Nepal, Wild Nepal | Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
- ?
Vigorous
- Duration: 19 days from the UK
- On trek: 10 days
- Private Departures Available
Flight inclusive from £4315, Land only from £3295
The classic trek to Lo Manthang using comfortable Tibetan-style lodges throughout.
Highlights
- Visit a small Buddhist kingdom that until relatively recently was closed to the outside world.
- Attractive Tibetan-style villages with a strong, well preserved Tibetan culture and intriguing long-abandoned cliff dwellings and ancient cave monasteries.
- A dramatic desert landscape with incredible ‘organ-pipe’ cliffs, set against a backdrop of the mighty snow-capped Himalaya.
- While on trek stay in charming teahouses, small hotels and lodges
- 4* hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and a combination of tea houses and lodges on trek.
The remote and mysterious region of Mustang is situated in the far north of Nepal, beyond the mountain giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, and extending into the highlands of Tibet. It is a vast, high, arid valley characterised by eroded canyons and colourful stratified rock formations with a barren, desert-like appearance fringed by snow-capped peaks. Lying in the rain shadow of the Himalaya it is an ideal region to explore in the summer, outside of the normal Nepal trekking season.
The ancient and ‘Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang’ has long been shrouded in mystery. Protecting its authentic Tibetan culture from outside influences, Mustang remained closed for many years to foreigners until it finally opened its doors in 1992. Trekkers though were not allowed in until 1994 and we were one of the first British trekking companies to take people there in that year.
Having taken the sensational flight from Pokhara up the ‘deepest gorge in the world’ which lies between Mt Annapurna and Mt Dhaulagiri, you land at the small town of Jomsom. Already the scenery and atmosphere is Tibetan-like. From Jomsom you drive in 4x4s up dry river beds and through rivers to the village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Mustang. The next six days is a trek through astounding gorges, crossing prayer-flagged passes, and visiting holy caves, villages with monasteries and fortresses and seeing the unbelievable multi coloured cliff formations. You are now truly inside the Kingdom of Lo, hemmed in on the west and east by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and closed to the north by a range of smaller mountains marking the Tibetan border. Finally you cross the Choge La Pass, 4,301m/ 14,111ft, and drop down to the ‘Plain of Prayers’ where you come to the only square walled city in the Himalaya, Lo Manthang.
The walled city of Lo Manthang is one of the undoubted highlights of the trek and you will have time to wander the enticing streets, explore its impressive temples and possibly visit the King’s Palace where you may even get an audience with the current ‘king’, as many of our previous groups have done.
For the return you take a different route to visit the second most important township, Tsarang, and a string of other fabulous villages with huge chortens, flat-topped roofs and white-washed walls.
Finally, you end your trek at Chussang and take the short jeep ride back to Jomsom. Here you can reflect on a superb cultural and scenic experience, unlike any other in Nepal
Private Departures
Kingdom of Mustang Trek - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Vigorous
Duration: 19 days from the UK
On trek: 10 days
Max. Altitude: 4,301m/14,111ft, Chogo La Pass, Day 10
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Lodges
Meal arrangements: Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara, all meals on trek.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu |
| 3 | Fly to Pokhara |
| 4 | Fly to Jomsom, Drive to Kagbeni |
| 5-10 | Trekking to Lo Manthang up the western side of the Kali Gandaki Valley. |
| 11 | At leisure in Lo Manthang or visit villages north of Lo Manthang. |
| 12-14 | Trek down a different route on the western side of the valley to Chussang |
| 15 | Drive to Jomsom |
| 16 | Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara |
| 17-19 | At leisure in Kathmandu and fly home. |
Leader: Nepalese Sherpa, Mustang
Our Sherpas have been leading treks in Mustang for many years. In fact, we have been taking groups there every year since 1994 (with the exception of the years of Maoist rebellion). We have used the same group of Sherpas for our Mustang treks in all that time. They are extremely knowledgeable about the culture, history, geology, flora and fauna of the Mustang region.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart from London.
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You may choose to eat here tonight or venture out into nearby Thamel with its many bars and restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Fly to Pokhara. Transfer to hotel. Time at leisure.
This morning you will take the short morning flight to Pokhara, Nepal's second city. This exciting flight passes over the terraced Himalayan foothills, with views of the main range to the north. Overlooked by the stunning spire of Machhapuchare, 'Fishtail Peak', the town of Pokhara is the start point for treks to the Annapurna region, Mustang, Daulaghiri and Manaslu. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Pokhara's bustling lakeside with cafe, shops etc is just a short walk or taxi ride from the hotel.
Overnight: Barahi Hotel or Similar, Pokhara
Day 4 - Day 4: Fly to Jomsom, 2,743m/9,000ft - ½ hour flight. Drive to Kagbeni, 2,896m/9,500ft - 1½ hours drive.
You take the 20-minute early morning flight, usually around 7am. You will get close-up views from your small aircraft of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and nearby satellites. It is a sensational flight! On arrival you will be met at the tiny airstrip by your Sherpa crew. After some initial preparation of loads and a cup of tea, you drive the short distance to Kagbeni on the jeep road through dry river beds, and wide streams.
Upon reaching Kagbeni, a very pretty Tibetan-style village, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa (monastery), there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang. About 50 families live here, most of them traders who represent the link in the chain between modern Nepal and the 'Tibetan' peoples of Mustang.
At the northern end of the village there is a sign saying 'Restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point'. Here, tomorrow, you will complete your paperwork formalities for you to enter this long-prohibited region of Nepal. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has set up a very interesting information post here with displays of Mustang artefacts and photos. Look out for the excellent coffee shop very near the ACAP office.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 5 - Drive to Tangbe, 2,926m/9,600ft. Trek to Tetang and on to Chele, 3050m/10,007ft - 4 hours trek.
To avoid the unpleasant experience of walking on the road you drive to Tangbe, 2,926m/9,600ft, a stunning village with the remains of an old castle, narrow alley ways, ochre coloured chortens and an archery ground, and here are also the first black, white and red chortens that typify Upper Mustang.
You then take the path leading inland to the village of Tetang, again well worth exploring, before crossing the river and following the Nari Khola down to Chussang village, at the confluence of the Narshang Khola and the Khali Kandaki. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. There are three separate parts to this village and some broken castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chussang are spectacular red organ-pipe eroded cliffs above the mouth of some inaccessible caves. The five villages of this area, Chele, Gyakar, Chussang, Tangbe and Tetang are home to a culturally unified group of people, closely related to the Manangis, rather than the true Lobas.
There is a distinct change here, not only in topography, but there is a world of difference also in the culture, lifestyle and people. Settlements are more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang do practice agriculture, but because of the lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is in sheltered plots of land creating a landscape of patterned brown, with scattered patterns of shaded greens.
Continuing north, this time unavoidably on the jeep road, you reach a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above forming a tunnel through which the river flows. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of the tunnel and north of here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable on foot, although locals sometimes travel this route on horseback, through a steep, narrow canyon. There are many caves here high on the fluted red cliffs above. Climbing 100m/328ft to the village of Chele, you stay in a simple but characterful lodge at the upper end of the village. Most of the houses now have sheep horns above their doorways and ghost traps. Watch out also for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs that many of the local people keep.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 6 - Trek to Samar, 3,660m/11,811ft, via Ghyakar and Kyuten – 5 hours trek.
Climbing from Chele after breakfast you come to a place where you can see the village of Gyakar across a huge canyon. Here there is a very impressive suspension bridge which you cross and a short climb brings you to fields of barley topped by a wood of large trees. There is no shortage of water here. Then you arrive at the entrance gateway and tunnels under houses that lead to the small square of Gyakar which boasts a single tap and a washing place.
Leaving the village you go gently up through odd looking bushy plants and dog roses. It becomes drier and more arid. Continuing up you come to a big gulch and drop down to a stream and then up into a narrow defile. From the exit of the defile it is a long contour round to the village of Samar. As you walk up from Gyakar look across to your right and you will see the old cliff path that used to be the main path from Chele to Samar. Some people do still use it apparently.
Samar sits in a grove of poplar trees and is a major stopping place for the mule caravans coming from Tibet.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 7 - Trek to Syangboche, 3,770m/12,369ft, with visit to holy cave of Rangchung – 5 hours trek.
From Samar you drop steeply down into a box canyon and up the other side. Then into another box canyon with an enchanting path that zig zags up and out of that canyon. Next is a long steepish climb to a pass which is about 3 hours from Samar.
From the pass you start the long descent into the stupendous gorge. Absolutely jaw dropping! Down and down you go into a seemingly bottomless world, passing huge, vertical, eroded, red cliffs.
Eventually you come to a stream and a bridge and here you turn left to visit the holy cave of Rangchung - approximately 40 minute round trip from the stream crossing. Guru Rimpoche is said to have meditated here on his way to Tibet and the cave contains many sacred relics and statues that 'grow'.
Leaving the bridge, it is up and up and up, out of the bowels of the earth to reach the four house hamlet of Syangboche. The Dhaulagiri Hotel is a very pleasant lodge for the night.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 8 - Trek to Ghami, 3,520m/11,549ft – 6 hours trek.
Leaving Syangboche it is 15 minutes uphill to the large coloured chorten that marks the Syangboche La, 3,850m/12,631ft, from where there are fabulous views over to the east. Traversing on from here you come to a descending cliff path with a stream at the bottom, half an hour from the chorten. It is only 10 minutes up from here to Tamagaon, 3,710m/12,172ft, another small hamlet. Another half an hour or so brings you to a tea-house shop called Chongar. Again, further on for an hour there is another one house tea-shop called Zhaite, a great place to have lunch - inside the house it is spotlessly clean.
During the day you will pass many chortens along the way. Always keep to the left as it is bad 'Karma' to go the wrong way round. This is perhaps the driest part of Mustang and much of one's energy is spent negotiating loose, dry soil. However the magnificent views of the countryside, the gentle contours of the north in contrast to the rugged mountains in the east and west are a source of inspiration.
Then there is a memorable trail to the Ngi La Pass at 4,045m/13,271ft. This pass is regarded as the southern boundary of Upper Mustang. The descent is nice and gentle until you take the footpath trail over the Ghami La Pass, 3,765m/12,352ft, and a beautiful contour leads you closer and closer to the compact village of Ghami. Behind the village look for the diagonal path up the dry hillside - that is the start of your route tomorrow.
In the afternoon we highly recommend walking half an hour from Ghami to the west to see the amazing cliff cave dwellings - unbelievable!
In Ghami you will stay in one of the best lodges in Mustang, owned by the 'royal' family there. You stay in the relatively new lodge and eat your meals in the ancient, large, family house, full of interesting things!
Overnight: Lodge
Day 9 - Trek to Lo Gekhar, 3,934m/12,907ft, via Dhakmar – 6 hours trek.
Leaving the magnificent Royal Mustang Lodge you walk down out of town to cross the river and climb up the other side. The diagonal path leads easily up across a dusty mountainside to a pass, the Deurali La, 3,717m/12,195ft. Looking back there are fine views of Ghami and you can see the state of dereliction of the old original palace. The path contours round the end of the next valley and you start to see the famous red cliffs above Dhakmar. The closer you get the more sensational they become, peppered here and there with clusters of cave dwellings.
It is an easy descent into the valley where shortly you will come to a single house. You then pass an old manor house directly under the red cliffs. The legend has it that Guru Rimpoche slew a dragon here and the cliffs were soaked with its blood.
Beyond there is a scattering of houses and the path now passes trees and fields before entering a very dry gully. You climb slowly up through eroded rock formations past fluted rock columns on your left. Out of the top of the gully you arrive at a flattish plateau. You contour round to the actual pass, the Marung La, 4,042m/13,261ft. This has wide views over Mustang and down below you can see the monastery of Lo Gekhar. This is one of, if not the most important, temples in Mustang and it is surrounded by chortens daubed a rust colour. It is said to date back to the 8th century when Guru Rimpoche came to slay the demon that was preventing the building of Samye Monastery in Tibet. The temple was built on the dead demon's heart, under the main statue of Guru Rimpoche. The inner temple is the pure essence of Tibetan Buddhism, and there is a real, tangible power in the place. It is also a school for boy monks.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 10 - Cross the Chogo La, 4,301m/14,111ft, and trek to Lo Manthang, 3,770m/12,369ft - 4-5 hours trek.
So, from Lo Gekhar you have to cross the range of mountains ahead and then descend to Lo Manthang. First you drop the short distance to a bridge over a stream and start the long haul to the pass. It's a good area for spotting wildlife and you may see yaks, marmots and eagles.
It takes 2½ hours to reach the Chogo La Pass at 4,301m/14,111ft. Before this there is a lovely meandering path contouring along a ridge. From the pass it is a long way down through desolate scenery to the 'Plain of Aspiration'. The main entrance to the city of Lo Manthang is on the northeast corner, so you circumambulate the wall to the gate, where you may find a group of people spinning wool and gossiping.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 11 - In and around Lo Manthang. Walk to Namgyal village.
This day will be spent at leisure in and for exploration around Lo Manthang.
The city is an absolutely fascinating place, with narrow streets and houses built adjoining the city wall. It contains about 150 houses, plus many cells for lamas. There are three major temples within the city and there is a caretaker with a key available at certain times. These temples really are very impressive, with huge clay statues of various Buddhas. There is a large amount of renovation and restoration taking place in all the temples in Lo Manthang and this is going to take years to complete. The 2015 earthquake also did a lot of damage and part of the palace, an imposing 4-storey building in the centre of the city had to be demolished. The last king was an active horseman and kept a stable of the best horses in Mustang. He also bred Lhasa Apso dogs and had several monstrous Tibetan mastiffs. His son, Jigme Bista, is rightfully the new king of Mustang although the present government of Nepal has passed a law forbidding royal titles. He is therefore the 'unofficial' king.
There is plenty of time on this day to hike out to the village of Namgyal, one hour from Lo Manthang. There is a monastic school here that has a small museum. Then, if energy and inclination remain there are a couple of choices for you. Firstly you could climb up to the old ruined castle that sits atop the nearby hill. It only takes an hour and the views are unbeatable. There is a fabulous walk down from the castle to Lo Manthang. A second option would be to continue north up the valley to see the summer palace of Thinggar. Again it is only about an hour and is exciting country - you can almost smell Tibet from here! A round trip to Thinggar and back would take a total of about 5-6 hours.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 12 - Drive to Tsarang, 3,520m/11,549ft, and visit monastery. Trek to Drakmar and back to Ghami past long mani wall. 6-7 hours trek.
Sadly you now have to begin the trek out of Mustang and say a fond farewell to Lo Manthang. The aim for the return trek is to see different places and new paths. Therefore today you first drive to Tsarang, Mustang's second most important township, avoiding trekking this section because it is well used by vehicles and can be very dusty. The drive is only about an hour. An early start would be a good idea though as there are a number of excellent things to see in Tsarang before trekking to Ghami. You may visit Tsarang's Thubten Shedrup Dhargyeling Monastery with its amazing murals and also visit the Samdrup Gedphel Palace which is now a small museum.
Then it's time to take the uphill path between two hills up the Syoda Khola to reach Dhakmar again. You then trek back to Ghami but on the lower trail, not crossing the Deurali La, but taking instead the path that leads to the longest mani wall in Mustang. The legend has it that this tremendous construction is built on top of the intestines of a demon slayed by Guru Rimpoche.
No doubt you will be looking forward to the now familiar lodge in Ghami.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 13 - Trek to Geling and Syangboche - 6-7 hours trek.
You now take a different path back to Syangboche. From Ghami there is a track away from the jeep track which does not involve crossing the Ghami La. This leads through wild country to the village of of Geling (also called Ghilling) which you will have looked down towards on your route in. This is another stunning Mustang village. From here you do have to follow the road to Syangboche.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 14 - Drive to Samar – approximately 1 hour drive. Trek to Chussang - 4-5 hours trek.
Again, to avoid a tiresome stretch of road you will drive to Samar on the upper road. This is a relatively short distance. From Samar you trek to Chussang. It may or may not be possible to descend the original cliff path that we always used before 2015. However the path did suffer some damage at that time and if it has not been repaired then you will trek back down through Gyakhar and down through Chele and on across the river to Chussang.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 15 - Drive to Jomsom - 1½ hours.
Today you take the short jeep ride to Jomsom to avoid walking on the road. Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the region and a busy town full of local officials as well as the usual traders and travellers.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 16 - Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara. Transfer to hotel. At leisure.
Today you fly from Jomsom, through the Himalayan mountains, down the Kali Gandaki Gorge, feeling like an insect in such grand surroundings, to land in Pokhara. From Pokhara you will fly to Kathmandu where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. No doubt you will be shell shocked on returning to 'civilisation'!
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 17 - At leisure in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu, Asia's former hippie capital, has a wonderful mixture of crowded bazaars, Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines and stupas, colonial and ancient architecture as well as more modern buildings. You could explore the bazaars and temple complexes of Durbar Square to best absorb the myriad impressions assailing your culture-shocked senses. You could also hire a mountain bike, or take a ride out to the fascinating city of Bhaktapur, an hour, or so east of Kathmandu. There are plenty of excellent places to eat in Kathmandu, cheap, noisy and cheerful in Thamel, or more luxurious in the surrounding areas of the city.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 18 - At leisure in Kathmandu. Group transfer to the airport. Depart for London.
You will have time at leisure today when you may do some sightseeing, shopping or simply relax at your hotel. Later there will be a transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Overnight: In flight
Day 19 - Arrive London.
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Optional supplements
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Single room Kathmandu & Pokhara
From £175
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
Book now!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- An English-speaking Sherpa guide
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Single, timed group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
- All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers
- 4 * hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara, bed and breakfast, twin share basis
- Special Mustang permit
- Free use of a good quality down jacket and sleeping bag with liner on trek
- Accommodation on trek in local lodges / tea houses
- All meals on trek
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Costs of all porterage and their insurance
- Sightseeing where specified
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
- The opportunity to attend a pre trip meet in the Cotswolds
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Optional trips
- Tips
Video
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 9 reviews)
Spectacular scenery in Mustang. The region is so remote and beautiful with few other tourists/trekkers. Thank you Mountain Kingdoms for organising this fantastic trip for us.
Mustang truly is Shangrila-la. The scenery is beautiful - something new around every corner. The Tibetan culture teaches you many many new things daily.
We had the most wonderful holiday. The use of guides with local knowledge was fantastic. The quality of accommodation and food was superb. Great experience.
The crew were cheerful and smiling at all times and dedicated themselves to making sure that we were comfortable, well looked after and having an enjoyable experience. The food was excellent, Bhakhat, our fantastic, imaginative cook prepared wonderful, varied food for us. All in all we had a truly memorable holiday from start to finish.
A first class trip led by an excellent local guide... we had an audience with the King of Lo, visited three schools and had lots of interaction with the people of Lo Manthang. Superb scenery together with unique people making a fantastic experience.
Extend your holiday
- Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
- See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
- Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!
- 5-day cultural tour or 8-day gentle walking options available
- See the main sights in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
- Bhutan is just a short flight from Kathmandu
Though only a short flight from Kathmandu, Bhutan offers a very different Himalayan experience to Nepal. Characterised by lush valleys, terraced hillsides and soaring peaks the landscape is endlessly picturesque, whilst the imposing dzongs (monastery/fortresses) and Swiss chalet style houses give each town or village a look that is distinctly Bhutanese. Here are just two options – if you would prefer something different please discuss with this office.
A taste of Bhutan - five-day cultural tour This five-day tour visits Bhutan’s key sights and cultural centres including magnificent Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the beautiful riverside dzong at Punakha and the fascinating treasures housed in the National Museum at Paro. The tour will be led by a knowledgeable Bhutanese guide and accommodation is in comfortable hotels with all meals included.
A short walk in Bhutan - eight-day gentle walking and cultural tour This eight-day gentle walking trip offers the perfect introduction to some of the cultural highlights and scenic delights of Bhutan. You begin with sightseeing om Thimphu and a walk to Cheri Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most historic temples before travelling over the Dochu La Pass to Punakha, the former winter capital. In Punakha you take a lovely valley walk and visit the beautiful riverside dzong. Driving back to Paro you take a pretty walk from the Dochu La through beautiful forest. You then drive up to the Chele La Pass and take the lovely walk to Kila Nunnery, before ending your trip with the walk up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s greatest cultural treasure and a fitting conclusion to a superb extension. You will stay in good quality, comfortable hotels throughout and all meals are included.
- Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
- Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.
- Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
- Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
- Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
- Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
- The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
- Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.
The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.
- Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.
If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.
- Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
- Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
- Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
- Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.
There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.
During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.
- Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
- Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
- Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.
- Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara
- Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine
- Idyllic setting with mountain views
- The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym
- Eco-friendly
We are delighted to offer this new luxury stay in a rural location just outside Pokhara. We are sure this is set to become a favourite with our clients.
The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury resort set in beautiful farmland amid paddy fields in a tranquil rural location approximately 5km outside Pokhara. There are dramatic mountain views from the resort as well as Pokhara’s famous Peace Pagoda seen on top of a nearby ridge.
The beautiful rooms are set in individual villas and are large and comfortable, all having whirlpool baths, separate rain shower cubicles, enormous beds and offering wonderful hand made soaps and shampoos made with herbs from their garden.
All facilities at the resort are top of the range and include a lovely swimming pool and spa. From the resort it is just a short drive to explore Pokhara or there are pleasant walks from the hotel or you can just chill at the resort, have a massage and enjoy the facilities.
- Visit one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites
- Stay in a comfortable hotel next to Lumbini
- Spend a full day touring the site with an expert local guide
- Flights and transfers to/from Kathmandu included
Enjoy a three day extension to the birthplace of Buddha, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Take the short flight from Kathmandu, and spend two nights in a comfortable 3* hotel, just steps from the Lumbini temple complex, with a full day to explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site in the company of an expert local guide.