Fly to Jomsom. You follow the trail above Kali Gandaki -river towards north to the villages of Chhusang and Chaile. This section has easy trail. After Chaile make steep ascend to a small settlement at Samar. Continue to walk the gradual up and down trail to Syangboche (3800m). Next day descend to Ghilling (3510m). The trail from Ghilling gradually ascends up to a pass Nyi La (3960m) and descends to Tsarang. The trail continues to Lo Manthang. There are three major groups of villages with historic gompas and caves around Mustang. The fresco painting of thousand Buddhas, hanging thankas (painting), antique ceiling and, library and other sacred objects are landmark of its rich history. The cave of Rongbyung Chorten hidden deep in the valley has carving of many deities on the stonewall.
Best time to visit - June to September.
About Teeji Festival
This festival commemorates the victory of Lord Buddha's incarnation ‘Dorjee Sonnu’ over a demon called ‘Man Tam Ru’ a vicious creature which ate human flesh and caused storms and droughts. The Teeji festival usually takes place in May and June and lasts for 3 days. Dances are performed by the lamas of Lo Manthang's ‘choedhe’ monastery during the celebration. About 65 monks from Lo Manthang, Namgyal and Chhoser live in the monastery. The first day marks the harassment of Man Tam Ru in a dance called Tsa Chham, on the second day a dance called Nga Chham takes place commemorating the birth of Dorjee Sonnu as the demon's son. The attempt to return the demon to lord Buddha's realm takes place on the third and final day. The lamas chant prayers while performing almost 50 separate religious dances to chase demons from Lo Manthang. They are followed by masked demons who flail wooden swords at the frightened spectators.On the final day, in a nearby field, courtiers fire ancient muskets as a high lama shoots an arrow at a red demon effigy laid on a ragged tiger skin. He tosses five more demons into the sand to signify the exorcising of the city. Fireworks are also let off to celebrate the occasion. Plase write to us to find out exact festival date.
Day Tentative night stop
01. Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, in Hotel
02. In Kathmandu, sortout equipment, last minute shopping - Hotel
03. Deluxe bus to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara - Hotel
04 Trek to Kagbeni (2900m)- Lodge/Tea House accommodation
From Pokhara fly to Jomsom in the morning. The flight duration is 35 minutes. The plane takes you through the Kaligandaki valley with Dhaulagiri in the left and Annapurna on the right hand side. Jomsom has a STOL airstrip. Small 16 seater plane can only land at the airport. You start your journey from Jomsom following Kaligandaki-river to the north. The trail skirts right-bank of the river. You stop for lunch at Eklebhatti and continue the walk to Kagbeni. It is major junction for several villages around this area.
05 Chaile (3150m) Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Continue to follow the Kaligandaki river towards north to Chusang. It is a large village on the east bank of the river; on the west bank little further north is Chaile. Except for crossing the river in monsoon the trail to Chaile is easy.
06 Syangboche (3800m) Lodge/Tea House accommodation
From Chaile climb the steep path carved out of the mountain. On the ridge is a small village known as Sammar. Stop for rest, and walk on thee main trail that continually ascends to a ridge (3800), then descend to make another climb to a pass. Make a short descend to Syangboche. It is stopping place for traders and travelers. There is an alternative path that leads to a cave nestled deep in the valley where there are carvings of Many deities. The name of cave is Rongbyung Chorten. These cave is used by the Lamas (Buddhist priest) for meditation and prayer. From cave the walk to Syangboche is steep.
07 Tsarang (3500m) Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Next day descend to Ghilling. The trail becomes broader as you approach Ghilling. Ghilling village is about an hour walk from the main trail marked by a big chorten (Stupa). The wide path now becomes wider as you approach Nyi La-pass (3950m) and descend to Ghami (3440m). The pass is the highest elevation on this trek. At Ghami there are health and agriculture office of the government and a police check -post. Cross the bridge over a small river and continue the journey through a spectacular long stretch of Mani Stone, about 244 meter long. The trail gradually climbs to a ridge and descends to a relatively large and prosperous village. The marooned color structure of the monastery is visible as you reach Tsarang. Visit the monastery at Tsarang. There are several thanka painting hanging on the ceiling and pillars of the monastery. Fresco painting of Thousand-Buddha and large collection of Buddha and large collection of Buddhist text staked in the corner.
08 Trek to Lo-Manthang (3730m) Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Make a short descend to a small river that flows below Tsarang, and climb the short and steep trail that becomes leveled and brad as you approached Lo Manthang in the scorching heat. It is about 4 hours walk to the final destination. En- route stop to see caves high above the steep wall.
You will see the unmistaken land mark- a red fort of Lo Manthang and , a big and distinct red structure of Namgyal monastery located in north-west direction as you climb up the ridge top in the final lap to the once forbidden city.
09 In Lo-Manthang
Inside the frotress there are 3 monasteries. One of thm has image of a huge sitting-Buddha in meditation and the other has several statues of various deities including Buddha. Old and beautifully painted thanka paintings are hanging from the ceiling and pillars of the monastery. Inside walls are painted with stories of Buddha and other epics and beliefs. The gompas appears old and in original shape. The Lamas uses the third monastery located in the center. This is Thugchen-gompa. The monks uses this monastery for prayer and other functions. People in Lo Manthang believe that this monastery came into existence because of tantric power of an various Gods of Hindu mythology with different name but similar connotation. Inside the monastery, in addition to living quarters of the monks, there is a separate chamber that store masks and costumes. These costumes are worn at Lama-dance festival that take place every June. This festival continues for 3 days. King of Mustang attends this festival in his ceremonial dress. The story of Lama Dance is based on tantric legend.
For return journey retrace the trail back to Jomsom. Though there is an alternative trail on the east Side of the plateau and we can organize upon your request but because of its ruggedness it has not become popular yet. If you want to take this route you should add two more days or cut some days in Kathmandu.
10 In Lomanthang
In Lomanthang - visit sorrounding villages.
11 Retrace trail to Ghami - Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Trek leisurely to Ghami.
12 Retrace trail to Samar - Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Trek leisurely to Samar.
13 Retrace trail to Chosang - Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Trek leisurely to Chosang.
14 Retrace trail to Jomsom - Lodge/Tea House accommodation
Trek leisurely to Jomsom. This day you can visit to Thini and Musium at Jomsom or visit to nearby village Marpha.
and Departures:
From Kathmandu
for Teeji festival
trek
date to be announce
soon
Incldues 3 full day at
Lomanthang to grace this
beautiful festival of
your life time.
Other departures:
As per your choice dates
Private Arrangement
Trek cost:
2 Pax US$1960 p/person
3-5pax US$1910 p/person
6-9pax US$1785 p/person
10+pax US$1760 p/person
SGL supplement:US$ 110
Private Departures:
Any time upon
request
Minimum 2 participant
required to run the
trip
Trekking, hiking, nature observation, cultural imm
Cost Include:
01. All meals and standard accommodation in lodge during the trek
02. Service of trek guide and Sharpe assistant for bigger group above 6 person
03. Porters to carry personal baggage (each 15 kg.)
04. Accident insurance for staffs and porters
05. Flight Jomsom/Pokhara/Jomsom, Pokhara to Kathmandu
06: Greenline Deluxe bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
07: Mustang special trek permit and ACAP permit
08. Arrival and departure transfers.
09. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara using 3 star category on BB as per programme
10. All airport transfers
Cost Exclude:
01. Personal clothing and sleeping bag
02. Personal accident and health insurance
03. Emergency evacuation and medical expense
04. Alcoholic and bottled beverage, mineral water, laundry, and tips
05. Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned.
06. Expenses due to flight delay, sickness other contingencies
