Mustang is an ancient Himalayan Kingdom which lies in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of the Kaligandaki River. It is the hinterland enriched with mainly barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and Moraine valleys. Its landscape is unrivaled for it has a stupendous wilderness, pristine scenery, snow capped peaks, spectacular 16th century monasteries and many other unique attractions. It lies hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna at the very roof of Asia on the arid Tibetan plateau. It has long been isolated from the outside world (and only opened to trekking groups since 1992!). Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern part and the northern where the languages, culture and traditions are alike to those of the Tibetan people. This region is full of some of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint white washed houses.
A trek into this fabled forbidden kingdom of vast, arid valleys, eroded canyons, ochre valley , yak caravans, colorful-painted mud brick houses on the back dropped of majestic mountain of Nilgiri, Tukuche, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri makes your medieval walled mustang trekking a very special one. Mustang caves forts, monasteries and a temple, which dates to past millennia, carry echoes of the areas rich history and the friendly people are testament. Mustang’s natural and cultural treasures have made it one of the most popular tourist and trekking destination of Nepal.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 02: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 03: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3100m)
Day 04: Trek from Chele to Geling (3570m)
Day 05: Trek from Geling to Charang (3560m)
Day 06: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3840m)
Day 07: Observe culture and ancient Durbar in Lo Manthang.
Day 08: Rest at Lo- Manthang
Day 09: Trek from Lo Manthang to Ghami via Gekar
Day 10: Trek from Ghami to Samar
Day 11: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni
Day 12: Trek back from Kagbeni to Jomsom
Day 13: Flight back from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Day 14: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
I had the pleasure last January of having the most wonderful trekking guide around Kathmandu and then the Annapurna circuit. Rajandra Khandal was not only knowledgeable about Nepalese history and trails, he was also patient, efficient, very smart and witty, spoke excellent English and always seemed to have a good rapport with whoever we encountered, both local Nepalese and tourists. He was an extremely strong guide who carried some of my belongings along with his own, and never appeared tired, always as energetic and agile as a mountain goat. I remember one instance where we did a steep climb, and I as usual was moving very slowly. When we reacched the top of the mountain I realized I did not have my money pouch, and had probably dropped it way back on the trail where we had stopped. As soon as I told him he was off, running down the mountain at top speed. I watched him reach the bottom and take off like lightning down the trail. We had passed a group of boys walking in the direction of where I had dropped my pouch, and of course, if they found it that would be the end of that. But he reached the pouch before the boys, and came running back down the trail and up the mountain in 15 minutes, the same steep climb that had taken me much longer!! He arrived smiling and happy that he had suceeded. I was very, very grateful, and impressed!!! He was always good natured and hapy!! After that I let him carry my money. At the end of the trek I found out how frugal he had been, and that he had negotiated lodgings so skillfully that he had save me quite a lot of money. We remain good friends and I look forward to the time when I can return to Nepal and trek again with this wonderful young man. If you are planning to visit Nepal, don't miss the chance to trek with Raj, it will be nothing short of a great experience!!Peggy Cabbab.
I would highly recommend Raj as a guide of Nepal. He is truly an amazing young man, with exceptional customer service skills. I met Raj on my very first day in Nepal, and he took such good care of me. He guided me around the most common sites of Kathmandu. He not only physically showed me these places, he had so much knowledge about each and every place we visited, which was really informative. Raj and I had a lot of great conversations during the few days he was guiding me, and introduced me to the beautiful Nepal. Nepal is a place I will forever hold in my heart, and Raj has become a dear friend, whose kindness and friendship will remain with me always. Raj will show you beautiful sights of his home country, and will do so with such a passion for life! He is an amazing person, and does a fantastic job with guiding people. Rebecca NZ.
