The Kingdom of Lo (Mustang) May 7 18, 2015

A 11 day trek back in time, literally, to

The oldest Tibetan Buddhist Civilization on Earth

The Kingdom of Lo, also known today as the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, is the oldest Tibetan civilization in the world. The language, culture and religion are all Tibetan and date back longer than the lineage of the current Dalai Lama. Upper Mustang is located north of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and at an average of 4000m is geologically and culturally part of the Tibetan plateau. The valleys are arid and dry with colorful rock formations often containing many thousands of cave dwellings high up in the cliffs. Very few people are visiting the Kingdom and as a result it is one of the few places left where one can see undisturbed Tibetan culture. Mustang is a remote semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom with a fantastic walled capital called Lo Manthang. Upper Mustang was once part of Tibet and was used by the salt caravans crossing the Himalaya into Nepal. It became an independent kingdom in 1380 and the current royal family traces their lineage back to this time. More importantly almost nothing has changed in the Kingdom since then. For the last 700 years this region was closed off to the outside world and while in the 1800s the Kingdom was integrated into Nepal it remained its own autonomous region. The total population is estimated to be around 15,000 people.

Until 1992 no foreigners were allowed to enter and even today never more than 2000 tourists have visited the Kingdom in any single year, often the numbers are far lower than that. In parts, this is due to the fact that the only way to get to the Kingdom is on foot, there are no airports, buses or trains. And even those that enter via a trekking party do need a special permit. And while much has changed and is changing in the region, this civilization is one of the few that has remained true to its origins. However, change is coming and unfortunately the Chinese government is building (some say its already completed) a highway through the kingdom to connect Nepal with China and establish a trucking route from there its only a matter of time until nothing will be like it was for the last 700 years.

The time to go is now and for those adventurous enough, we invite you to join us on an experience like no other on Earth! And if this wasnt incentive enough, we are going at a special time of the year when the people of Lo, called the Lopas, are celebrating a special festival, the Tiji Festival. The festival initially began as a religious ceremony, to ward off obstacles and suffering that might befall the country. Later it has also come to symbolize the hope and strength of the people of Lo. Lo lies in the rain shadows of the Himalayas and has environmental difficulties, yet its situation along the main salt trade route made it a highly prized location regularly invaded by neighboring states. So, the Tiji Festival is a fervent prayer by the King and Queen for peace and stability in Mustang.

Detailed Program: Please remember, while it is our intention to keep to the day by day itinerary as shown below, there might be some changes due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimize any inconvenience. May 7. Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel. May 8. Free day in Kathmandu, overnight hotel (optional culture tour for those interested). May 9. After breakfast transfer to airport and fly to Pokhara, rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. May 10: Morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2713m). Commence the trek through an almost treeless barren landscape, over which strong afternoon winds howl. In the rain shadow of the Himalaya, there is hardly any rain though it is usually cloudy during the monsoons. There are endless villages which are far apart and constructions are generally of sun-baked mud brick and some stone. Even the 4-story places of Mustang are constructed of the same material. Overnight at Kagbeni (2810m). May 11: Trek to Chele (3030m). The trail follows the east bank of the Kaligandaki heading north passing Gompa Kang, unusually for Mustang, a monastery of the Nyingmapa sect. Passing through the trio of chortens that marks Tangbe reach Chhuksang at the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Narshang Khola. Note the spectacular red organ pipe cliffs across the river. North the Kali Gandaki becomes impossible for those on foot through sometimes the Lopas travel it on horseback. Caves dot the high fluted cliffs. The trail now leaves the Kali gandaki valley and ascends steeply up a rock gully to Chele for overnight.

May 12: Trek to Geling (3600m). After camp at Chele, the trail climbs steeply to a cairn at 3130m with a view of Gyagers mud walls. Continues steeply along the side of the spectacular canyon wall to a pass at 3540m then gradually descend to Samar at 3290- a major stopping place for caravans. Climb past Samar to a ridge, descending past a gaily painted chorten into a large gorge into another valley filled with juniper. Up and down through Shyangmochen. A trail off here leads to a cave where statues of Padmasambhava supposedly self-emanated: a part broken off grows back on its own accord ! A gentle climb out of Shyangmochen and into a large valley where the right trail descends to the extensive barley fields of Geling at 3600m.

May 13: Trek to Charang (3500m). Breaking camp, follow the trail through fields up the center of the valley to Tama Gungs chorten then commence an unrelenting climb to the Nyi La at 3950m on the southern boundary of Lo. Descent is gentle; follow the right trail to Charang - a maze of fields, willow trees and homes separated by stonewalls atop the large Charang Chu canyon. The huge dzong and gompa perch at the east end of the village and house a collection of statue, thankas and large paintings of seated Buddhas. Overnight at Charang.

May 14: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3700m). Begin the day by descending to cross the river, climbing steeply up the far shores to a ridge at 3580m. Enter the Tholung valley and follow the trails to the boundaries with Lo, marked by a chorten. Across a stream, the trail turns into a grand thoroughfare crossing a desert-like landscape to a ridge where the walls of Lo-Manthang appear. Descend to the plain of aspiration, cross a stream and ascend to the plateau of Lo Mangthang and enter through the northeast gate. The city itself is closely packed, the temple and palaces being in the lower portion. May 15: Excursion around Lo-Manthang / visit of Tiji festival. The next few days are for exploring Lo Manthang: Champa Lakhang dates from 1420 and houses a statue of Maitreya, Buddha of the Future. The centrally located Thugchen Gompa has a massive assembly hall and dates from the same period as the Champa Lakhang but is in a state of deterioration. The main temple is the Choydi Gompa with its dozons, brass and copper statues.

May 16: Excursion around Lo-Manthang / visit of Tiji festival. Ghami (3290m) via Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa). May 17: All day transport back to Jomson by car. Overnight at Jomsom May 18: Morning flight to Pokhara and onto Kathmandu. Once in Kathamandu you may have the choice to connect onto your respective international flights in late afternoon or evening or stay overnight at hotel. Please note that if you are connecting to a late flight in Kathmandu the same day, it is recommended to depart as late as possible, as flight delays from Jomson are not uncommon due to weather. May 19: Free till departure transfer.

Your Spiritual Guide: Sandra Gonzalez A gifted intuitive born transformational healer. For over 25 years, she has devoted her entire time working in the spiritual and personal development arena with communities, groups and individuals. Sandra feels truly guided by SPIRIT and the Angelical Realm and allows these fun-loving beings to lead every step of this journey with magic and wisdom. Traveling with groups on spiritual pilgrimages is her way to heal the planet, humanity and the most fulfilling days of her life, because she knows that every turn of the trip will hold one awe inspiring experience after another. For more information on this pilgrimage contact Sandra: sandraheals@me.com

mailto:sandraheals@me.com

Cost: US$ 4000 per person (based on sharing a room); single room supplements US$ 500.00 for Kathmandu & Pokhara hotels only. Note: Donkey or horse can be hired during the trek for extra $25 per day What's included:

Airport transfers Three nights Hotel in Kathmandu & one night in Pokhara Lodge accommodation (where possible) and tents during the trek All meals (during the trek these will be prepared by the sherpas) Internal flight- Kathmandu/Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu Private trek Restricted area permits, conservation Fees, staff insurance Trek Guide & porter/s Tips Guided Meditations and other spiritual sessions One on one sessions with Sandra (as time allows)

Not Included:

Additional tours (e.g. Kathmandu and surroundings cultural tour) Beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) Personal equipment (e.g. trekking equipment, sleeping bag, isolation mattress rental) Personal items Visa cost to enter Nepal Excess baggage charges beyond 15 kg for the flights to and from Jomsom (this limit

applies to combined weight of your carry-on and checked luggage) each including day pack

Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage)

Recommended Books and YouTube Videos: Books: http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/Mustang/References.html Videos and documentaries: Trekking Upper Mustang Nepal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnNBehayHbM Mustang A kingdom on the Edge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MKEIp6Yq68 Lo Monthang : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JE0xLeKN5c Tiji Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-lUVsFKaEw The forbidden Kingdom Lo Monthang: (Beautiful video No English Worthy to watch thou) Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9pQO8wv7tk Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntliVq5ldU Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETXp9asAEiU Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk7DpOiPQ2k Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_IBJW7juu4 Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dal5hDu1wj0

http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/Mustang/References.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnNBehayHbMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MKEIp6Yq68https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JE0xLeKN5chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-lUVsFKaEwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9pQO8wv7tkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntliVq5ldUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETXp9asAEiUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk7DpOiPQ2khttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_IBJW7juu4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dal5hDu1wj0

Important Considerations:

This is a high altitude trekking tour that requires on average 6 to 8 hours of walking every day at altitudes of up to 4,000m, although we are mostly in the 3,000 3,500m range (very similar to Peru)

The trek is on well-established paths and climbing with ropes is NOT required it is considered of low to medium difficulty as far as treks are concerned

Whie not at the extreme altitudes found elsewhere in the Himalayas, those suffering from altitude sickness should consult a doctor

Altitude sickness has nothing to do with physical fitness Due to the isolation of the area, medical help is not quickly obtainable and it is vital that you have an excellent health insurance including emergency evacuation, as this will be the only way to address a serious health condition

It is also strongly recommended to bring your own first aid kit for any minor issues and to consult a doctor for any recommended vaccinations or other advisable over the counter medications (well provide a list for those intending to come well in advance of the trip)

While the intent is to sleep in lodges during the trek, it cant always be guaranteed, as no reservations can be made and available accommodations are given out on a first come basis therefore it is likely that on several nights we will be sleeping in tents

While camping equipment can be rented in Kathmandu, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag and mattress on the trip as well as a set of hiking poles and appropriate clothing layers (we will provide a list of recommended equipment for those intending to come well in advance of the trip) and even if we sleep in lodges, you will still want to sleep in your sleeping bag for sanitary reasons

During the trek there will not be the usual creature comforts (e.g. running water, showers, electricity, toilets, etc.) everything is extremely basic, so be prepared both physically and mentally (and bring a few good oils, your fellow travelers will thank you )

The timing of the trek is timed to coincide with the Tiji festival, therefore it is important to arrive and leave on the days in the program (additional days prior and after the tour in Kathmandu can be arranged)

Timing:

Please let us know as soon as possible if you intend to come so we can start holding flights and hotels while the area is not heavily frequented by tourists due to the festival it will be busier than usual

A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is required by March 23th

Full payment of the remaining balance is required by April 02, 2015. Close your eyes and if you feel this journey is going to make your soul soar, please join us, welcome to our soul family traveling back into time and into your heart. A detailed checklist and visa requirements information will be sent to you as soon you confirm your participation. For more information on this pilgrimage contact Sandra: sandraheals@me.com

mailto:sandraheals@me.com