Upper Mustang Trek - Explore The Iconic Buddhist Monarchy

The Upper Mustang trek uncovers the concealed sphere of Mustang – the iconic Buddhist Monarchy. This’s a remarkable venture to untouched Tibetan villages on the other end of the Nepalese Himalaya enclosing Tibet. Placed to the north-west of Annapurna on the Tibetan Highland, Upper Mustang is an old town that depicts the past of age-old Himalayan Buddhist Culture.

 

The province remained confined to the travelers until 1991, and still needs a special permission for travel. The whitewashed colony, enclosed by barley fields, packed with numerous striking small monasteries & vibrant prayer flags, mirror the enduring Buddhist civilization of the village.

The hike to Upper Mustang is a remarkable adventure and you must go for it. The trekking trail traverses typical Tibetan villages with unusual old Buddhist arts, the exceptional culture & striking splendor of the Himalayan desert.

The route pursues the old salt vending path to the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Mangtang. For your knowledge, Lo Mangtang is an old town bordered by a massive town wall. The age-old monasteries in the Lo Manthan aids to discover the Tibetan Buddhist spirituality.

 

Inhabitants belongs to the social group Gurung, viz-Bista, Damai, Thakali, etc dwell in & around the gorge of Mustang. They’re hardworking, friendly and nature loving people. Residents of Mustang region pursue Tibetan Buddhism in a pure form & the homes are constructed of white-washed with firewoods tucked on the roof. Tiji is the prime festival rejoiced by the locals for 3 days in May every year. There’re a few old & noteworthy monasteries in Mustang which feature their own spiritual values and numbs.

Once as a crucial part of Tibet for commerce, Upper Mustang is employed by salt caravans crossing the Himalaya into Nepal. Apart from that, its beautifully rugged landscape provides majestic & awe-inspiring panorama of Everest base camp trek, Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna base camp trek and more. Buddhist shrines, Mani walls, mandala, palace and gompas are the other major attraction here. Nevertheless, Upper Mustang trek needs a special permission for outsiders since it’s a forbidden valley for foreigners. The ban was lifted & the 1st team of hikers got entry in the year of 1992. Thenceforth, thousands of travelers visit this region every year to relish the sheer beauty of Upper Mustang and interact with its friendly local as well.

 

You don’t need to have earlier trekking experience to enjoy Upper Mustang trekking adventure. Good physical fitness and basic mountaineering skills can get the job done.

Why Tamang Heritage and Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Should Be In Every Trekker’s List?

The Tamang Heritage and Langtang Gosainkunda trek has so much to deliver the passionate trekkers! This combined trek will let you to immerse yourself in this overlooked trekking area & explore the exceptional beauty on offer.

 

The Tamang Heritage trek is one of the newest in Nepal. It was created with the local villagers to enhance trails & showcase the local Tamang people, people known for their hospitality & a culture rich with many local festivals. It is a great start to explore the region on considerably easy going trails via pristine mountain scenery.

Cross over into the Langtang valley & trek through forests of pine, bamboo & rhododendron, keeping an eye open for rare wildlife such as the red panda & multiple species of colorful birds. After the vegetation gives way to alpine meadows, in the spring, you will be treated to the best wildflower display Nepal has to provide and year round, to up close, breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Then it’s onto the charming, sacred lakes of the Gosainkund, which are framed with a 150km vista of Himalayan mountain summits. The lakes are sacred to both Hindus & Buddhists alike and many Hindus make the pilgrimage to bathe in the lakes during the August full moon festival of Janai Purnima.

 

The combined Tamang Heritage trek and Langtang Gosaikunda Trek will offer you the chance to witness many outstanding views, encompassing those of Langtang Lirung (7227m), Shisha Pangma (8046m) in Tibet & Ganesh Himal in the northwest. With a maximum altitude of 4,200m, this trek avoids some of the higher passes of the region, making it accessible for most hikers.

The Tamang Heritage trek offers a unique mix of mountain adventure and Himalayan culture, from ancient monasteries, Tibetan stupas, plentiful, colourful prayer flags, to majestic waterfalls and breathtaking snow capped mountain peaks including views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Kerung, the Ganjala Pass, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal to name but a few. The Tamang Heritage trek is a must to add to every trekker to do list.

 

You can also combine Mardi Himal trek with your Tamang Heritage trek and Langtang Gosainkunda trek to experience more adventure. With insights into the local Tibetan-influenced traditions, panoramic mountain views, Tamang monasteries and even a chance to soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani, the Tamang Heritage trek is a must for those wishing to experience another side of Nepal. So, are you ready for the adventure?

Everest Base Camp Or Annapurna Base Camp? Which Trek To Choose?

Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) – both are the most renowned treks in the country of Nepal. I have accomplished both Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek, so I believe I can guide you better in terms of choosing which trek.

 

If you’re in Nepal for 2 weeks and thinking about either doing EBC or Annapurna Base Camp Trek, I’d suggest ABC due to the diversity found in its topography. The EBC trek starts & concludes at such a high altitude that the backdrop remains dramatically consistent all through the hike. The tall summits of the grand Himalayas borders the trail, and the height & cold climate become an issue as you climb above the tree line. The ABC trek starts outside of Pokhra where it’s hot and dry. We strolled through shelters of trees & Rhododendron woodlands border the trail. But this warm & picturesque landscape chanced instantly once we got near to the base camp. Although in several ways Everest was more impressive due to the unfavorable conditions & the exhilaration of seeing the highest peak of the globe, Annapurna displayed the diversity & wonder of the majestic Himalayas.

 

Another considerable difference amid the 2 treks was during the Everest Base Camp trek I had a guide & porter, and for Annapurna Base Camp I went with a buddy & we carried our own baggage and had no guide. However, for the EBC trek, I’d certainly advice hiring a porter. Due to the altitude, I felt relaxed to have an assistant carrying my baggage.

Another different amid the 2 hikes is that Annapurna Base Camp is less touristy & crowded compared to EBC. In the middle of the trekking seasons it can be a very crowded place. If you’re planning to trek EBC, I’d certainly suggest traveling at the starting of the trekking season to avoid large crowds. On the other hand Annapurna is less touristy and can be explored any time of the year for a trekking adventure.

To sum up, I’d say both EBC and ABC treks are fantastic, but they’re certainly diverse experiences & it just relies on what you’re after. If you wish an epic & exhausting trek where you have to fight with the altitude and thin air, move to EBC, and if you’re in search of a miscellaneous landscape where in a single day you’ll be in the snow enclosed by soaring peaks & swimming in a cascade move to ABC.

Mardi Himal Trek - A Buried Gem of Nepal

Positioned just east of ABC trek, the Mardi Himal trek is a buried gem. A small number of hikers make their way to Mardi Himal Base Camp which is situated conveniently at the base of Mardi Himal & the picturesque Machapuchhre. The trekking route goes along tiny winding trails, via enthralling rhododendron woodlands until you ascend out of the woodland at a height about 3,300 meters. The scenery transforms rather unexpectedly into an uneven high-mountain terrain, with spectacular sights of Machapuchre, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Let’s talk about some of the most interesting facts about Mardi Himal trek.

 

For how long trekkers have been hiking this route:

The Mardi Himal trail has been renowned with campers for approximately a decade. Over the last few years significant effort were put into practice to develop tea-houses along the route for those who did not wish to camp. In the year of 2011, Mardi Himal trek opened officially with tea houses accessible right from the beginning to high camp.

What mountains one can witness from the Mardi Himal?

The Annapurna mountain range is on full show from high camp on. At low camp Machhapuchhre is spectacular. The highlights of the entire trek include Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail, (6,993 m) Annapurna South (7,010 m), and Mount Hiunchuli (6,441 m). Tamang heritage trek can also combined with Mardi Himal if you are looking for more adventure.

 

Mardi Himal trek can be accomplished inside a week from Pokhra. You’ll be touring to Pokhra from Nepal’s capital Kathmandu either via traveler bus (seven hours of journey) or via plane (thirty minute flight) and your hiking begins next day when you reach Phedi following one hour of drive from Pokhra. The trekking routes guide trekkers to forest camp, Deurali, Mardi Himal base camp and High Camp and when you came back you’ll be hiking down via diverse villages such as Lwang, Phedi and Sidhing to conclude the trekking. You’re free following the hike either you stay 4 or 5 days more to relish the splendor of Pokhra city and you can come back to Kathmandu the next day.

Mardi Himal Trek is the perfect for those who are willing to trek in less crowed trekking with beautiful mountain scenery and culture. To make the most of your trek all you have to do is find a reliable trekking agency that have years of experience and expertise in the industry.

Things to Know Before Opting For The Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp or better known as ABC trek is no doubt one of the most fascinating treks in the earth. Sustaining Nepal’s repute as one of the enthralling & geographically rich nations in the planet, Mt Annapurna is the tenth tallest mountain globally.

 

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a must if you like adventure alongside cultural & spiritual experience while passing through the diverse vantage points, settlements and tranquil monasteries. However, there are few things every trekkers should keep in mind while looking for the ABC trek. Some of them are mentioned below:

Altitude sickness:

It’s physical state that takes place at higher altitude (above 2000m) because of the change in air pressure causing issues like diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, appetite loss and even fatal condition like death. As ABC lies at a greater elevation, AMS is the most widespread issues encountered by hikers. It’s really essential to be conscious regarding the symptoms & the ways to avoid them.

Know the best season to trek:

ABC trek made massive headlines in 2013/14 trekking season with storms & sliding claiming about hundreds of precious lives. SO, the most favorable time to relish the trek is throughout autumn (September to November) or spring (February to May) when the weather is mild with fewer possibilities of storms & avalanches. The panorama of the enclosing mountains & lush-green gorges is also the finest throughout these periods when witnessed from the vantage points such as Poonhill & Tadapani.

 

What you should bring with you?

TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area are the most essential when hiking the ABC path. This’s an exceedingly photogenic province of the earth, so you’ll be taking more photos of picturesque terrains & the incredible mountain panoramas. Bring your digital camera with an extra memory card and battery, so that you hardly miss any opportunity to click a beautiful moment. Alongside this, do bring a first-aid box, all the essential medicines, sunscreen, torchlight, refillable water bottles and not to say positive attitude.

What type of challenges you may face?

Though a trek for a day or 2 may be an ideal time for everybody, ABC is not a picnic. People with no earlier climbing experience and also poor level of fitness could encounter several issues. So, it’s wise to prepare yourself both physically and mentally by knowing the problems you may encounter during the trek.

 

Be it an Everest base camp trek or Annapurna base camp trek or Upper Mustang trek, trekking in Nepal is always going to be full of adventure.

Tamang Heritage Trek – Witness The Green Midland Of Nepal Up Close

Tamang Heritage Trek is an amazing & stimulating short trek in Langtang region.This is usually called “Rasuwa Heritage trekking trail”. It lies at the Nepal Tibet Border province where the Tibetans from China & Tibet moved to Nepal around 400 years back and held onto Nepali ethnicity as Tamang Community among Nepali ethnic tribes. Folks here are influenced by the Buddhist Tibetan culture got in Nepali social models & traditions finally changed into Nepali ethnic race and rank.The mainstream of the people are Buddhist in the region of Tamang Heritage Trek.

 

Well, Tamang Heritagel Trek takes you through green midland of Nepal experiencing the incredibility of this mountain provincewhich is untouched by road & the lifestyle of inhabitants who resides here. This trip surpasses including all Himalayan perspectives and exhibition close by mind blowing. Rhododendron Forest that are like the edge of a paradise in the midst of spring season of March to May will make your voyage an extraordinary one. Unprecedented Historical spots like Rasuwagadi .The religious attractions such as Tatopani, Parbati Kunda thus on are the additional component of this new course .The route, we value comprehensive Mountain View of the near to beat and assimilate the trademark hot springs at Tatopani. Tamang Heritage trek trail attempt is more socially orchestrated and ought to be home stay.

Tamang Heritage Trek is a fortifying trekking trail close-by Kathmandu valley after driving up to Syabrubensi. This course is also the best spot to witness amazingly shocking Langtang Himalayan range, decision neighborhood building outline of Tamang homes, adjacent post, legacy and shelter besides a brilliant scene. Similarly, this is a powerful trekking course to inquire about the traditional society and life style of Tamang ethnic parties.

 

The people of this region are mostly Tibetans who came from Kerung in Tibet across the border and settled in Nepal. In earlier days, the citizenship of Nepal would not be offered to real Tibetans, so they changed their ethnicity to Tamang, which is what they still write till date. The cultural and traditions of these people are similar to the Tibetan across the border.

This trekking destination is just a day long bus journey from the capital, Kathmandu. The 7-day trekking tour provides varieties of experience. Tamang rituals, Tibetan culture, festivals, traditional architecture, costumes, local Syabru dances make the exposure to this culture very unique.

 

You can also request your trekking agency to add Langtang Gosaikunda trek as well as Mardi Himal trek to make your trip more delightful. Trekking in Nepal is always pleasurable and choosing the right tour operator always makes your experience a lot easier.

Some Tips to Follow To Accommodate Yourself During Everest Base Camp Trekking

A great number of people dream about Everest base camp trekking before they actually arrive there. I first made my trek to EBC (Everest base camp) in 1988 and since then I have repeated it many times. It is really fun you know! As an experienced trekker, I’d like to give some advice that you may want to follow during your Everest base camp trek. Here’s what I have to say:

 

What to pack: The most essential thing you should bring is a great pair of trekking boot that you’ve hiked in earlier. Kathmandu is an ideal place to purchase hiking outfits. You can bring your own sleeping bag otherwise you can rent one for $1 a day.

Purchase your gears in Kathmandu: Kathmandu feature more trekking stores than you imagine and huge competition means you will get a good bargain on your trekking gears. Be it a trekking jacket or a sleeping bag, here you will get a good deal.

Give proper attention to your feet: Bad blister can end your trek as simply as altitude sickness. I suggest you to bring some duct tape and treating as soon as you begin to sense discomfort & not after it turns out to be a real blister.

Getting a Decent Night Rest – You will probably be surprised at how comfortable the tea houses are on the trek but one bedroom walls are thin and noise carries quite easily. If you’re a light sleeper I recommend bring some foam ear plus for a good night’s sleep.

 

Get ready for cold & rain: If it’s sunny you might be surprised at how warm it can get during the day. Most trekkers wear t-shirts and shorts for the first few days while the elevation is still low. When the sunsets the temperatures drop quick. Wear a warm hat while sleeping and take a Nalgene bottle filled with hot water and keep it in your sleeping bag to stay warm. Even if it looks like a sunny day make sure to carry a poncho in your day pack.

Keep yourself hydrated: Ensure to drink adequate water while on the trek and always have a full bottle as a spare. You can purchase bottled water from tea houses along the route. Another option is to bring chlorine or iodine tablets and fill your bottle from the local streams. Ask your guide to point you in the right direction on this as most villages have a clearly identified water drinking water source that usually comes out of a pipe or hose along the trail.

Ignore the sun:Taking care of your skin and eyes is important. Sunburns happen much quicker at high elevation so make sure to apply sunscreen a few times a day and wear a hat. Sunglasses are a must have and if you wear prescription glasses its good to come to Nepal with a pair of prescription sunglasses or at least clip-ons.

 

Don’t forget to hire a porter:While you can carry your own gear it’s a much more enjoyable not to be hauling a heavy pack up the mountain. If you’re feeling bad about having someone carry your stuff consider that your porter probably travelled several days from his village just to get to Lukla so he could get some work and take care of his family

Be it an Annapurna base camp trek, Everest base camp trek or Upper Mustang trek, always make sure to choose a reliable trekking company for the best possible adventure.