The ancient trade valleys of Manang and Mustang are the hidden gems when we talk about mountain peaks. One such name that pops out of it is Khatung Kang. Khatung Kang expedition Mustang is gaining major interest amongst new climbers.
It is located in the Patrung Himal range. This particular mountain stands at an altitude of 6484m. Even though this mountain is located in the remote regions of Upper Mustang, the beauty and class of the mountain are hard to deny.
Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang Overview
Khatung Kang expedition Mustang is the newest option when we talk about mountains. The beauty and aura of this mountain are hard to deny. Although this particular mountain is located in a rural region, it has thrills for trekking and mountain climbing.
In case you are wondering, Khatung Kang expedition Mustang isn’t for everyone. You will need to be absolutely seasoned to get to the top of this peak.
Himalayan loneliness, rugged alpine terrain, and uninterrupted views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range, this particular peak has a lot to offer. Meanwhile, this particular mountain is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
South of the Thorong La Pass and within the Annapurna Conservation Area, this particular mountain has much more to offer. Even though the mountain has been open for a long time, plenty of attempts to reach the top hasnt been made.
Highlights of Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang
- Beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges
- Witness the remote alpine terrains of Upper Mustang
- Chance to visit the Muktinath temple and diverse landscapes
- Explore the wildlife like the Himalayan Griffon, snow leopard, blue sheep, etc.
Who Climbed Khatung Kang For The First Time?
The most asked question at The Trek Nepal is who made the first climb to the top. Well, two people, Arthur Baumgartner and Marguerite Deriaz, made the first climb to Khatung Kang.
Both of them made it to the top on 12th April, 1956. It was the first attempt and the successful one to the top of 6484m. Even though it has been 69 years since the first climb, there aren’t a lot of climbs to this peak.
How Hard Is Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang?
To the interested individual, Khatung Kang is a tough climb. One of the major reasons for that is the fact that it lies in the remoteness of Upper Mustang. Not a lot of climbers attempt to do this climb.
In the language of trekking, this peak is technically demanding and moderate to technical for the climb. Exposed glacial slopes near the summit of the peak are what make this dangerous and tough at the same time.
Readers can guess that the actual summit has hardly been achieved. However, there is a false summit to the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang, which people reach most of the time.
If you are thinking about climbing to the top, always understand that it will be demanding. You will need to have technical climbing skills and the proper knowledge of the use of tools.
Khatung Kang expedition goes beyond 3 weeks, so living in the remote area for so long can be massively demanding. The Trek Nepal and the team of experts, however, can assist you to reach the top.
Best Time for Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang
For any new peak or location that is rarely climbed, always try and choose the best season. In the case of Khatung Kang, too, always look for the spring and autumn seasons.
These seasons fall during April to May and September to October. The skies are clear with good weather and beautiful views of the mountain. Being in a remote location, predicting the weather can save lives.
Some of the rare climbers try and achieve it during the monsoon and winter, but it is not for someone with a faint heart. You will need to be absolutely experienced to attempt the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang during the off-season.
Climbing Routes For Khatung Kang
In case you are wondering, this is a new climb, well the trails and routes have already been finalised by The Trek Nepal. Our team of experts is known to find the best routes to save time and effort.
For the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang, you will need to do it from the East face. It extends from base camp to high camp and later to the summit. You will have to look through the Annapurna region to get to the top of this peak.
The first step would be to fly to Jomsom, wherever the journey starts. Slowly, we trek to Muktinath and later cross over Thorong La Pass. Ultimately, we will reach the Khatung Kang Base Camp at approximately 5000m.
Following the reach to base camp, we rest there, acclimate, and later push for the East face of the mountain. As easy as it may sound to read, the reach to the top can be demanding.
Permits Required For Khatung Kang Expedition
Khatung Kang lies in the Annapurna region, so you will need to get the permits similar to the Annapurna climb. If you are unaware of it, The Trek Nepal will manage all of the permits from NTB and also from the local government.
For every new peak exploration, permits could be a real headache. If you are thinking of getting it on your own, the permits required are:
- Restricted Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- TIMS Card
- Khatung Kang climbing permit
Cost of Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang
The remoteness of the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang is massive. After you touch down in Upper Mustang, the quality of service and the settlement get lower.
On average, you will have to spend around $15000 for the overall journey. If you come in a group or larger numbers, the cost will simultaneously come down for you.
Cost is directly related to the time of the year, number of people, inclusions, exclusions, and other factors. With The Trek Nepal, though we will prepare a customised package based on your requirements, which could make the difference.
Alternative Treks to Khatung Kang
Not everyone likes the remoteness and lack of human touch for a long time. With some amount of unpredictability with the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang it is understandable to look for options.
For this particular peak climbing, you could use:
- Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- Upper Dolpo Trek
Why Choose The Trek Nepal for Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang?
There are plenty of trekking agencies where you can choose for climbing Khatung Kang. So why The Trek Nepal? What could typically be the right reason to choose us?
Well Khatung Kang expedition in Mustang is slowly becoming popular. Having said that, the uncertainties are major in this case. For The Trek Nepal, though, we have been able to set up connections with the local communities.
Not only that we also customise the overall climbing experience according to your budget, the time of the year, and the time you have. Our online presence and reviews also act as a strong point as to why you should choose The Trek Nepal for this trip.
Detailed Itinerary For Khatung Kang Expedition Mustang
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
On the very first day of the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang we will be reaching Kathmandu. A member from The Trek Nepal will be present to receive you at the airport. You will be taken directly to your hotel, where you will spend the day.
Trekkers have the opportunity to either roam the city with the guide or spend the day resting in the hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner for everyone to enjoy.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today is the day set aside for cultural exploration, along with acclimatization. We will start the day with a healthy breakfast and a visit to different places. The key focus will be the UNESCO World Heritage Sites right through the day.
A guide will take you to all of the important places. When you are enjoying your time, The Trek Nepal will be collecting all the required permits for the trek.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Early in the morning, after a good breakfast, the actual journey for the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang begins. We will be taking the drive on the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It will be right beside the beautiful Trishuli river banks.
We will be reaching Pokhara after 7 hours of driving. Pokhara welcomes you with the crisp and chilly air like always. You will get some clearer views of the mountains from Pokhara. By evening, we will be roaming around the lakeside, enjoying the vibe.
Day 4: Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
As we stayed last night in Pokhara, today will be all about Jomsom and Kagbeni. First, we will take a flight to Jomsom. It will be a dramatic flight with beautiful mountains being closer at your disposal. Following the landing, we trek towards Kagbeni.
It will be around 5 hours of trek, whereby we will get into the Upper Mustang region. It is the place signified by Tibetan culture. The stupas and monastery here are around 500 years old, marking their significance.
Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath
The trekking journey becomes more religious and exciting at the same time. Muktinath will be the destination for the day. First, in the morning, we will have breakfast and move ahead through steady climbs. We will go above the Kali Gandaki River for the start.
As the journey moves ahead, we will go through the Mustang landscapes only to reach Muktinath by the end of the day. This particular temple is the place where Lord Vishnu got his salvation. We will rest at a hotel in Muktinath and spend the night.
Day 6: Trek to Thorong Phedi from Muktinath
The journey gets interesting as we hit the 4400m mark today. Muktinath will be left behind with the search for Thorong Phedi. It is the last human settlement in the alpine climbing zone. We will get past the yak pastures, rocky moraine, and small teahouses.
Trekkers will find little to no scarce plants and animals now. We will reach Thorong Phedi after 7 hours of the trek. It is a mixed bag of places with good localities but fewer people. We spent the night here.
Day 7: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Khatung Kang Base Camp
Slowly, the days are coming to ace the Khatung Kang expedition in Mustang. On the 7th day, we will be reaching the base camp of Khatung Kang. Starting our journey early, we leave Thorong Phedi behind and move ahead.
It is the Annapurna Trekking zone, so you will find plenty of trekkers here. Steep trail covered with slopes and loose rocks will make things hard and interesting. Tents, along with the equipment, will be set up by the guide after we reach Khatung Kang Base Camp.
Day 8: Acclimatization and rest day
Accclimatization is the key if you want to have a successful trekking experience. After 1 week of movement, we will rest at the base camp. Not only rest, but there will be practice.
The guides will train you on how to use the tools while climbing the mountains. This session, along with the acclimatization, is important for the day.
Day 9: Climb from Base Camp to High Camp
Slow and steady, we are marching towards the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang. Looking at the stable weather and improved confidence, we can make it to the high camp quite easily. The skills of using the tools will be helpful.
Pushing for high camp from base camp is a challenge in itself. Tents will be pitched, and food will be prepared after the Trek Nepal team reaches the high camp.
Day 10: Climbing Khatung Kang and returning to base camp
Finally, the day has arrived when the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang will take shape. The early morning push to the summit is important for the best views. Most of the time, the climb starts around 2 Am.
All the climbers will be ready with their tools and start the push to the summit. With the sunrise, you will see Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri I, the Annapurna ranges, etc. After we complete the top to the peak, we will return back to the base camp.
Day 11: Trek from Base Camp to Muktinath
Yes, you have achieved the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang on the day. But the fun is done, and we will have to move back. Slowly, we descend down to reach Muktinath at the start. Careful foot placement and one step at a time can be useful.
As we return to the religious place of Muktinath, you will get the comfort days right ahead of you. 7 hours of the trek means that we stay at a brilliant hotel in Muktinath.
Day 12: Trek back to Jomsom from Muktinath
An easy trek awaits everybody now. Getting past Jharkot and Eklebhatti, we will head towards Jomsom now. You will pass through various prayer flags, chortens, and yak herds along the way. Some fellow trekkers will return from the Thorong region too.
Impacted majorly by Buddhist culture, the place will give you a homely vibe similar to what you have been looking for. The food and the wine are brilliant at Jomsom.
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu
We will be cutting traces of the Khatung Kang expedition Mustang now. We will head out from Jomsom early in the morning to catch the flight to Pokhara first. Things could get messy, but we move down by roadways, making things easy.
Slowly, as we return to Kathmandu, the air seems to feel heavy. Crossing through the ups and downs, beautiful scenery we reach Kathmandu by midday.
Day 14: Departure for the home nation
After spending more than 2 weeks, we will be leaving Kathmandu now. A member from The Trek Nepal will help you to the airport. With a promise to meet again, we leave each other’s company.