2009 Mustang Adventure Camping Trek packages - 20 days trip
Cost: US$ 3237 per person in twin sharing basis – minimum of 4 persons required


1. Mustang Adventure Camping Trek – with Holi - Festival of Colors
Mar 09, 2009 – Mar 28, 2009
20 days trip
Grade 3

Mustang, once restricted north-western part of Nepal is now open to the foreigners. This arid land attached to the border of Tibet portrays unique natural beauty completely different from other parts of Nepal. The cliffs lined with weather-beaten organ pipes, extending deep into the canyons and the snow-capped mountains are definitely worth viewing. The influence of Sakyapa and Nyingmapa sects of Tibetan Buddhism is prominent amongst the locals. The settlements although sparsely distributed are marked with ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Visiting the Newari pagoda styled shrine of Muktinath, located at an altitude of 3802m, is yet another attraction of trekking to Mustang. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector and one of the Hindu holy trinity. The shrine is surrounded by a wall with 108 water spouts shaped as cows' heads pouring forth holy water. The belief is, a bath here, brings salvation after death.

Mustang, once restricted north-western part of Nepal is now open to the foreigners. This arid land attached to the border of Tibet portrays unique natural beauty completely different from other parts of Nepal. The cliffs lined with weather-beaten organ pipes, extending deep into the canyons and the snow-capped mountains are definitely worth viewing. The influence of Sakyapa and Nyingmapa sects of Tibetan Buddhism is prominent amongst the locals. The settlements although sparsely distributed are marked with ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Visiting the Newari pagoda styled shrine of Muktinath, located at an altitude of 3802m, is yet another attraction of trekking to Mustang. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector and one of the Hindu holy trinity. The shrine is surrounded by a wall with 108 water spouts shaped as cows' heads pouring forth holy water. The belief is, a bath here, brings salvation after death. Booking

Note: This trek lies in Grade 3 category. The trekker has to be physically and mentally prepared to do this trek. Physical training such as jogging, walking up and down the hills or the stairs, aerobic training and weight training are highly suggested to enjoy this trek. Please train for at least 8 weeks before the trek. The walking duration mentioned above are approximate only.

The Trek:

Day 1
Jomsom to Kagbeni - In the morning of day one in Pokhara, the group accompanied by the guide and the liaison officer are taken to domestic airport from the hotel, from where they are flown to Jomsom. At Jomsom, the rest of the trekking crew will meet the group, trekking permit and necessary papers are checked by the liaison officer and the guide and again checked at check post in Jomsom. After that we start walking on the Kaligandaki riverbed towards Kagbeni, the destination for that day. Mid way, we stop for lunch at Eklo bhatti, a small Gurung settlement. Then we proceed towards Kagbeni, yet another Gurung settlement consisting of clustered mud padded houses, a Gompa and a school. Here, certain formalities as checking of the trekking permit, food and equipment list are done by ACAP. At our camp, we are served tea and biscuits. For our accommodation at night tents are pitched in the courtyard. Dinner is served at around 7 pm starting with the soup, then the main course and dessert. The duration of the walk from Jomsom to Kagbeni is 4 to 5 hours. Glancing back the walk offers a grand view of Nilgiri.

Day 2
Kagbeni to Chele - at about 7.30 we proceed towards Chele, our destination. On this day too, we walk on the Kaligandaki riverbed, but as we move ahead, the views of the mountains behind us gets wider and better. When we turn back, we see Tilicho, Annapurna I and Thorang Peaks. The view of organ piped cliffs become more and more distinct. As we walk on the riverbed. We can also see the village of Tangbe above us. We stop for lunch at Chuksang. we visit one of the oldest Nyingmapa pa monastery situated across the Kaligandaki river. The frescoes on the wall of monastery are delicately painted and thus are highly remarkable. A huge statue of Maitreya Buddha resides in this monastery. From Chuksang we can also see the village of Tetang. From here to Chele the duration of walk is about two hours. Chele stands at the raised elevation above the riverbed of Kaligandaki River. Before climbing up to Chele we can see rows of caves on the walls by the side of Kaligandaki River. The village of Chele is surrounded by green vegetation, here, we camp on the roof top of the lodge.

Day 3
Chele to Geiling - A grand view awaits one's eye the next morning at Chele. The Kaligandaki gorge opens up to offer a dramatic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Thorang peak and other significant peaks, the organ piped cliffs which form into canyons and the surrounding snow capped peaks certainly are delightful to one's eye. The ascent from Chele to Samar traverses by the side of the hills punctuated with the views of mountains and canyons at times and the view of Gyagar village at a certain point. Samar, a village of fast flowing clear stream and huge willow trees provides breathtaking views of the canyons and the mountains. From here a sharp descent followed by a challenging ascent leads to the Bag-la pass. Across the pass we stop at Bhena for lunch. Then a gradual climb brings one to Bhena pass and then another sharp descent to Syamochen. A short climb brings one to Eklobhatti, then a gradual descent along a slope- bypassing a local chorten - brings one to the beautiful village of Geiling.

Geiling, a small settlement of clean white washed traditional houses, two Sakyapa monasteries, is surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in Mustang. The slopes slightly raised reaches up to the rolling hills backed by the snow-capped mountains.

Day 4
Geiling to Charang - Next morning a soft climb from Geiling brings one to the bottom of Nyila pass -the highest point of our trek. As usual the ascent towards and across the pass opens up to unsurpassed grandeur of hills and mountains in a distance. Following a trail by the mountainside we are confronted by an opening to a valley. After descending we reach the village of Ghami -by the side of the Kaligandaki River. Fast flowing clear streams, a monastery, chortens and traditional houses are evident in this village. After crossing Kaligandaki River we face the longest mani wall. A short walk from here brings us to the start of Chamla pass. The ascend to the top of the pass is very challenging. Chamla pass offers the view of the far off mountains and the Tibetan plateau. Then it's a long descent and a walk across the flats to Charang, bypassing a big chorten. Charang perhaps is the most charming among all the settlements in Mustang. The Sakyapa monastery adorned with the frescoes of Pancha Buddha is worth a visit and so is the old palace. The numerable chortens here give unique character to the village, not to speak of magnificent landscape. Charang has its own hydro electricity, which provides power to the village in the evening. We have lunch, dinner and overnight stay in Charang.

Day 5
Charang to Lo Manthang - Leaving Charang behind the next morning we gradually descend to the Charang River. After crossing it we ascend to a certain level before crossing the arid flats- once again bypassing a huge chorten. We view Lo Manthng from a distance before descending down to it. At Lo Manthang we have our lunch, then we go for a stroll around the capital.

Day 6
Rest day at Lo Manthang - The capital of Mustang, Lo Manthang is surrounded by high walls. Within them you will find three ancient monasteries, the Royal palace and a very old settlement of the Lopas, the people of Mustang. With the right permission one can visit the Royal palace, the monasteries and generally spend a day observing the locality.

Day 7
Lo Manthang to Ghami via Lo gekkar - Next day we return to Ghami, but by a different route. In the morning we cross narrow valleys to reach Lo Gekkar, a sacred area marked by a Nyingmapa monastery. Here, we stop for lunch and visit the monastery as well. During the walk the views of the mountains are spectacular. After the lunch it's a steep climb up the hill for a short while. Then it's a gradual ascend before a gradual descend. From the trail two villages Marang and then Charang can be seen. The trail takes one across the flats before reaching a ridge from where it's a steep descent down to the village of Tahmar. Leaving the scenic village of Tahmar behind we gradually ascend the trail which eventually leads to the mountainside before sharply descending down to Ghami.

Day 8
Ghami to Samar - Follow the route to the Geling valley via Nya la pass. Instead of going to the village of Geiling take the route to Tamakhan and then to Syamochen, the lunch spot. After the lunch descend gradually to a stream before diverting to the route leading up to the Rangbyung cave. The cave features painted chortens, self created statues and sacred relics. Retracing the steps once again ascend up the trail by the mountainside. After a few ascensions and descensions reach the village of Samar.

Day 9
Samar to Chuksang - Return via the previous route back to Chuksang for lunch and the overnight stay. The afternoon at Chuksang can be spent by visiting the village of Tetang.

Day 10
Chuksang to Jomsom - Follow the route through banks of the Kaligandaki River back to Jomsom, stopping for lunch in Kagbeni.

Day 11 Fly to Pokhara from Jomsom and provide transfer to the hotel.

In Everest Region:

Solu-Khumbu region well known as Everest region is the nativeland of the Sherpas, the infamous climbers and mountaineers. The area possesses mountainous landscape of unique beauty - a wonder of nature. Within its vicinity lie some of the highest peaks of the world: Everest (8848m),  Lhotse (8501m), Nuptse (7879m), Makalu (8475m) and the captivating Amadablam (6956m) to name a few. Viewing these magnificent peaks up close is indeed a nature lover’s dream. Besides, the crisp fresh air of Solu-Khumbu is extremely alluring.

Although Sherpas inhabit different parts of Nepal the famous ones come from Thami, Pangboche, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung and Kunde, the main villages of Solu-Khumbu. The Sherpas follow Tibetan Budhism as their religion. Their dress code and speech portray Tibetan influence.

Dating 300 years back the village of Pangboche is the oldest settlement of the Sherpas in the region and at 3860m, one of the highest villages in the world. The monastery here, the oldest in the region at one time held a skull and a hand, believed to be the remnants of the elusive Yeti.

Tengboche at an elevation of 3870m is a well known settlement in the Solu-Khumbhu region for nature and culture. The views of the Himalayan range seen from here are among the best in the nature’s creation. The surrounding panorama consisting of magnificent peaks such as Thamserku, Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kwangde, Kantega, Tawachee and Khumbila contribute to make this settlement highly spectacular, a must destination for an adventurer.

The monastery at Tengboche completed in 1919 perhaps is the most active in the region, visited by the believers from all other settlements in the area. Run by approximately 50 monks the monastery is of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. According to a legend in around 17th century the fifth reincarnate lama of Rongbuk monastery from Tibet, Lama Sange Dorje left in his footprints at Pangboche and Tengboche. The credit for the Gompas at those villages, Thami and Khumjung are given to him.

In the month of May, on a full moon night, Mani-Rimdu festival, a religious Sherpa show representing the victory of Buddhism over Bon is shown at Thami monastery; similarly from November to December at Tengboche monastery.

Standing at an altitude of 5623m, Kalapathar, a promontory of black rock is the goal of the trekkers trekking in Everest region. At sunrise the spot provides 360 degrees of breath-taking vista of famous mountains at close proximity.

In Everest region Gokyo is yet another destination which lures trekkers from all over the world. Gokyo Ri, a peak (5350m) offers spell bounding view of four Himalayan peaks above 8000m – Everest, Cho yu, Lhotse and Nuptse - at a glance. Although slightly further, a larger portion of Everest is visible from here. Five high altitude lakes mark Gokyo region. The Ngozumpa glacier here is the biggest in Nepal. A magnificent ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang can be sighted from Gokyo.

A weekly Saturday market at Namche Bazaar presents opportunities to socialize and trade among people from neighboring villages. It is an important event starting early in the day and ending by noon. The locals look forward to it.

One can expect vegetation of sub alpine climate in Everest region; chir pine, hemlock, silver fir and Juniper trees are found at lower altitude whereas blue pine and juniper shrub above 4000m.
A range of birds inhabit Solu-Khumbu area. Nepal’s national bird, the multi-colored Himalayan Monal known as Danphe in Nepali dwell in the vicinity. Golden eagles dominate the skies. Flocks of snow pigeon, blood & crimson horned pheasants, Goshawks and Eurasian kestrels are found here.

Opportunities of spotting the endangered Himalayan musk deer commonly known as Kasturi Mriga are highly likely in this region. The deer is hunted for its precious musk, an important ingredient for making perfume. Himalayan Tahr the mountain goat known as Jharal in Nepali also resides in this high altitude land.

Temperature(unit: in degree celcius) and rainfall (in mm) record:
Namche Bazar:

                                                                                                                   
Marco Polo’s Tea House Trek:

These treks are done in popular and well-travelled areas. The tea houses are usually small basic lodges offering accommodation and food for travellers. We rely on these tea houses for food and shelter and thus require minimal equipment. Our experienced guides will select the best teahouse in the villages, and if required, will go ahead to find shelter in peak season. The tea houses are also a meeting point for trekkers from various parts of the world.

A teahouse trek day starts with your guide knocking at your door in a teahouse at around 6:00 am in the morning. The breakfast served in the teahouse restaurant is usually at 7:00 am allowing you enough time to washup and pack up. The trek starts normally begins at 8:00 am. You will be accompanied by your trek guide, escort guides, and porters. The trek guide and the escort guides will walk with you throughout the trek and ensure that you reach your destination of the day safely. The porters will carry your trekking gear for you, all you need to carry is a small daypack for your camera and water bottle.

In average 3 hours of walking is covered before lunch at a teahouse usually in a settlement enroute. After lunch normally 3 more hours are covered before reaching the destination of the day. At the destination the guide will accommodate you in the rooms in an ideal teahouse already booked by our staff . Dinner in the teahouse restaurant is around 7:00 pm before retiring for the night.

Our teahouse trekking packages are supported by highly experienced trek guides, escort guides and reliable porters. Our staff are knowledgeable about and conscious of environmental protection.

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2. Mustang Adventure Camping Trek – with Biska festival
March 27, 2009 – April 15, 2009
20 days trip
Grade 3

Booking

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3. Mustang Adventure – with Buddhajayanti festival – Birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha
April 22, 2009 -  May 09, 2009
20 days trip
Grade 3

Booking

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4. Mustang Adventure Camping Trek – with Gaijatra Festival
Aug 06, 2009 -  August 25, 2009
20 days trip
Grade 3

Booking

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5. Mustang Adventure Camping Trek – With Indrajatra
Sept 02, 2009 -  Sept 21, 2009
19 days trip
Grade 3 Booking

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6. Mustang Adventure with Dashain Festival
Sept  26, 2009 – Oct 15, 2009
20 days trip
Grade 3 Booking

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7. Mustang Adventure Camping Trek – with Tihar Festival
Oct 17, 2009 -  Nov 05, 2009
20 days trip
Grade 3 Booking

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