Tour Plan
1
Day 01 - Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will explain the program later in the hotel.
Overnight at hotel
2
Day 02 - Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Kathmandu valley Sightseeing tour will start early in the morning. The holy Pashupatinath temple will be our very first visit. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here. It lies on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the most revered holy sites of the Hindu people. The Pashupatinath is built in the pagoda style architecture and contains many smaller shrines outside the main temple as well. It is also the cremation site of many hindu people and sometimes, it can be observed.
The nest site of the tour is the holy Bouddhanath stupa. The Buddhist stupa of Boudha Stupa dominates the skyline; it is one of the largest unique structure's stupas in the world.The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Gompas (Tibetan convent) around Bouddhanath. The Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.
The next site, in the tour, is the Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the royal palace. The Durbar at the Durbar square was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and was where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, took place. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum are located here. Time and again the temples and the palaces in the square have gone through reconstruction after being damaged by natural causes or neglect. Presently there are less than ten quadrangles in the square. On 25 April 2015, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 hit the region and severely damaged the Square, reducing several buildings to rubble. The oldest temples in the square are those built by King MahendraMalla (1560–1574). They are the temples of Jaggannath, KotilingeswaraMahadev, Mahendreswara and the Taleju Temple. More and more temples and statues were added to the Square under different ruling kings over the time. It is one of the most architecturally intricate showcases of Nepali art and the unique Newa architecture.
Then finally, the last site of the tour will be the Swayambhunath Stupa- an ancient religious architecture at the top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. Swayambhunath is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites especially for Tibetans and followers of the Tibetan Buddhism. We were breathless and sweating as we stumbled up the last steep steps and practically fell upon the biggest vajra (thunderbolt scepter) that I have ever seen. Behind this Vajra was the vast, round, white dome of the stupa, like a full solid skirt, at the top of which were two giant Buddha eyes wisely looking out over the peaceful valley which was just beginning to come alive. The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period.
After visiting each site, we will head back to the Hotel.
Overnights stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast included.
3
Day 03 - Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/3020ft) Duration: 6 hrs
We’ll drive from Kathmandu, the city of temples, to Pokhara, the city of lakes. It takes about 6-7 hours we pass by beautiful landscape of terrace farming, fields of barley, rice and rivers along the way. When we arrive the city of lakes i.e. Pokhara, we will drive you to your hotel where you take rest and stay. In the evening, you shall be able to enjoy the respite of a beautiful boat-ride at Fewa Lake and on a clear day, you can see the lucid reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range on the crystalline surface of water as well.
Overnight stay at the Hotel, Breakfast included.
Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included
4
Day 04 - From Pokhara fly to Jomsom (2700m/8855ft) & Trek to Kagbeni (2800m/9185ft) Duration: 3 hrs
We take an early morning flight to Jomsom- a gateway of Upper Mustang Trekking, head quarter of Mustang, a rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna, a village famous for its apples, strong winds and its amazing landscape. We will begin our trek from Jomsom on an open trail alongside a beautiful valley. Passing through the Eklebhatti village before reaching Kagbeni, we can enjoy the amazing terrains and admire the many natural features of the landscape. Kagbeni is ideally located at the bank of two rivers in the Valley of Kali Gandaki River and the village is beautiful with flat roofed houses. It also has ruins of an old fortress.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Kagbeni, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 05 - Kagbeni to Chele (3110m/10200ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hrs
narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The view of the Nilgiri peak which dominates the southern skyline of Kagbeni is facinatiThe trail leads us to the east bank of the Kaligandaki River. We travel to Tangbe village along ng. When we move ahead from Tangbe, we will reach Chhusang village in about one and half hours. We cross the river and continue climbing to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki flows. We leave the Kali Gandaki valley and climb the steep rocky gully to Chele.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
6
Day 06 - Chele to Geling (3500m/11480ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hrs
Today's trek ascends the treeless and waterless terrain and along the steep canyon to 3540m high from the sea level. The trail then makes a long gradual descent to Samar village. The Annapurna and Nilgiri are visible to the south. We’ll climb up above Samar to a ridge and descend into a large gorge. The trail continues through another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. The route follows a ridge and descends to Shyangmochen. And then a gentle climb to a pass at 3770m and descend into Geling Village.
Overnight at a guesthouse -breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
7
Day 07 - Geling to Charang (3620m/11875ft) Duration: 4 hrs
From Geling, the trail climbs gently up to the interesting pass of NYI La and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. We cross the Tangmar Chu (river) via steel bridge and arrive at the longest Mani wall in Mustang. We climb over another pass at 3,600 m and start the long gentle descent to Charang village. The large white Dzong and red Gompa are the attractions to look at. We also observe the collections of statues, Thankas and other large paintings of the seated Buddha.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
8
Day 08 - Charang to Lo - Manthang (3840m/12595ft) Duration: 3 hrs
From Tsarang, we trek to the capital of the Mustang Kingdom- Lo Manthang. The trek trail goes ups and downs of beautifully unique terrain and corroded hills. After a short rest, we explore the village Lo-Manthang on foot. Lo Manthang which is an ancient walled capital of Mustang, 90 kilometer far from Jomsom, once was the kingdom in monarchy system in Nepal. The village is covered by wall so that Lo Manthang is also called walled city of Upper Mustang. Area is inhabited by an estimated 900 Lhobas peoples. Further to Korala is about 20 kilometer which is Tibetan boarder. Local peoples are still trading goods via this route from Tibet. Formally this immigration is not yet open. Lo Manthang has a lot to explore and offers a marvelous taste of Tibetan Buddhist tradition and custom that is considered one of the best preserved traditions on the planet. We will spend the day touring three major Gompas of the town- the Jhampa, the Thupchen and the Chhoeda. All of these Gompas have undergone expert restoration over the last two decades. The Jampa Lhakhang or the Jampa Gompa- the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the “God House”; the Thubchen Gompa- a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of the Jampa Gompa; the Chodey Gompa- now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa- which is popularly known as the “New Gompa”. Recently, a series of at least twelve caves were discovered north of Annapurna near the village as well, decorated with ancient Buddhist paintings and set in sheer cliffs at 14,000 feet elevation.
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Day 09 - Exploration of Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar and return 4 - 6 hrs
We hike for two hours to Namgyal Gompa which is situated on a hilltop and has an important monastery for the local people. It also supports a local court. After our visit to Namgyal Gompa, we continue our tour to Tingkhar. This is the last village to the northwest of Lomanthang with around 40 houses. After visiting both places we return back to Lomanthang.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
10
Day 10 - Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3820m/12530ft) 6-7 hrs
Today our trail ascends steadily and we say good bye to Lo Manthang before climbing a ridge at 4070m from the sea level. We continue our trek to the Chogo La (4210m/13810ft). This is the highest point on our Upper Mustang Trek. We then advance to a short, steep descent and cross the Charang River. We climb to Lo Geker and arrive at Ghar Gompa, a small monastery. We then climb the ridge, cross a valley and alpine meadows, and then drop down a steep eroded path to Drakmar.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
11
Day 11 - Drakmar to Shyangmochen (3800m/12465ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hrs
We leave Drakmar and climb a ridge. Route further descends to the lower part of Ghami and then to Jaite (3820m), climbing down to Chhung-Kah. We continue our journey to Tama Gaon (3710m) and then walk down to Shyangmochen.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included
12
Day 12 - Shyangbochen to Chhusang (2980m/9775ft) 6 hrs
Our long hike now follows a stream all the way down to Chhusang. We can also take an alternative route to Samar to visit Ranchung Cave. The alternative route is just 30-minutes longer but provides the important cave to watch at.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
13
Day 13 - Chusang to Muktinath (3800m/12465ft) Duration: 7 hrs
We detour our drive while driving to Muktinath to visit the Jarkot Monastery. One of the most famous highlights of the region is Muktinath temple. You will have a great time exploring the Muktinath temple. Muktinath Temple (Chumig Gyatsa) is the symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindu believes that Lord Vishnu got salvation from the curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore, he is worshipped as Muktinath (Lit. the lord of salvation). The holy shrine, which is said to have arisen on its own, is one of eight such shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram, and Badrinath). This Pagoda Style Muktinath Temple is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines. Here in the early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named is Muktinath - Lord of Liberation. You can also explore the wall of 108 faucets behind the temple that spouts ice-cold water of the Kali Gandaki River from bull-headed mouths.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Muktinath, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 14 - Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m/8855ft) Duration: 6 hrs
Muktinath is one of the most important destinations for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. In the morning, we visit Muktinath Temple. There are 108 water spouts in the temple to take bath. There is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Our trail descends through the village of Jharkot where we can explore the Jharkot monastery; this is both a Tibetan herbal medical center and an old fortress. We can enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak too. We continue our trek back to Jomsom. The views of the Kaligandaki valley and Kagbeni village along the way are truly overwhelming. We pass by Ekle Bhatti and finally arrive at Jomsom.
Overnight at a guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
15
Day 15 - Jomsom to Pokhara
The ups and downs, winding road, terrain, fascinating hilly landscapes and contrasting colors of the land under the blue sky present a melancholic feel to the journey from Muktinath to the land of lakes, Pokhara.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Pokhara
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Day 16 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
We make our way back to Kathmandu by luxury tourist bus from Pokhara enjoying the changing landscape and diverse topography on the way. This takes 6-7 hours depending on the traffic. Travelling via domestic flight, instead of bus travel, takes about half an hour. The flight costs USD 220.00 for round trip.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
17
Day 17 - Farewell
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
Breakfast included
17 Days / 16 Night
Max People : 1
Upper Mustang Trek, Upper Mustang region
