KINGDOM OF MUSTANG AND LURI GOMPA TREK
Discovering the Ancient Kingdom and Monasteries of Mustang
20 days - Into the Forbidden "Kingdom of Lo" - Luri Gompa Cave Monastery
Mustang was founded by Ame Pal, who set himself up as king of this Tibetan territory in 1380. The present raja of Mustang and his family can trace their ancestry directly back some 25 generations to Ame Pal. Some time around the year 1800 Mustang became a part of Nepal, but retained its status as a separate principality until as recently as the 1950's when the area was more closely consolidated into Nepal. Because of its sensitive border location, on the north side of the Annapurna Massif, Mustang was inaccessible to foreign visitors until 1991, when the Nepalese Government opened up the whole of the country. The upper (northern) part of Mustang remains a secluded and quite secretive Buddhist enclave, which previously prospered as a result of its strategic location on an important trade route between Nepal (and India) and Tibet, along the great natural highway of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Evidence of this former prosperity is the excellent stock trail that runs north to south through the territory, a trail that we follow on this great trek. Offering straightforward moderately strenuous trekking on good trails, and at relatively modest altitudes, a trek into Mustang is a fantastic introduction to the first-time trekker in Nepal or for the more experienced person looking for a unique trip. The landscape is quite unlike anything that is to be found elsewhere in Nepal, with deep gorges and strangely sculptured rock formations, which are often brightly colored - yellow, red, orange, grey and blue. Set within this unusual landscape, each of the many painted villages and monasteries of Mustang appears to be more picturesque than the last - presenting unbelievable photographic opportunities. The cultural make up and recent history of the region is unique and fascinating and the local people, the "Lobas," are friendly and hospitable.
The Kingdom of Mustang and Luri Gompa 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.
2010 GROUP DEPARTURE DATE:
September 26 to October 15, 2010
(the trip date indicates the day you need to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal and the day you can schedule to depart)
In 2010, 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.
2010 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
2 to 4 People: $3790.00
5 to 8 People: $3430.00
9 to 12 People: $3075.00
Mustang Extended Restricted Area Permit Fee of $650.00 is already included in your trip price.
Single tent and hotel room supplement: $420.00 per person
TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 5 nights hotels and 1 night local lodge
Camping: 13 nights camping
Trek Grade: 14 days MODERATE trekking
Max. altitude: 13,500 feet at Luri Gompa
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.
Day 10: Travel southeast to Yara 3600 meters. Camp.
Day 11: Trek to Surkhang (3400m) with an excursion to the 12th century cave monastery of Luri Gompa. Camp.
Day 12: Trek to Tange. 3020 meters. Camp.
Day 13: Trek to the high summer pasture of Paha at 3900 meters. Camp.
Day 14: Trek to Tetang. 3200 meters. Camp.
Day 15: Trek to the holy town of Muktinath. 3760 meters. Camp.
Day 16: Return trek to Jomsom. Check in to our local lodge.
Day 17: Fly via Pokhara to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free. Group hotel.
Day 18: Guided half-day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 19: Guided sightseeing tour of the ancient town of Bhaktapur. Hotel.
Day 20: Transfer to the airport and depart Kathmandu.
Country Information: About Nepal
Mustang: About the Kingdom of Mustang
Luri Gompa Cave Monastery: Article by Gary McCue
NOVA Special on PBS: The Lost Treasures of Tibet