Today, you travel from busy Kathmandu Valley towards the foothills of the Himalayas. You will start with a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city in the foothills and right beside the lovely Phewa Lake. From Pokhara, you will continue your journey with a drive to Beni. Beni is the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers. The drive will be interesting as you will travel through twisty roads and you will be able to experience how people live in Nepal’s country side. Beni is an interesting town, and from Beni, you will be able to see a lot of remote parts of Nepal.

Today, your adventure takes you further into the Himalayas, along the path of the Kali Gandaki River. It is one of the deepest rivers in the world, and it has carved its way through the mountains to create spectacular scenery. You’ll continue southwest, past Beni, up into the rugged terrain. These small villages provide a glimpse of the traditional, centuries-old lifestyle of the mountains. The geography changes every kilometer or so. The lush green of the lower foothills will slowly transition into a drier, high-altitude landscape. You will be getting closer to the mountains and the Kali Gandaki valley, leaving you feeling surrounded by the vastness of nature. Your destination for today is Jomsom, the Mustang region’s centre. Jomsom is a fairly busy town, an important transit centre for tourists and locals. At a higher point, it has a fresh, new view of the surrounding mountains. Jomsom greets you with a hustle and bustle similar to that of an airport and set with a beautiful windy environment.

Today, you will be crossing into upper Mustang, This is a big, exciting trip for any trekker as you will be entering the special, old-walled kingdom. Your destination is the ancient village of Kagbeni, which has a very different and almost mystical feel. Kagbeni is like a door to Upper Mustang, the official entry point into this protected and culturally rich part of Nepal. You'll notice a difference as you get near Kagbeni, a tangible shift, a sensation of leaving behind the known and entering the world's past and ancient ways. When you arrive, you head to the checkpoint where they check your permits. This is not just a formality; it is a symbolic entry into a realm that has retained its unique character for centuries. Kagbeni is the perfect place to spend a few hours soaking in the magical atmosphere. Wander through its narrow, winding alleyways, which feel frozen in time. Mud-brick houses and traditional architecture reveal the long history of settlement in the area. The old monastery that overlooks Kagbeni is a place of deep spiritual significance and architectural beauty. This is where you can see the rituals and traditions that have been kept for generations. It’s all interesting, but give yourself time to simply feel your way around this border town. The air is crisp, and the sense of history hangs in the air.

Your vehicle will also go up into the high passes of Upper Mustang when you continue your overland journey, exposing you to landscapes of stunning beauty and stark contrast. You’ll keep on driving, leaving Kagbeni behind and entering landscapes that slowly turn into a desert of high-altitude. You will visit the charming villages of Tangbe and Chhusang, both of which have their unique character and provide a glimpse into the traditional life of the Lobas. These small way stations, hidden among craggy peaks, offer a sense of perpetuity with the past. The best part of the day is hiking to the Syangboche La Pass 8560 above sea level. At this point, you will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After that, you will arrive at Ghami village, known for its impressive long mani wall. Mani walls are more than just stone installations; they are spiritual beacons of prayer. Ghami, being a very peaceful village, provides a calm environment in the theatrical landscape. Further, this day is a mix of nature and culture, continuing into the depths of Upper Mustang.

Today, we arrive at the highlight of our Upper Mustang exploration: Lo Manthang, its ancient capital. The closer we get to this lost city, the more excited we become. Then, we will be able to see the yellowish-brown walls of Lo Manthang in the distance. This isn’t a movie set — it’s a real city, hewn directly from the rocky hills surrounding it and showing the signs of many years. We pass through the ancient gates and enter Lo Manthang. The city is something like a living narrative about history, with dusty stone paths and old buildings. Once we arrive, we will settle into our accommodations. We will spend some time finding out about local customs and how Lo Manthang is. Following that, we start the exploration. Streets are narrow, leading to hidden market treasures, as well as old monasteries and walls decorated with clay pots. Lo Manthang has a story to tell from its past at each of its corners. There are three significant monasteries and the King’s Palace in this city, which we will visit during our trip. Lo Manthang’s remoteness has protected its ancient culture, providing a glimpse into a way of life that hasn’t altered much over time. This day represents a transition from crossing the vast open spaces of the region to visiting the core of its historic hub.

Today, we delve into the heart of Mustang. We'll take day hikes outside the strong walls of Lo Manthang, exploring places few people see. Our day begins with a visit to Namgyal Gompa, one of the most important monasteries, located on a hillside north of the city. The views from there are stunning. You can spot the entire valley and the amazing Mustang terrain extending in all directions. The general beauty and spiritual significance of the region are well reflected in Namgyal Gompa as well. Next, we will visit Tingkhar village – the last village in Upper Mustang before reaching the Tibetan plateau. It’s a peaceful place, a fraction of the size of Lo Manthang. Here, you’ll find a simpler way of life. Tingkhar provides us with an opportunity to observe how local people live in synchrony with nature.

Today, we will start our backward journey to Jomsom by the same old roads that we came to Lo Manthang. This allows us to view some of the beautiful scenery that we liked on the way up, but from a different perspective. We’ll be treading trails we’re already familiar with. This trip home isn't so much about returning but rather having the opportunity to see this land with new eyes and to witness things that we may have previously overlooked. Every stop offers an insight into the day-to-day lives of these locals and allows us to soak in their culture. This day is for reminiscing on our time in Lo Manthang and taking pleasure in the stillness of the Mustang landscape. We’ll stop and reflect on it all, basking in the wonderful things we experienced

This morning, you’ll be saying goodbye to the mountains as you fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom on an early flight. This short flight is more than a hop; it's your last look of the spectacular Himalayas from above. It’s a bittersweet moment, a goodbye to the magnificent terrains that have entranced you. In Pokhara, you will get a transfer to another flight that will take you back to Kathmandu immediately after landing. Arrive in the capital of Nepal and start the reflection of the amazing upper Mustang adventure. The ancient walled city, stunning mountain passes, and Lobas culture will remain unforgettable for years to come. You will have some time in Kathmandu before your international flight. You might use this time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, bringing back gifts that serve as reminders of your travels. You can also use this time to rest and get ready to say your final good bye to nepal. And finally, catch your flight from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) with the unforgettable memories of the Upper Mustang trip.