You will be met at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by one of Trekkers’ Society’s representatives and transferred to your hotel. In the evening you will have a tour briefing and dinner.
UPPER MUSTANG 18D – Lo-Manthang & Muktinath Itinerary
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Day 01 Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,345m):
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Day 02 Discover Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
After breakfast, you will start a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath temple, Guheshowri Mata temple, Budhanilkantha temple (Jal Narayan or Sesh Narayan) and Swayambhunath temple (also known as ‘monkey temple’), if time permits.
You can spend the rest of the day freely or preparing for your upcoming trek.
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Day 03 Drive to Pokhara (Kathmandu to Pokhara (204km) Approx 6 to 7 hours):
Today you will take a scenic 6-7 hour drive to picturesque lakeside city of Pokhara via the Prithvi Highway. Along the drive, the scenery is characterized with terraced rice fields and rolling hills, capturing a sense of village life in Nepal. Pokhara is a relaxing town, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 04 Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (Pokhara to Jomsom (approx. 20 minutes flight),Jomsom to Kagbeni: About 3 hours trek ):
The exciting 20-minute flight leads you to Jomsom, the district headquarters of the Mustang region, linking Nepal to Tibet – an ancient salt trade route. The flights offers superb views of Dhaulgiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. From Jomsom, you will move along a trail by the Kali Gandaki River with panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, and Tukuche mountain peaks. By the end of the trek you will descend to a Tibetan village located at the edge of two rivers – Kagbeni.
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Day 05 Trek to Tsele (Kagbeni to Tsele: Approx 6 hours trek):
The trail continues further along the eastern edge of Kali Gandaki River and climbs uphill towards Tangbe Village. Following the tapered alleys amidst the houses and fields of apples and wheat, you will be led to the beautiful Chhusang Village. Later, you will cross the Kali Gandaki River on a steel footbridge and climb the hill again to the village of Tsele, located on a ridge above the gorge.
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Day 06 Trek to Syangboche (Tsele to Syangboche: approx. 7 hours ):
The trail follows the hilly and arid landscape before leading down the hill. Today you will climb the Taklam La Pass (3,624m), with amazing panoramic views of Tilicho Peak and Damodar Danda. Later, the route spirals downward, passing Chhortens to Samar Village. Here, the trail drops further to a large ravine. The last leg of 3 hours will take you to Ramchung Cave, near to Syangboche.
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Day 07 Trek to Tsarang (Syangboche to TsarangL Approx 6 hours)
Today’s journey proceeds through Tibetan style houses and Buddhist monuments all the way to the Yamda La. Take your time to praise the scenic beauties the trail offers, as you slowly proceed through the barley fields to climb the Nyi Pass (4,010m), the second pass for the day. The steep descent from Nyi Pass will take you to Ghami, nestled in the rugged mountains. After crossing the Ghami River you will soon reach Tsarang Village (3,540m), which sits at the top of Tsarang Chu Canyon and is inhabited mostly by Lhobas - the natives of the area.
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Day 08 Trek to Lo-Manthang (Tsarang to Lo-Manthang: Approx 6 hours):
After a gentle drop from Tsarang, you will cross the Tsarang-Chu and climb uphill through the rocky path with views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti Peaks. Later, move up and down the hill to another plateau to reach Lo-Manthang. Overnight at guest house.
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Day 09 Exploration and observation at Lo-Manthang
Today take a well-deserved rest and spend some time exploring Lo-Manthang. Here you can visit the Western Valley of Thingkhar where the summer palace of the King still exists. The place offers majestic views of Kimling, Phuwa and the Namgyal Gompa, which you will visit later in the trek. Overnight in guesthouse.
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Day 10 Visit to Chhoser Cave:
After breakfast, head out to visit the mysterious Chhoser Caves. The Chhoser caves in Lo-Manthang are fascinating, built hundreds of years ago, storeys high into the face of a cliff. Their exact uses are still debated by archaeologists, but it is known that they have been places of meditation and some have been converted into monasteries. This is an awesome and unforgettable day on your trek. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 11 Trek back to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa (Loghekar Monastery)(Lo-Manthang to Drakmar: approx. 8 hours ):
Following the route that passes near Gyokar Gompa, you will ascend over a ridge across a valley to arrive to a meadow. Gyokar Gompa is famous for its rock painting that is believed to be more than 1,200 years old. Here there is a gentle drop and the trail continues along the eroded path until you reach Drakmar. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 12 Trek back to Shyangbochen (Drakmar to Shyangbochen: 5-6 hours )
After breakfast, you will begin a 671m descent , retracing your steps back to the village of Shyanbochen. Since you already are familiar with the trail take soak in any view you might have missed the first time round. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 13 Trek back to Chhusang (Shyangbochen to Chhusang: approx. 3 hours):
Continue to head south, retracing your steps. Today you will visit the Chungsi Cave Monastery, where the Saint Padmasambhava meditated around 7th century. Enjoy the spectacular views of Nilgiri beyond the wide stretch of the Kali Gandaki River. Overnight at guest house.
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Day 14 Trek to Muktinath (3,710 Meters). About 8 hours (Chhusang to Muktinath: approx. 8 hours):
Today you will arrive in Muktinath, a village set high in the hills. The landscape is a unique and arid, enveloped by a chain of Himalayan mountains. Here you will visit Muktinath temple, a truly special place where people from all over India and Nepal come to visit.
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Day 15 Trek to Jomsom
A full day of descending, hugging the Kali Gandaki River, brings you back to Jomsom. Today you will trek through several charming villages. You can stop in Marpha for some homemade apple pie, fresh apples, or even apple brandy and head back to Jomsom, if there’s time.
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Day 16 Fly back to Pokhara:
The 20-minute flight from Jomsom Airport through the cleft between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will take you to Pokhara. There will be enough time to spare to unlock the mysteries of Pokhara. Stay overnight recover from your trek in a comfortable lakeside hotel.
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Day 17 Drive back to Kathmandu ( Pokhara to Kathmandu by vehicle: 6-7 hours , Pokhara to Kathmandu flight: 20 minutes (+ airport check in time):
From Pokhara, drive to Kathmandu (6 - 7 hours) via the Prithvi Highway or take a 20 minute flight. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest or spend your day freely.
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Day 18 Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport:
Transfer to the international Airport for your onward destination.
