you are likely to come across very important historical sites and an 800 year old cave and religious cravings have recently been discovered here. You will also visit some old caves on the way.
The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. This region’s years of isolation has kept the culture, lifestyle and heritage unchanged for centuries and to this date. Houses in Mustang are mostly made from stone and sun baked mud bricks. The city wall and the four storey palace in Lo-Manthang are some of the greatest ancient attractions of Mustang region. Tiji Festival, celebrated annually around May time in the walled city of Lo Manthang is one of the most important and colorful festival in Upper Mustang. This is an old story about chasing the demons from the sacred land of Lo Manthang. The festival marks the end of the dry season in Mustang. Local devotees gather from all over the Mustang and centuries old religious ceremonies are be performed by Buddhist Monks. Equipped with colorful costumes, and masks Lama performs several religious dances. This all happens in the courtyard of the King’s palace. The story reflects the war in between deity named Dorje Jono who had battled against his demon father.
The Mustagi people have their own way of family life, which is quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.The Mustangis call themselves Lobas, and they have their own King or tribe-leader, Jigme PalbarBista. After Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official recognition of the Bista as the Mustangi King. However, the people there still respect him as their King. Mustang is famous for being an important salt trading post in the Trans Himalayan belt, thus it has seen its fair share of yak caravans and traders in its time. Upper Mustang is a land where times stands still and visiting this restricted area feels like stepping back in time.
| Trip Details |
| Best Season | : | April - November |
| Trekking Duration | : | 14 Days |
| Trekking Grade | : | II (Moderate Trek) |
| Maximum Altitude | : | 4,010m / 13,1955ft |
| Destination | : | Lo Manthang |
| Trip Region/Area | : | Annapurna - Mustang |
| Trip Route | : | Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni - Chele - Geling - Tsering - Lo Manthang - Ghami - Samar - Chuksang - Kagbeni - Jomsom - Pokhara |
| Trip Style | : | Lodge / Tea House |
| Group Size | : | Min. 2 People |
| Starting From | : | Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom |
| Ending Point | : | Jomsom and Pokhara |
| Culture | : | Local communities with ethnic majority of Tibetan & Thakali |
| Mode of Trekking | : | Tea house style (lodge trek) |
| Himalayan Sights | : | Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri, Gorkha Himal, Manaslu, Kyangkung Himal, Yakawa Kang, Mustang Range |
| Highlight | : | High Altitude Desert, Canyons, Walled City of Lo Manthang, Ancient Monasteries, Caves, Mountain Desert, Kali Gandaki River Gorge |
| Days | Destinations | Hours (hr) |
| 01 | Kathmandu - Pokhara | |
| Early morning private transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the drive we will already have stunning views on the mighty Himalaya massifs which rise above 8.000m, like Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Stay in Hotel or Yoga Retreat Center in Pokhara. Day of Preparation for Yoga Trek at the Retreat Center. | ||
| 02 | Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni 2,810m/9,220ft | 30min flight, 4hr trek |
| Early morning we take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and we start trekking from there. We walk following the river Kali Gandaki from Jomsom to Kagbeni. During this walk we have good views over Gorkha Himal. Kagbeni is a charming stone village with ancient monastery and narrow winding streets. | ||
| 03 | Kagbeni - Chele 3,050m/10,000ft | 6hr trek |
| The trail climbs up steadily towards the Tibetan plateau. At first, the path follows the river closely, later it leads eastwards to a flat piece of dry and desert-like land. The scenery is amazing with its red sandstone pillars and canyons. Thousands of years of erosion have formed the landscape; rock formations in fantastic forms and colors will be our companion throughout the trip. The small town of Chele is nestled among extensive barley fields that blanket the hillside. | ||
| 04 | Chele - Syangboche 3,475m/11,400ft | 7hr trek |
| The climb continues along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to the Taklam La pass (3,623m/11,885ft) through an arid plateaus which gives us good view over Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Kunda. From this point we descend to the village of Samar situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major stopping place for horse and mule caravans. After lunch in Samar we walk for 3hr to reach Syangboche. From here the trail climbs steadily into a valley filled with juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. In the evening we can explore the village or just rest at the teahouse. Overnight in Syangboche. | ||
| 05 | Syangboche - Ghemi 3,520m/11,546ft | 6hr trek |
| We start our day with an uphill climb towards Yamda La pass (3,850m/12,665ft) passing chortens which are Buddhist shrines, stupa and some tea houses built in Tibetan tradition. The we walk through a grove of poplar trees and vast fields of barley. After having Lunch we ascend the highest point of this trek at Nyi La Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) but we descend immediately to Ghemi village. This pass is the southern boundary of Mustang region and Ghemi is the third largest village of this area, we stop here overnight. | ||
| 06 | Ghemi - Tsarang 3,560m/11,680ft | 5hr trek |
| After crossing the river, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall. From the end of the wall the trail heads east and we descend to Tsarang, a large spread-out village inhabited entirely by Lobas with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls. The huge five-story monastery fortress is perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge, to the East end of the village. The Gompa houses an excellent collection of statues and Thankas. Overnight is Tsarang. | ||
| 07 | Tsarang - Lo Manthang 3,809m/12,500ft | 5hr trek |
| We climb gently above the valley to round a large chorten visible for miles around, and then continue to the final ridge (3850m). Through a prayer flagged notch, a natural portal lies the ‘plain of inspiration’ beneath our feet. Out in front of us, the red and grew monastery of Namgyal, summer residence of the kings of Mustang. In the centre, surrounded by a ring of rounded hills, each topped by a crumbling fort, stands the amazing walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the inner kingdom, and the seat of its great monastic tradition. The prosperity of the city comes mostly from the time of intense trade with Tibet (salt and wool) | ||
| 08 | Lo Manthang - Exploring the Walled City | |
| We now have a full day to explore the many monasteries, ancient halls and temples of the walled city and the areas around it. The centre of the city is dominated by the three major buildings: the Champa Lhakang, (housing an enormous painted seated Buddha, claimed to be dating back to the early 15th century); the Thugchen Gompa, with its wonderful frescoes; and the Raja's Palace, the most imposing building in the city, with its solid tapering walls sweeping up to a full four stories. You might even have the occasion to meet Jigme Dorje, the Raja. | ||
| 09 | Lo Manthang - Dhakmar 3,810m/12,500ft | 6hr trek |
| For the first part of the return journey to Kagbeni, an alternative route crosses the Tsarang Khola farther westward. Our track meanders through this wide sparse pastureland. Then we reach a greener valley and descend past the isolated settlement of Lo Gekar to the welcome lush green of the trees around Ghar Gompa. Afterwards, we walk up to a small pass and continue over to the lovely green valley of Tramar, where the distinctive red-fluted cliffs return to contrast with the yellow hues of the north. Continuing down through the village fields we reach Dhakmar where we spend the night. | ||
| 10 | Dhakmar - Geling 3,806m/12,485ft | 6hr trek |
| We rejoin our outward journey today. Initially we walk on the stone pebble trail, we may encounter pony or yak caravans here which carry daily supplies to the high villages of Upper Mustang, at the same time we pass through irrigated farming fields. Then we start a steady climb to the Nyi La pass, then we walk down and cut across Tama Gaon and descend all the way to Geling. | ||
| 11 | Geling - Chhusang 2,980m/9,775ft | 4.5hr trek |
| We retrace our steps and start with a steep descent towards Chele. The trail leads south to join the Kali Gandaki route. We are back amongst green fields. We continue to Chhusang, a small village on a confluence point of two rivers - Mustang Khola and Narasing Khola. This is a typical village in a tibetan style, with small windows and strong thick stone walls. Overnight in Chhusang. | ||
| 12 | Chhusang - Kagbeni 2,810m/9,220ft | 5hr trek |
| We spend most of the day following the riverbed of Kali Gandaki all the way back to Kagbeni. We pass through small villages and open fields with great views of colourful rock formations. We also have great views over Nilgiri mountain and Tilicho Peak. Overnight in Kagbeni. | ||
| 13 | Kagbeni - Jomsom 2,720m/9,825ft | 4hr |
| From Kagbeni we follow the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed. During this walk we have good views over Gorkha Himal and soon we reach Jomsom. There are many options for an afternoon excursion here - we can visit Marpha - a village knows for its apples or a tiny lake Dhumba Tal. There is a museum very much worth visiting in Jomsom - Mustang Eco Museum with an interesting exhibition of local historic items like tools, costumes, herbal medicines, beads, ceramic vessels and pendants recovered from ancient burial caves of Mustang and many more interesting displays of local history, herbalism and local culture. Overnight in a teahouse in Jomsom. | ||
| 14 | Jomsom - Pokhara | 8hr drive |
| After breakfast we take a jeep, van and/or bus for a return drive to Pokhara (approx. 8hr journey) along the Kali Gandaki valley and river gorge. NOTE: There is an option to fly to Pokhara at an additional cost. Overnight in Pokhara. |
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Note: Each day & trek is different, depending on a number of factors ranging from availability of some facilities and trail conditions to the general pace of the whole group. Exact timetable cannot always be followed and would in fact destroy the free and easy going atmosphere of the trek that you have come along to enjoy. Therefore the following schedule serves as a general guideline only.
On your request we can arrange an extension of your holiday and there are many activities you can choose from, depending on your personal preferences. Here is what we can help you arrange:
We have various residential yoga retreat programs available from 1-21 days in duration. Typical daily program includes meditation, two yoga classes, jala neti, sound immersion with singing bowls and gong, guided relaxation and daily wellness activities of foot bath, steam bath, mud bath or aromatherapy steam inhalation. Our food is organic and delicious, always cooked fresh by our skilled chef with accordance to ayurvedic principles. You can also learn to make a hand-crafted mandala, have a private sound healing session or get an ayurvedic massage during your stay on request.www.purnayoga.com.np
Seated high on the back of an elephant, gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan National Park which is a home to significant populations of one horned rhino, tigers, leopards, wild hogs, sloth bears, many species of deer, monkeys, langurs, Gharial crocodiles, Indian bisons and many beautiful peacocks. Packages start from 3 days/2 night and longer with a variety of activities including elephant jungle safari, river canoe trip, cultural performance of Tharu stick dance, elephant bathing, jeep safari and more.
Nepal is a home to many raging mountain rivers and streams originating from the Himalayas, which makes it a perfect destination for a river rafting adventure. The excursions start from a short half day rafting tour on Upper Seti river, 1 day for Trisuli river and 2 days for Lower Seti and Marshyangdi. A longer 3 day camping excursion is required for rafting on Kali Gandaki. There are rafting tours suitable for beginners as well as more experienced thrill seekers, grades from II to V, changeable with the seasons.
Pokhara is a paradise for paragliding, on one side towering snow-capped mountains, on the other side a stunning lake surrounded by hills and terraced fields. Such landscapes are sure to take your breath away as you glide through the air seamlessly like a bird in flight. Tandem flights are perfect for beginners, a 30min adventure that gives you a taste of thermal lifts and even some acrobatics if you’re keen. Cross country is the next step with a 60min flight that takes you higher and further. All flights start from Sarankot hill, nearby Pokhara.
There are two bungee jump locations in Nepal. Pokhara has a 70m vertical drop tower bungee, located just 20 minutes away from Lakeside. The jump site offers a spellbinding view of the Himalayas, the hills and the rivers that will take your breath away. The second bungee site is located on a suspension bridge hanging over a 160m deep Bhote Kosi river gorge, 100km east from Kathmandu. Both locations offer superb adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience.
Take this 1 day tour and journey through intimate passages of contorted rock and powerful blasts of water as experienced guides lead you climbing, abseiling, jumping, scrambling, sliding & swimming down steep canyon walls to pristine natural pools below. Jalberi Canyoning Zone, which is located half way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, features breath-taking scenery of untouched jungle, karst rock formations and multiple cascading waterfalls dropping one after the other into refreshing pools and rainbow gardens.
Pokhara has the world's longest, fastest and steepest zipline, which is over 1.8km long, with a 600 metre vertical drop and which can travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. The descent is only 2min long but it is sure to leave a lasting impression as you're flying over treetops, Pokhara Valley with Seti River below you and a vast space in front of you with beautiful mountain panorama in sight. Make the most of your trip, you can't zipline to such extreme anywhere else in the world.
Pokhara offers a range of ultralight flight experiences. The shortest flight is just 15min and it takes you around Pokhara Valley with a mountain panorama view. A 30min flight can take you around the valley and also bring you close and personal with the Fishtail Mountain.
The 60min flight takes you into the heart of the mountains, where you will fly in between the Himalayan mountain ranges for a once in a lifetime experience and an incredible vantage point to snap some stunning photos.
Mountain flights operate from Kathmandu airport and once you take off you don't have to wait long before you see spectacular mountain views beneath you. You get to fly over the highest mountain ranges in the world and you will also see what Mt Everest looks like from above. This is as close as you can get to the world's tallest mountain without trekking. This flight is operated in a 17 seater Beech aircraft and everyone gets a window seat, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Please note these Terms and Conditions contain important information. It is essential that you read them carefully and understand them prior to making your reservation with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please note that while booking a trip, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions as well as the cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. When making your booking with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd it is implied that you have read, understood and accepted all these terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.
1. Booking
To make your reservation you must fill out the booking form and make a booking deposit payment. Your reservation will be confirmed by email once we have received your booking deposit and a copy of your booking form duly filled out.
All treks require a booking deposit of 200 USD per person at the time of booking. Some longer treks like Everest Base Camp and Upper Mustang require a booking deposit of 500 USD per person at the time of booking.
2. Payment Methods
Booking deposit payment can be made by bank transfer, by Visa / MasterCard or by Western Union. The remaining balance can be cleared upon your arrival in Nepal by cash or credit card (credit card payment incurs a 4% charge).
a. Payment by Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa Only)
There is a 4% surcharge when you make your payment with a credit/debit card. Please download the credit card payment form and complete the necessary details in the form including your complete card details, signature (same as in your passport & credit card) and send a scan/photo of this filled form as well as a scan/photo of your passport and both sides of your card by email to info@nepalyogatrek.com
Your credit card will be charged by Alpine Travel Service (Credit Card Division) on behalf of Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please do not send the form details directly to Alpine Travel Services.
b. Payment by Wire/Bank Transfer
Please use the below details to complete a wire/bank transfer. Please note that Nepal banks do not operate the IBAN system, the below details are full and complete:
Beneficiary Name: PURNA YOGA & TREKS PVT.LTD
Beneficiary Address: TEKU, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Bank Name: MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED
Bank Address: KANTIPATH, KATHMANDU, NEPAL.
Bank Account No: 0010010103716
Bank Swift Code: MBNLNPKA
Please put down your own name as the transaction reference for easy recognition.
Please note that your transfer may be subject to an intermediary bank fee on the way to Nepal as well as your own bank's transfer fee. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any bank charges incurred at any stage of the transfer process.
c. Payment by Western Union or Moneygram
Send the payment option "pickup at location" to the following receiver details:
Company Name: Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
First Name: Manohar
Last Name: Shrestha
Address: Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Telephone Number: +977 9841436877
Note: After making the transfer please email us the receipt of your payment to info@nepalyogatrek.com We need the MTCN code, full sender name & address to receive the money in Western Union office.
Please note you can only send the payment in NPR (Nepali Rupee) to Nepal so we will use the current exchange rate NPR/USD to calculate the deposit amount received in USD
3. Cancellation
a. Cancellation by Guest
Written cancellation notice must be received and acknowledged by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Such notice commences from the day your cancellation note is received and cancellation shall be valid with acknowledgement from the company. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge would be deducted from the advance paid. Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.
The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CHARGE INCURRED |
| 60 days or more before departure | Loss of deposit |
| 59 - 21 days before departure | 50% of services booked |
| Less than 21 days before departure | 80% of services booked |
Please note no refunds will be made if you voluntarily or involuntarily leave the trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and any other services not utilized. Under no circumstance will there be a refund of any kind if you don't show up on the trip departure date or if you leave the trip after the trip has started for any reasons.
Guests have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary, Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd is not financially responsible to provide alternative accommodation after the guest has left the itinerary voluntarily or involuntarily. However we will do our best to assist if help is requested to make any alternative arrangements.
b. Cancellation by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
The tour once confirmed will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so due to circumstances outside of our control (force majeure) such as major natural disaster, major political unrest or war - only when it directly affects our operations, not due to singular localized events in any part of the country.
In the event of cancellation of the booked trip due to reasons out of our control, you are free to reschedule your trip or take an alternative trip of the same category. While rescheduling the trip, you will receive the full credit from your previously booked trip, and you will only pay the difference amount between old and new prices if the price increases for the rescheduled departure. Refunds are not possible in such circumstances but credit transfer is offered. toward an alternative trip within 24 months.
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as flight costs, insurance, accommodation and any other costs).
4. Change of itinerary due to reasons beyond our control
Travelling in Nepal requires a degree of flexibility, good humour and understanding as unforeseen changes to the itinerary, modes of transportation and accommodation can occur at any time. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, extreme weather, road blockage, political unrest, flight cancellation or delay, sickness or accident, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc) or any other circumstances beyond our control. The given itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation. No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. But we will always do our best to keep your itinerary unchanged as much as possible.
If a domestic flight is part of the itinerary at the end of the trip (ie Jomsom-Pokhara or Lukla-Kathmandu) and the flight becomes cancelled or delayed, the guest is responsible to bear all additional expenses incurred including food and accommodation costs. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as helicopter flight to avoid international flight delays, all additional cost would be your responsibility. Moreover, Purna Yoga & Treks does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights, but would assist to make alternative transport arrangements wherever possible.
5. Risk & Liabilities
Your safety is our number one priority and the tour leaders have an authority to make changes in the itinerary based on their risk assessment due to weather or trail conditions while the trek is in progress. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd will not be liable for any accident, injury, health problem, emotional distress or any other health condition suffered by the client during the trip. Our packages do not include any kind of personal insurance so it is guests' own responsibility to purchase travel insurance from their own country before their trip starts. Similarly Purna Yoga & Treks will not be liable for any loss or damage of property, lost or stolen valuables or luggage.
6. Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the prices quoted. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants at all time, it is a condition of booking that you take out a personal travel insurance policy. To protect against unforeseen circumstances it is advisable to take a comprehensive travel insurance cover from your own country and before your arrival to Nepal. Such insurance should cover personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation expenses, land and helicopter rescue from high altitude (up to the max altitude of your trek - please check this carefully with your insurance provider before booking).
We also recommend that the insurance cover includes trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
7. Privacy & Publicity
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd has to collect your personal information in order to obtain the necessary trekking permits and for records purposes. No private or personal information that you supply to us when making a booking will ever be used for any other purposes.
You agree that Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd may use images of you taken during the trip without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses.
