Itinerary

Day 1 | Lucknow to Siddarthpur ( Nepal ) ( 329 Kms / 8 Hrs )
After breakfast start the drive to Siddarthpur via Ayodhaya from Sonali border we will enter Nepal after clearing customs formality. Overnight stay at Siddarthpur in Nepal.

Day 2 | Siddarthpur to Pokhara ( 180 Kms )
Morning start the drive to Pokhara, Pokhara is an pictures town at 884 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal-clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range, and bustling but quaint lakeside Bazar, it is a major tourist attraction. Upon arrival at Pokhara check in to the hotel and after resting for a while free for the sightseeing tour.

Day 03 | Drive Pokhara to Muktinath.
After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and drive towards Beni (70 KM) on the Baglung Highway. This section of the drive provides fantastic mountain vistas, picturesque terraced farmlands, and an opportunity to walk on one of Nepal’s famous suspension bridges. Ascend gradually through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. There is a continuous change in the topography with every twist and turn until Tatopani.  En route, there are fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche (6920m), and Nilgiri (7061m). As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Mountain range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert.
It takes gradual acclimatizing to the surroundings. Continue the ride towards Jomsom through the dusty gravelled “off” road passing smaller settlements and apple orchards. This day’s journey is a tough one but the scenic views of the rugged landscape, beautiful cascading waterfalls, orange and apple orchards, scattered roadside villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries all make it ‘One Hell of a Ride”. From here continue the ride passing through the village on the desert plateau brings us to Muktinath “Place of Salvation”. Upon arrival at Muktinath, we check in to the guest house. Late PM: Visit Muktinath Temple. A sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists and is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La (5416 m Pass).

Day 04 | Drive Muktinath to Lo- Manthang
After breakfast, drive backtracking all the way to the outskirts of Kagbeni and then turn northeast and ride to Chhuksang Village, the entry point of the restricted Upper Mustang region. Restricted area permits are checked here at the Police Check post. After completing the permit work, we continue our ride to Gelling. As we pass Kagbeni village we will be riding on the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Kali Meals (Black) and the water of the river are black in color. In Chele, we will be able to see the river tunnels.  Upon arrival at Samar, we rest for a while and take lunch. After lunch continues our ride to Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, which survives as the Kingdom of Lo or “Upper Mustang”. Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, who oversaw the city wall construction and many of the still-standing structures in the early 15th century. The monarchy officially ceased to exist on October 7, 2008, by Nepali Government order. The last king (raja or yellow) is JigmeDorjePalbarBista (born c. 1933), in the direct line of the historic monarchy dating back 25 generations to 1380. The population includes ethnic Lhobas.  Upon arrival at Lo-Manthang we check in to the lodge and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore the kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

Day 05 | Drive around Lo-Manthang.
The major Temples inside the walls are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. statue of Maitreva, the future Buddha, and the red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Maitreya, and the Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya sect which has several monks in residence and is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu festival in many which is referred as ‘tegi’ in Lomanthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves

Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy.

After a leisurely breakfast, we get ready for the day’s adventure. Today we are going to visit one of the most interesting sites of the pre-human settlement in this unexplored valley and famously known   Caves of Chhoser and the magnificent landscape and Nymphu monastery built on the cliffs. On our way back we can also visit the Namgyal village and monastery. As you approach the Chhoser village, you could see numerous caves in the front of the cliff that once use to be the home of the prehistoric Loba’s and the monks.

After the sightseeing tour, we back to the city of Lo, for hot lunch. Rest of the day at leisure or free to explore the walled village.

Day 06 | Drive Lo-Manthang to Tatopani
After breakfast, we ride backtrack to Kagbeni (2800 m) which is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys, and imposing chortens lying along the trekking route and is the gateway to Upper Mustang. This village also boasts a Monastery. From Kagbeni continue to drive to Jomsom and on to Marpha Village. Here we stop for Lunch. Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and apple products. After lunch ride another 2 hours to Tatopani. “Tato” means ‘hot’ and “Pani” means ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs and is a popular place for trekkers to relax and dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs. Upon arrival at Tatopani, we check in to the Lodge. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the village or dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs.

Day 07 | Drive Tatopani to Basishar.
Descend from Tatopani to Pokhara and then on to Beshishar the gateway to Manang. With the subtropical atmosphere and deciduous backwoods, Besisahar is the passage to the celebrated Annapurna Range journey.

Day 08 | Besishar to Manang.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey around 34 km to Jagat. It is an undulating climb on a dusty road. we will hike a bike through a steep, rocky, trail crossing the villages. we will continue riding throughout the Marsyangdi river bank for Manang.

Wonderful experience of subtropical forest mixed with arid barren landscapes, lots of old Buddhist monasteries, rich culture, as well as the breathtaking beauty of the Manang and Marsyangdi Valleys and high peaks Himalayas. They also say a piece of heaven falls in the Manang district. you can expect amazing scenery throughout the tour. we will be traveling 63 k of offroad trails at an altitude of 3519 meters to Manang. you can expect amazing scenery throughout the tour. we will have an overnight stay in the guesthouse at Manang.

Manang village is a hidden treasure of Nepal. The high peaks around Mustang halt the rainy clouds to enter the territory of Manang which causes the low rainfall in this region. This is the barren land of Nepal, also known as the Desert of Nepal. It feels like heaven to be here, the astounding sceneries and local lifestyle consolidate more beauty to this rural land. Compared to other nearby regions, Manang is more wealthy due to the incredible natural resources, artifacts, herbs and gems, culture, and traditions.

There are many monasteries in the Manang region. The influence of ancient Tibetan Buddhism practices and devotion can be seen in this place. Manang is the real heaven of Nepal. The local settlement, mountains, and glaciers, the surrounding make an unforgettable experience in this wonderland.

Day 09 | Visit Manang, After Lunch Drive Back to Bhartang (Agro Manang – Farmhouse).
After breakfast, Explore the pristine Gangapurna Lake and Manang Bazar. Gangapurna lake is very close to Manang, which takes around an hour to walk. The lake is attractively blue because of the sedimentation of water from Gangapurna Glacier. It says beautiful views come only after a hard walk, the walk from Manang to this stunning Gangapurna Lake and surrounding views prove it. Back to Manang for lunch and ride back to Bhartang 25 Km via the same route. Bhartang is a small village before Chame. At 2650 m above sea level and with the magnificent fusion of numerous mountain peaks, glaciers, passes, valleys, and human settlement make it a wonderful place.

Day 10 | Drive Bhartang (Agro Manang – Farmhouse) to Bandipur.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey. we will be traveling offroad trails along with some amazing scenery and the welcoming nature of the sherpas who are the local residents. after traveling the whole day, we will have an overnight stay in Bandipur. It is one of Nepal’s most beautiful yet astonishingly less traveled hilltop settlements, historically Bandipur was an important stop on the India–Tibet trade route for centuries. Overnight at the old Inn resort, the 18th-century buildings are well-preserved and motorized. Vehicles are not allowed in the village; it is nice and quiet.

Day 11 | Bandipur to Gorakhpur ( 258 Kms )
Drive back to Indian vis Sonali border End of Tour.

Thing to do extra

– Authentic Local Food

–  Wild Life Safari

–  Historical Temple Visit

–  Boating and Rafting

– Hiking in the mountains

– Meditation and yoga

– Visit local market

– Photography

– Off-road Trail Drive

Food and Meal

Meals Included in the Tour – Breakfast & Dinner

Breakfast – Our daily breakfast will be at the hotels where we stay.

Lunch – Lunch is not included in the tour package and will be on direct payment basis. For lunches we will stop at the best available food joints that are on our route.

Dinner – Our daily dinner will be at the hotels where we stay. Dinner in Pokhara is not included in the package as there are lots of good local restaurants in Pokhara where you can go out and enjoy a meal.

Getting there

STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR

The Tour starts from Lucknow and enters Nepal from Sonali border.

The Tour ends back in Indian after crossing the Sonali border  crossing in Gorakhpur.

For those coming by flight to Kathmandu ( KTM ) , can reach Pokhara for the start of the trip and in the end can again take a flight from Kathmandu.

Manang & Mustang are High altitude area.

Good Physical fitness is required for this tour,

please see your physician before planning for the trip as.

Including the package cost

1. 10 Nights accommodation in Hotels / Guesthouses on twin / double share basis of rooms, or as per plan.
2. Breakfast & Dinner for duration of tour.
3. Accompanying team with lead vehicle from Lucknow to Gorakhpur.
4. First Air with Medical backup with oxygen (O2) & AMS pack.
5. Accompanying Professional & Experienced Guide throughout the tour.
6. Guidance to best places for Meals at Pay N Eat ( if any).
7. Vehicle assistance / towing where ever required.
8. Accompanying Nepal Govt authorized Sherpa Guide including the cost for his meals, accommodations and daily allowances.

Not including the cost

1. Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you )
2. Flights to the destination.
3. Lunches for duration of the trip.
4. Extra food Like Starters /Lunch /Dinner all over Pay & Eat ( if Any outside the venue)
5. Self Drive vehicles
6. Insurance for vehicles entering Nepal.
7. Midway snacks.
8. Any damage/fine/ cost.
9. Any damages /fine/ Insurance
10. Toll Tax if any.
11. Fuel for your vehicles.
12. Custom duty for Vehicles entering Nepal from India.
13. Nepal VISA for foreigners ( Indians do not need a VISA but must carry a valid identity proof in original with them )
14. Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
15. Extra guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
16. Any activity apart from mentioned ones.
17. Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
18. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
19. Anything not mentioned in inclusions
20. Insurance for or against accidents, loss of life, theft etc.
21. Special Permit to visit Upper Mustang fee of US $ 550.00 per person.(Subject to change without prior notice)
22. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee of approx. US $ 30.00 per person.(Subject to change without prior notice)
23. Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) fee of US $ 10.00 per person.(Subject to change without prior notice)

Costing

Note
– Costing is based on minimum 10 Travelling pax
– Sharing jeep cost is based on 4 pax per vehicle for Standard & 3 per pax for Deluxe Tour.
– In case of road block / land slides or any natural calamity if the trip has to be extended for an few days additional charges will be applicable for accommodation , guides / vehicle and permits. This amount will be collected on spot by the accompanying guide.

If you are planning to be driven around for the Upper Mustang tour your can choose from a variety of vehicles from the basic Mahindra Bolero to Mahindra Scorpio or old Toyota Land cruisers all of which are 4×4 vehicles and suitable for the drive to Mustang. The drivers are all locals and highly experienced for offroad driving in the mountainous terrain.

For Standard Tours the vehicle will be Mahindra Bolero – 04 pax in vehicle

For Deluxe Tours the vehicle will be – Toyota Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio or Nissan SUV – 03 Pax in vehicle

Things to carry – some esencials 

Clothing

1:   1 / 2 Jeans
2:   1 / 2 Cargo pant
3:   2 / 4 Full sleeve shirt
4:   3 / 4 T- Shirts
5:   1 / 2  Sweatshirt / Sweater / Fleece
6:   1 Warm Jacket
7:    Slippers / Sandals
8:    Night suit.( if u use )
9:    Raincoat / Poncho
10:  Cap / Hat / Warm Cap
11:  Warm Gloves
12:  Warm Muffler
13:  2 / 3 Cotton Socks and Warm Socks
14:  Towel  ( lightweight )

Miscellaneous / personal items

1:   Sunscreen Lotion
2:   Lip Guard / Care
3:   Body Lotion
4:   Paper Soap
5:   Face Wash / Soap / Shampoo / Oil / Deo / Comb etc.
6:  Sunglasses
7:  Toothpaste / Toothbrush
8: Binocular
9: Pocket/Swiss knife
10 : Reading materials
11 : Camera
12 : Small camping stove and gas with some sugar and coffee ( not mandatory )
13 : Personal Medicine
14 : Water Bottles

For Your 4X4 / SUV / MUV

Before riding check your 4X4/suv/muv            ( Very Important )
(engine oil, all cables, all nut and bolts,  tire-tube, Coolant, Brake, Belts,Headlights, complete services  if you need etc.)

1:  Extra Engine Oil  ( 2 Litre )
2:  Extra  Tire’s Tube
3:  Extra Bulb
4:  Jerry Cans 20 ltr  For Fuel
5:  Complete Tool Kit
6:  Feviquick / M-Seal
7:  Air Pump
8:  Jack
9:  Tow Strap / Tow Rope
10:  Fuel Siphon / Pipe
11:  Battery Jumper Cables
12: Tire Patch Kit
13: Duct tape
14: Trapal ( Use to make various shelters as needed to protect your camp from sun or rain )
16:  Vehicle Papers ( Registration /  Insurance  / Pollution )

Offbeat Holidays What to expect!!

Offbeat Holidays What to expect PDF