Nepal Mustang (1)

Hiked and Reconnection Treks have formed a partnership to offer an adventure to remember in October this year.

Reconnection Treks are an authentic ‘grass roots’ walking group which endeavours to bring to you; diverse culture through local people (home stay with a local families – hospitality, cooking and rituals), breath taking scenery, your own personal journey of growth & development along the way which awakens the soul.

Expect the guest houses we stay to be basic yet traditional and the food amazing.

Our two week tour includes 5-6 days of walking, up to 80kms in total over the 5 days.

We require an average level of fitness and on average you will hike up to 10 -20 kilometres each day walking at a relaxed pace.

Hiked and Reconnection Treks will supply professional guides to support you along the way physically, emotionally and mentally with first hand experience with Govin our Nepalese guide.

We bring to you the ‘real’ Nepal with all of its love and beauty.

Also includes a 2 nights/3 days Luxury package!

ITINERARY

Mustang - A step back in time.

Day 1 and 2:

ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU. Kathmandu Fly in From Australia, Stay at Pilgrims Guesthouse, Thamel and sightsee in the area. Accommodation included. We can arrange sightseeing activities, Money exchange, sim card and assist in guiding around the city. Taxi, food and entry costs to attractions are not included. Maximum cost expected: Taxi shared $20 for a day of touring, plus food approx. $15-25.

Day 3:

7.30am Take Bus to Pokhara, Approx 7 hours, seeing Nepali life. Relax on the journey seeing the terrain and learning just how challenging logistics and travel is in Nepal, Lunch included. Travelling a total of 200Km @ around 40-60km p/h stopping enroute for toilet stops and Nepali food. Arrive in Pokhara around 3pm, settle into Guest house, meet Guide and have dinner in Lakeside at your leisure. Explore lakeside a little. Dinner with the group, venue TBA. (shopping for trekking gear with Govin between 5-6pm, for those that need it)

Day 4:

Leave Pokhara by Jeep at 6.30am-7am travelling mostly off road 10-12 hours to Jomsom. Winding through amazing villages, views and waterfalls. We travel along the famed Kali Gandaki river for most of the journey. Stopping regularly at tea houses along the way. Traditional Breakfast on route at a typical Nepali roadside stop, Lunch and Dinner included. Resting in Jomsom for the evening. YOU will need to start rugging up here… 😉

Day 5:

Wake up to the most amazing views. Take a coffee, grab some breakfast. Nice and easy first day of trekking along the river to Kagbeni, find your own pace, meditate as you walk through the vast valley and take in the first glimpses of the Annapurnas, approx. 11kms. Great photography. Late Lunch and Dinner provided in Kagbeni. Snacks are available onroute, walk with Govin when you can, to learn of the history and stories of the region. Ask him about Shiva and the Muktinath temple. When you arrive in Kagbeni, freshen up, have lunch then find Govin if you want to learn about the area and explore the Buddhist temple.

Feel free to stop and grab some Nepali chiya(tea) and snacks along the way at any of the teahouses and chat with locals. Once in Kagbeni spend time checking out the tiny cobbled streets, Buddhist monastery and grab some amazing pics of the local scenery and village life. Truly feels like you are in another world.

Day 6:

Early start – Breakfast at 6.30-7am then 7.30am walk to Muktinath. Breakfast will be ordered the night before. The path follows the footsteps of millions of Hindu pilgrims over thousands of years. The views are spectacular. At times the altitude makes the walking slow, but don’t worry you can stop whenever you need to and take a rest. It’s the perfect opportunity to Meditate as you walk focusing on your breath, the eagles as they fly above and the beautiful sparse country side.

Mustang is a unique place and truly feels like you are on Mars at times. Expect to walk for at least 5 -7 hours, 12kms and take your time, you will experience less dizziness and lessen your chances of altitude issues if you go slow and steady. Once we each the village of Muktinath we will be at 3800m so everything moves slow here, including you… After some rest, we will take the steps up to the famous temple. If you like you can do what the Hindus do and wash in the cleansing waters of 108 fountains and then offer a prayer to the Shiva God of the mountain. I will warn you though it is FREEZING… Those who have taken part always report a feeling of elation and lightness. Dinner is in the lovely Shambala Guest house.

Day 6:

After breakfast, please order the night before to be ready for 7.30am to leave the guesthouse by 8am. Downhill walk today cross country, so look after your knees and ankles. We head along the ridge for part of the walk and challenge a few of you that are scared of heights, but we promise to keep you safe… the views here are also amazing. If you are lucky you might see a plane come in to land on one of the most dangerous airstrips. Stop in a local tea house for some lunch and then onto Jomsom for Dinner. Don’t forget to explore the Jomsom Monastery. Take lots of Pics. Today you will walk approx. 17 - 19kms

Day 7:

Enjoy a little sleep in, Leave Jomsom around 8am grab a cappuccino if you like before we go. As we head to the gorgeous village of Marpha. We meander off the path towards Dhumba Lake, such a pretty spot through a little village and then on the pilgrims path around the mountains to Marpha. Marpha, is famous for its apples and traditional looking ancient Mustang village. Amazing pics to be had here and lots of little nooks and crannys to explore. Climb the temple steps to get a great view of the village. If you are really wanting a challenge talk to Govin about the Hill climb directly behind the village to the top to touch the snow. Notice on the hill behind the tucked away homes that are dug into the mountains. Make sure you try everything Apple in Marpha. Talk to locals and explore the surrounds. Short walk today approx. 10-11kms

Day 8:

Marpha to Kalopani leaving around 7am

Today is the longest day enjoy the downhill trek through more unique villages, swing bridges and watch the landscape change rapidly. Approx. 7 hours walk 20-22kms, stopping along the way at tea houses. Take it slow today and stop whenever you need, bring snacks as there are not many shops along this route… however it is amazingly picturesque, at times you will feel like you are in Alaska or Canada. This part of the walk it is best to walk together as there are many ways that you could take a wrong turn… Following the Kali Gandaki river, watch as she gets bigger along the way, and enjoy the amazing villages and people along the way.

Day 9:

Today we take the Jeep down the mountain, the last leg from Kalopani to Baglung. Leaving just after breakfast taking approx. 6-7hours. We will stop at the hot springs in Tatopani. Take a quick dip, and grab some lunch, tea and snacks. On arrival to Baglung we will settle into the hotel and then meet up with Govin to explore his home town… We will meet the family, enjoy Nepalese hospitality, homecooked food. This day is usually unforgettable by our trekker and they always report that it is an experience they will never forget. In the evening we will gather in Govins home to share with the family.

Day 10:

Leaving Baglung, we head to Kusma to the Caves, an amazing barefoot experience and the highest swingbridge in Asia. OPTIONAL: Bungee Jump is available here off the Swing bridge.

WE arrive back in Pokhara in the evening and meet for Dinner.

Day 11:

Paragliding and massage day… YOUR choice.

You can do both, however you will have to arrange that with us.

Fewa Taal Boat cruise in the afternoon to relax and unwind, an opportunity to swim too.

Dinner at 7pm. TBA

Day 12: END of TOUR. BEGIN LUX PACK.

LUX Package includes @$650 2nights/3days

Start your day with a jeep ride up to Sarangkhot giving you amazing views of the mountains from afar and Pokhara Valley, includes lunch, Visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Take a boat across Fewa Taal and hike up to the Bouddha Stupa, spend the days sightseeing Pokhara and spend 2 nights in Temple Tree Guest house or equivalent Lux style hotel, twin share (4/5 star), enjoy the cocktail bar, resort style pool and Spa Packages available at the Resort or take a Massage treatment in the Ayurvedic Health Home (included)... Breakfast included with Room, Lunch and Dinner your choice at own cost. Guide included.