Walk to LoManthang in Upper Mustang
A sublime walk in the Himalayas to the former Kingdom of LoManthang in Upper Mustang, Nepal
We have put together the walking holiday of a lifetime – it’s adapted from a trek we have tried to operate for a couple of years now and we are really hoping to get 3 – 5 takers for it to happen in 2014. It is a very special walk in Upper Mustang to the remote mediaeval walled city of Lo Manthang. It’s specialbecause it’s a restricted permit area and has only been accessible on foot, by yak and pony trains until a year ago, when the track was widened enough to, in theory, take 4×4’s.
This isolated Tibetan settlement was founded in 1380 and was the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, now Upper Mustang. The settlement is surrounded by a 6-meter high earthen wall with square towers or dzong on the corners. Within the walls there exists a compact settlement of about 200 earthen structures including palaces and monasteries. The Monarchy officially ceased to exist on October 7, 2008 when Lo Manthang became part of Nepal, but being so isolated it is still inhabited by an estimated 900 Lhobas and governed by the current King of Lo – Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista.
UNESCO sums it up – ‘there is no comparison to this unique settlement’.
The route follows a valley through remote Tibetan villages in the Himalayas making it a fascinating walk and a fairly level and easy hike. It is a 5-day hike from Jomsom to Lo Manthang along the ancient caravan route to Tibet that follows the Kali Gandaki River.
Along the way, you‘ll be able to experience a deeply imbedded culture and a way of life that has changed little since the 15th century. Simple teahouses provide shelter and food, as they have done for centuries. Everything will be taken care of for you and your gear will be carried by porters. Pete will set a leisurely pace and make sure you gain as much as possible from this unique experience.
‘Nepal and Tibetans have made the greatest impression on me. This trip not only fulfils my ambition to return to the country and culture I most love and to walk beneath the greatest mountains in the world, but to visit an ancient and unique kingdom before it is lost forever. I hope you’ll join me.’ Pete Hawkins
Pete Hawkins will lead this programme ensuring the pace is enjoyable and helping you
Pete Hawkins is a professional walking leader and navigation teaching who has led more than 20 trips to Nepal for us. His passion for Nepal and it’s peoples is infectious and his relaxed manner and caring nature will greatly enhance your experience.
Everything is included (all flights, meals, accommodation, guides, permits etc) and organised for you by an accompanying travel escort.
To learn more about Pete Hawkins and to view his photographs of Mustang click here
Check out this photo blog for some great images of the walk to Lomanthang.
Sample itinerary – November
| Day 1 | Depart London. Overnight flight. |
| Day 2 | Arrive Kathmandu. Walking tour of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight in a Hotel Himalaya in Kathmandu 1334m. |
| Day 3 | Fly to Pokhara. Afternoon walk around the lake. Overnight at Fishtail Lodge 915m. |
| Day 4 | Fly to Jomsom 2720m.. Commence hike to Kagbeni 2810m. Walking time 3- 4 hours. Overnight in a teahouse. |
| Day 5 | Walk Kagbeni to Cheley, 3050m. Approx. 5-6 hours. Teahouse. . |
| Day 6 | Walk Cheley to Syangbochen, 3880m. Approx. 6 – 7 hours. Teahouse. |
| Day 7 | Walk Syangbochen to Charang, 3620m. Approx. 5-6 hours. Teahouse. |
| Day 8 | Walk Charang to Lo Manthang, 3840m. Approx. 3- 4 hours. Guesthouse. |
| Day 9 & 10 | Lo Manthang. Guesthouse. |
| Day 11 | Walk Lo Manthang to Yaya, 3650m. Approx. 5 – 6 hours. Teahouse. |
| Day 12 | Walk Yaya to Ghami 3520m. Visit Luri Gompa by pony/tractor. Approx. 8 – 9 hours. Teahouse. |
| Day 13 | Walk Ghami to Samar, 3660m. Approx. 5- 6 hours. Teahouse. |
| Day 14 | Walk Samar to Kagbeni, 2810m. Approx. 6-7 hours. Teahouse. |
| Day 15 | Walk Kagbeni to Jomsom, 2720m. Approx. 3-4 hours. Jomsom Mountain Resort. |
| Day 16 | Fly to Pokhara. Fish Tail Lodge. |
| Day 17 | Contingency day. Pokhara. Fish Tail Lodge. |
| Day 18 | Fly to Kathmandu. Dinner in Bodhnath. Depart Nepal. |
| Day 19 | Arrive London. |
