Mythical Mustang

Once known as a forbidden kingdom now a trekker’s heaven, the Upper Mustang Trek is about unboxing the hidden gem of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. Its inaccessibility being one of the major reasons, Mustang has been highly untouched from mass tourism and is now known as the last bastion of its long, rich and complex history. The Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect combination of culture and trekking as it is intended. Far away from the more inhabited world and in the middle of the wilderness- it is a home away from home. Once you decide to let go of everything that is holding you back and set your first step into this majestic trek, get ready to let the Himalaya embrace you and immerse yourself in the mighty mysticism of the Mustang.

The spectacularly tanned red cliffs and the endless variety of gray rolling hills of the Mustang will be engraved in your memory long after your return home. Add to that your experiences in the incredible towns of the Kingdom and the friendliness of the people of the Mustang.

 

This trek winds its way to the hidden Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. This remote trans-Himalayan mountain area borders Tibet and has a distinct Tibetan feel, both in its people and culture and in its arid landscape of high cliffs and rocks of unusual formations and color. The trek visits Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, then through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo.

Explore caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and gompa and learn something about the culture of this area. Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this exciting trip! Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings a further cultural understanding of the area.

There is also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school where visitors can learn about this ancient healing art and how it is being adapted to meet modern-day situations. A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar, with its famous Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who traveled these areas then. The Gompa is famous for its rock paintings and the fact it is believed that if you make a wish here, it will come true. So make a wish at the Ghar Gompa, and hope to return again someday!

The trek is at a relatively high altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), intensified by the dry air.

While it is no problem for those born at this altitude to travel at speed, visitors will be more leisurely in their hike to avoid any altitude-related problems. On average, walking takes five to seven hours a day and some paths are particularly windy and dusty.

 

The spectacularly tanned red cliffs and the endless variety of gray rolling hills of the Mustang will be engraved in your memory long after your return home. Add to that your experiences in the incredible towns of the Kingdom and the friendliness of the people of the Mustang. It will take you to a unique moment and place because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will add life to your life.

 

Annapurna Base Camp

To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles and Annapurna Base Camp trekking is a bag full of what one may term as a wonder lust. One of the most sought for trek by Himalayan junkies, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is one of those treks that will be easy on your pockets with a lot to offer. Full of nature’s treat to lookout for, this trek blesses your eyes and feeds your soul through the delight of lush rhododendron forests past the pristine white water rivers, terraced farms, hot springs and stunning ethnic Gurung villages to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). 

Along with being naturally captivating, this route is also popular because of its cultural uniqueness. Walking through numerous villages, you can witness how people live in the rural villages of Nepal. Along with that, you can also witness the local culture and traditional practices in the villages. Most of the people in Annapurna are Gurungs and Magars. Thus, this short ABC trekking is more about learning Gurung culture and traditions and broader insight of Nepalese hospitality. This trek is nothing but a perfectly put and arranged package of both natural treasures and cultural experiences that will take your heart to cloud nine!  From the trekking trails, you can see glorious icy snow peaks – including Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhre, Khangsar, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. It caters to  the desire of those trekkers whose interest falls towards ABC base camp trek route but are limited by time frame and Annapurna base camp trek cost.

Annapurna Base Camp trekking is moderate trek even though it has various obstacles. This trek is not too strenuous. This trek is short, briefly challenging, and is particularly fit for those who are time bound but wish to experience the beauty of Nepali mountains and terrain. 

After the onset of the trek, we follow a trail that unfolds dense rhododendrons and bamboo forests, stunning terraced fields, and suspension bridges to the traditional Gurung villages until we reach Ghandruk – our destination for day one.

The next day involves walking through lush forests and grass pastures that slowly and magically fade and turn to rocky passes and cliffs. This is when we need to brace ourselves to be awestruck by the views of Annapurna massifs and Machhapuchre (fishtail). We leave this place the next day and head to Himalaya. From here on, the path gradually starts ascending as it passes through more rhododendron and bamboo forests. 

On the fourth day, we will reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550ft), passing Machhapuchre Base Camp as well. The path to Annapurna Base Camp follows Modi Khola glacier valley. The Annapurna Base Camp treats you with overall views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna ranges – including Annapurna I (8,097m / 26,566ft), Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre. 

After spending a night at the Annapurna Base Camp, the descend starts, and it stops at Bamboo on the fifth day of the trek. The following morning, we leave Bamboo and head to Jhinu Danda. Once we reach Jhinu Danda, we will be relaxing in the nearby natural hot springs which will ease out the aching muscles of the trek while also giving you a much needed time to absorb and reflect on the wonderful and mesmerizing journey you just completed. 

On the last day of the trek, we will trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, and from there, we will take a drive to Pokhara, where the trip concludes. Later in the day, we shall host a farewell dinner at Kathmandu.

In a nutshell, ABC Trek is famous for what it offers within a short time span. As most of the trek offers majestic mountain views and landscapes, we shall get these amazing views every now and then. All in all, the trek will allow you to view panoramic views of mountain ranges and also the sweetness of Nepalese culture. This trek is definitely a living example of the statement that in every walk with nature we end up finding much more than we seek and is definitely a tranquilizer to our mind,body and soul.

Tilicho Lake Trek

As they say, the road to paradise isn’t an easy one. Tilicho Lake Trek’s difficulty is moderately challenging yet the journey is as beautiful as the destination. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, rough trails, and icy and slippery during winter and rainy seasons, nevertheless making it worthwhile in the end. Tilicho Lake is at the altitude of 4919 m and the highest pass is Thorong La Pass. Located at an altitude of 4919m in the Manang district, it is one of the world’s highest lakes situated at the highest altitude formed by the glacial melt of the northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorong. Located in an isolated area of the Annapurna region, Tilicho lake trek is sure to give one an adrenaline rush. The trekkers on the lookout for adventurous and challenging treks in the Annapurna region, can opt for thus trek without a second thought.

The major highlight of this trek would be passing through lush green valleys and mountain villages allowing one to experience traditional culture and lifestyle of different ethnic groups. One can also discover forests, mountain river and waterfalls along with enjoying  the beautiful views of different Himalayan peaks. Then one can brace their eyes with the mesmerizing view of Tilicho lake which will literally feel like paradise; that too would be an understatement. Trekkers will also visit Gangapurna Glacier lake at Manang and reach Braga village at 3475m and visit Braga gompa, 500 years old.

As mesmerizing and tempting as it looks, this trek, however, is not a child’s play. It requires trekkers to have a fair trekking experience because during this trek trekkers need to cross the challenging pass Thorong La pass, nevertheless, having a lot to offer. This trek unfolds the hidden natural and cultural aspects of the Annapurna region. Trekkers can please their eyes with several naturally decorated gadgets which is sure to earn a special place in their hearts.  The stunning glimpses of the beautiful mountains of the region such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli with little surprises time and again will in no time vanish all the feelings of tiredness and leave them wanting more and more. In addition to everything else, beautiful landscapes, valleys, green hills, dense forests, artistic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, pristine rivers, gorges, sacred temples, colorful monasteries, and Gompas are the other attractions of the Tilicho trek that is guaranteed to feed one’s soul with delight.

One of the interesting aspects of this trek is that it can combine with the Annapurna circuit trek as per trekkers’ interests. If the trekkers want a long and extended journey in the Annapurna region they can combine the Tilicho lake trek with the Annapurna circuit which will further take them to the beautiful and unique Mustang region. Tilicho Lake trek follows the Annapurna circuit trek trail up to Manang and from Manang village, the trek reaches Tilicho Lake through the Khangsar village. In the Tilicho Lake trek, trekkers get the opportunity to explore fauna and flora such as rhododendron forest, pine, fir and oak forest. After enjoying the tranquil environment of Tilicho lake, we shall descend the same way we ascended.

In a nutshell, Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful and exciting short treks one can do in Nepal. Although it isn’t meant for amateur trekkers, once you put your heart and soul into it and trek with a strong notion, it doesn’t take away the fact that Tilicho will leave you spellbound. You will experience mountains up close, the culture of Manangi people, encounter breathtaking waterfalls, and walk through the wide mountain valley of Manang adorned by a variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy trekking in the serene environment amidst the mountains and make remarkable memories, as nature is the driving force and the origin of life and a deep dive into it now and often will open your core to attracting new possibilities.