MUSTANG THE LAND OF LO
Grade: Moderate-Challenging
Duration: 21 days
(16 days tented trek, 1 day Pokhara,4 days Kathmandu)

This trek takes you behind the Himalayas to the once-forbidden kingdom of Mustang, a Tibet-like valley, with arid terrain and wind-eroded hills. Opened to a handful of trekkers recently, Mustang attracts adventurers from around the globe. The trip to Mustang is one of the finest adventures that Nepal can offer.

Located at the upper end of the Kali Gandaki River gorge, the deepest in the world Mustang is famous for its untouched cultures, its harsh landscape, its unique art and architecture, and some of its prehistoric caves are still used by passing travelers.

Mustang sees very little rainfall and relies on trade for most of its income. Its capital Lo Manthang(3730m) is a fortress-like legendary city of about 150 stone houses and Tibetan-style monasteries. Local inhabitants are known as Lobas and they practice Tibetan Buddhism.
The trek starts from the Jomsom airstrip(2713m). You will pass through Kagbeni, a settlement of closely packed mud houses, winding alleys, and impressive chortens. At Charang and ancient fortress standing at the edge of a great hill houses Buddha statues and sacred scroll paintings. Then you will walk across desert-like terrain, climb over a ridge, and enter the valley of Lo Manthang.

Despite the apparent squalor of the city, it is prosperous and wealth is measured in terms of acreage, horses, and social standing. One of the most striking aspects of the city is the local architecture. The roof of the house is used to store large stacks of firewood, often indicative of social status and wealth. On the walls are horns of sheep and yak.
At Mustang we will be visiting monasteries that date back to the 1420s. You will especially love the intricate mandalas painted upon its walls and enjoy a visit to Thugchen Gompa, a massive assembly hall supported by huge wooden columns near the center of the city.

Reisen Nepal will introduce you to King Jigme of Mustang and his queen and you will see how he and his ancestors have lived in this ancient enclave over the centuries. We will also take you to the upper Mustang area and its two secret valleys. You will see the Mustang King's summer palace, Namgyal Gompa(the monastery of victory), and other important gompas. The valleys are on the main trading route to Lhasa used over the centuries by pilgrims, traders, and invaders. This trip to Mustang is sure to move your heart even if you have traveled extensively throughout the world.