UPPER MUSTANG

Dates: May 19 – 30, 2025

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 12 participants

Cost per person:

• 3,450 USD for 10 – 12 participants
• 3,650 USD for 8 – 9 participants
• 3,850 USD for 6 – 7 participants

Early booking discount: 10% (when booked before December 19, 2024)


All-inclusive (including three meals a day) except:

• International flight to and from Kathmandu
• International medical insurance
• Nepal visa (issued upon arrival in Kathmandu airport for $25 USD. The cost may change).

Estimated flight costs:

• Moscow – Kathmandu – Moscow: $1,300 – $1,500 USD (usually booked independently; we can assist with recommendations).
• Istanbul – Kathmandu – Istanbul: $1,000 USD (usually booked independently; we can assist with recommendations).

Single supplement: $380 USD



TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO NORTH EAST IND

Day 1. May 19, 2025 (Monday) – KATHMANDU

Arrival by plane in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Visa issued upon arrival at the airport. Meet the guide at the airport and transfer to Samsara Resort Thamel Kathmandu. Briefing and free time for the rest of the day.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Samsara Resort Thamel Kathmandu

Recommended flights:

• Flydubai, Flight FZ-575, departing from Dubai on May 19 at 12:15, arriving in Kathmandu at 18:20
• Any other flight arriving in Kathmandu on May 19 or the night of May 19–20.

Day 2. May 20, 2025 (Tuesday) – KATHMANDU – BHAKTAPUR

Today, we take a full-day trip to the charming town of Bhaktapur. While we await the issuance of our Mustang permit, we will visit Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple, the Palace of 55 Windows, and more.
After exploring Bhaktapur's highlights, we return to our hotel in Kathmandu and discuss the upcoming itinerary. The evening is free for shopping (if necessary), packing, strolling through Thamel's streets, or sampling local cuisine.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Samsara Resort Thamel Kathmandu



Day 3. May 21, 2025 (Wednesday) – KATHMANDU – POKHARA (8-hour drive)

Today, we take a scenic drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel and embark on a city tour, visiting the Shiva Temple and the Buddhist stupa, both offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding valley.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Iceland


Day 4. May 22, 2025 (Thursday) – POKHARA – KALOPANI – JOMSOM – THINIGAON – DHUMBA LAKE – KAGBENI (2810 m, 8-hour drive)

This morning, we head towards the village of Kagbeni. The road to Marpha is in good condition, but after that, we drive along scenic off-road paths.
Today's key sights include the Thakali villages, Jomsom, Thinigaon, Dhumba Lake, a monastery, and the Kali Gandaki River Valley in the Himalayan wonderland. We travel through a unique landscape, enjoy breathtaking views, apple orchards, interact with friendly locals, and taste delicious local dishes. On our way to Kagbeni, we stop in Jomsom to explore the area.
Later, we arrive at Dhumba Lake, located in a valley surrounded by mountains, and visit the old monastery and Thinigaon.
Dhumba Lake and the monastery area provide stunning views of Marpha Village, Jomsom Valley, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many other Himalayan peaks. The drive from Kalopani to Kagbeni offers a unique chance to witness the beauty of Lower Mustang and immerse ourselves in Nepal's rich natural and cultural heritage.
Jomsom is an ancient town of Tibetan culture, located in an extraordinary setting of desert-colored hills rolling toward Tibet...
Kagbeni is a medieval town surrounded by rare greenery, where locals still wear traditional Tibetan clothing, and the town itself, with its narrow medieval streets, is a sight to behold.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yak Donald's Lodge



Day 5. May 23, 2025 (Friday) – KAGBENI – SAMAR – SYANGBOCHE – GILLING – GHAMI (3520 m, 5-hour drive)

Today, we will take a short trip to the Mukthinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists, then travel to Gilling, passing through Kagbeni, Tangbe, Chhusang, Chele, Samar, and Syangboche.
This journey from Kagbeni to Gilling offers an excellent opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and the desert landscapes of Mustang. During the trip, we will witness views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche Peak in the Himalayas.
Gilling itself is a fascinating place with a rich history, ancient monasteries, chortens, traditional architecture, and a lifestyle untouched by modernity. We cross several ridges, passes, farmland, apple orchards, and whitewashed villages along the river, admiring unique rock formations, high cliffs, and Nepal’s sky caves.
The journey from Kagbeni to Gilling provides breathtaking scenery, immersing us in the natural and cultural wonders of Mustang.
Mukthinath, meaning "Liberator," is one of the six major Vaishnavite shrines dedicated to Vishnu, the central deity of the Indian pantheon.
The villages of Samar and Syangboche look just as they did in the Middle Ages, and except for mobile phones, little has changed over the centuries.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Mustang


Day 6. May 24, 2025 (Saturday). GHAMI — DHAKMAR — GAR GUMBA — LO MANTHANG (3,560 m / 11,680 ft, 5-hour drive)

After an early breakfast, we depart for Lo Manthang, passing through Dhakmar, Gar Gumba, and Marang.
Today, we will visit several ancient monasteries, including Gar Gumba, built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche on his way to Tibet.
The Lo Ghekar Monastery is one of the most significant hidden treasures of Mustang’s ancient culture and traditions.
Whitewashed houses with narrow alleys, ancient chortens, and fluttering prayer flags catch the eye of any explorer.
Today’s journey offers an opportunity to immerse in the unique culture and traditions of Mustang’s people. Nature lovers will appreciate the unspoiled beauty and local atmosphere of Mustang.
Upon arrival, we will check into a guesthouse and head to the city’s main square to witness the first day of the Tiji Festival.
The Tiji Festival, a three-day ritual, is known as the "Chasing of Demons." The word Tiji comes from "Tenche," meaning "Hope for Buddha’s Dharma Prevailing in All Worlds." Tiji is a spring festival of renewal and transformation.
The first day of the Tiji Festival begins with the ceremonial unrolling of the Thangka, a large religious tapestry depicting Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Monks play Tibetan horns ("dungchen"), drums, and cymbals. It is believed that this ritual cleanses the city and its inhabitants from evil spirits and misfortune.
After the unrolling of the Thangka, monks recite ancient Buddhist prayers and perform sacred dances known as "Tsa Cham." This dance tells the story of Dorje Jono’s birth and his battle with a demon.
These performances, set to traditional music and colorful mask costumes, depict mythical stories of victory over evil forces, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This powerful and dramatic spectacle will surely leave a lasting impression.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Mystique Home



Day 7. May 25, 2025 (Sunday). TIJI FESTIVAL IN LO MANTHANG

The second day of the Tiji Festival is more vibrant than the first, featuring battles between the deity Dorje Jono and his demonic foes.
The Tiji dance reenacts the legendary struggles of Dorje Jono to save the Mustang Kingdom from drought, famine, and destruction caused by demons.
The energetic movements and rhythmic drumbeats create an emotional atmosphere, drawing spectators to witness ancient legends and mystical tales.
Monks wear intricate costumes and masks, representing deities and demons, performing elaborate mask dances with precision and vigor. Each masked dancer symbolizes a specific character from the myths.
The second day of the festival is known for the "Nga Cham" dance. It tells the story of Dorje Jono’s victory over the demon "Man Tam Ru" and his return to the heavens. The festival immerses participants in centuries-old traditions, vivid dances, and captivating rituals of Tibetan Buddhism.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Mystique Home



Day 8. May 26, 2025 (Monday). LO MANTHANG — CHHOSER — TIJI FESTIVAL IN LO MANTHANG

The festival begins in the afternoon, so in the morning, we will visit the Chhoser area.
An early morning trip to Chhoser, followed by a return to Lo Manthang to observe the final day of the Tiji Festival at Chode Monastery.
The third or final day of the Tiji Festival is known as "Ra Cham." Monks perform special ceremonies, and local residents gather in traditional attire to offer prayers.
Monks present food, drinks, and other offerings to the demon, hoping that he will be satisfied, leave the people in peace, and never return to Mustang.
The atmosphere is filled with spirituality, devotion, continuous rituals, and a sense of unity. The descending Thangka, raised earlier, marks the end of the celebration.
Mustang’s inhabitants gather in the town square for a grand procession. They carry the Thangka accompanied by music, dancing, and joyful celebrations, believing they are driving away evil spirits and bringing good fortune to the Kingdom of Lo.
Once the Tiji Festival concludes, the Thangka is returned to the monastery, where it will remain until the next Tiji Festival.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Mystique Home


Day 9. May 27, 2025 (Tuesday). LO MANTHANG — SYANGBOCHE — SAMAR — MARPHA (2,700 m / 8,860 ft, 8-hour drive)

Today, we start our return journey from Lo Manthang to the village of Marpha, exploring stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and traditional villages set in the barren desert of Mustang.
The drive from Lo Manthang to Marpha takes around 7–8 hours by jeep, with stops at viewpoints for sightseeing. After departing the fortress city of Lo Manthang, the trail ascends to cross the Lo La Pass (3,960 m), then gradually descends toward the villages of Charang, Ghami, and Geling.
During this journey, we will cross the Lo La Pass (3,960 m), Charang La (3,870 m), Ghami La (3,765 m), and Nyi La (4,025 m).
The road winds downward, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, high cliffs, and the rugged Mustang Valley.
When we reach Marpha, we will conclude our remarkable journey, enjoying a traditional dinner and warm hospitality at the Thakali Restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tenpopo



Day 10. May 28, 2025 (Wednesday). MARPHA — TATOPANI — POKHARA (5-hour drive)

Today, we bid farewell to Mustang with an early morning jeep ride to Pokhara.
The drive to Pokhara offers an excellent opportunity to experience beautiful landscapes, rural areas, waterfalls, and the people and culture of Nepal, leaving lasting memories.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will check into a hotel, relax, and spend the evening exploring the city in search of souvenirs. We will also enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful conclusion of our expedition.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Iceland


Day 11. May 29, 2025 (Thursday). POKHARA — KATHMANDU (8-hour drive)

Today marks the final day of our journey through Nepal!
In the morning, we will drive to the local airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will check into a hotel and have lunch.
If time permits after the flight, we will visit the Pashupatinath Temple and the Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
In the evening, we will dine at one of the city’s best restaurants, celebrating the end of our expedition with a cultural show.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Samsara Resort Thamel Kathmandu


Day 12. May 30, 2025 (Friday). KATHMANDU — DEPARTURE FLIGHT

After breakfast, our guide will transfer us to the airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation included: None


*Recommended flights:

• Flydubai, flight FZ-540, departing Kathmandu on May 30 at 3:45 PM
• Any other flight departing from Kathmandu on May 30