Little Tibet – you hear this name very often when it comes to Upper Mustang. And it really is, because both geographically and culturally the forbidden kingdom of Lo is much closer to Tibet than it is to Nepal. Moreover, it is much closer to ancient Tibet (the one everyone dreams of) than modern Chinese Tibet, which has experienced cultural and military expansion.
The small villages of upper Mustang are spread out on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and its tributaries, flowing through the arid Tibetan plateau. The scenery here is a yellow mountain desert cut by veins of rivers. Only rare corners of green paradise oases with sparse villages can be found there.
For a long time, the upper Mustang region was closed to tourists (until 1992), which enabled the preservation of the original culture of the Tibetans who historically lived here. They still believe in Demons and Superior Powers, practice the unique religion of Bon, woven into Buddhism, respect their king and spin the prayer drums every hour. Here are happy people who do not know the Internet and have just begun to get used to Western tourists. Of which, by the way, there are not so many yet. There are no such crowds as on the popular treks, because the permit (pass) is very expensive (costs 500 USD for 10 days), and their number is limited. But despite the high cost and restrictions, every year more and more tourists enter the closed kingdom of Lo, bringing civilization and "spoiling" the culture. We must get there as early as possible before the upper Mustang “becomes poppy”.
The program is only available by reservation for a group of 5 or more. If you are alone and want to join a group, we advise you to pay attention to the trek around Manaslu or other treks in Nepal, which we run regularly for combined groups.
Trek to one of the most difficult and interesting regions of Nepal.
Our route provides good acclimatization, which enables the organism to get used to the altitude.
We can help you with equipment and air tickets.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The manager has personally visited Nepal and will give you expert advice.
Experienced team leaders of Kuluar Club, who have been in Nepal many times, will accompany the participants throughout the program.
During the time of work of the club, we have worked out an algorithm allowing maximum qualitative organization of hikes and climbs. You can be convinced of this personally by submitting an application for participation.
More than 12,000 members have already hiked with Kuluar and 97.8% have been satisfied. We are sure you will too!
Kathmandu is an amazing and unique city, with cramped streets and perpetually honking cars. The first impression is, "Oh my God, where am I now!" But you soon get used to it and begin to notice the truly unique Buddhist and Hindu shrines around you. They are here at every turn, in every courtyard.
We meet at a pre-booked three-star hotel, after the introduction you will have time to wander the streets and buy the necessary equipment for the trek.
Today we will explore the main sights of Kathmandu - Pushupatinath, Monkey Temple (Swayambunath), Royal Durbar Square. We will also try to see the living goddess, Kumari. While we are exploring Kathmandu, our partners in Nepal will draw up difficult permits and give them to us in the evening. As soon as the passes are received, we set out tomorrow to meet the adventure!
The mountain roads of Nepal are something! We can't deprive you of it. The scenery gradually changes outside the window, the road winds along the bustling Trisuli River, gradually bringing us closer to Pokhara, a very quiet and cozy town on the shores of Lake Feva. It is a real hippie capital. We check into the hotel, take a shower and go for a walk. We can take a boat ride on the lake, and then have dinner at one of the cafés to the sounds of live music.
Today we have one more adventure, a flight over the Himalayas in a small plane. The flight time is not long, in about half an hour we will land in Jomson, at an altitude of 2,720 meters. This is the air gateway to the upper Mustang, and ahead of us is the earth gateway, which is in the village of Kagbeni. It is here that the influence of Hinduism ends and Bon Buddhism appears before us in all its glory. For better acclimatization, we will spend the night here. Depending on the wishes of the group, this part of the journey can be done by jeep.
With each step the scenery becomes more unusual, and we are surrounded by rounded weathered rocks. It gives the impression of unreality. But here we see green terraces of vegetable gardens ahead – the village of Chusang is in front of us. Here you can have lunch and drink Tibetan tea (salty tea with milk and flour), masala (very tasty thick tea with milk and lots of spices) or lemon-ginger tea (with lemon and ginger). In the rocks around the settlement there are very well-preserved small caves – thousands of years ago people lived here. After resting and regaining strength, we easily climb another uphill and reach the village of Chale, the place of our overnight stay for the night.
Today we will cross the forbidden line and enter the closed kingdom of upper Mustang. To do so, we must pass a police checkpoint where they will check our passes into the tale. We cross the Kali Gandaki River on the bridge, taking pictures of the beautiful canyon on the way. In general, we will not hurry anywhere, but take pictures and enjoy the unusual scenery. Around the village of Samar, we will have wonderful views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks. And the sharpest of eyes can even see a piece of Annapurna I. We will pass another pass – Ben La, 3,830 meters high, and descend a bit to the village of Geling. Michel Passel, who was one of the first Europeans to enter the closed kingdom (1964), in his book "The Mustang: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet" called Gehling almost the best place on earth. We'll spend the night here and decide for ourselves whether this is true. There is a gompa, a fort, a palace, and monasteries, all of which we will definitely visit.
Ahead are great panoramic views of Annapurna I and Dhualagiri from the Nia La Pass (4020 m). After the pass, we pass through the village of Ghami, beyond which the longest wall of Mani in Nepal, made of mantra-painted stones, awaits us. Tsarang is a very remarkable village, there is an old royal palace, built back in 1378 by the first king of Mustang Ame Pal and about the same age as the gompa.
The heart of the closed kingdom of Mustang, the capital of Lo-Manthang, awaits us today. The king still rules here today, sitting proudly in his palace. We will have enough time, and we will walk the streets of the city-fortress and visit all the main attractions of the capital: the divine house of Lakhang Champa (there is a large statue of Buddha and just a huge mandala), monasteries Tugchen and Chodei. If you want, you can even meditate with the monks and listen to the ancient mantras. In such places you feel in a completely new way, filled with tranquility and peace.
Lo-Manthang, though the capital of Upper Mustang, is a small town – the population is less than 1,500 people. The inner city has not changed, as centuries ago, goats walk through the small streets and grimy kids play. A dozen lodges have been built outside the city walls and an unpaved road has been built to reach Chinese Tibet, which is only 18 km away. We try to feel more deeply about the unique atmosphere of the city and spend more time on photography.
Today we will explore the surroundings, namely Namgyal Gompa and the village of Tinghar. Gompa is located on the top of a hill and is not only the most important local monastery, but also a court. We will also visit the four-story King Rajah's building. If you wish, you can arrange for a horseback ride instead of walking.
The return will be on a different road. First we will climb Chogo La Pass (4325 m) – the highest point of our trek on the upper Mustang. It is even higher than Annapurna base camp! Enjoy the scenery and descend to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest gompas in Nepal. Then another pass awaits us, but lower – Marang La, 4,170 meters high. From the pass, the path runs downhill and soon leads us to Dakmar village, where we will spend the night.
The trail goes along a steep and picturesque canyon. Most of the way we are accompanied by views of majestic Nilgiri and Tilicho. First, we descend to Gamy, and then take the familiar route through the Nia La Pass to Xiangmochen.
Familiar landscapes open up to us from a new perspective. We notice what was not seen on the way "there" and take photos. Spending the night in Chela.
We continue our descent. We reach the village of Kagbeni, from where it is only a few hours to Jomson. If we get too lazy, we order a jeep and drive through.
In case of bad weather and cancelled flights to Pokhara, it is essential to have one spare day. If the weather is good, we can spend that day walking around Pokhara.
Flight to Pokhara and transfer to Kathmandu.
Very interesting and intense trek to the closed kingdom of Upper Mustang is over, being full of impressions, we fly home. See you soon!
Depending on weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the guide has the right to make changes to the route.
Visas for 30 days stay in Nepal are taken directly at the border. The cost of the visa is $50. Here you can find detailed instructions on visa application >>. To get a visa, you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
To participate in the hike, you must be free of diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list is here.
You should buy tickets beforehand, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek. The most comfortable way to fly is with AirArabia and FlyDubai, you should buy tickets on their websites. Please note that luggage is not included in the price and you will need to order an extra 20 kg at the time of purchase. When you check in at the airport, you may be asked to show your card with which you paid for your tickets – don't forget it! The flight both ways costs from $500-700.
To participate in the program you need a good insurance. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some members thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar Hikers”
In Kathmandu we will stay in three-star hotels with all amenities. Standard accommodations in 2 and 3-bed rooms. Individual accommodation is possible, it will cost $200 for the entire trek. During the hiking trek we live in lodges, which are tourist shelters that have public showers, toilets and you can order food. Sometimes there is wi-fi. The rooms are very simple, small. Of furniture there are often only beds.
Most of the trek is at moderate altitudes. Temperatures will be around +20 degrees during the day and can drop to zero at night. Rains are rare. Characteristic mountain weather is clear mornings and cloudy evenings.
The total amount of additional expenses will be: visa $40 + food on the trek $ 350-400 + flight to Kathmandu.
We recommend everyone to take at least another $100 for souvenirs and other small pleasures.
*Please, pay your attention: it's not the manager's task to choose a flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on their experience, and shares the flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase their own convenient airfare. If you want a manager to buy you an air ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the conditions on the page: additional services.
To reserve a spot in the group, you need to make a $200 prepayment. This money is needed to process passes and make hotel reservations. If you cancel your hike, the money is non-refundable, but can be given to another participant or left in your "account" to pay for future hikes. Payment methods are here. The rest of the sum can be paid by transfer to the card (not later than a week before the start) or give to the instructor on the first day of the hike. If you leave the route, the money will not be refunded.
Dear friends, we kindly ask you to pick up dollar bills of 2003 or newer. Dollars from the 90s are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes have problems with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)
