Mustang - The no longer hidden kingdom

MUSTANG: THE NO LONGER HIDDEN KINGDOM

Long isolated from the outside world, Mustang is one of the few places in the world that was, until recently, inaccessible to outsiders. This isolation helped the people of Mustang to maintain a way of life almost unchanged for centuries. Hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Special Area Trekking Permits are required and a Liaison Officer still accompanies every trek to Mustang.

While a Mustang trek can be completed in 14 days by flying in to Jomosom, we recommend the 24 day trek beginning from Pokhara in order to acclimatize properly and to appreciate the contrast in the lifestyle and culture of different ethnic groups, and the ever-changing landscape. In the 24 day trek we follow the course of the Kali Gandaki, a majestic and fast flowing river that has carved a deep gorge through the high Himalayas in its rush to the plains. Climbing up a steep canyon, we hike a few more days to the walled capital city of Lo Manthang, virtually untouched since the 14th century. We spend two full days here, absorbing a great sense of timelessness and appreciation for an ancient culture as we discover the ruins of old forts, monasteries rich in art and history, and caves replete with magnificent religious statues. Our trek concludes with a scheduled flight from Jomosom to Kathmandu.

24 Day Itinerary:

Day 01-03 Kathmandu to Pokhara by scheduled flight or tourist bus. Meet Sherpa team and begin trek to Ghorepani.
Day 04-10 Continue up the Kali Gandaki gorge to Muktinath and return to Kagbeni.
Day 11-15 Follow the Kali Gandaki along villages and terrain that become arid and dry to Lo Mantang.
Day 16-18 Local exploration in Lo-Mantang and Chusar.
Day 19-23 Return to Jomosom.
Day 24 Jomosom-Pokhara-Kathmandu by scheduled flight.

14 Day Itinerary:

Day 01 Kathmandu to Pokhara by scheduled flight or tourist bus. Overnight hotel.
Day 02-07 Pokhara to Jomosom by scheduled flight. Meet Sherpa team and begin trek to Lo Mantang.
Day 08-09 Local exploration in Lo Ma