The Mustang of Nepal is often referred as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. This area of the middle Himalayas have the true Tibetan life style as they have centuries ago. To avoid this unique place being over run by tourism the region has been as a restricted area with only a handful of foreigners have visited the area, where in lies the palace of Lo manthang, the seat of the king of Mustang, is still in residence. There is few unexplored villages with centuries old monastery and stupas. Also we are able to visit the man made caves in this route.
We start the trip from Kathmandu by drive or fly to pokhara, then trek along the Kaligandaki valley or take the flight to Jomsom. From where we trek to edge of the Kaligandaki river and ascending the ridge to the north of the town with a spectacular panoramic view of Annapurna range rising behind you. The upper mustang is dominated by an endless expanse of grey and yellow hills. There are several passes, fluted cliffs, camping in the villages with green irrigated oasis until we reach the spectacular walled town of Lo-manthang. This is an extraordinary place and home for the king of Mustang as well as beautiful Monasteries and maniwalls. Then we cross the Kaligandaki river valley and hike to Luri Gompa, above the village of Yara and Gara. After exploration we trek by Tangye and meet the trail at Chhusang. Then After taking time of exploring this place we return to Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Mike Bronson, Denver, Colorado, USA
Chuck Ramey, Tacoma, WA. USA
Aley Mills Willis, Seattle, WA. USA