05 May – 22 May 2023
Mustang lies in the northwestern part of Nepal, is home to thriving Buddhist cultures for more than a thousand years. This regal trek takes to this vibrant Buddhist cultural land where you will find ample opportunities to revitalize yourself. This trans-Himalayan region has harsh geographical features but endowed with the magnificent cultural and spiritual landscape. This regal trek along the ancient trail of the Kali Gandaki river valley that once was an important crossroads for trans-Asian trade for centuries, also called a heritage path trodden by great saint and yogi. Along the trail, you will come upon the oases of villages in the midst of barley and buckwheat, and mustard fields reminiscent of early Tibetan medieval civilization you might have seen in some books in somewhere else. As you pass by, you will catch the glimpse of spectacular ancient monasteries and temples majestically stay atop a hillock overlooking each village. Even mysterious is once you enter the restricted area you will be overwhelmed with and marvel at the mystic caves on the face of steep caves along with the deep gorges and ravine beneath the treacherous trail. Finally, the three traditional major towns Ghami, Tsarang, and Lomonthang welcome you after ascending and descending for some time. These towns are obscured in legends and tales associated with the arrival of great saint Padmasambhava and great yogi Ngorchen Kunga Sanpo. Lo Monthang, famous walled town and the capital city of Mustang is the culmination of your journey. Being in the walled town, a religious domain makes you feel as if all your worldly sufferings momentarily comes to a standstill and regain spiritual comfort.
While in villages and in towns, you will have Luigi Fieni and our local tour guides at your disposal. They will enlighten you on the history, culture, and tradition of the region. There are numerous living heritages you will come across in these major towns adorned with exquisite wall paintings, old thanks, and manuscripts in silver and gold. To the north of Lomonthang, you will go on a day trip Tsoshar which you can’t miss, a cave village where monasteries exist in primitive settings. Besides, your tour guide will familiarize you with the rudiments of Tibetan traditional medicines and local art and craft by meeting you with local Amchi and local artisans and craftsmen.
This is the land of mysticism and spirituality blessed by great saint and yogi, and successive religious kings of Mustang. Should you want to see for yourself this spiritual land of Shangri-La, you can join us on this regal journey to the Land of the Last Forbidden Kingdom
Overview
Trip highlights
- Exploring the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang
- Witnessing the walled city of Lomanthang
- Witnessing the 15th-century Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen monastery, through the eyes of Luigi Fieni who has spent almost two decades restoring these monasteries and training locals.
- Visiting the oldest monastery of the region, Lo Gekar dating back to 8th
- Trip accompanied by Luigi Fieni, who has deep insight from the reconstruction project in Thubchen, Jampa Lhakhang monastery, and conservation of cultural heritage in Upper Mustang.
- Breakfast while in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Breakfast while in Kathmandu and Pokhara
All meals during the trek (Jomsom to Jomsom)
Accommodation Pokhara and Kathmandu and during the entire period of the trek
* Please allow US$50 for monastery visits and donations in Upper Mustang
