Upon arriving in Kathmandu, a warm welcome awaits as our Ethic Himalaya representative will receive you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. To begin your journey on a delightful note, we have arranged a special welcome dinner in the evening. To embrace the local culture, this memorable dinner will feature a variety of authentic Nepalese dishes and a comforting welcome drink.

Transfer: 30-45 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Welcome Dinner

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Kathmandu with our experienced city tour guide. Our itinerary includes several remarkable sites:

• SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the Monkey Temple, is perched atop a hill and can be reached by climbing a long set of steps. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• BOUDHANATH STUPA is adorned with traditional Gompas adorned with vibrant prayer flags. It serves as a focal point for Sherpas and Tibetans who partake in circumambulating the stupa (koras).
• PASHUPATINATH, a sacred Hindu temple, is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and features ghats where cremation ceremonies take place, offering a unique glimpse into Hindu rituals.
• KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, one of the ancient capitals of the Kathmandu Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vibrant square showcases a harmonious fusion of Hindu and Buddhist temples, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

With our knowledgeable guide, you will gain insights into these iconic landmarks' historical, religious, and architectural significance. Prepare to be captivated by the unique charm and spiritual ambiance of Kathmandu.

Sightseeing: 7-8 Hours | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Breakfast

The drive begins with an early-morning departure from Kathmandu, where your driver picks you up from your hotel to avoid heavy traffic at Nagdhunga Checkpoint. As you descend the winding hills, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Trishuli River valley, with a refreshing tea break at Malekhu, a riverside stop famous for its fresh fried fish. The drive continues to Muglin, near the confluence of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch, followed by a smooth drive through Dumre and Damauli with scenic terraced fields and charming hill towns along the way. As you approach Pokhara, the spectacular peaks of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Massif dominate the skyline. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel in Lakeside near Phewa Lake, where you can unwind with a peaceful sunset boat ride, stroll along the vibrant lakeside streets, and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants featuring live music or traditional Nepali performances. This overnight stay in Pokhara allows you to relax and savor the stunning natural beauty and cultural charm of the “Lake City.”

Transfer: 200 km, 6-7 hours | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After a late morning breakfast in Pokhara, your journey heads west on a smooth black-topped highway toward Beni, passing scenic spots like Hemja and Naudanda with panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif. A brief stop at Kusma lets you admire its famous suspension bridges, including some of Nepal’s highest and longest, spanning dramatic canyons. At Beni, where the Kali Gandaki River and Myagdi River meet, the paved road ends and your off-road adventure begins. From here, your 4WD vehicle—such as a Mahindra Scorpio or Toyota Land Cruiser—navigates dirt tracks that may be dusty or muddy, while you can enjoy a traditional Thakali Thali lunch before continuing. The drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, carved into cliffs far above the roaring river, is one of the world’s most dramatic, nestled between the towering Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) to the west and Annapurna I (8,091 m) to the east, with occasional construction delays around Galeshwor to note. Continuing through this breathtaking landscape, you arrive in Tatopani (1,190 m), a warm valley village famous for its natural hot springs, where you can relax, soak in the mineral-rich waters, and experience the local culture before continuing your journey toward Mustang.

Transfer: 110 km, 5-6 hours | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After leaving the hot springs in Tatopani, the road follows the Kali Gandaki River through the world’s deepest gorge, flanked by Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. A mandatory stop at Rupse Waterfall offers stunning photo opportunities right beside the road. Continuing to Ghasa, the official Mustang district checkpost, travelers present their ACAP permits before climbing through alpine pine forests and orchards toward Marpha, known as the “Apple Capital of Nepal,” where whitewashed stone houses, apple brandy, and dried apples make for a perfect tea break. Passing through Jomsom, the administrative hub of Mustang, you’ll feel the strong Jomsom wind that sweeps north through the valley after 11:00 AM, before continuing on the improved 2026 road toward Muktinath (3,800 m), a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. Here, pilgrims walk under the 108 water spouts for purification and visit the eternal flame at Dhola Mebar Gompa, but careful acclimatization is advised due to the high altitude. From Muktinath, the drive descends about 45 minutes to Kagbeni (2,810 m) for an overnight stay, offering a more comfortable rest. Kagbeni, the medieval gateway to Upper Mustang, features the historic Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery founded in 1429, narrow mud-brick alleys, and old town tunnels, giving visitors a unique glimpse into the traditional and restricted “Forbidden Kingdom” stretching north from the edge of the village.

Transfer: 90 km, 5-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 3,040 m | Altitude Loss: 530 m | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After departing from Kagbeni, your driver will stop at the Upper Mustang Entry Permit Office to present your Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP), marking the beginning of the restricted region. As you travel north along the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River, you will pass traditional villages with narrow alleys and whitewashed houses. Near Chhusang, you will encounter the dramatic "Organ Pipe Cliffs," which rise across the river and feature towering fluted formations and ancient sky caves that were used for meditation and burials.

Depending on the season, your 4WD may cross the riverbed or utilize reinforced steel bridges near the Chele tunnel. The road then climbs steeply toward Chele, where the landscape transforms into the treeless, ochre-red expanse characteristic of Mustang. After crossing smaller passes, you will reach the village of Samar for lunch.

Next, you will ascend to the highest point of the day at Syangboche Pass (4,200 m). From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri massifs to the south and the heart of the "Forbidden Kingdom" to the north, along with colorful chortens adorned with fluttering prayer flags. The road then descends to Ghami (3,520 m), a stunning village set against jagged red cliffs and surrounded by fields of buckwheat and barley.

After settling into your teahouse, take the opportunity to explore Ghami’s Tibetan Buddhist treasures, including the longest Mani Wall in Nepal, the historic Ghami Gompa with its ancient murals, and the fiery red cliffs at sunset—ideal for photography. Travelers should remain aware of high-altitude conditions, protect themselves from the strong sun and dust, and secure their cameras and electronics, as the largely unpaved, graded road can be rough and bumpy.

Transfer: 60 km, 4-6 Hours | Altitude Gain: 2,220 m | Altitude Loss: 1,550 m | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After leaving Ghami, your 4WD drives north toward Dhakmar, known for its striking red cliffs, which local legend says were stained by a demon’s blood defeated by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The deep red canyon walls, green buckwheat fields, and whitewashed chortens make this area a perfect spot for photos. From Dhakmar, the road climbs to Ghar Gompa (3,950 m), considered the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world, with ancient murals and hand-painted stones, where travelers often make offerings for a safe journey. A short descent brings you to Tsarang, a village with the ruins of the White Palace, the large red-painted Tsarang Gompa, and teahouses where you can enjoy a hearty lunch of Thukpa or Dal Bhat. The final climb over Lo La Pass (3,950 m), called the “Pass of Windy Anticipation,” reveals the walled city of Lo Manthang. At the chorten on the pass, you can tie a prayer flag before walking the last few minutes into the city, where locals wear traditional Chubas, horses roam the streets, and prayer wheels spin rhythmically. In the evening, explore Palace Square and visit Jampa Lhakhang for a glimpse of the city’s spiritual heart.

Transfer: 34 km, 4-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 1,200 m | Altitude Loss: 940 m | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Lo Manthang, board your 4WD for a scenic 30-minute drive north to the Chhoser Valley, also known as Cave Valley. Here, towering, wind-sculpted cliffs are adorned with ancient man-made openings. Explore the Shija Jhong Cave Valley and take in the views of the distant Tibetan plateau.

Visit the cave monasteries of Nyiphug Monastery (Sun Cave) and Garphu Gompa, known for their vibrant frescoes and significance as spiritual centers for the local community. Continue your journey north toward Kora La, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch near the high-altitude border, surrounded by views of the vast plains extending into Tibet.

Return to Lo Manthang for a more in-depth exploration. Visit Jampa Lhakhang (Temple of Jampa), which houses a massive gilded Maitreya Buddha, and Thubchen Gompa, featuring enormous wooden pillars and 15th-century murals. Also, check out Chodey Monastery, where monks chant and novices train, as well as the Monastic Museum, showcasing ancient scripts, ritual masks, and thangkas from the Kingdom of Lo.

In the evening, enjoy the Royal Square as the city walls glow orange and pink at sunset. Watch as locals bring their goats and horses inside the gates and take the opportunity to browse local shops for authentic Mustang crafts, woolen rugs, Tibetan incense, and traditional jewelry.

Accommodation: Lodge | Altitude Gain: 1,200 m | Altitude Loss: 1,200 m | Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After leaving the walled city, your 4WD climbs back to Lo La Pass (3,950m) for a final panoramic view of the “Forbidden Kingdom” before descending toward the Tsarang plateau. A quick morning tea stop in Chharang offers stunning views of white chortens against the deep blue Himalayan sky as you cross the Chharang Chu river and navigate ridge roads toward Ghami. The route over Ghami La (3,765m) and Syangboche La (3,850m) involves steep switchbacks and S-curves looking down into deep canyons, with a stop at Syangboche to enjoy your last view of the Tibetan border hills. Descending further, stop in Samar for a traditional Nepali lunch among poplar trees before the road drops sharply toward Chele, passing through a tunnel-like canyon carved by the Kali Gandaki River. From Chhusang, the road levels out along the stony riverbed, famous for Shaligram fossils, before exiting the Restricted Area at the ACAP office in Kagbeni. The final stretch to Jomsom (2,720m) is often windy, but brings you back to modern comforts, including cafes, Wi-Fi, and the small mountain airstrip. In the evening, explore the Mustang Eco-Museum for insights into Thakali culture, and enjoy local specialties like fresh apple juice, apple pie, or the famous Marpha Brandy to celebrate completing the Upper Mustang circuit.

Transfer: 94 km, 6-8 hours | Altitude Gain: 2,280 m | Altitude Loss: 3,350 m | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning departures between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM offer the best chance for clear skies on the 15–20-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying through the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, between the 8,000-meter peaks of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. A left-side seat gives the best views of the Annapurna Massif, while flights are weather-dependent, with a 4WD Jeep transfer as a backup in case of delays. Upon arrival at Pokhara Domestic Airport, the dry, cold air of Mustang gives way to the warm, subtropical breeze of the valley. A short 5–10-minute drive or hotel-arranged shuttle brings trekkers to Lakeside Pokhara, where they can relax, explore the scenic area, and enjoy attractions. Pokhara has many interesting places to visit, such as:

• Mahendra Cave: Perched on a hilltop overlooking Pokhara, this cave is renowned for its stunning vistas and features Hindu and Buddhist shrines that attract numerous tourists.
• David's Fall: Located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Pokhara, this waterfall is a popular destination for swimming and picnicking.
• Phewa Lake: As the largest lake in Pokhara, Phewa Lake is a favored spot for activities such as boating, fishing, and bird-watching.
• Begnas Lake: Situated around 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Pokhara, Begnas Lake is another popular location for boating, fishing, and bird-watching.
• Tal Barahi Temple: Positioned on an island in Phewa Lake, this temple is a well-known pilgrimage site and an attraction for tourists.
• International Mountain Museum: Situated in Pokhara, this museum provides exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the people of the Himalayas.

Flight Duration: 25 minutes    | Transfer: 20 minutes    | Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast in Pokhara, drive to Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital and cultural center. This overland journey follows the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, passing through important locations such as Dumre, the gateway to the hilltop town of Bandipur; Mugling, a major highway junction and popular stop for traditional Nepali Dal Bhat; and Kurintar, the base station for the Manakamana Cable Car and a hub for Trisuli River rafting. Following Galchhi, the road ascends toward the Kathmandu Valley, with the Nagdhunga-Sisne Khola Tunnel significantly shortening travel time. Take in panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley before driving to your hotel in Kathmandu or Thamel, where traffic may affect arrival time.

Transfer: 200 km, 6-7 Hours    | Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we have free time to explore Kathmandu on our own. You could spend the day shopping for souvenirs, exploring the colorful streets and bazaars, or sampling the local cuisine. You could also go to some of the city's popular tourist attractions, such as Bhaktapur and Patan, which highlight Nepal's rich cultural and historical heritage. You could also participate in other activities such as hiking, biking, or adventure sports, or simply relax and rejuvenate at one of the city's many spas and wellness centers. Whatever you decide, make sure to take in the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this wonderful city.

Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast

Today, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport to depart. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will collect our belongings and head to the airport. We will arrive at the airport on time to complete all of the necessary formalities and board our flight. Before we leave this enchanting country, take one last look at the breathtaking Himalayan views and appreciate the Nepalese people's warm hospitality and kindness. This concludes our tour, and we hope you had a memorable and enjoyable experience in Nepal.

Transfer 25-30 min | Meal: Breakfast