Upper Mustang Trek

8/6/2019 Upper Mustang Trek

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Upper Mustang Trek - Tiji Festival Special

(18 days)

This trek takes you to the once hidden kingdom of Lo and offers you a once in a lifetimeopportunity to witness the ancient and colorful festival of Tiji.

The region of Mustang lies north of the main Himalayan range in the area known as the trans-

Himalaya. Called by the locals Lo, Mustang was only opened to trekkers in March 1992. TheTibetan influenced area north of Kagbeni is known as Upper Mustang. A vast high valley, arid

and dry, it has a barren desert-like appearance similar to the Tibetan Plateau and is characterizedby eroded canyons and colorful stratified rock formations. Mustang was once an important route

for crossing the Himalaya between Tibet and Nepal, and many of the old salt caravans passedthrough Mustang. It is this area which we will trek to, discovering the wonders of the

architecture, language, culture and traditions which are almost purely Tibetan in this once-upon-

a-time mystical kingdom.

Once you reach Lo Manthang, you get to witness Tiji Festival one of the most sacred and

colorful festivals in this whole region. The festival features a three day ritual known as the'chasing of demons'. Monks donning masks and colorful costumes enact the story of Dorje Jono

who fought against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from falling apart. Thefestival is held annually at the onset of Spring season. As Spring season symbolizes regeneration

of life, this festival is also about hope, revival and affirmation of life.

The festival is held at the walled city of Lo Manthang (3730m), the capital of Mustang. LoManthang is also home to Mustang's former King Jigme Dorjee Palbar Bista who lost his royal

title in 2008 after Nepal became a republic. But he is still highly regarded and respected by thelocals. He and his family still occupy the royal palace situated at the center of the city square.

OUTLINE ITINERARY


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Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Sight seeing at KathmanduDay 03: Fly to Pokhara. Evening sight seeing at PokharaDay 04: Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m]

Day 05: Trek to Chele [3050m]Day 06: Trek to Geling (Via chungse Gompa) [3440m]

Day 07: Trek to Charang [3490m]Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang (via Lho-gekar, Ghar Gompa) [3730m]

Day 09: Lo-Manthang [3730m] Day hiking - (Start Tiji Festival)Day 10: Lo-Manthang [3730m] - Tiji Festival

Day 11: Lo-Manthang [3730m] - Tiji Festival EndsDay 12: Trek to Ghami [3460m)

Day 13: Trek to Samar [3290m]Day 14: Trek to Chhuksang [2920m]

Day 15: Trek to Jomsom [2710m]Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 17: Free Day or (optional) Sightseeing at Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, PatanDay 18: Depart Kathmandu

TRIP FACTS


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Trip length: 18 Days

Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging

Activity: Sightseeing and TrekkingStarts in: Kathmandu

Ends in: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel & CampingTrek Type: FOT (Fully Organized Trek or Camping Trek)

Transportation: Flights & private car

Maximum altitude: 3840m (Nyi La)

DATE

21 May 2011 - 07 June 2011

(2011 Tiji Festival on May 29, 30 & 31st )

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive KathmanduIt is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped

mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain ofmemorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Our representative and driver

will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed aboutyour daily activities.

Day 02: Sight seeing at Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination fortourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of

Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its twomajor neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will

be a guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhiststupa in Nepal Boudhanath, and the Monkey Temple of Swoyambhunath.

Day 03: Fly to Pokhara/ Evening sightseeing at Pokhara

We take the short but scenic 30 minute flight to Pokhara in the morning , enjoying the views ofGanesh, Manaslu and the Annapurnas along the way. Pokhara, known as the Lakeside City is

popular for its beautiful and serene lakes: Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Our trip includes visits to allthese exotic places. We go for boating on Lake Phewa on whose tranquil waters the fishtail-like

spire of MachaPucchure (Fishtail) Peak is mirrored. We visit the Bindyabasini Temple located inan island,in the middle of the lake. Afterwards we take a guided tour to Davis fall, the gorge of

the Seti River and Tibetan refugee camp.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m]We take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom (famous for its apples) where we will bemet 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 suspension bridge and thenwalk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is flat and quite barren, with craggy rocks


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and sand littering the trail. This makes it very easy going. We will get magnificent views of hugepeaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire

Annapurna massif. Kagbeni with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, fields ofwheat and barley and a large red Gompa, give us a preview of scenes that we would come across

in Upper Mustang. At the north end of the village is the police check-post. Here we will

complete our paperwork before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal.

Day 05: Trek to Chele(3050m)On the trek from Kagbeni to Chele we pass the beautiful village of Tangbe, with its picturesquetraditional houses and fields of barley, buckwheat and apple orchards. We enjoy views of the

magnificent Nilgiri peak and cross several ridges. After Chhusang village, we cross a stream andleave the Kaligandaki valley behind and reach the village of Chele.

Day 06: Trek to Geling [3440m]Following a trail on the arid Tibet like landscape, we climb above the village of Samar to a ridgeand 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 toShyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing

stalagmites in the form of a Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail climbsgently from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with

its extensive fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre paintedhouses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a

mixture of mud and pebbles.

Day 07: Trek to Charang [3490m]Todays walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be

spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, fromthe gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than

compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at thetop of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong[fortress] and

a redgompa (monastery) which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.

Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3730m0 - (via Lho-gekar, Ghar Gompa)We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its largemonastery, 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 Manthang. The trail thenbroadens 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. We beginour 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 thebackground. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the

Ghare Gompa.

Day 09: Lo-Manthang [3730m] Day hiking- (Start Tiji Festival)Today, you are free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150

houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the city


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and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaboratesmandalas painted on the walls. Lo Manthang is also home to Mustang's former King Jigme

Dorjee Palbar Bista who lost his royal title in 2008 after Nepal became a republic.The king'spalace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the ex-King. He is still

respected by the people. Today also marks the commencement of the Tiji Festival. Monks don

colorful costumes and masks representing divine beings and perform ritual dances. Sit out withthe locals dressed in their traditional finery to witness this sacred ritual dance. The setting is mostspectacular.

Day 10: Lo- Manthang [3730m] - Tiji Festival

Day 11: Lo-Manthang[3730m] - Tiji Festival Ends

Day 12: Trek to Ghami[3460m]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 Ghami.

Day 13: Trek to Samar[3290m]

we descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major placeto stop for horse and mule caravans.

Day 14: Trek to Chhuksang[2920m]Now we must retrace our route back to Chhuksang.

Day 15: Trek to Jomsom[2710m]Exit Restricted Area. It's a long and sad final day, passing back through Kagbeni to Jomsom

where we end our trek. It's now time for us to take a nice hot shower. In the evening, wecelebrate with the Sherpas and porters, whom we have come to know so well over the last 2

weeks.

Day 16: Fly to KathmanduWe take a spectacular early morning flight along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Pokhara and catch aconnecting flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 17: Free day or (optional) Guided Sightseeing at Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan

You can take this day as a free day and spend it at leisure or take a guided tour to the medievalpalaces of Basantapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square & Bhaktatapur Durbar square.

Day 18: Depart Kathmandu

Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, ifyou prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks,

rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).

For more Information: http://www.explorehimalaya.com/mustang-tiji-festival.php

Documents

Upper Mustang Trek