Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. 

In the evening, join a special Welcome Dinner featuring a traditional Nepali tasting menu. This elegant gathering offers an introduction to the fascinating history of Upper Mustang, its unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture, and the significance of the Tiji Festival. Your expedition leader will provide a detailed tour briefing, outlining the journey ahead and answering any questions before the adventure begins.

Kathmandu Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit three of Kathmandu's most important cultural and spiritual landmarks. Begin at Swayambhunath Stupa, one of Nepal's oldest Buddhist sites, followed by Boudhanath Stupa, a major center of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the largest stupas in the world.

In the evening, visit Pashupatinath Temple and witness the sacred Aarati ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River. The ceremony, accompanied by devotional chants, music, and the lighting of oil lamps, offers a unique insight into Nepal's living spiritual traditions.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Flight to Pokhara (822m) & Drive to Lete (2473m)

Take a 30-minute morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara with spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival, begin a scenic five-hour drive towards Lete through the Kali Gandaki Valley, home to one of the world's deepest gorges, lying between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The journey passes through Beni, Tatopani, and Ghasa, following the course of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, enjoy views of dramatic river valleys, cascading waterfalls, traditional mountain villages, and the ever-changing landscapes of the lower Mustang region before arriving in Lete.

Overnight in Lete.

Drive to Muktinath (3710m) via Kagbeni (2804m)

After breakfast, continue the journey north to Kagbeni, one of the oldest and most culturally significant settlements in the Mustang region. Situated at the gateway to Upper Mustang, Kagbeni holds great religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists and has long served as a key stop along ancient trans-Himalayan trade routes.

Explore the old village with its narrow alleyways, traditional mud-brick houses, and centuries-old architecture. Visit the historic Kag Chode Monastery, an important Buddhist monastery belonging to the Sakya tradition, and learn about its role in preserving the spiritual heritage of the region.

After lunch in Kagbeni, continue the drive to Muktinath, one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.

Overnight in Muktinath.

Muktinath Exploration

After breakfast, take a short walk to the sacred Muktinath Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, the temple attracts devotees seeking spiritual purification and liberation.

At the temple complex, experience the traditional ritual of bathing under the 108 holy water spouts, believed to cleanse the body and soul. Continue exploring the surrounding sacred sites, including the monastery and Buddha Park, which offer insight into the region's unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Also visit the revered Jwala Mai Temple, known for its natural eternal flame, where the elements of fire, water, and earth coexist in a rare and sacred phenomenon.

Overnight in Muktinath.

Drive to Samar (3,600m) via Chhusang (2,980m)

After breakfast, drive to Kagbeni, where the restricted area permit for Upper Mustang will be checked before entering the former Kingdom of Lo. From here, continue north through the dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang to the village of Chhusang.

Visit the ancient Chhusang Cave and take a short hike to Tetang Monastery, located above the traditional settlement of Tetang. The area offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history, culture, and unique desert-like terrain. After lunch, continue the drive through spectacular canyons and eroded cliff formations to Samar, one of the first major settlements of Upper Mustang.

Overnight in Samar.

Drive to Tsarang (3560m) via Chungsi Cave (3,700m)

Start the day with an early morning pooja ceremony at Samar Monastery, offering an opportunity to experience the spiritual traditions of Upper Mustang. After breakfast, continue the journey towards Chungsi Cave, one of the region's most important meditation sites associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).

Explore the sacred cave and spend time in quiet meditation within its serene surroundings. The cave has long been revered as a place of spiritual retreat and contemplation for Buddhist practitioners. Continue to the village of Ghami for lunch before driving through the spectacular Mustang landscape towards Tsarang.

Overnight in Tsarang.

Drive to Lo Manthang (3,840m)

Begin the morning with a visit to Tsarang Monastery and take part in the daily prayer rituals alongside resident monks. The monastery is one of the most important religious centers in Upper Mustang and offers valuable insight into the region's living traditions.

Continue to the historic Tsarang Palace, one of the oldest royal structures in Mustang. Unlike many restored heritage buildings, the palace remains largely in its original condition, preserving its traditional architecture, interiors, and centuries-old artifacts. After breakfast, drive towards Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo.

Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation before taking an evening walk through the narrow alleys and courtyards of the walled city. Surrounded by centuries-old mud-brick walls, Lo Manthang offers a unique glimpse into a preserved Himalayan kingdom that has retained its culture, traditions, and way of life for generations.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day 1: Opening ceremony of the Tiji Festival

After breakfast, attend the opening day of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang. Held in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, the festival brings together local communities, monks, and pilgrims from across Mustang to witness sacred rituals, traditional music, and elaborate masked dances.

The first day of the festival introduces the story of Dorje Jono, the deity whose actions symbolize the triumph of wisdom and compassion over destructive forces. The colorful performances, accompanied by traditional instruments and ceremonial prayers, offer a fascinating insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions of the former Kingdom of Lo.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

DAY 2 - TIJI FESTIVAL - Positive Vs Negative forces

After breakfast, attend the second day of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang. The celebrations continue with a series of sacred masked dances, ritual performances, and prayers performed by monks in the courtyard of the Royal Palace.

The ceremonies depict the ongoing struggle between positive and negative forces, highlighting themes of protection, purification, and spiritual transformation. As the festival progresses, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, beliefs, and cultural heritage that have shaped life in Upper Mustang for centuries.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

DAY 3 - Final Day of Tiji festival

After breakfast, attend the final day of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang. The concluding ceremonies bring together monks, local residents, and pilgrims for the most significant rituals of the festival, marking the victory of good over evil and the restoration of harmony and balance.

The day features the final masked dances, ceremonial prayers, and symbolic rituals that complete the story of Dorje Jono. As the celebrations draw to a close, the atmosphere within the walled city becomes especially vibrant, offering a unique opportunity to witness one of the Himalayas' most authentic and spiritually significant cultural events.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Drive to Jomsom

After breakfast, depart Lo Manthang and drive south through Upper Mustang towards Jomsom. The route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through the villages and settlements visited earlier in the journey.

Arrive in Jomsom in the afternoon and check in to the hotel.

Overnight in Jomsom.

Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, drive from Jomsom to Pokhara following the Kali Gandaki Valley. The return marks the end of the high-altitude expedition through the former Kingdom of Lo. Pass through Marpha, Tatopani, and Beni before reaching Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Pokhara Sightseeing, Relaxation

After breakfast, visit the World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot, both offering panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna range. Continue to Phewa Lake for a boating experience on Nepal’s second-largest lake.

The day also offers a selection of optional adventure activities in Pokhara, including paragliding over the lake and valley, zip-lining, ultralight flights, and short scenic helicopter flights (available on request). Alternatively, guests may choose a relaxed day with spa and massage treatments at the hotel or wellness center.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Flight to Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara International Airport for a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Thamel for shopping and last-minute souvenir purchases, including handicrafts, textiles, and local products. Later in the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner marking the conclusion of the Upper Mustang and Tiji Festival journey.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

International Departure

After breakfast, our representative will escort you to Kathmandu International Airport as per your scheduled flight time and assist with departure formalities.

The journey concludes with departure from Nepal, carrying memories of the Upper Mustang expedition and the Tiji Festival experience.