Lo Manthang's culture is deep rooted in the religious sentiments of its people. The township abounds with many chhortens, mani-walls and monasteries. Prayer flags flutter above all the houses-conveying mantras to all corners of the world. The Lobas are exclusively Buddhists and conform to the Sakya-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Bon prevailed before Buddhism, which was later replaced by Ningma Pa Sect (Dhakar-Kayu subsect) and subsequently by Sakya Pa Sect (Sakyapa, Ngorpa subsects) of Buddhism. Of the three Gompas in Lo-Manthang, the Jhampa Gompa is the oldest. It was built in 1387 AD during the reign of the famous king Anguin Sangbo and is believed to be a replica of Ghangtse Jhampa Gompa of Tibet, which still exists in Ghangtse is near by Khasa (Zhangmu). Beyond the wall city of Lo, we visit Luri Cave Monastery from 14th century which is one of the most famous monastery in entire Mustang Region. The monastery lies on a ledge around 100 metres high from the ground in one of the many natural pillar like sandstone structures. The Gompa contains two interconnecting chambers. The outer chamber contains Shrines and the inner chamber contains the main treasure of Luri Gompa- mural paintings of Mahasiddhas, saints who achieved Siddi, called enlightenment.
Mustang region lies in the western part of Nepal and is officially the name of the district having a Tibet like region. It is accessible by foot trail or by air. It is located along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. It is divided into two parts namely the Upper Mustang and the Lower Mustang. Upper Mustang is largely inhabited by Manangi people and goes up to the ancient capital of Lo-Manthang. Whereas Lower Mustang covers the part of lower valley along the Kali Gandaki river.
Our Journey to Lo-Manthang - Luri Gompa with Muktinath Trek begins with scenic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara and we start our trek to Kagbeni. We enter Upper Mustang Region from Kagbeni and follow the trail to Upper Mustang Trek passing by many culturally enriched villages of Chele, Geling, Charang. In Lo Manthang, we visit sacred monasteries and ex King’s Palace called as Tashi Gephel Palace built in 15th century by the first King of Mustang, Ame Pal. We stay extra night in Lho and do excursion to Chosar Valley which is famous for hosting many sacred sky cave monasteries. And from Lho, we trek to Yara, Luri Gompa and follow different trail to Muktinath via Tetang and Chusang. In Muktinath, we visit sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and end our trek in Jomsom.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,350m.), meet our staff then transfers to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu – Pokhara (915m.) by tourist Bus then transfer to Hotel.
Day 03: Pokhara – Jomsom (2,720m.) by flight or Jeep drive then trek to Kagbeni (2,810m.).
Enter Restricted Area:
Day 04: Kagbeni – Chele (Tshele - 3050m.).
Day 05: Chele – Syangbochen (4200m.).
Day 06: Syangbochen – Ghami (3,490m.).
Day 07: Ghami – Tsarang (3,570m.).
Day 08: Tsarang – Lo-Manthang Village (3,840m.).
Day 09: Day explore by Jeep drive to Thinkar, Kimling, Chunjung, Namdruk and Chhoser Village.
Day 10: Lo-Manthang – Dhee - Yara Village.
Day 11: Yara Village – Lori Gumba (Old Monastery) – Via Ghara Village.
Day 12: Yara Village - Tsarang Village.
Day 13: Tsarang – Muktinath (3,802m.) – Rani Pouwa. By 4WD Local Jeep drive.
Exit Restricted Area:
Day 14: Morning Muktinath exploration and afternoon local jeep drive back to Jomsom Bazar.
Day 15: Jomsom - Pokhara by flight/or, 4WD Jeep drive then transfer to Hotel.
Day 16: Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist Bus then transfer to Hotel.
Day 17: Kathmandu free and farewell dinner.
Day 18: Last minute, transfer to Airport for onward journey.