Upper Mustang
The journey through Mustang, known as the “Hidden Kingdom” has always been fascinating. It sits on the north of western Nepal projecting like a finger into the Tibetan plateau. However, unlike Tibet it has not given way to Chinese influence and as such still retains its “old world” charm including its strong Tibetan culture, traditions, lifestyle and religious beliefs. Until recently, Mustang had its own royalty – King, Queen, aristocracy, administration and followed its own laws. Today, it is a part of federal democratic Nepal.
View Detail Program
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet & greet at airport with traditional Khada & transfer to your hotel.
PM: Tour of Patan City including the ornate Durbar Square area famous for its richly carved temples. Also visit Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, the Golden temple & local markets such as Mangal bazaar well known brassware and spice shops. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 02: AM: Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square including “Kumari Ghar” house of Living Goddess, numerous temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses, architectural show pieces and colourful bazaars. Continue on to Swyambhunath stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” situated on the hillock with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha painted on its pinnacle overlooking Kathmandu valley.
PM: Tour of Boudhanath stupa. Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa are a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels & flags. Continue to Pashupatinath temple the holiest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river with cremation ghats. Interact with Sadhus (Hindu holy men) and palm readers (fortune tellers). Overnight in Kathmandu (B)
Day 03: Drive along scenic winding highways following mountain rivers to Pokhara (200km/5hrs). Overnight in Pokhara (B)
Day 04: After breakfast, drive to Marpha (160km/5hrs) (2650m) famous for its apple orchards, unique Thakali culture, white-washed homes and stone-paved alleys. Overnight in Marpha (B, D)
Day 05: Drive to Ghemi (75km/4hrs) (3500m)- A village in upper Mustang, mainly Tibetan influence with ancient monasteries and traditional, colorful, whitewashed houses with intricate carvings. Overnight in Ghemi (B, D)
Day 06: Drive to the “The Walled City”- Lo Manthang (40km/2 hrs) (3840m), the capital of Mustang, close to Tibetan border and inhabited by the Lhoba people and famous for its Royal Palace, its ornately painted Chortens and old monasteries steeped in history. Overnight in Lo Manthang (B, D)
Day 07- 08: Explore Lo – Manthang and nearby villages such as Chosser, Thinkar, Dhakmar, Namgyal and several other monasteries including the Jampa cave monastery. Experience their local lifestyle, vibrant culture & tradition. One of the mornings, go to see Yak pastures and herdsmen living in tents and see their way of life while sharing a cup of yak butter tea or fresh yak milk. Overnight in Lo Manthang (B, D)
Day 09: Drive to Luri Gompa, a destination which holds the history of Tibetan Buddhism. The caves are adorned with murals, depicting the life of Buddha, and his teachings. The monastery is surrounded by the wonders of the fluttering Tibetan Buddhist mantra-scripted prayer flags. The excursion to Luri Gompa is truly a spiritual experience. Drive on to Samar village (62km/3hrs) located at an altitude of 3660m. Overnight in Samar (B, D)
Day 10: Drive to Kalopani (60km/3hrs) (2480m). Overnight in Kalopani under the looming mountain peaks of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains (B, D)
Day 11: Drive to Begnas Lake Resort visiting Pokhara city en route. Take a walk around the Phewa lakeside area with rows of book and souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs. Overnight Pokhara (B)
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu valley (option to fly back from Pokhara with supplement cost) with a short drive to Bhaktapur (18km) visiting this old farmers’ town with its unique atmosphere, interesting monuments and old alleyways ideal for souvenir shopping. Overnight at Hotel Heritage or similar (B)
Day 13: Transfer to airport to connect your outbound flight. (B)