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Life has remained almost unchanged for centuries in Nepal’s Mustang region. Once the formerly autonomous kingdom of “Lo,” it lies hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna at the very roof of Asia on the arid Tibetan plateau. It has long been isolated from the outside world (and only open to trekking groups since 1992!). As you make your way through this secluded land, you’ll pass brightly painted chortens (Buddhist shrines) and tiny villages guarded by enormous monasteries. Southern vistas include unusual and arresting views of the snow-covered Himalaya; and desolate high plateaus, deep canyons, and an ocean of windswept hills the colors of a desert sunset are seen to the north. Once at the walled capital city of Lo Manthang, you’ll absorb a great sense of timelessness and appreciation for an ancient culture as you discover the ruins of old forts, monasteries rich in art and history, and caves replete with magnificent religious statues.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Step into the past and explore a kingdom long isolated from the outside world
  
• Discover a last vestige of pure Tibetan culture and religion
  
• Enjoy a rare opportunity to see a region accessible to outsiders by special permit only
  
• Fantastic, unusual views (from the north!) of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
  

Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Day 2 - Tour medieval Bhaktapur, he ancient capital of the Kathmandu Valley during the 14th-16th centuries. Afternoon flight to Pokhara.

Day 3 - Fly to Jomsom (8,898') and trek to the medieval-looking village of Kagbeni, formerly the northernmost area that foreigners could visit. The arid climate, mud-walled houses, and Tibetan dress and language are indications of how closely this area is linked with Tibet.

Days 4-7 - Trek through the Kali Gandaki gorge, climbing a series of canyons, ridges, and passes before entering the ancient capital city of Lo Manthang (12,400'), nearly untouched since the 14th century.

Day 8 - A full day to explore Lo Manthang, the fabled walled “capital” of Mustang.

Days 9-12 - Return trek to Jomsom by a slightly different route, taking a high loop southwest to Ghar Gompa, the oldest monastery in Nepal, then rejoining our earlier route.

Day 13 - Fly to Kathmandu.

Day 14 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu, including the Hindu shrines at Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River and the large Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath, center of the Tibetan Buddhist culture in Kathmandu.

Day 15 - Depart Kathmandu, or join one of our extensions in Nepal or to India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.

Photo Credits
©Sergio Fitch-Watkins (MTS guide)