Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal - a heady and extravagant tangle of contrasts. Rapidly developing and almost alarmingly hectic, Kathmandu is a city to awake the senses, but it is not without its spiritual and cultural side. The old quarter's back streets, while still teeming with life and an array of smells from spices to incense, offer a more colourful side to the city.

Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the Shangri La Hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes.

A briefing will be given by Nima and is scheduled for the late afternoon. He will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements and hand over your trek pack.

In the evening, Nima will organise a welcome meal at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

You will be staying at Shangri La Hotel - Kathmandu, As specified

Fly Pokhara to Jomson and, travel onto Chhusang
Weather permitting, the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2720metres) leaves early in the morning and is perhaps the most exciting flight in Nepal. There are fantastic views as you fly up the Kali Ghandaki Gorge, flanked on either side by the Himalayan giants of Annapurna 1 (8091metres) and Dhaulagiri (8167metres). The crew will already be in Jomsom (2715metres), awaiting your arrival.

You then begin the trip from the airport on the west bank of the Kali Ghandaki River before quickly crossing to the east bank and into the main part of Jomsom. From here, hire a jeep and follow the pilgrim road to Eklebhatti, where the main road ascends to Muktinath (3880metres). You will then bear left and continue up the Kali Ghandaki valley to the small village of Kagbeni, which, marks the beginning of the restricted zone. Here with the help of Nima and the local team, you will complete permit formalities and then continue on the road on a series of short ascents and descents on the east bank of the Kali Ghandaki. The next village from Kagbeni is Tangbe (2940metres), located above the valley and identified by a trio of black, red and white chortens (Buddhist shrines). Drive past Tangbe with the road gradually climbing up to a pass and then descending towards the Kali Gandaki to reach the village of Chhusang.

Chussang is a small village on the banks of the Kali River surrounded by huge red and orange sculptured cliffs with inaccessible caves.

A relatively small city and known as one of the main gateways to the Himalayas, Pokhara is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal. Visitors are greeted by the stunning Mt Machhapuchhre, which looms large and reflects in the still waters of Lake Taal. Activities in Pokhara would include hiring a boat on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafés. In the evening there is the option to dine out at one of the many fine lakeside restaurants .

Ghami to Tsarang
After breakfast, drive down to the Ghami Khola and then climb up to the longest Mani Wall in Mustang. The Mani wall rolls out to the valley and the road starts to climb up Chinggel La (3870metres) and then gradually descends to the Tsarang Valley. You are welcomed with a big Chorten Gate and the big ochre coloured Tsarang Monastery looming behind the village.

Tsarang is one of the larger villages in Mustang having more than 80 houses and is situated just above the Tsarang Khola canyon. It used to be one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Lo in the 14th century. Stonewalls separate the houses and there is a labyrinth of irrigation canals along the streets. Being one of the prominent villages Tsarang has many shops and the village boasts of its own Hydro Electric plant and a mineral water bottling plant. Just adjacent to the monastery lies the five-storied Tsarang Dzong, which is somewhat in ruins now but still worth a visit for its collection of armory (Fortified Palace) and the living quarters and the prayer room of the King of Lo. The Tsarang Gompa, which follows the Sakya tradition, was built in 1385 built by Ame Pal the first king of Lo along with the palace fort. Tsarang Gompa is adorned with fantastic 15th century frescos in the assembly hall walls.

Todays drive, should take around two hours, with additional time allowed for stops along the way.

Lo Manthang
Leaving Lo Manthang you drive down to cross the Dokpa Khola and then climb up along a wide canyon trail past the ruins of an ancient fortress. You then, drive along the plains on the western banks of the Mustang River passing a few Chortens and past the High School to reach the small settlement of Chhosar. You will have short stop at the tributary of the Mustang River, where you will then walk following the river upstream for about 30 minutes to reach the medieval man made caves of Jhong believed to be more than 2500 years old. You will then climb up a flight of stairs to reach the entrance of the caves, which is narrow, and the ladders leading to the upper chambers can be tricky, having a headlamp is very useful in navigating your way through the antechambers of the cave. It is very interesting to see the way people had lived in the caves hundreds of years ago.

Leaving Jhong Caves, cross the river and head to the cave monastery of Nyphu Gompa built into the rock face. After visiting the Nyphu Gomba, walk above the scattered houses below Nyphu to go around the corner where you get views of Gharphu Gompa on the east banks of the Mustang Khola. In front of you, a range of spectacular snow-peaks marks the border with Tibet, and around us gurgling streams and green meadows line our trail.

Further down south of Nyamdo, reach Kimaling village, after fording the Kimaling River, a white-washed village surrounded by fields.The Kimaling Gompa is below the village and is worth a visit if the key keeper is around.

You will then retrace your way back to the river and head left to reach the sprawling village of Thhingar, where the King has his summer palace. There are also many ancient ruins surrounding the village and the Kings court which is closed most of the time but cab be viewed from outside. From Thhingar the views of Namgyal Monastery are spectacular along with the snowy peaks in the background.

The western valley leads to Namgyal Gompa, which follows the Gelukpa tradition (the Monastery of Victory) set spectacularly on top of a ridge and at the moment is being rebuilt. The village of Namgyal spreads out past the Gompa.

The Chhosar valley was the main trading route with Tibet and Lhasa and we can find remnants of old forts located strategically that used to guard this importanat salt trade route.

The Kingdom of Mustang's main 'city' Lo Manthang contains around 150 houses and four monasteries, one of which is reported to date back to the 15th century. The city itself has declined since the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Prior to this, Lo Manthang was a centre for the old salt and wool trade and at one time was a prosperous city. The dominant building in the centre of the city is the King's Palace. The Royal Family are descendants of an aristocratic family from Lhasa in Tibet and today, though their duties are largely ceremonial, the King is a well-respected horseman and breeder of Lhasa apso dogs.

Ghami to Chhusang
Drive back to Chhusang, retracing your way, stop en-route at Samar for lunch or a cup of tea.

You then have the opportunity to stretch your legs and walk from Bhena La to Samar (around 80 minutes) while your jeep waits for you there.

From Samar it is a short drive to Chhusang and if we have lunch at Chhusang, cross the Kali Gandaki River and visit the 800 year old Ani Gompa at Gumba Gang.

The afternoon excursion takes about 3 hours and the drive to Chhusang will take around five hours.

Jomson to Pokhara
Today you will rise early in the morning for the return flight to Pokhara where you will then return to the Shangrila Village Resort located a few minutes drive from the Airport.

After a much-welcomed shower, you will have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. There are various small museums scattered around town including the renowned International Mountain Museum, which is worth a visit.

Pokhara to Kathmandu
In the morning, transfer to Pokhara airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu you are met at the airport and transferred back to your starting hotel. The rest of the day is free to do souvenir shopping or further sightseeing.

Located in the south of the city, Patan is also worth a visit with its own Durbar Square full of historic structures and statues of past kings.

Kathmandu
Your trip ends today after breakfast. Nima will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.