Sacred Tibetan Pilgrimage Trek to the Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal
Sunday, March 6th, 2016
August 22nd – September 8th 2016
It has been said that the ancient ones conserved power in holy places for the good of humanity. Time on our planet is speeding up and change in the nature of our world is occurring. The old sacred lineages are dying. In Mustang, the 4,000-year-old Buddhist traditions and culture were closed to outsiders until 1991. The past kingdom of Lo is one of the few remote Tibetan regions remaining in the world today.
Join us on an eighteen-day trek into the remote land of the Himalayas, to learn about the ancient ways and Tibetan traditions in the former Kingdom of Lo. We will explore the holy lands of Mustang tucked away on the windswept plateau in the Himalayas, between northwest Nepal and Tibet. On our journey, we will sit in ceremony in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and connect with the spirit of the land, referred to by some as the navel of the world. Each day, will begin in meditation, exploring our dreams and setting intention. The evenings will finish in ritual and ceremony.
Please contact Deborah Bryon at highglo@aol.com for information
Trip Schedule
Day 1-2 – Kathmandu (8/22 – 8/23) Arrive in Kathmandu that day and stroll through Thamel and Dunbar Square, stop for a meal in one of the quaint restaurants, or resting in your room after the long flights. At 5 pm, our group will meet for our opening mediation, introducing ourselves to the spirit of the land setting our intention for our journey together. At 6 pm, we will meet our local guide who will be accompanying us on our travels followed by a dinner of local cuisine.
Kathmandu is a fascinating mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Crowded markets and bazaars are the center of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddha’s to beetroot. Kathmandu has been a travelers’ center for many years and this is reflected in the international flavor of the central Thamel district.
While in Kathmandu we will visit, KEEP (the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). At the organization’s Information Centre, we will get practical advice about conservation, trekking and mountain safety, and the do’s and don’ts of Nepalese society.
Day 3 – Pokhara (8/24) This morning after breakfast, we will begin our scenic drive (about 7 hours) to Pokhara where we will make the final preparations for our trek. This evening we will meet for group meditation, asking the spirit of the land for assistance and guidance in our upcoming journey.
The backdrop of stunning Himalayan Peaks, the most picturesque of them being Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and the still waters of Fewa Lake adorn the beauty of this pretty town, also recognized as the adventure sports hub of Nepal and the breeding grounds of the brave Gurkha soldiers. The lakeside district bears the look and feel of a beach-town with its numerous lake-facing views. If there is time after our drive today we may take a boat out on Fewa Lake, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, or visit the International Mountaineering or Gurkha Museums.
Located by the lakeside, our lovely hotel is a step away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy the comfort of a lushly landscaped garden or a cool dip in the swimming pool.
Day 4 – Kagbeni (8/ 25) In the early morning, we fly (about 25 minutes) into the hub of the Annapurna region and gateway of the Kali Gandaki River. This area is renowned as the deepest valley in the world- three times larger than the Grand Canyon. We land on the mountain airstrip of Jomsom, headquarters of the Mustang region.
After lunch in one of the lodges, we commence our trek chasing the trail through the main village. We continue on a rocky path that runs along the river. Crossing the Panga River, near a tree plantation. After a short ascent, we reach Eklai Bhatti, then on to the village of Kagbeni a green oasis at the meeting of the Jhong River and the Kali Gandaki (about 3 hours).
In Kagbeni, we stay in simple but comfortable teahouses in small private rooms with twin beds and hot shower facilities available for a small price. The rooftops provide breathtaking views of the mountains and the village.
Day 5-15 Lo Manthang Mustang Trek (8/ 26- 9/4) Today we follow the high trail or the riverbed route, depending on the height of the river. The trail ascends immediately to a ridge and then descends and climbs over another ridge. The trail leads us to Tangbe, the labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Leaving Tangbe we cross Gompa Kang and caves along the riverbank.
We reach Chhuksang village at the confluence of the Narshing River and the Kali Gandaki. We cross the Narshing River, wading or hopping boulder-to-boulder, reaching Chele, where the cultural contrast and transformation from the Manangi to Tibetan is evident. In this village, the houses have unique sheep horns above the doorways, and twigs constructed in the shape of a cross with colorful thread woven in a diamond- shaped pattern, known as zor, to ward off evil spirits.
Day 6 (Hiking about 7 Hours) (8/27) We trek for about 7 hours through ancient desert-like landscape, passing great canyons, over the three passes of Dajori-La, Bhena-La & Beg-La onto a gentle mountain flank, with amazing mountain top views on top of the passes. Together we engage in ceremony honoring the spirit of the land, asking for passage into this sacred hidden world. The trail descends, crossing many valleys to the quaint village of Syangmochen.
The Tibetan medicine people (amchis) have been practicing healing traditions for 2,000 years. The amchis and tribal villagers (lamas) believe that the body is made up of the five basic elements of earth, fire, water, air, and space, as a microcosm of the universe, where everything is connected. The medicine people (amchis) write chanting prayers calling on healing gods for assistance and protection.
Day 7 (Hiking about. 4 Hours) (8/28) Crossing over Nyila Pass (4016m / 13,172ft), the highest point of the trek, and Ghemi-La Pass we arrive at the center of the Mustang called ‘Lo’. Zigzag down the steep slope from the pass to a large settlement of Ghemi (3510m / 11,513ft). The traditional village of Ghemi is home to magnificent Tibetan Buddhist Temple.
A Tibetan custom of polyandry (one wife amongst multiple brothers) is still carried out in some areas to prevent dividing the land, and making a family poor. The people of Lo are highly spiritual and the practice of Tibetan Buddhism is an integral part of their lives. In Mustang, every village has a monastery. The second born son begins to live in a monastery at the age of 6 or 7 years old.
Day 8 (Hiking about 4 Hours) (8/29) We descend down to a bridge across the Qumona Khola and climb up onto a broad plain. What we are going to witness now is quite remarkable- an undisputed contender for the longest prayer wall in Nepal, more than 400m long (1.312ft), about 2.5 m tall, the main wall is adorned by the hues of mountains reflecting on its surface. Beyond the main wall, the trail climbs a rocky channel, and then traverses to the Choya La pass at (3870m / 12,694ft). Later, gently descending and rambling across the fields to Charang.
Day 9 (Hiking about 4.5 Hours) (8/30) Descend the gorge of the Charang Khola, follow the ascending trail to reach a broad plain to climb Lo La pass (3900m / 12,792ft)). Descend from the pass, across a small valley to L-shaped castle of Lo Manthang (3840m / 12,228ft) where we will spend the next 2 nights.
Day 10 (Rest Day) (8/31) Today we explore the town of Lo Manthang, around 150 houses, nestled in close proximity to each other. The doors of most houses open onto a two-story central courtyard. A wooden staircase leads to the first story, with overlooking verandas, and doors leading off to living rooms. Jagged logs lead to the roof, surrounded by enormous stacks of juniper twigs and firewood.
The best way to get a look at the town is to climb up onto the roof of one of the houses. There are four major temples within the city walls: Jampa Lhakang, Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. The King’s Palace, a magnificent four-story building, is in the center of the city. Though only ceremonial, the king of Lo is still respected and consulted by the local villagers about many issues by villagers. We have two full days to look around the city and the surrounding area. Savor the breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, or take a walk to Namgyal Gompa; the monastery of victory, situated in a spectacular setting atop a deserted ridge.
Day 11 (Hiking about 6 Hours) (9/1) Today we have a fairly gentle walk- taking the upper route, mostly on level-stretched and descending trail with few uphill climbs in between going over Marang-La and Mui-La passes. In route we stop by Ghyekar Gompa, the oldest known monastery in the region believed to be established by Guru Rimpoche. We will spend the night at Dhakmar (3820m / 12,530ft), a nice little village surrounded by red cliffs.
Guara Parva (Durgaastami) begins this year in the temples on September 5th. The main theme of this festival is to worship the goddess Guari. During the deuda dance, locals hold hands and step together in a circle to traditional music singing faag, with married women wearing the sacred threads of vrata for health and a long life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enf-BBGPL54
Day 12 (Hiking about 5.5 Hours) (9/2) We retrace our route to Jomsom, branching away from the familiar trail on a new route from Jhaite, passing via Ghemi, to the village of Ghiling.
Day 13 (Hiking about 6 Hours) (9/3) We retrace our steps back passing Shyangmochen to Chele. Jhator, (ski burial) is a Tibetan funeral practice, of “giving alms to the birds,” in which the deceased is placed on a mountaintop in ceremony, being left as an offering to wildlife and the elements.
Day 14 (Hiking about 4 Hours) (9/4) Retracing our steps from day 5, we return to Kagbeni.
Day 15 (Hiking about 3 Hours) (9/5) Enjoying our last day of the trek at a leisurely pace returning to Jomsom.
Day 16 Pokhara (9/6) We take an early morning flight back to Pokhara on day 16 where we check back into our hotel and you can relax sitting by the Phewa Lake with the magnificent backdrop views of Annapurna range, including the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhare or indulge in shopping and recreation.
Day 17-18 – Katmandu (9/7-9/8) On Day 17, we fly to Kathmandu and check into our hotel. There is an opportunity to roam around the inner sections of the city, make a visit to the numerous temples and shrines, go shopping or relax. There are no activities planned for day 18 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
Please contact Deborah Bryon at highglo@aol.com for more information
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