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Photographic Journey and walk to Lo-manthang in Mustang, Nepal

12 – 30 September 2012

Lo Manthang 3,800m, is the 15th century capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. The Lobas its inhabitants are closely related culturally and ethnically to Tibetans and many of the ancient rituals and ceremonies are still performed. Lomanthang was closed to the outside world until 1992 and even today the number of visitors are limited. There is no other place like Lomanthang – it is a unique settlement and can only be reached on foot from Jomsom.


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Mustang a former Himalayan Kingdom, prospered being on the caravan trade route between Tibet and India trading lowland rice with highland salt. The Kali Gandaki river valley cuts a deep north-south route through the Himalayas from the Tibetan Plateau to Pokhara in the Kathmandu Valley which was perfect for merchants. Today it provides the only access to the remote capital of Mustang - Lomanthang. Cut off from the outside world and reached only on foot or pony it is one of the most unique and fascinating places in the World.  This remote valley has only been open to the most intrepid of visitors since 1992 but alas, a 4x4 road is being built so it is only a matter of a year or two before everything will change forever. 

Now is literally your last chance to enter into a world far removed from anywhere else on earth. The Kali Gandaki river valley winds through the stark high mountain desert which conceals a surreal beauty that can only be appreciated as you take a slow walk to Lomangthang – the capital of Mustang. The mountain air is pure, the villages are primitive and the Tibetan people live much like their forebears. The number of visitors accepted each year in Lomanthang is limited by special permits, the revenue from which goes directly to the King of Lo and his people.  

Nepal GatewayThe walk through the hidden valley to Lomanthang is not difficult, nor is it steep or technical. It is a gentle incline following the Kali Gandaki river through remote villages and breath-taking landscapes. Starting from Jomson it takes 5 days to reach Lomanthang City. We intend to enjoy the walk at a comfortable pace and will have the added flexibility of two contingency days and a fully portered and catered camp for 7 nights in total with three nights in a guest house when in Lomanthang to provide a little extra comfort and a break from the camping.  Luxury lodge accommodation is provided pre and post the trek in Jomsom, Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Nepalese kidsPete Hawkins will lead this programme ensuring the pace is enjoyable and helping you get the most out of your photographic record of this enlightening journey. Pete 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

Summary itinerary

Day 1 Depart London. Overnight flight.
Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu. Walking tour of Patan and Bhaktapur 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. Afternoon walk from the Lodge. Overnight Jomsom Mountain Resort 2720m.
Day 5 Walk from Jomsom to Kagbeni, 2810m. Approx. 4 – 5 hours. Camp
Day 6 Walk Kagbeni to Cheley, 3050m. Approx. 5-6 hours. Camp.
Day 7 Walk Cheley to Geling, 3500m. Approx. 5-6 hours. Camp.
Day 8 Walk Geling to Charang, 3620m. Approx. 5-6 hours. Camp.
Day 9 Walk Charang to Lomanthang, 3840m. Approx. 3- 4 hours. Guesthouse.
Day 10 & 11 Lomanthang. Guesthouse. Includes a contingency day.
Day 12 Walk Lomanthanng to Gemi 3545m. Approx. 6 -7 hours. Camp.
Day 13 Walk Gemi to Samar, 3350m. Approx. 5- 6 hours. Camp.
Day 14 Walk Samar to Kagbeni, 2810m. Approx. 6-7 hours Camp.
Day 15 Walk Kagbeni to Jomsom, 2720m. Approx. 3-4 hours. Jomsom Mountain Resort.
Day 16 Fly to Pokhara. Fish Tail Lodge. Contingency day.
Day 17 Fly to Kathmandu. Hotel Himalaya.
Day 18 Day in Kathmandu. Overnight flight.
Day 19 Arrive London.  

Price person:      £5295 per person fully inclusive
Single room occupancy supplement:   £185.00
Number of guests :  6 - 10


Trek to the Himalayan Walled City of Lomanthang in Mustang, Nepal with Pete Hawkins

Please register your interest now or call 01825 714310