Upper Mustang "Little Tibet" Nepal Yoga Adventure

Kathmandu, Nepal

NM
Natalie Macam
  • Email address verified
Apr 13 - 30, 2022
Group size: 6 - 14
Upper Mustang "Little Tibet" Nepal Yoga Adventure
Kathmandu, Nepal

Natalie Macam
  • Email address verified

Apr 13 - 30, 2022
Group size: 6 - 14

About this trip

 Watch last years video [here].


Trekking Nepal's Upper Mustang ~ where rivers swirl around mighty peaks and life in chalk-white villages moves slowly ~ a Pristine Corner of the Himalayas


On this expedition-style trek, you’ll learn about the Mustang’s status as a forbidden kingdom, which ended in 2008 when its ruling kingdom of Nepal became a republic.  We’ll start our trip by exploring the temples and markets of Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city before travelling to the lakeside city of Pokhara at the foot of the Himalayas and onto the large village of Jomsom to start our journey.


 

Highlights


  • Trekking in the Himalayas
  • Caves, Monasteries, Temples Royal Palace
  • Fossil Scavenging in the Kali Gandaki River
  • Spectacular Landscapes
  • Antique Villages
  • Authentic Tibetan Culture
  • Traditional Arts and Crafts and Meals
  • Nepalese Homestay : Nepalese cultural immersion in the mountain villages picking vegetables, cooking, and learning from locals.   

About this trip

 

Until 1992, Mustang was closed to the outside world. Even today, only a few thousand find their way to Upper Mustang each year. It’s vast, arid, and one of the few places left of Earth where one might truly escape to an authentic Tibetan enclave.  Upper Mustang is isolated by culture, by government order, and by geography.  The government has instituted a forward-thinking permit system that demands a $500USD fee of every visitor to keep this contemplative corner of the Himalayas pristine.


Princes of ancient kingdoms walk the walled cities, remains of the long dead rest in peace in caves from prehistory, and barely-cut roads wind through skies topped with mountains. The region, defined as much by its 13,000-foot passes, striated rock formations, and colorful stupas as by its almost unfathomable remoteness, was, until 2011, accessible only by foot, horseback, or private aircraft.  The name Mustang is derived from the Tibetan word ‘mun tan’ which translates in Nepali to mean ‘fertile plain’  Tibetan is widely spoken and the traditional culture of Tibet largely remains throughout the region. 


This is an “off the beaten” path adventure. As with other treks in Nepal, teahouses are available along the entire trek in Upper Mustang. Teahouses are simple houses, often the home of the family that runs them, and offer basic meals in a communal eating hall along with rooms which share 2 - 4 people. 


Expect camping conditions with rustic toilets and long periods of no hot water nor shower facilities.  

Travel Information

Retreat starts Oct 24 with a welcome dinner.      Check in to the hotel anytime that day to get settled.   If you have a late night arrival, you may have to arrive Oct 23.  


Retreat ends after breakfast on Nov 10.

Flights:  There are myriad of different ways to look for flight. I like to use www.skyscanner.com

Money: I usually just bring my ATM card for cash and use as needed when I am in Kathmandu. Bring USD with you on the plane as you will need for your Visa. You are welcome to bring Travelers Cheques... but I have not used them in a very long time. ATMs are fine in Kathmandu, Pokhara and major cities but it doesn't hurt to inform your banks before coming to Nepal (sometimes banks might block your card). 

Money Exchange Available:•  in Thamel in Kathmandu.


Or Nirajan can help us with a better rate.   The rates aren't as good at the airport


Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements (US Passport Holders)


Requirements for Entry: Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry Visa appropriate for purpose of travel

Tourist Visas:Online application: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visaEither apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling, or purchase a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or at the following land border points of entry:  You may request:  15-day multiple-entry tourist visa ($25 USD) 1-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($40 USD) 3-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($100 USD)

Bring: 4 passport photosBring Cash for Visa Fee  Visa fees are payable in USD. Money-changing and ATM services are available at the airport, but credit card payment is not a reliable option. Tourists may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. 

Suggested vaccinations:https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal

Dress Code: Yoga - Please bring leggings or very loose trousers with stretch so most of our legs will be covered.  Scarf - I always have one with me in case I need to cover my shoulders.   

Evacuation + Medical Insurance optional

Evacuation + Medical Insurance ~ Here are some options:


1. Global Rescue www.globalrescue.com Global Rescue Memberships start at $119. If you have any additional questions they can be reached anytime by email memberservices@globalrescue.com or at +1 (617) 459-4200, or via our website, 

2.  https://medjetassist.com $240 Individual - 1 month

3.  https://americanalpineclub.org/rescue


Additional Information: There is a Facebook page that has misc questions from the previous Q & A's.    You are welcome to post your questions so others can see. 

Weather

Daytime Temperatures Range 68F - 77F

What should I bring?

You will receive a more extensive list in the Program Guide.   Some suggestions are yoga mat, layers for all weather, reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes Kathmandu has nearly everything. .   They have lots of street vendors.

Price ~ Early Bird

Save $100 before July 1, 2021


*Single Supplement avail for 3 nights only

Cancellation/Refund Policy

A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to hold your space and is due at the time of registration.     


Full balance must be paid 60 days prior to event start date.  

Cancellations must be sent in email to tigerwaveyoga@gmail.com.    


60 days or more prior to the event: your entire payment will be refunded less $500 non-refundable deposit.  


If retreat is full, waitlist will be available.   

***ADVENTURE TRAVEL NOTICE***

This is ADVENTURE travel, and many of the trip destinations in this site are remote areas, within under developed countries, where events are less predictable than is usually the case in. The unexpected is the norm in these areas and, despite painstaking planning and organization, our adventure trips can never be taken for granted like regular trips. Many of the places that we visit do not have the same quality of emergency health and safety services that you are used to in the developed world. Internal flights can be canceled, road transport is generally uncomfortable and unreliable, and hotels often do not approach the standards of the West.


IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS, YOU SHOULD NOT TRAVEL WITH US. This unpredictability also means that the itineraries that we put forward for each of our trips should be seen as statements of intent, rather than as contractual obligations. A variety of factors, including weather, transport difficulties and political instability, might dictate that we change any itinerary. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary, after consultation with the group. Only rarely will such changes be significant, and we will always do everything within our powers to minimize the effects of the enforced changes. We cannot be held responsible for the results of changes or delays, irrespective of how they are caused.

What’s included

  • Accomodations
    Shared
  • Inland Transportation
    Domestic Travel and Flights
  • Meal
    Breakfast
  • Meals
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner on Trek
  • Upper Mustang
    Trekking Permit
  • Airport Transfer

What’s not included

  • Single Supplement
    Available for Day 1, 2 and 17 ONLY
  • Meals
    Lunch and Dinners in cities when we have free time
  • Flights to and from
    Kathmandu
  • Special Beverages

Available Packages

Trip Price
$2,825
Deposit: $500

Available options

Itinerary

Itinerary
Daily Schedule


Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu.  Check in Hotel Marshyangdi. 

  • Evening welcome dinner and trip briefing.
  • Original Passport will be collected to make upper mustang trek permits.


Day 02 Kathmandu Drive to Pokhara

  • Morning activities. 
    • Around 9 drive to Pokhara.
    • On the way visit Monkey Temple. 
    • Arrive Pokhara around 3-4 in the afternoon. 
    • Explore Lakes, and evening activities.
    • WALKING HOUR NA
    • FOODS Breakfast
    • ALTITUDE 827 M (2,713 ft)
    • ACCOMMODATION Hotel.


Day 03 Pokhara fly to Jomsom 2743 M (8,999 ft) and Trek to Kagbeni. Distance; 10.7 Km (6.6 miles)


Early morning fly to Jomsom. We will meet our team (porter) at the Jomsom and after a short tea break walk to Kagbeni. 

  • HIKING TIME 3 - 4 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 2,804 M (9,199 ft)

DAY 04 Kagbeni Trek to Chele. Distance; 15.3 Km (9.5 mile)


The landscapes will vary daily, every part of the trek is different and has its own beauty.

  • HIKING TIME 6 - 7 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 3050 M (10,007 ft)

DAY 05 Chele Trek to Syangboche. Distance; 11.5 km ( 7.1 miles)


After at Tsaile (Chele). Chele we start our trek to Syangboche. The peaceful and enchanting landscape towards to Syanboche with the spectacular mountain views and the villages.  Caves are the major highlight of the day. 

  • HIKING TIME 6 - 7 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 3,800 M (12,468 ft)    

DAY 06 Syanboche Trek to Ghami. Distance; 9.3 Km (5.7 miles)


Syangboche to Ghami follows the traditional route; Tamagaon, Ghiling, Chhunggar, and Jhaite village. Nyi La is the best view point to see the Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, barley and buckwheat field in the dry desert land of Mustang. 

  • HIKING TIME 5-6 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 3520M (11,549 ft)

DAY 07 Ghami Trek To Charang. Distance; 10.7 Km (6.6 miles)


As we approach Lo-manthang, we'll feel the deep spirituality of the land.  We will see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tuckhe, Thorong peaks Mountain View. Tsarang monastery is a popular monastery in Mustang and its related with Gelup sect of Buddhism. 

  • HIKING TIME 5-6 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 3560 M (11,670 ft)

DAY 08 Charang Trek to Lo-Manthang. Distance; 11 km ( 6.8 miles)


The final destination of the Upper Mustang Trek is L Manthang and today we'll start our hike after breakfast. The trails are normally easy but gradually up somewhere but almost flat. The land of Lo offers the remoteness, natural beauty, adventure, and the cultures along the way. The ancient Tibetan culture and the people lifestyle are unique experiences. We will see an Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain which is above 8000m high. 

  • HIKING TIME 4.5 HOURS
  • ALTITUDE 3840 M (12599 ft)  

DAY 09 Explore Lo-ManThang Valley 


Today is quite interesting with many things to explore and experience. Our day starts with breakfast at the lodge. First, we will visit the Chooser cave and we will be taking horse or jeep from the lo manthang. Horse ride is exciting but upon interest and choices, we will arrange it. Around chooser area, there are many centuries old caves in the rocky cliff. We will visit Jhong, Konchok Ling and Ritseling cave. Before we will head back to the Lo Manthang to explore the ancient monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Chortens, Royal Palace, three ancient monasteries and the unique lifestyle of local people. 

  • WALKING TIME 5 - 6 HOURS
  • ALTITUDE 3840 M (12599 ft)

DAY 10 Lo-Manthang Trek to Drakmar via Samduling, Marang la 4230 M (13,878 ft) Distance: 17.2 Km (10.6 miles)


Today we will visit another most important place in this area Dhakmar. We will see ancient Ghar Gumba and it was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan magician master Padmasambhava which is related to Nyingma sect of Buddhism. Along the way, we will see snow-capped mountains, Tibetan art, chhorten, antique villages, caves, Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful landscapes.

  • HIKING TIME 6 - 7 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 3820 M (12,533 ft)

DAY 11 Dhakmar Trek to Ghiling. Distance; 14.3 Km ( 8.8 miles)


Trek to Ghiling trek is a fascinating as well as exciting because the trail leads the visitors to the hidden Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang. We will see the longest Mani Wall of Upper Mustang and the ancient Chortens.

  • WALKING TIME 5 - 6 HOURS
  • ALTITUDE 3,570 M (11,713 ft) 

DAY12 Ghiling Trek to Chhuksang. Distance; 17.2 Km (10.6 miles)


Today we will explore the ancient Cave at Samar village. On the way, we will see Ranchung monastery cave, chhyungkar chorten. We will see stone carved figurines of various deities inside the Chungsi cave and also the figure of Padmasambhava. The ancient Upper mustang trail almost near to exit the restricted zone. Next day we will exit from the restricted zone. 

  • HIKING TIME 6 - 7 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 2980 M (9,777 ft)

DAY 13 Chhuksang Trek to Kagbeni and Drive to Muktinath Temple.


After breakfast short hike about 3 hours to Kagbeni, complete the paperwork at the check post and then drive to Muktinath Temple. Visit Muktinath Temple, and Stay in Guest house.

  • HIKING TIME 3 HOURS 
  • ALTITUDE 3,710 M (12,172 ft)  

Day 14: Muktinath - Kali Gandaki River - Jomsom.    


After morning activities drive to to Kali Gandaki river, stop for 1-2 hrs for Fossil searching in kali gandaki river. While returning to Jomsom visit Dumba Lakes, and Snow Leopard Cave.

Free time in the evening, last day of the Upper Mustang.  

  • WALKING TIME: SHORT
  • ALTITUDE 2743 M (8,999 ft)  

DAY 15 Fly to Pokhara


Free time to explore and relax.


DAY 16 Fly Back to Kathmandu and Drive to Home Stay (Ranikot)

After breakfast, around 10 fly to Kathmandu, and then drive to Ranikot Homestay, Barbeque and cooking with Nepalese family.   The home we will be staying is was rebuilt after the Earthquake.  


Day 17: Ranikot (Home Stay) Drive to Kathmandu.

  • Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square on the way. 
  • Free time in the evening for shopping, massage. 
  • Evening farewell dinner. 
  • ALTITUDE 1,400 metres (4,600 feet)

DAY 18 Final Departure.

Transferred to the international airport on your flight schedule.

Your Organizer


NM
Natalie Macam
Natalie is a yoga teacher is delighted to land in LA after an eight year stint in Asia. Her resident yoga schedule is in Los Angeles, but she also travels within South East Asia as a guest teacher. She is honored to be part of Samudra School of Living Vinyasa and grateful for studying with Shiva Rea and for the support and friendship of the Prana Vinyasa tribe. Her heart-based, joyful classes offer an opportunity for students to experience and deepen their own yoga practice and come home to themselves. Her classes are often marked by opening and closing the class with her harmonium and essential oils. Natalie finds inspiration from all her teachers and students to live life with spontaneity, to remain close to the source and to move deeply in tune with the pulse of the universe.