With a cultural history that is as intriguing as the landscape, Mustang has piqued the curiosity of many Himalayan adventurers, and only recently was it opened for limited visitation. Historically a vital trading route between Tibet and India, the trail into Mustang is lined with the fascinating remains of forts that served as tax collection out posts. Settlements in Mustang were fortified, a testament to its turbulent history. More recently, in the late 1950s and 60s, the area was a centre for Khampas, guerrilla’s who were trained and armed by the US C.I.A. to resist the Chinese Army’s occupation of Tibet.

There are records that outline events stretching back to the eighth century, and from the writings of the Tibetan poet Milarepa it is known that the unique form of Buddhism called Sakyapa has been practiced here since 1073. This form of Buddhism lacks the more familiar metaphysical aspect; it is more worldly and practical, perhaps in response to the unforgiving environmental pressures in this area.

Throughout recent decades, the Nepalese Government had maintained total restriction on visitation to this area. The democratic change of government of 1990 and the increasing international pressures for a more open Nepal have coincided to remove these restrictions. Since 1991, limited visitation has been allowed, providing the trekking party meets strict environmental requirements and pays a substantial amount for the entry permit. These conditions limit the number of visitors, minimize their impact, and generate revenues needed for future conservation efforts in this region.

The trekking route stays mostly on the valley floor, though it may traverse the ridge during the occasional rainy period, which raises the level of the river. The horses provide uphill assistance, but must be dismounted for descending. Without substantially high passes (nothing over 5.000 meters) this is not too physically demanding as a trek, and it has the added advantage of a very long season, due to the lack of monsoon rains or high pass crossings.

Mustang’s capital "city" is Lo Manthang, a magical place imbibed with centuries of rugged history. Set on a broad plateau, the town deserves its name, which translates from Tibetan as "plain of inspiration". The Raja, or King, lives in his palace in the center, while the four major temples form the corners of town. Lo Manthang and the surrounding area are usually savored for a day or two before heading back down toward Jomosom.
 
 

Day 2: Pokhara-Jomsom-Kagbeni; Morning flighit to Jomsom, Travel back along the trail towards Jomsom, stopping in the village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is where you will acquire ponies, which are more reliable and environmentally friendly than porters from the lowlands around Jomsom. You will also hire a government liason officer here, required for trekkers going into Upper Mustang. Overnight at camp at Kagbeni.

Day 3: Kagbeni to Chele; Depending on the state of the river, you will either travel down the middle of the valley along the Kali Gandaki river, or take a higher trail that goes along many ridges. You will pass ancient villages of narrow alleys and whitewashed houses, as well as a number of temples and monuments. Across the river you will see some ancient, eroded red cliffs. Soon the trail leaves the river and climbs upwards to the village of Chele at 9940 ft (3030 m) and camp.

Day 4: Chele to Geling; Along the rocky trail to Geling you will pass a few villages and time-worn Buddhist monuments. You will also pass through magnificent poplar forests and fields of barley as you cross through a beautiful canyon. Camp will be made near Geling at 11,285 ft (3440 m).

Day 5: Geling to Ghami; Giling to the west along the base of the cliffs to the north on a gently climbing trail, areas with numerous small stupas and an awesome view southward of the ruins of the Giling nunnery with a backdrop of the snowy steep faces Nilgiri and Tilicho towering above. Steep ascent to Nya La pass (3840m/12,600ft). The entrance into Upper Mustang. From here are spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges to the south as well as the impressive Tibetan plateau to the north. Continue with a gradual descent for nearly 3 miles which brings us finally to Ghemi

Day 6: Ghami toCharang; The beginning of the trail ascends upwards to the pass at Nyi Li, and then descends below the cliffs past the longest carved mani wall in Nepal. The trail descends gently to the village of Charang, which boasts an imposing Tibetan fortress as well as a large gompa (temple). Camp at Charang (11,450 ft /3490 m).

Day 7: Charang to Lo Manthang; After climbing a ridge, the trek continues along a wide, desert-like landscape for a few miles before attaining a spectacular view of the walled city of Lo from a ridge. After a short descent, the trek climbs to the plateau of Lo Manthang, also known as the "plain of aspiration," where you will spend the next three nights at 12,235 ft (3730 m).

Day 8: Lo Manthang; Lo Manthang is a magnificent city that you could spend years in before truly appreciating its ancient beauty and wonder. There are four major temples inside the city to explore, as well as the imposing Raja’s Palace in the center of the city. There are also a number of villages in the surrounding areas, featuring more exotic temples as well as ancient ruins of numerous forts. First day, hike to Nangyal Gompa & Tinkar Village and around 4 o'clocl Audience with King of Mustang. Overnight at Lo Manthang.

Day 9: In Lo Manthang; Visit Nyaphu/Garphu, popular villages & monasteries and overnight at Lo Manthang.

Day 10: Lomanthang to Dee Khola; Dhi heads south out of town towards the hills west of the Mustang Khola, begin moderately climbing, paralleling a small stream. Cross the Dee Pass (3700m, 12170ft). Dhi, a small town sandwiched between and large gray, orange, and red cliff and the Mustang Khola, a very rarely visited town.

Day 11: Dee Khola (Day hike to Luri Gompa); Day excrussion to Luru Gompa and leave the gear and trekking staff at Dee and return back to Dee.

Day 12: Dee to Ghami: After crossing the Dee Pass, descending to a streambed just above Tsarang, trekking trail via Tsarang and it's one of visited town. Crossing the Tsarang La Pass, and crossing the Ghami Khola, camp at Ghami.

Day 13: Ghami to Samar; The trail climbs past the pass at Nyi Li before descending sharply into the Geling valley. After passing a huge Buddhist monument, the trail rejoins the one taken on your way to Lo Manthang, and over night camp at Samar at 10,795 ft (3290 m).

Day 14: Samar to Tengbe; This day you retrace your route along the banks of the Kali Gandaki.

Day 15: Tengbe to Muktinath: The temple and religious shrines of Muktinath are at the highest point of this trek, 3800 m (12,470 ft). Here you will find natural springs of sacred water, and a holy flame that burns eternal. Overnight at Jomsom.

Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom: Along the path to Jomsom from Muktinath, you will see hundreds of piles of stone cairns erected in honor of the departed ancestors of countless pilgrims. This stretch of trail goes through green meadows and cheerful streams, as well as poplar and fruit trees. You will often encounter flocks of cranes in this area.

Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu; Early morning flight to Pokhara and afternoon flight to Kathmandu, overnight hotel in Kathmandu.
 
 

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