Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,429ft) – Welcome to Nepal!
Depending on how you arrive in Kathmandu, we'll arrange your hotel transfer. If you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, your guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. A program briefing with your group will take place in the evening. Late arrivals will have their briefing and meet the group at breakfast the following morning.
If time permits, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, a popular hub for travelers. In the evening, we will host a welcome dinner where you can enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel 4 star
- Meals: Welcome Dinner
- Transport: Airport pick-up by private vehicle
Day 2Guided Tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and Flight to Pokhara (826m)
After breakfast, set out for a guided tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites. You'll visit the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, and the historic Patan Durbar Square. After the tour, we'll take an evening flight to Pokhara, a beautiful city renowned for its lakes and mountain views. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Pokhara
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transport: Domestic flight (Kathmandu to Pokhara)
Day 3Drive from Pokhara to Tatopani (2,600m) via Beni
Today, we begin our overland journey to Upper Mustang. Departing from Pokhara westward, we'll drive through scenic landscapes and reach Beni, where the off-road adventure begins. We'll follow the Kali Gandaki River, passing through lush forests, small villages, and deep gorges. We'll arrive at Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. You can relax by soaking in the therapeutic waters before settling into your lodge.
- Accommodation: Local lodge in Tatopani
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Private 4x4 jeep
- Driving Distance: 110 km
- Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 4Drive from Tatopani to Kagbeni (2,900m) / Visit to Muktinath (3,800m)
After breakfast, we'll continue our drive, passing through charming villages such as Ghasa, Marpha, and Jomsom. Marpha is renowned for its apple orchards, and you can sample delicious local apple products. Upon arriving in Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, we'll take a detour to the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Here, you can see the famous 108 water spouts and the eternal flame fueled by natural gas. After exploring Muktinath and Jharkot Monastery, we'll return to Kagbeni for the night.
- Accommodation: Local lodge in Kagbeni
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Distance: 95 km
- Driving Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 5Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami (3,520m) via Syangboche Pass (4,200m)
Before leaving Kagbeni, we'll finalize the special permit formalities and officially enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang. The drive takes us through Tibetan-influenced villages such as Chhusang, Samar, and Syangboche, offering breathtaking landscapes of arid hills, rock formations, and Himalayan peaks. After crossing Syangboche Pass (4,200m), we'll descend to Ghami, a picturesque village surrounded by buckwheat fields and home to ancient Buddhist monasteries.
- Accommodation: Local lodge in Ghami
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Distance: 32 km
- Total Duration: 6 hours
Day 6Drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang (3,840m), a.k.a. The Forbidden Kingdom
We continue our 4x4 drive to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Along the way, we'll stop at the iconic Ghar Gompa, one of Mustang's oldest monasteries, and Charang Monastery, renowned for its intricate murals. Upon arriving in Lo Manthang, you'll be amazed by its traditional mud-brick houses, ancient monasteries, and stunning Himalayan views.
- Accommodation: Local lodge in Lo Manthang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Distance: 17 km
- Total Duration: 3 hours
Day 7Exploration of Lo Manthang and Chhoser Caves
Dedicate this day to exploring the fascinating culture and history of Lo Manthang. Visit Jampa Gompa (the oldest monastery in the region), Thubchen Gompa (a large assembly hall), and Chodey Gompa (now a monastic museum). In the afternoon, take a short drive to Chhoser to discover the mysterious sky caves, ancient dwellings carved into cliffs over 3,000 years ago. If time permits, visit Namgyal Gompa, a beautiful monastery perched on a hilltop.
- Accommodation: Local lodge in Lo Manthang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8Drive from Lo Manthang to Jomsom (2,743m)
After an unforgettable experience in Lo Manthang, we begin our return journey. Following the same scenic route, we'll pass by several Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and traditional villages. Arriving in Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang, we'll explore the local market and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Accommodation: Local lodge in Jomsom
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Distance: 50 km
- Total Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 9Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m)
Leaving Mustang, we resume our drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing by Rupse Waterfall and crossing several suspension bridges. We'll continue our drive to Pokhara, where you can relax and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere. You can also explore Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, or take a boat ride on Phewa Lake.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Pokhara
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Distance: 158 km
- Driving Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 10Return to Kathmandu: Drive or Flight
Today, we'll return to Kathmandu either by a scenic drive or a short 30-minute flight. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping, exploring the city, or relaxing. In the evening, we'll organize a farewell dinner to celebrate this exceptional journey.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel 4 star
- Meals: Breakfast
- Total Distance: 205 km
Day 11Free Day in Kathmandu
A free day in Kathmandu to relax, shop, or discover the cultural treasures of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. In the evening, we invite you to a farewell dinner with your guide to celebrate your trip to Nepal.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel 4 star
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12Final Departure from Kathmandu
It's time to say goodbye to Nepal. Our representative will take you to the airport for your return journey, with unforgettable memories of Nepal and the warm hospitality of the Everest Sherpa Expedition.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transport: Airport drop-off by private vehicle