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Forbidden Mustang
All meals on trek included
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Walking Days
Accommodation
Trip Overview
A very, very different part of Nepal and, for many years, an area where foreigners were not allowed to visit.
Even today, the former Kingdom of Mustang remains a restricted area. Indeed, the permit costs and the relentless, inescapable high altitude deter many. To the adventurous, intrepid, and informed traveller with a good level of fitness and previous experience trekking at high altitude, such barriers and the opportunity to trek without the crowds are likely to be more of an attraction. Indeed, this land 'behind the Himalaya' is culturally and geographically a part of Tibet. The monsoon doesn't really reach Mustang, and so the landscape is almost 'Martian'. Arid and barren, with weird wind-eroded rock formations and cliffs There is much beauty too, particularly in the pigmented coluorations of the landscape—ochre, brown, grey, red, and yellow—dotted with tiny, traditional Tibetan-style villages just able to eek a life in this often inhospitable region.
MORE ABOUT MUSTANG
The 'jewel' of Mustang for many is the fabled, walled 'city' of Lo Manthang. For centuries, the only way to access Mustang was on foot or on horseback, following the ancient trade route between Tibet and India that caravans used. Unlike the "other" side of the Himalaya that lies in the rain shadow, the few tiny villages there are in Mustang are consequently scattered primarily along the Kali Gandaki and Mustang Khola Valleys, which also means there are few other linking trails. Consequently, in recent times, a jeep road was constructed that now extends all the way from Pokhara to Lo Manthang and beyond to the border with Tibet at the Kora La. Much of this relatively new road was built on the original caravan route, and given the strategic nature of this road (being a link between Tibet, China, and the Indian sub-continent), there are ongoing efforts to "improve" the road surface. Thus, a considerable amount of walking is done on the road, of which a great deal is now metalled, and this is likely to increase. In the absence of suitable alternatives, there is little option but to hike along the road. During some of the main Nepal trekking seasons, it's way too cold to trek in Mustang, and the winter (November to February) months are to be avoided. However, as the monsoon does not reach most of Mustang, this is a trek that can actually be undertaken during the summer months too. Don't forget, our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and you may wish to consider adding more acclimatisation days, rest days, and contingency days.
Our Mustang Explorer combines day hikes on rarely used trails with overland touring.
The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges or teahouses. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.
A very, very different part of Nepal and, for many years, an area where foreigners were not allowed to visit.
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Even today, the former Kingdom of Mustang remains a restricted area. Indeed, the permit costs and the relentless, inescapable high altitude deter many. To the adventurous, intrepid, and informed traveller with a good level of fitness and previous experience trekking at high altitude, such barriers and the opportunity to trek without the crowds are likely to be more of an attraction. Indeed, this land 'behind the Himalaya' is culturally and geographically a part of Tibet. The monsoon doesn't really reach Mustang, and so the landscape is almost 'Martian'. Arid and barren, with weird wind-eroded rock formations and cliffs There is much beauty too, particularly in the pigmented coluorations of the landscape—ochre, brown, grey, red, and yellow—dotted with tiny, traditional Tibetan-style villages just able to eek a life in this often inhospitable region.
MORE ABOUT MUSTANG
The 'jewel' of Mustang for many is the fabled, walled 'city' of Lo Manthang. For centuries, the only way to access Mustang was on foot or on horseback, following the ancient trade route between Tibet and India that caravans used. Unlike the "other" side of the Himalaya that lies in the rain shadow, the few tiny villages there are in Mustang are consequently scattered primarily along the Kali Gandaki and Mustang Khola Valleys, which also means there are few other linking trails. Consequently, in recent times, a jeep road was constructed that now extends all the way from Pokhara to Lo Manthang and beyond to the border with Tibet at the Kora La. Much of this relatively new road was built on the original caravan route, and given the strategic nature of this road (being a link between Tibet, China, and the Indian sub-continent), there are ongoing efforts to "improve" the road surface. Thus, a considerable amount of walking is done on the road, of which a great deal is now metalled, and this is likely to increase. In the absence of suitable alternatives, there is little option but to hike along the road. During some of the main Nepal trekking seasons, it's way too cold to trek in Mustang, and the winter (November to February) months are to be avoided. However, as the monsoon does not reach most of Mustang, this is a trek that can actually be undertaken during the summer months too. Don't forget, our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and you may wish to consider adding more acclimatisation days, rest days, and contingency days.
Our Mustang Explorer combines day hikes on rarely used trails with overland touring.
The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges or teahouses. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Kathmandu
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Day 2Fly to Pokhara
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Day 3Fly to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni
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Day 4Trek to Chukksang
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Day 5Acclimatisation Day
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Day 6Trek to Samar
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Day 7Walk to Geling
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Day 8Trek to Lo Manthang
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Day 9Hike to Yara
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Day 10Walk to Tange
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Day 11A long walk to Chukksang
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Day 12Trek to Jomsom
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Day 13Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
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Day 14Depart Nepal
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DAY
1Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
Please note that A special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.
DAY 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
Please note that A special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.
DAY
2Fly to Pokhara
A private transfer back to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara You're met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The day is yours to enjoy the sub-tropical climate of Pokhara and the more laid-back atmosphere (compared to frenetic Kathmandu), thus affording you the opportunity to relax a little before starting your trek. There are many lakeside cafes and bars to chill out in, and lots of choices for eating.
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY 2
Fly to Pokhara
A private transfer back to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara You're met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The day is yours to enjoy the sub-tropical climate of Pokhara and the more laid-back atmosphere (compared to frenetic Kathmandu), thus affording you the opportunity to relax a little before starting your trek. There are many lakeside cafes and bars to chill out in, and lots of choices for eating.
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY
3Fly to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni
In the morning, you take the 18-minute flight between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna to Jomsom (2736m). The walk to Kagbeni only takes 3 hours, so you can have a brew after landing at one of the teahouses in Jomsom and absorb the fantastic views of the peak of Nilgiri South and look up into the arid Upper Kali Gandaki Valley and notice the contrasts with that of the view down valley where there is greenery. An indication as to where the monsoon reaches and that you are 'between' the Himalaya. It's mostly fairly level walking from Jomsom, with just a few uphill and downhill sections as Kagbeni (2810m) is less than 100m above Jomsom. Not too far out of Jomsom, if you look back, you'll see the immense white pyramid of Dhaulagiri.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Kagbeni
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY 3
Fly to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni
In the morning, you take the 18-minute flight between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna to Jomsom (2736m). The walk to Kagbeni only takes 3 hours, so you can have a brew after landing at one of the teahouses in Jomsom and absorb the fantastic views of the peak of Nilgiri South and look up into the arid Upper Kali Gandaki Valley and notice the contrasts with that of the view down valley where there is greenery. An indication as to where the monsoon reaches and that you are 'between' the Himalaya. It's mostly fairly level walking from Jomsom, with just a few uphill and downhill sections as Kagbeni (2810m) is less than 100m above Jomsom. Not too far out of Jomsom, if you look back, you'll see the immense white pyramid of Dhaulagiri.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Kagbeni
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY
4Trek to Chukksang
At the edge of Kagbeni, the police post will check that the necessary permits to enter the restricted Upper Mustang area are all in order. You'll then walk down onto the broad valley floor, and as today is a rather short and straightforward walking day, there's no reason to hurry. Looking behind you, the Nilgiri Peaks and Dhaulagiri are most impressive, and in front of you is the very different landscape of Mustang. You soon reach the village of Tengbe and can take a look around this typical Mustang village with its colourful houses, often painted in a horizontal striped pattern and with roofs made of timber logs. The village has apple orchards and carefully tended fields of crops that are just about able to grow here. Moving on, you ascend gradually, and soon your overnight halt of Chukksang (approximately 3020m) comes into view and is easily reached. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Chukksang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 4
Trek to Chukksang
At the edge of Kagbeni, the police post will check that the necessary permits to enter the restricted Upper Mustang area are all in order. You'll then walk down onto the broad valley floor, and as today is a rather short and straightforward walking day, there's no reason to hurry. Looking behind you, the Nilgiri Peaks and Dhaulagiri are most impressive, and in front of you is the very different landscape of Mustang. You soon reach the village of Tengbe and can take a look around this typical Mustang village with its colourful houses, often painted in a horizontal striped pattern and with roofs made of timber logs. The village has apple orchards and carefully tended fields of crops that are just about able to grow here. Moving on, you ascend gradually, and soon your overnight halt of Chukksang (approximately 3020m) comes into view and is easily reached. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Chukksang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
5Acclimatisation Day
As Mustang is part of the Tibetan Plateau and, by default, is relentless high altitude all the way to Lo Manthang it's essential to have an acclimatization day as you're now just above 3000m. Acclimatization isn't exactly a rest day (unless you want to rest). It's a good idea to take a short hike in the area with your guide, but avoiding over exertion in order to let your body adjust to these altitudes.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Chukksang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 5
Acclimatisation Day
As Mustang is part of the Tibetan Plateau and, by default, is relentless high altitude all the way to Lo Manthang it's essential to have an acclimatization day as you're now just above 3000m. Acclimatization isn't exactly a rest day (unless you want to rest). It's a good idea to take a short hike in the area with your guide, but avoiding over exertion in order to let your body adjust to these altitudes.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Chukksang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
6Trek to Samar
Walking across the virtually dried-out river bed of the Kali Gandaki (you may just hear the river flowing beneath), you then ascend gradually to Chele (3100m). Looking back, you'll see the summit of distant Annapurna 1. The walking after Chele rises steeply, and soon after, part of the route has been hewn out of the cliff side above the valley. There's more ascent as you reach around 3600m and then contour the hillside, losing a little height, to reach Samar (approx. 3400m). A fairly short walking day today of around 4 hours
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Samar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 6
Trek to Samar
Walking across the virtually dried-out river bed of the Kali Gandaki (you may just hear the river flowing beneath), you then ascend gradually to Chele (3100m). Looking back, you'll see the summit of distant Annapurna 1. The walking after Chele rises steeply, and soon after, part of the route has been hewn out of the cliff side above the valley. There's more ascent as you reach around 3600m and then contour the hillside, losing a little height, to reach Samar (approx. 3400m). A fairly short walking day today of around 4 hours
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Samar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
7Walk to Geling
A longer day, heading first up to a col and then ascending even higher to cross a 3900m pass. The views of the Mustang mountainscapes are particularly dramatic. Heading down a bit and then around, you reach another wonderful viewpoint and will see your overnight halt down below. The descent is straightforward to reach Geling (3570m). Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Geling
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 7
Walk to Geling
A longer day, heading first up to a col and then ascending even higher to cross a 3900m pass. The views of the Mustang mountainscapes are particularly dramatic. Heading down a bit and then around, you reach another wonderful viewpoint and will see your overnight halt down below. The descent is straightforward to reach Geling (3570m). Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Geling
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
8Trek to Lo Manthang
A tough day, as Mustang does not give up its prise of Lo Manthang easily. There are passes as high as 4000m to cross and much of interest along the way, and stops can be made at dramatic view points and interesting places along the way too. Reaching the Sungda Chorten, you enter the 'Kingdom of Lo' and eventually the fabled walled 'city' of Lo Manthang (approx. 3800m). Hardly a city with around 180 homes. Walking time is around 8 hours. One option is to add more time in Lo Manthang. As Lo Manthang is tiny, it can easily be "discovered" in a day. As the trekking doesn't ease, an additional rest day in Lo Manthang may be a good idea too. Further afield, you could visit the Chossar Caves or even Kora La, the border with Tibet, in a locally chartered jeep.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Teahouse Lo Manthang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 8
Trek to Lo Manthang
A tough day, as Mustang does not give up its prise of Lo Manthang easily. There are passes as high as 4000m to cross and much of interest along the way, and stops can be made at dramatic view points and interesting places along the way too. Reaching the Sungda Chorten, you enter the 'Kingdom of Lo' and eventually the fabled walled 'city' of Lo Manthang (approx. 3800m). Hardly a city with around 180 homes. Walking time is around 8 hours. One option is to add more time in Lo Manthang. As Lo Manthang is tiny, it can easily be "discovered" in a day. As the trekking doesn't ease, an additional rest day in Lo Manthang may be a good idea too. Further afield, you could visit the Chossar Caves or even Kora La, the border with Tibet, in a locally chartered jeep.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Teahouse Lo Manthang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
9Hike to Yara
A gradual walk that rises steadily and gains some 300m in height to reach the Dhi La (4100m). Great views of the Kali Gandaki and Himalayan peaks on the far horizon. It's then steeply down the dusty trail to the valley floor, and walking beyond the village of Dhi, a final climb brings you to Yara (3760m). Walking time: 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Yara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 9
Hike to Yara
A gradual walk that rises steadily and gains some 300m in height to reach the Dhi La (4100m). Great views of the Kali Gandaki and Himalayan peaks on the far horizon. It's then steeply down the dusty trail to the valley floor, and walking beyond the village of Dhi, a final climb brings you to Yara (3760m). Walking time: 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Yara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
10Walk to Tange
A steady rise to a col is followed by a descent into the Dechyang Khola Valley. You then ascend onto the broad Sertang Danda ridge, traverse the slopes, and then climb up to a 3850m pass. Below is Tange (3370m), and you walk down to this tiny village. There are one or two times today where small rivers will need to be forded. Wet boots are not a good idea, so we suggest you have some sandals with you in order to ford these. Walking time is around 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Tange
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 10
Walk to Tange
A steady rise to a col is followed by a descent into the Dechyang Khola Valley. You then ascend onto the broad Sertang Danda ridge, traverse the slopes, and then climb up to a 3850m pass. Below is Tange (3370m), and you walk down to this tiny village. There are one or two times today where small rivers will need to be forded. Wet boots are not a good idea, so we suggest you have some sandals with you in order to ford these. Walking time is around 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Tange
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
11A long walk to Chukksang
It was probably the hardest and longest day of walking. Crossing the Tange Khola (there's a bridge for this one), there follows a long, hard, and rather steep slog to the Lelo La (4200m). Efforts may be rewarded with fine views over the Mustang landscape and Dhaulagiri. Just below the pass are the springs at Pha, and remaining at around 4000 m, the trail then contours the mountain side and at times can be difficult to follow before a long, steep downhill to Chukksang. Walking time: 9–10 hrs. As this is a custom and private trek, this day can be split into two days as an additional option.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Chukksang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 11
A long walk to Chukksang
It was probably the hardest and longest day of walking. Crossing the Tange Khola (there's a bridge for this one), there follows a long, hard, and rather steep slog to the Lelo La (4200m). Efforts may be rewarded with fine views over the Mustang landscape and Dhaulagiri. Just below the pass are the springs at Pha, and remaining at around 4000 m, the trail then contours the mountain side and at times can be difficult to follow before a long, steep downhill to Chukksang. Walking time: 9–10 hrs. As this is a custom and private trek, this day can be split into two days as an additional option.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge/Teahouse, Chukksang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
12Trek to Jomsom
Although you will be losing height very gradually today, there are still sections of ascent and descent (but not particularly sustained). Walking to Jharkot, you can visit the monastery and old fortress here before continuing across the valley floor to Kagbeni and the final couple of hours to Jomsom. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Jomsom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 12
Trek to Jomsom
Although you will be losing height very gradually today, there are still sections of ascent and descent (but not particularly sustained). Walking to Jharkot, you can visit the monastery and old fortress here before continuing across the valley floor to Kagbeni and the final couple of hours to Jomsom. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Jomsom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
13Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
After the short but exciting early morning flight back to Pokhara (and warmth! ), you're effectively in transit until it's time for the 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY 13
Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
After the short but exciting early morning flight back to Pokhara (and warmth! ), you're effectively in transit until it's time for the 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY
14Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
DAY 14
Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- $ US 1840 per person
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES
Mustang Permit: A special permit is required to enter Upper Mustang. The current cost of $US 500 per person (for up to 10 days, additional days at extra cost) is NOT INCLUDED in the above price guide. However, the permit cost applicable to your customised itinerary will be indicated to you separately and will be charged in addition to the custom trip cost on your final balance invoice
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licensed.
Mustang Permit: In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted, so we are unable to arrange Mustang permits in advance) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office in Kathmandu. Mustang permits are issued for a minimum of two people only. However, a permit for a solo traveller can be obtained, provided the minimum two-person total cost is paid.
Don't Forget
We can customise
all our trips.
extend. shorten. upgrade
Explore Amazing Mustang with our specially curated image gallery
Read our Mustang Travel Guide
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