Mustang Gate Trek
Trek Info :11days Kathmandu/Kathmandu
A kingdom within a kingdom. The previously forbidden kingdom of Mustang lies on the leeward side of Himalayan range, jutting out into the Tibetian highland plateau, to the north of Pokhara and Jomsom. This isolated arid region has remained untouched for centuries.
The capital is Lo-Monthang (which in Tibetan means "plain of aspiration"). In the Land of Lo life goes on as it has for centuries. The culture of Mustang is distinctly Tibetan. With numerous Gompas (monasteries) and omnipresent prayer flags performing their eternal ritual, a trip into Mustang is bound to be one of self-realization, inspired by the ancient Buddhist cultures. This area can be trekked all year round regardless of season. August is perhaps the mildest month of all for Mustang. However, there is usually 30cm to 40cm of snow in winter. This, of course, adds challenge to the adventure.
Visiting Mustang involves a reasonable bit of trekking, starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom via Pokhara. This trek is for those in reasonable good physical condition. People who wish to include the Annapurna region in their trek into Mustang can start their trek from Pokhara to Jomsom or the south passes along the bank of the Kaligandaki river towards Kagbeni. On the route, the trail crosses the villages of Tangbe, Samar, Geling and reach Tsarang that is considered as one of the most interesting palce of the trip.
In ancient (about 800yrs old) Tsarang, a set of human hands remain, said to belong to the site’s master builder. According to the legends, the king cut the builder’s hands off to prevent them from constructing another master piece to rival it.
The walled capital, Lo-Monthang (situated at 12, 400 feet) is dominated by old Buddhist monasteries. On the return journey, visit Muktinath, one of the holiest temples for Hindus. From there trek to Jomsom from where fly to Pokhara on the way back to Kathmandu.
Day |
Destination Programme |
1 |
Transfer in bus: Ktm - Pokhara |
2 |
Flight: Pokhara - Jomsom, Trek - Kagbeni (2hrs-3000m) |
3 |
Trek - Muktinath (4hrs-3700m) |
4 |
Trek - Marpha (6hrs-2700m) |
5 |
Trek - Kalopani (6hrs-2100m) |
6 |
Trek - Tatopani (6hrs-1300m) |
7 |
Trek - Ghorepani (7hrs-2850m) |
8 |
Trek - Gandruk (6hrs-1950m) |
9 |
Trek – Potana (6hrs-1700m) |
10 |
Phedi – Pokhara (2hrs-900m) |
11 |
Bus or Flight Pokhara/Kathmandu |
