Biologist & former Publishing Manager of trekking guides at Lonely Planet,
Lindsay now ... Lonely Planet's Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan & the
Karakoram ...
Fund-raising Mustang Pony Trek July-August 2014 with Stan Armington, Tenzin Choegyal and crew
Upper Mustang Pony Trek with the Australian Himalayan Foundation August 2014 Meet up with Stan Armington & Tenzin Choegyal in Lo Manthang. Our 2nd departure will be accompanied by Lindsay Brown, Conservation Biologist & former Publishing Manager of trekking guides at Lonely Planet, Lindsay now treks, jeeps, rides & stumbles across many a mountain pass while writing and photographing for Lonely Planet’s Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan & the Karakoram Highway guides, among others.
Mustang is a wildly beautiful region of Nepal. It is culturally & geographically part of Tibet, and was until about 20 years ago, closed to the world. Tourism is still strictly controlled and limited. The Australian Himalayan Foundation and Adventure Associates invite you on the trek of a lifetime to remote Upper Mustang and the ancient and fascinating walled city of Lo Manthang
‘Authentic Tibetan culture survives only in exile in a few places like Mustang, which has had long historical and cultural ties with Tibet.’ HH Dalai Lama
Trip highlights A unique itinerary devised by the legendary Stan Armington Hear musician Tenzin Choegyal perform a special concert for the locals inside the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Trek beneath some of the world’s most dramatic mountains Experience a breath-takingly beautiful high altitude desert and the world’s deepest valley Visit ancient gomphas, abandoned forts and maybe a nomad camp Visit the extraordinary Chosar caves and Mustang’s oldest Gompha, Lo Gekar Spend time in the 15th century Thubchen gompha – arguably one of the world’s great rooms.
STAN ARMINGTON
TENZIN CHOEGYAL
Stan is a 40-year veteran of Nepal, and one of the first Europeans to visit Mustang. Not to mention he was author of Lonely Planet’s Trekking in Nepal guidebook for many years. Stan has a close affinity with the region and its people. He has recently been involved with the local people from Mustang in particular, working on various projects including temple restoration, schools and student hostels.
Follow Tenzin Choegyal’s footsteps on this journey as he returns to his adopted homeland in Upper Mustang for the first time. (He left with his nomad family as a small child.) Many AHF supporters have enjoyed hearing Tenzin’s haunting Tibetan songs when he performed at our fundraising dinners. We’re planning to stage a very special concert where Tenzin will play for the local people of Lo Manthang within the walls of their ancient and spell-binding city. It doesn’t get much more special than that. http://www.tenzinchoegyal.com/
Now is the time to go! Changes are coming fast to Mustang, and the next couple of years may provide the last window of opportunity to explore a relatively untouched corner of old Tibet. Currently the most significant 20th century intrusion into Mustang is mobile phones, but a road is fast being constructed from both the Chinese/Tibetan border and from Jomsom. Already a small number of extremely intrepid 4WD vehicles make it all the way to Lo Manthang during the dry season. Not only does this trek take you into an incredibly dramatic environment, it will introduce you to amazing people – people who you will enjoy getting to know and will be proud to count as friends. The trekking crew speaks excellent English. Each person is an impressive and interesting character in his own right, and they’re great company. Because of Stan Armington’s connections, you’ll also meet locals: monks, teachers, children, farmers, inn-keepers, nomads ... maybe even the King or Crown Prince of Mustang if they’re at home. You will find the trek reasonably demanding, but unique Tibetan ponies are provided for you to ride if you wish. They make life much easier on the ankletwisting stones at the bottom of the Kali Gandaki gorge, and on long climbs. Descents are completed on foot – or you can opt to walk the entire trip. You do not need any horse-riding experience. The ponies are calm, sure-footed and beautifully trained.
THE TREK All you have to do is carry a day pack, ride your pony, and walk downhill (or as much as you like). The trekking crew does the rest. Tents are erected for you. Three excellent meals per day are cooked for you (rigid sanitary rules are observed in food preparation). You don’t have to think about anything – except about getting the most enjoyment possible from your adventure!
Itinerary & dates – 2 departure nd
August 2 – August 23, 2014 Aug 2 Aug 3 Aug 4 Aug 5 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 8 Aug 9 Aug 10 Aug 11 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 15 Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 23
Arrive Kathmandu, fly to Pokhara, overnight Tibet Resort Hotel In Pokhara, acclimatise and last minute shopping for trek. Fly to Jomsom, trek to Marpha Trek to Kagbeni – entry point to restricted area of Upper Mustang Enter upper Mustang, trek along Kali Gandaki to Chele Trek to Ghiling and stay at local school Ghiling + visit Tenzin’s remote apple orchard project Trek to the fascinating village of Tsarang (Charang) Trek to Lo Manthang Lo Manthang – walk out to ancient Namgyel gompa Day trip to Chosar caves + visit Gharpu gompa & monastic school Lo Manthang + visit nomad camp Trek to Lo Gekar – oldest gompa in Mustang Trek to Chunkar Trek to Samar Trek to Chhuksang Trek to Kagbeni (leave upper Mustang) Trek to Jomsom Fly to Pokhara, stay at Tibet Resort Hotel Free day in Pokhara Fly to Kathmandu –stay at Hotel Tibet International at Boudhanath. TRIP CONCLUDES
What’s included? All accommodation All meals (except lunch and dinner in Kathmandu) Special performance by Tenzin Choegyal to celebrate his return to rediscover the lands his family roamed as nomads. Good quality tents and a foam mattress with sheet/cover The mandatory $650 restricted area entry permit for Upper Mustang and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) conservation fee Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom. All transfers between international and domestic flights Group medical kit Experienced bi-lingual guides with a wealth of local knowledge Mules to carry your belongings and all our trekking gear A $100 contribution to the Himalayan Childrens’ Care Home (see www.hchmustang.org)
Additional expenses to consider International airfare to/from Kathmandu Compulsory travel insurance that includes coverage for delays, cancellation, injury and emergency rescue. Any personal equipment you might need to buy (walking boots, a day pack, warm clothing and sleeping bag). We’ll supply you with a comprehensive and well thought out gear list. Any alcohol you might consume Tips for the trekking crew (allow $100-$150)
About the trek
This is a camping trek, but one that is very different to any camping trek undertaken in the west. You will sleep in a tent, but there will be a Sirdar (trek leader), a number of Sherpas (assistants), a kitchen crew, and mules to carry all the baggage. The crew will set up camp, cook and serve all meals.
.....more about the trek
This is the way that Mallory, Hillary and Herzog travelled and it offers an unbeatable opportunity to get to know a Nepali crew while visiting remote country in reasonable comfort. We use large three-man tents that normally accommodate two people. Tents are supplied with a foam mattress for each person. Please indicate on the flight information form if you require a single tent. During the day all you carry is a daypack with a water bottle, camera, jacket, toilet paper and any other personal items you might need. The rest of your gear goes into a kit/duffle bag that the mules carry This trip to Upper Mustang is different from most treks in Nepal because you have the opportunity to ride unique Tibetan horses. Also unlike most of Nepal, Mustang is an area of stunningly beautiful high-altitude desert, in the rain shadow of the monsoon.
Delays Our itinerary to Upper Mustang builds in spare time, which can buffer against unforeseen events. No Nepalese itinerary is cast in stone! Factors like weather can play havoc with planes coming in and out of Pokhara and Jomsom, not to mention with high-altitude passes and river crossings.
Acclimatisation Our itinerary builds in time to acclimatise to high altitudes. Altitude Sickness is extremely unlikely to be an issue because the highest passes we cross during the day are around 4500 metres (14,700 feet) and we sleep lower. Lo Manthang, the highest point at which we sleep is at 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) but we have several days of acclimatisation prior to this. We do carry a portable hyperbaric chamber (as well as an extensive medical kit).
Weather During the trek, the weather is likely to be warm, sunny and dry with occasional light rain. We spend several nights at around 3,800 metres where it can be quite cold at night (as low as 0º C). There are few trees and you'll need a hat and sunscreen because you'll be in the sun most of the day. There are fierce (anabatic) winds up the Kali Gandaki valley each day after about 11 am. The wind will be at our backs on the trek to Lo Manthang, but in our faces on the return. Bring a scarf or bandana (Buff) to protect your skin.
Gear Once you’ve booked on this trip you’ll be given a comprehensive gear list and more detailed trip notes all compiled by Stan Armington.
Costs? For a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Places are limited and will fill fast! This is an amazing opportunity to experience a medieval Buddhist world set amongst some of the world’s most dramatic mountains, the world’s deepest valley and a breathtakingly beautiful high altitude desert. Combine this with Tenzin Choegyal’s concert within the spell-binding city of Lo Manthang and you have the essence of this remarkable journey.
TOTAL PRICE PER PERSON:
us$4,500
Please note prices are quoted in US dollars to minimise currency fluctuations.
PLEASE REFER TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON THE TAX DEDUCTABLE FUND RAISING AMOUNT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN HIMALAYAN FOUNDATION, WHICH IS ADDITIONAL TO THE TRIP COST.
Raising funds for the Australian Himalayan Foundation
In addition to the trip cost, each person booking on this journey is required to commit to fund-raise a tax deductable donation of $1,000 - payable to the AHF. Note: The AHF are listed with online fundraising organisation GoFundraise. With one click you can create your own fundraising page and communicate with all your supporters. www.australianhimalayanfoundation.org.au
The fine print* The total price includes US$370 for domestic airfares. Given the uncertainty with pricing in this area we reserve the right to pass on any price rise above a total of US$400. The total price includes the $50 per day mandatory Nepal Government restricted area fee (totalling US$650 for this trip) and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) conservation fee & staff and porter insurance. *Please also refer to the Booking Form and Terms and Conditions
Accommodation in Kathmandu
HOTEL TIBET INTERNATIONAL is located a one minute walk away from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist sites in Nepal. The hotel is a Tibetan-concept boutique hotel that takes its inspiration from traditional Tibetan architecture. Post-trek, if offers the following luxuries inclusive in the room rate. Welcome ceremony with herbal tea & fresh towel Sumptuous Buffet Breakfast @ 6th floor Norbulinkha Terrace overlooking Boudha Stupa. Turndown Chocolate Coated Khapse (Tibetan cookies) Complimentary Broadband Wi-fi internet connection Magic Moments after dark @ Yak Bar Complimentary 2 bottles of Mineral water in room replenish every day Complimentary Relaxing 25 minutes of Jet Lag Massage 1 Hour Free Spiritual Meditation Course Talk to us if you’d like to extend your stay at the hotel at the end of the trip.
Thanks and credit to Stan Armington and Richard Everist for generously granting permission for us to use their copy for this brochure.
Who are we? How to book. MARGIE THOMAS
GREG MORTIMER
(with Garry Weare on the road)
Margie Thomas is the Founder and Project Manager of the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s innovative Art Award. She has undertaken all number of treks in the Nepal and Indian Himalaya, including this one. In August 2013 Margie accompanied Lonely Planet author Stan Armington on a trek to upper Mustang, and it was this extraordinary journey and its many remarkable experiences that inspired her to devise this journey back to Lo Manthang, involving long term AHF supporter Tenzin Choegyal. She is married to AHF Executive Director, Garry Weare and shares his passion for the Himalaya and its people. Talk to Margie if you’re curious about the possibilities, want more information, or would like to book. Tel (02) 4883 7838 Mobile 0418 457 152 Email:
[email protected]
Greg is one of the world’s foremost mountaineers and a founding member of the AHF. Some of you may remember Greg as the former owner of Aurora Expeditions, which was his passion for more than 20 years. We’re delighted to partner with Greg’s new company ADVENTURE ASSOCIATES, who will manage our bookings for this trip. Passion, integrity and going ‘beyond the ordinary’ are the values that have made Adventure Associates such a long-standing success, and Greg and Co. aim to honour those values. Adventure Associates can also provide assistance with booking your international flights and purchasing comprehensive and appropriate travel insurance. Check out this link to access a Booking Form and read the Terms and Conditions. http://www.adventureassociates.com/about-us/
