LGBTQ+ Journey to Upper Mustang

Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport in kathmandu for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome you will have a typical Nepalese dinner with some of the staff members. Learn about momo's and Dal bhat and do not forget to try our typical Nepalese drink with great mood of cheers.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.

Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

After breakfast you will drive by private vehicle to Nepal's most enchanting city, Pokhara (200km). On the route we will see more of the amazing countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. In the afternoon, we will arrive. The city is famous for its magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna. It is the starting point for all the adventurous trekkings. Pokhara is also called the city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. You can explore the most accessible and beautiful of it, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -also by taking a boat. Explore, relax and dine by this tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours in the colorful streets alongside the lake.

 

In the early morning, we drive to the domestic airport and embark on a scenic flight across the Himalayas to Jomsom, the district headquarters of the Mustang Region. Here, we commence our journey either on foot or by vehicle, as this is the starting point of the Upper Mustang Trek and where you'll also meet the rest of the trekking staff. Along our initial easy trail, we are greeted by the breathtaking peaks of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Dhampus until we reach Kagbeni, a typical Tibetan village marking the entry point to Upper Mustang.

Our journey starts with the usual permit check up and then we are really off onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki. During this walk we will stop at scenic picturesque places along the sandy and windy trails. First we reach the village of Tangbe with its narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up till we see the huge red chunk of conglomerate , that once broke from the cliff above, and now forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki flows. We head on over small ridges to arrive in Chele.

Morning after breakfast, we leave the village and climb up the unstable pebble road and will come to a plateau. We keep climbing the gentle slope and enter an area with the big canyons. We follow the trail that cut out of the cliff and after passing the canyons we will reach a small pass. Then, we move to a gentle mountain flank and continue the slightly descent and will reach Samar village surrounded by a poplar grove. We will have our lunch here. After lunch, we descend steeply to a stream, then climb up and descend steeply to another stream, then climb up to a plateau. We keep climbing up the right fork to the Chungsi-La and countering through the amazing canyons until reaching Ranchung Cave whose large stalactites resemble Rangchung (self-arisen; ie not man-made) chhorten. The Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated here in 8th century during his traveling in Mustang. Himalayan griffons nest in the surrounding cliffs. After visiting the cave, we climb gradually past pasture to Syangmochen. Again we climb up to a small pass where there is a colorfully painted square chhorten. We will see a large valley of Ghiling spreading out in front of us. We continue descending to the right towards Ghiling, cross a stream and move on along the stone walls in the farm fields. Here is two ancient monasteries and big huge chhortens and we will visit in the evening. 

In the morning after breakfast, we walk through the big village and climb up the gentle slope with shrubberies and will join in mail trail. From here, a long ascent continues to Nyi-La. When we cross over this pass, we will enter the center of the Mustang, which used to be called the Lo Region. We descend the gentle slope and go around the valley ahead towards the left. We will be overlooking Ghami village and we descend steep zigzag slope and will reach the village. We will have our lunch here. After lunch, we leave the village and cross a river using the suspension bridge. We climb onto the terrace and pass along the longest Mani Wall in Mustang. The effect of the erosion on the cliff ahead attracts attention by its strange forms and the varieties of colors such as red, blue, white, etc. it is like a Mandala painted on the cliff. We keep going in level trail passing the big chhortens and cross a stream. Then, we keep walking along the upstream through the terraced fields until reaching Drakmar.

Today after breakfast, we leave the village and ascend a steep eroded gully overshadowed and the route cross some alpine meadows. Now will come to a plateau and then, across a valley to a cairn. We climb to a ridge and keep descending until Ghar Gompa. It is also known as Lo Gyaker which means ‘Pure virtue of Lo’. Ghar Gompa means ‘house temple’ and is affiliated with the Nyingma Lineage. This is one of the oldest Gompa in Mustang. After visiting Gompa, the trail steep descends to a wooden bridge and climb up to a plateau. We keep walking along a grassy valley and come to a ridge. We will make our lunch break here. Then, we continue the level trail until reaching Marang-La Pass. This is a high pass in this course. Then, we keep descending a large cairn and come to a small ridge from where first view of Lo-Manthang City. Again we continue crisscrossed with herder’s trail until reaching Lo-Manthang, a medieval ancient Wall City of Mustang.

Today, we will acclimatize and immerse ourselves in the wonders of Lo-Manthang, a historic gem located about 50 kilometers from the Tibetan border. Historically, it served as the central trading hub for salt and textiles between Nepal and Tibet, with mules still used to transport goods from Tibet.

The city is renowned for its impressive 6-meter high wall, which encloses a captivating array of cultural and religious landmarks. The fortified city boasts beautiful towers at each corner, adding to its charm and historical significance.

Key landmarks within Lo-Manthang include the Thubchen Monastery, the King's Palace, a museum, the Jampa Monastery, and traditional Thangka painting workshops. Approximately 900 Lo families reside here, maintaining a close-knit community that follows the Bonpo form of Tibetan Buddhism, marrying within their community and rarely migrating elsewhere.

Remarkably, Lo-Manthang remained closed to outsiders until the 1990s. Even now, access is limited to 1000 visitors per year, with entry permitted only through authorized trekking agencies. After a day of exploration and absorbing the unique culture of Lo-Manthang, we will return to our accommodations for a well-deserved rest.

In the morning after breakfast, we leave the castle village of Lo-Manthang and cross a small stream. Then, we gradually climbing steep sandy slope until Lo-La Pass from where we see the last view of ancient wall city of Lo-Manthang. We keep walking across the wide plain ahead with viewing the numerous caves on the terrace’s rock face. We continue the trail passing the big isolated chhorten that marks the boundary between Lo-Manthang and Tsarang till Tsarang Khola. We cross by an iron bridge and climb up until reaching Tsarang Village. We will have our lunch. After lunch, we visit the huge five-storey white Tsarang Palace (fortified palace) and the 14th century Gompa are perched on the edge of Kaligandaki gorgr at the eastern end of the village

Morning after breakfast, we start our trek from our camp site and exit from the village passing huge chhorten. The trail goes a long gentle ascent until reaching to a ridge and after traverse the route down a rocky gully until reaching in Ghami passing again spectacular Mani Wall in Nepal. We will have our lunch here. After lunch, the trails continue steep up till Ghami-La and again a long gentle ascent brings to us on Nyi-La. Then, we climb down to Tamagaon and continue a steep set of switchbacks down a rocky canyon leads to a stream, then the trail climbs to a huge painted chhorten before rejoining the Ghiling trail near the ridge. We cross the small pass and descend to a Syangmochen.

In the morning after breakfast, we walk short level trail and steep climb up until reaching Yamdo-La. Then, we slightly climb down to Bhena. After passing the hamlets, namely Yamdo and Bhena, a long descent start to Samar crossing small streams. We will have our lunch here. After lunch, we continue the trail passing the big canyons and we reach in Tsaile. After that, we steep descend to the Kaligandaki River and cross by an iron bridge, then continue the trail along the Kaligandaki River until reaching Chhusang and drive to Jomsom.

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight back to Pokhara. This 30-minute scenic journey flies between the towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. Upon landing in Pokhara, our guide will take us to a lakeside hotel. There, we'll relax by the lake and reflect on the incredible memories from our trek.

On the 14th day of your Upper Mustang Tour, you'll take a scenic flight back to the dynamic capital city of Kathmandu. As you soar through the air, you might catch one last glimpse of the magnificent Himalayas, a fitting finale to your breathtaking adventure. After a tranquil and enchanting stay in Pokhara, returning to Kathmandu offers a new perspective on Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and reflect on the unforgettable moments you’ve shared. Take this opportunity to indulge in some last-minute shopping, explore the bustling markets, or simply savor the vibrant energy of the city.

This is your final day in Nepal. Our dedicated representative will ensure your departure is smooth and comfortable, driving you to the international airport. As you board your flight, reflect on the enchanting experiences shared and the love celebrated in Nepal. We hope to see you again for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and a lifetime of happiness together!