After a spectacular flight to Jomsom via Pokhara, we begin the trek in Jomsom, the administrative district headquarters of Mustang in the Kali Gandaki valley. After a night Kagbeni, the last city in Lower Mustang, it’s ancient gompa and dusty, winding streets reminiscent of another age, we meet our crew and head north into the area known as Upper Mustang. It is this area which we explore, discovering the wonders of the architecture, language, culture and traditions. We will make our way up to Lo Manthang along ancient trade routes to Tibet, stopping to camp near the villages of Upper Mustang and having time to mingle with the people of Mustang, and perhaps drink a few cups of infamous Tibetan salt-butter tea, quaff a wooden bowl of local beer (chang) or nibble on some smoke-dried yak meat (yak sha) in their traditional houses. North of Lo Monthang are several villages that require a special permit to visit, and we will spend several days wandering high up in these valleys, visiting these isolated villages.

After getting to know Lo Monthang, we will head east en route to the stunning Damodar Lakes, about four days trek away. Another three days south will bring us back to Muktinath in Lower Mustang just below the Thorong La, with its elaborate temple complex, an interesting synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. Finally, we trek back down the windy Kali Gandaki gorge and fly back to Kathmandu from Jomsom.

Highlights

Trip Duration: 19days
Maximum Altitude: 4890m
Trek Grade: D
Accommodation: Camp
Start from: Jomsom (flights)
End at: Jomsom (flights)
Best Season: April-August, Sept-Nov

Itinerary

Day 01: Early Morning we drive to Pokhara. Upon Arrival transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom 2720m, then trek Kagbeni 2900m.
Day 03: Trek to Chele 3030m
Day 04: Trek to Geling 3510m
Day 05: Trek to Tsarang 3650m
Day 06: Trek to Lo Manthang 3760m
Day 07: Lo Manthang, visit the Chosar valley
Day 08: Lo Monthang, visit Tingkhar & Namygal

Day 09: Trek to Dri /Yara Today we set off en route to Lake Damodar, via Yara and Luri Gompa. The walk to Lake Damodar is sometimes steep, though not overly difficult. It can be windy, however

Day 10: Trek to Bas Khola
Day 11: Bas Khola, acclimatization day

Day 12: Trek to Damodar Lake 4890m Damodar Kund is a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists alike, and is the home of a big festival during the August full moon. From Damodar Kund , we will be treated to magnificent views of the Annapurna Massif and Damodar Himal.

Day 13: Trek to Ghechung Khola
Day 14: Trek to Tangye 3240m
Day 15: Trek to Tetang 2940m
Day 16: Trek to Muktinath 3750m
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom
Day 18: Fly Jomsom – Pokhara . Rest Day free in Pokhara.
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to the Hotel