First mountain passes
Mustang trek1: The first stage of Mustang trek tests the trekker with its elevation profile. There are several passes along the way, the highest of which is 3,830 meters asl. However, they offer attractive views of the surrounding rugged landscape.
Wading the river
Right behind Chhusang we will overcome the wild waters. Trekking poles can be of big help. This is not the only ford on the way to Mustang, although it seems that they will gradually wane as the bridges are built. Also trekking sandals are quite good for this occasion. However, locals have no problems with fording.
Chhomnang
Another path leads almost on the plain along Kali Gandaki River. Local steep rock walls crumble a lot and this quite easy part of the way is more about the uncomfortable feeling that a stone might end right on our head.
Chele
We cross Kali Gandaki along the steel bridge and begin to ascent to the village of Chele (3,100 m asl). Already from here begins abundantly rippling altitude profile of Mustang trek.
Bridge over the abyss
The path rises to a height of 3,212 meters, where is the turn to a nice narrow bridge spanning high above a deep ravine of the river Ghyakar Khola.
The village of Gurung
Below the top of Ghyakar is a small village Gurun, to which you can get along air bridge over a sharp notch of Ghyakar Khola river. But Mustang trek continues with steep ascent in the rocks.
Resting above the abyss
The steep ascent along the cliff path leads us gradually into the passes Taklam La (3 624 m asl) and Dajong La (3 660 m asl). This quite demanding path offers beautiful views. The real fun is when you meet the locals with flock of domestic animals. Where to avoid?
Remote valley of Kali Gandaki
Behind the pass Dajong La we walk along slightly waved path to the settlement of Samar (3 620 m asl). Below us is deeply sliced Kali Gandaki river bed. Samar offers a nice opportunity for short rest and refreshment in the middle of the beautiful day.
Upper Mustang
The continuation of journey is an example of how Mustang trek looks. At first steep descent, which is soon succeeded by much steeper ascent into the pass Bhena La (3 830 m asl). The sky is cloudy in the afternoon, but the rain luckily does not come. In the afternoon we are at the destination of the day – Syangboche.
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