FORBIDDEN KINGDOM OF MUSTANG - 15 Days

The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang is a remote and mysterious region located in the northwest of Nepal. Bordered by Tibet to the north and the Annapurna region to the south, Mustang is a place of rugged beauty and rich cultural history. It is also one of the last remaining places in Nepal where traditional Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced.

A 4WD jeep adventure to Mustang is the perfect way to explore this fascinating and little-known region. The journey begins in the city of Kathmandu, where you'll catch a flight to Pokhara, the gateway to Mustang. From there, you'll take a 4WD jeep on a bumpy and exhilarating ride through the high-altitude desert landscape of Mustang. As you make your way deeper into the region, you'll pass through a number of small villages and monasteries, each with its own unique character and culture. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the capital of Mustang, Lo Manthang, a walled city that was once the seat of the Mustang Kingdom.

Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. You'll also have the chance to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, such as Thubchen Gompa and Chhoser Gompa, and learn about the rich cultural history of the region. The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang is a truly unique and unforgettable destination that offers a window into the ancient past of Nepal.

A 4WD jeep adventure is the perfect way to explore this fascinating and little-known region and experience its rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Tour Highlights

This is a unique opportunity

• Learn about Tibetan culture firsthand
• See the untouched and very well-preserved Tibetan culture at Upper Mustang
• Explore mysterious Tibetan Buddhism
• Visit White TARA Temple and Old King's Palace
• Explore the mysterious Meditation Sky Caves in Upper Mustang
• Meditate in the Padmasambhava Chungsi Cave
• Clean your karma at Mukitanah Temple - the only place on the planet where you can see all the five major elements: fire, sky, water, air, and earth in one place

Itinerary

DAY 1

ARRIVING KATHMANDU (1440m)

• Meet, greet and then transfer to the Hotel Moonlight located In the heart of Kathmandu’s tourism hub, discover a tranquil haven filled with sincere Nepali hospitality. Explore the nearby shopping alleys and entertainment hubs, and meet back at garden bar for handcrafted cocktails.

DAY 2

EXPLORING KATHMANDU (1440m)

• ​You will be guided with a sightseeing tour around three sites - the Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur City.
• In the evening you will be provided with a traditional Nepali dinner and cultural performance.

DAY 3

EXPLORING KATHMANDU (1440m)

• After breakfast, you will spend the day receiving a guided sightseeing tour of Swyambhunath Stupa, Patan city and Kathmandu Durbarsquare.

DAY 4

POKHARA (822m)

• In the Morning, you will be flying to Pokhara. In the afternoon, explore the Phewa lake and hike to see the World Peace Pagoda.
• In the evening, you will be asked to prepare and pack for the next days adventurous departure.

DAY 5

KALOPANI (2500m)

• You will be driven by a four wheel drive to Kalopani. You will be going for 100 km on blacktop road and then 60 km off road.
• During your drive, there will be a variety of mountain views to gaze upon.

DAY 6

KAGBENI (2840m)

• In the morning, you will be driving from Kalopani to Kagbeni for 2-3 hours.
• During this trip, you will have the opportunity to stop to visit and explore the Mukitinath Temple.

DAY 7

TSARANG (3570m)

• For this specific day, you will be provided with a special permit which will allow you to enter Upper Mustang.
• Then, you will jump into a jeep and be on your journey through the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang.
• Then you will arrive a Tsarang and stay overnight at a guesthouse.

DAY 8

LO-MANTHANG (3840m)

• You will be driven for about 1.5 hours to Lo-Manthang where you will be taken to your hotel.
• At your destination, in the afternoon, you will explore the city and surroundings.

DAY 9

LO-MANTHANG (3840m)

• In the morning, you will be driven to the Choser Cave.

DAY 10

MARPHA (2720m)

• Today you will be driven Marpha. On the way, you will visit the Chungsi Cave and then when you reach your destination you will stay overnight at a guesthouse.

DAY 11

TATOPANI (1190m)

• In the morning, you will be driven to Tatopani (6-7 hours) where you can soak and rejuvenate at Tatopani Hot Springs.

DAY 12

POKHARA (822m)

• Today, you will be driven back to Pokhara where you can enjoy the lake views and delicious food at one of the restaurants.

DAY 13

EXPLORING POKHARA (822m)

• In the morning you will have the opportunity to do some sightseeing around Pokhara.
• You will be taken to visit Devi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Tibetan Refugee Village.​

DAY 14

ARRIVING KATHMANDU (1440m)

• Fly back to Kathmandu. We will be staying at hotel Moonlight in the heart of Thamel.
• Enjoy the views and vibrant energy of the colorful streets at Thamel. You can shop, explore or rest before taking the flight home.

DAY 15

KATHMANDU (1440)

• · Transfer to the airport for our final departure home.
• · Fly back home refreshed, renewed, full of lasting memories and new friendships for life.

Includes

• 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Moonlight hotel or equivalent) with Breakfast – two-person one room
• 2 Nights Hotel in Pokhara hotel Barahi or equivalent with Breakfast
• Welcome Nepali Dinner with Cultural performances
• Choser Caves tickets
• All Necessary Ground Transportation by Private Bus including expert driver, fuel and parking fees
• Expert city Tour guide Sightseeing monuments and sites entry fees and tickets
• Sightseeing Tour as per itinerary including hiking Upper Mustang special Trekking permit (USD550)
• National Park entrance fees
• Mountain guide and driver’s wages, food, accommodation and guides Insurance
• 2 Flights KTM/PKR including guide’s flight
• 4wd Toyota Landcruiser including driver fees and petrol from Pokhara to all the way to Mustang and back to Pokhara
• All Accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner meals during the trip to Mustang.
• Meals during Mustang will include 1 dish and 1 drink of your choice (Tea or Coffee) per meal.

Excludes

• All the expenses of personal nature
• Personal travel insurance
• International airfare (Melbourne - Kathmandu - Melbourne)
• Tipping
• Laundry
• Telephone calls
• Snacks and all not mentioned in the Service Included section.