Mustang Trekking

The highlight of this trek involves 16th century monasteries remain active, adorned with unrivalled frescoes. Mustang is the land of Barley field's pastures for grazing herds. The trail above Kali Gandaki River tantalized a generation of trekkers. Mustang is ancient forbidden kingdom, where strict regulation of travelers helped Tibetan traditions survive stronger than Tibet proper. Mustang is considered as a restricted area, and there are some government formalities like obtaining a special permit. The major attraction of this trek is Lo Manthang, the impressive walled capital. Above Lo Manthang is Tibet and our excursion takes near to Tibet territory.

Lo Monthang features the King’s Palace and many monasteries, which are currently being restored by art historians from Italy and other European countries. The village is noted for its tall white washed mud brick walls, gompas and the Raja's or Royal or King's Palace, a nine-cornered, five story structure built around 1400. There are four major temples: Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the "God house"; Thubchen Gompa, a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of Jampa Gompa; Chodey Gompa, now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa, which is popularly known as the "New Gompa”. Considered by some scholars to be the best preserved medieval fortress to the world and a UNESCO World Heritage.

Note

1. The proposed trip has been made by A.N.T. Travel Expert
2. Cost of the trip will be determine on the number of person and on agreed Itinerary.
3. To reduce the cost, traveler can choose to travel by Land instead of Flight (KTM-PKR-Jomsom – PKR- KTM) however it will increase in number of days.
4. Sightseen arrangement in Kathmandu and Pokhara can be included.
5. Additional days are required for additional activities in Pokhara and in Kathmandu.

TREKKING PERMIT

Upper Mustang, The Lost Tibetan Kingdom has been never a backpacker’s haven. Trans Himalayan salt trading route from Kagbeni to Tibet via Lo Manthang. Many trekkers made “U Turn” from Kagbeni because of expensive permit for Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is located entirely within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Apart from ACAP entry permit trekkers needs to issue special restricted permit from Nepal Immigration. TIMS card is not needed after possessing restricted permit issue with immigration. Two different permits are needed.

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit

   This can be issued at office of Nepal Tourism Board. Either in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Regardless of time span this single entry permit cost Nepali Rs. 2000 (Approximately USD 20). Trekkers need to provide passport details. One passport size picture is needed. This permit can be issued in advance before arrival of trekkers.

2. Restricted Area Permit (RAP Upper Mustang)

   This is the highly delicate permit system. The cost is expensive. It is USD 500 Per Person for the first ten days. Your days will be counted from Kagbeni Check Point (When you move ahead of Kagbeni). In general our itineraries are scheduled to fit restricted area with ten days. For Lo Manthang we used to allocate two overnights stay. In case if number of days gets extended than USD 50 Per Person Per Day is applicable.

   Upper Mustang Trek Permit Summary

   • Valid Passport with minimum 6 months to expiry
   • ACAP Permit | USD 20 Per Person | One Printed Passport Size Picture
   • RAP Upper Mustang – USD 500 Per Person for first 10 days |Scanned Copy of Passport Size Picture | One Printed Passport Size Picture
   • Minimum two trekkers are needed with guidance of authorized local operator