THE CLASSIC WALK INTO THE MYSTERIOUS "KINGDOM OF LO"
16 days - Ancient Monasteries - Tibetan Culture - Breathtaking Landscapes

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A timeless and breathtaking journey through the Kingdom of Lo which, until recently, a hidden Tibetan Buddhist enclave forbidden to foreigners. Sculpted canyons with wild rock formations, deep gorges, medieval villages, ancient fortresses, palaces and mysterious, ancient cave hermitages, Tibetan Buddhist gompas and soaring snow-peaks characterize this spectacular region, a 'thumb' sticking up into the Tibetan plateau. Mustang is a Kingdom tucked away along the deepest river gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki, a remote and starkly beautiful region, Tibet's arid high desert bordered by some of the Himalaya's highest mountains. Formerly the Kingdom of Lo and a part of the Western Tibetan Kingdom of Ngari, 'forbidden' Mustang has lured intrepid travelers to its remote realm for centuries, but only the most adventurous made it to this mountainous and inaccessible bastion of Tibetan Buddhism.

People have inhabited this harsh region for thousands of years, some of the early dwellers living or meditating in ancient caves, rich in Buddhist art, which pepper the bizarre rock formations. Mustang became part of the Yarlung Dynasty of central Tibet, later falling under the jurisdiction of the Malla Kingdom of Nepal (Jumla) and in the fifteenth century, the independent Kingdom of Lo was founded, ruling such other remote regions as Dolpo. It was only incorporated into the Kingdom of Nepal in 1951. Soon afterwards, renegade Khampa freedom fighters battling the Chinese used Mustang as a base of operations, and it was closed to all Westerners until 1992. This mythical land north of the 8000 meter peaks Annapurna and Dhaulagiri still requires a special restricted area permit to enter, and numbers are limited, thus helping to preserve its unique heritage.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES:
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. We are also able to arrange this recently revised and culturally outstanding trekking itinerary starting on any day of the week during the months of March through October for groups of 2 to 12 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

2012 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
2 to 4 People: $3385.00
5 to 8 People: $3070.00
9 to 12 People: $2895.00
Mustang Restricted Area Permit Fee of $500.00 is already included in your trip price.
Single tent and hotel room supplement: $400.00 per person.

TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 5 nights hotels and 1 night local lodge
Camping Trek: 10 nights camping
Trek Grade: 11 days MODERATE trekking
Max. altitude: 13,300 feet at Nyi La Pass

Moderate Trekking = suitable for most regular hikers as the trip involves relatively short days (4-7 hours) on well-traveled trails. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required as these trips can involve a considerable amount of ascent and descent at altitude and the occasional longer hiking day.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our group hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara and check in to group hotel. Afternoon visit to International Mountain Museum.
Day 3: Flight to Jomsom 2700 meters and trek to Kagbeni. 2810 meters. Camp.
Day 4: Trek to Chele at 3050 meters. Camp.
Day 5: Trek to Samar. 3660 meters. Camp.
Day 6: Trek to Ghiling at 3570 meters. Cross the Bhena La (3838m) and Yando La (3860m) passes.
Day 7: Trek to Tsarang. 3560 meters. Camp.
Day 8: Trek to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang (3800 meters) the capital of Mustang. Camp.
Day 9: In Lo Manthang. Excursions to the local monasteries and the royal palace. Camp.
Days 10 to 13: Return trek to Jomsom.
Day 14: Fly via Pokhara to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free. Group hotel.
Day 15: Guided half-day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 16: Transfer to the airport and depart Kathmandu.

Country Information: About Nepal
Mustang: About the Kingdom of Mustang
NOVA Special on PBS: The Lost Treasures of Tibet