Trip Dossier

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Transfer from airport to hotel. A representative from our office will be there to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. At the hotel, you will be briefed on your itinerary. 

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara & Drive to Tatopani (3 hrs drive)

We take an early flight to Pokhara(flying time-30mins). After reaching Pokhara we board a vehicle and drive to Tatopani, a typicl Nepali village lying on the banks of Kali Gandaki. Tatopani means ‘Hot Water’ in Nepali. Well-known for its thermal springs, the mineral rich hot-springs at Tatopani is said to be have medicinal and healing properties. If you feel like it you can enjoy a dip at a hot-spring.

Day 3: Drive to Jomsom (2,713m) (4-5 hrs)

Enjoy some adventurous ride on a rough jeep track with stunning mountain scenery all the way. Breathtaking views of Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri and Annapurna will leave you awe struck. As we gain altitude and ascend higher, the landscape changes dramatically. Green hills give way to barren mounds – characteristic of Mustang’s landscape. On reaching Jomsom, we check into your hotel and take a well deserved rest.

Day 4: Drive Jomsom to Samar(3620m) (visit Chungsi Rangbyung Cave Monastery) - (4hrs)

After an early breakfast we head to Kagbeni, the last settlement in Lower Mustang and the entry point to Upper Mustang. We complete the necessary paperwork to enter Upper Mustang at the local check post and drive on ahead on the rough gravel road to Samar. We visit the cave monastery of Chungsi Rangbyung. Inside the cave are stalagmites in the shape of chortens and murals of Buddha and Avalokiteswara, Buddha of Compassion. Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated at this cave. Lying at the base of a cliff, a visit to this cave involves an arduous ascent and descent.

Day 5: Drive to Lo Manthang(3,840m) – (5-6 Hrs) - Explore the walled Kingdom

Leaving Samar we drive on rough jeep track to the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang. En route we stop at Ghar Gompa(3940m). Dating back to the 8th century, the Gompa is regarded as the oldest Gompa in Mustang. It was built to purge demonic forces that were stopping Padmasambhava from building the Samye Monastery in Tibet. After reaching the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang, you can rest at the hotel or explore the old lanes of this ancient walled city. 

Day 6: Lo Manthang- Visit King’s Palace, Choede Gompa, Dragar Thegchen Ling Gompa, Jampa Lakhang Gompa, Thubchen Gompa

Today we explore some of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries.  Jampa Lakhang Gompa, built in 1387, it is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in existence. There is a 50 ft clay statue of Jamba or Future Buddha which was at one time the tallest Buddha statue in Nepal. The monastery is decorated with 1500 mandalas and ornamental figures of Buddhist deities. Thubchen Gompa, dating back to the 15th century, was built by the third king of Lo. Dragar Thegchen Ling Gompa is a Sakya monastery built during King Ama Pal’s (the first king of Lo) reign. Choede Gompa has a Monastic School and a museum where old Buddhist artifacts and thousand year old relics are exhibited. If the former King- Jigme Palbar Bista, is in residence you might be lucky enough to get invited for tea at his old palace that lies at the centre of the walled city. 

Day 7: Explore Chossar & Tingar

A day filled with delightful sights and insightful explorations. We explore the stark and beautiful Chossar & Tingar Valleys with their old fortresses, ancient cave dwellings and interesting gompas. We visit the Chosar Monastery, the Jhong Caves, Kangchuling Cave, Namgyal Monastery (the most active monastery in Lo Manthang) and the Summer Palace of the King of Mustang. Afterwards we return back to our hotel in the old city.

Day 8: Drive to Ghami (3570m)

After an early breakfast we leave Lo Manthang and head to Ghami, the third largest village in Upper Mustang. After a brief rest we explore the village on foot. Traditional whitewashed buildings and large brightly painted chortens contrast with the arid landscape surrounding the settlement. Near the village lies Nepal’s longest mani wall built, according to local legend, to bury the intestines of a demoness killed by Padmasambhava. 

Day 9: Drive to Jomsom

Passing old settlements and stray herds of sheep or cattle, we take the rough ride back to Jomsom .

Day 10: Fly to Pokhara /Drive Pokhara

We take an early flight to Pokhara. If flying is not possible due to bad weather conditions then we will journey overland to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 11: Fly/ Drive to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu by flight (30 mins) or via the Prithvi Highway (5-6hrs). Evening, enjoy a complimentary dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

Day 12: Depart Kathmandu

Our representative will drop you at the airport on time to catch your return flight. 

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 2N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in BB plan at Kathmandu
• 1N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in BB plan at Pokhara                 
• 8N accommodation at a normal lodge/ home stay 
• One English speaking guide 
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) as specified in Itinerary 
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Special permit for Upper Mustang 
• Airport pick up and drop 
• All ground transfers as per itinerary 
• Fare well dinner with Nepali cultural dance program 
• Domestic Airfare KTM-PKR-KTM & JOM-PKR

Cost Exclusion

• International Air Fare
• Daily Meals (Lunch & Dinner) during Kathmandu & Pokhara 
• Tips to Guide & Driver
• Bar Expense
• Telephone, Laundry and Internet
• Personnel Insurance
• Emergency Evacuation
• All other personal expenses
• Nepal visa fee