Upper Mustang Trekking
Description
Upper Mustang trekking lies on a high and windswept plateau in northwestern Nepal by the Tibetan border - one of the more remote parts in the world. Although Mustang is politically part of Nepal, culturally it is Tibetan. But its isolation had left the villages impoverished and the ancient monasteries crumbling.
Trek to Upper Mustang is a journey of remarkable contrasts. Stark Tibetan landscapes contrast with lush rice fields and Hindu shrines with cliff hanging monasteries. In this wild lunar landscape of unreal color and beauty, ruggedly carved mountains reach up to deep blue skies, while icy peaks glimmer majestically to the south. Vast and barren ridges extend to the northern horizon making one feel like an insignificant dot on a timeless landscape. It is untouched by the outside world or the Chinese cultural Revolution, 16th century monasteries still remain active to preserve this magnificent trans-Himalayan kingdom, with their unrivaled creations such as Thankas, Mandalas and Deities.
Itinerary
Day 02: After breakfast your sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.
Swoyambhunath Stupa: Swoyambhunath literally means Self-Existent One. Swoyambhunath is believed to have been Swoyambhunath established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century Swoyambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site. The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started with the beginning of Swoyambhunath. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the Stupa. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities dot the Stupa complex. Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit
Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhunath is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The Stupa is atop a hill, and requires considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to the base of the statue.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a unique city located east of Kathmandu at 1,400m above sea level. With an area of 5 Bhaktapur sq. km. this unique city is divided into 24 traditional localities. It was founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D.Bhaktapur in supposed to have been built in the shape of a conch shell, a scared symbol of Lord Vishnu. The world Bhaktapur means The City of Devotees. Bhaktapur; at one time an independent city, was ruled by Malla Kings. They were religious and gave importance to their artistic heritage which is evident throughout the city. Some of the significant monuments are:-
The Lion Gate: Built by King Bupatindra Malla in 17 th century A.D.
Golden Gate: The main entrance to the famous 55 Window Palace and Royal Taleju. Constructed in 1754 A.D
The statue of King Bupatindra Malla.
-55 Window Palace: This architectural structure dominates the entire Bhadgaon Durbar Square. It is worth admiring.
-Vastala Temple.
-Pashupati Nath Temple.
-Nyatapole Temple.
-Bhairav Nath Temple.
After lunch we will drive you back to hotel and leisure. In the evening you will be receiving all the necessary documents and introduce your accompanying guide for your trekking. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 03: In the morning we will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Lunch will be provided on the way at best available restaurant. After few hours(6 - 7) of journey you will be taken to the hotel. Check in hotel and be refreshed. After being refreshed you can take your own time walking around the lake side and enjoy the evening. Dinner and overnight at hotel. 7 - 8 hours
Day 04: Early morning we will depart you to Pokhara Airport for your onward flight to Jomsom. After 15 minutes of flight you will be arrive in Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m) 4 - 5 hours
Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3100m) 5 - 6 hours
Day 06: Chele to Geiling (3570m) 6 - 7 hours
Day 07: Gelling to Drakmar (3600m) 4 - 5 hours
Day 08: Drakmar Lo-Manthang (3700m) 4 - 5 hours
Day 09: Lo-Manathang Rest Day(There are many fascinating ancient building to visit here where you can explore the day of rest. There are temples as well as king palace of Mustang district. Visit the monastery and many incredible things and see their real Tibetan culture, houses, lifestyle which makes you happy and you will realize lucky to being here. Stay overnight there.
Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Tsarang (3575m) 4 - 5 hours
Day 11: Tsarang to Syangmochen (3830m) 6 - 7 hours
Day 12: Syangbmochen to Chhuksang (2920m) 6 - 7 hours
Day 13: Chhuksang to Muktinath(3802m) and drive to Jomsom(2800m) 7 - 8 hours
Day 14: After breakfast at lodge, fly to Pokhara. Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to hotel. Take your day in Pokhara on your own as leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 15: After breakfast at hotel we will drive you to Pokhara Airport for your connecting flight to Kathmandu After 25 minutes of flight you will be landing in Kathmandu domestic airport. Upon your arrival our representative will received you and transferred to hotel. This day will be reserved as leisure for your own activities/shopping etc. In the evening we will take you to the typical Nepalese restaurant where you can have Nepali local food with culture show program. Return to hotel and overnight.
Day 16: After breakfast at hotel we will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight to home with lots of smiles and memories of Nepal.
Package Includes
- Airport pick up and drop off from/to hotel.
- 2 nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu (Standard Category) on B/B basis
- 1 night twin sharing accommodation in Pokhara (Standard Category) on B/B basis
- Necessary Permit & National Park fees.
- Special permit for Upper Mustang region
- TIMS(Trekkers\' Information Management System) Fee.
- Necessary overland transportation by tourist coach
- Trekking accommodation at lodge(Tea House or Tent) during the trek
- Flight Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu
- All trekking gears & food(three meals a day) during the trek and required staffs.
- Normal filter water will be provided
- Insurance for Nepali staffs and porters
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Upper Mustang Trekking Map
- Meals, accommodation, salary, insurance, for the trekking staff
- Kathmandu City tour by private Car/Van.
- Ayurveda massage for 2 hours after the trek.
- Farewell Dinner at Nepalese typical restaurant with folk song.
Package Excludes
- Lunch and dinner during Kathmandu & Pokhara Stay
- Necessary airport departure taxes(Domestic)
- Clients\' travel insurance (compulsory)
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks and mineral water etc.
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for trekking staffs and driver etc
- All expenses which are not mention in price include section.