It wasn’t long ago that the old border kingdom of Mustang was first opened to the outside world. (We remember a famous mountain man exclaiming joyously, “I’m going to Mustang!”) Politically part of Nepal, but geographically and culturally very Tibetan, Mustang, presided over by the icy ramparts of the Himalaya, is vast and open. And its capital, Lo Manthang, and its ultra-remote villages, inhabited by gracious, happily traditional folk, are entrancingly evocative of the early days of Central Asian exploration.

We fly west from Kathmandu to the town of Pokhara (one of the most view-blessed places on the planet) and on to Jomsom, where we leave the lushness of the foothills for the austerity of the Himalayan rainshadow, working our way farther north into Mustang proper and the traditional enclave of Lo Manthang, where we’ll wander its dusty streets, visit its old temples and monasteries, and enjoy the boisterous Tiji Festival. Now on to Ghar Gompa, hiking through grand Himalayan precincts, and back south to Jomsom, a much-sought village on the Annapurna Circuit, then back to the luxuries and magic of Kathmandu.

Day 1: arrive Kathmandu • Day 2: Kathmandu • Day 3: fly to Pokhara • Day 4: fly north to Jomsom, begin trek • Days 5 - 13: on trek, ending in Jomsom • Day 14: fly to Pokhara, connect to Kathmandu • Day 15: depart Kathmandu.

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