Itinerary

Day 01 | Reach Bandipur
Drive in from India from Sunauli border and reach Bandipur, it is one of Nepal’s most beautiful yet astonishingly less traveled hilltop settlements, Bandipur is a living, breathing gallery of a Newari culture where the lifestyle is well preserved and the stone-paved road is dotted with traditional architecture. Historically, Bandipur was an important stop on the India–Tibet trade route for centuries. Inside the main bazaar, the 18th-century buildings are well-preserved and motorized. Vehicles are not allowed in the village; it is nice and quiet.  Upon arrival at Bandipur check in to the hotel. Evening catch up with the team and other trip members.

Day 02 | Bandipur to Agro Farm, 116 Km 6:00 Hrs.
After breakfast, we drive back downhill to Dumre, cross the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, and drive 40km to Besishar. After Besishar, we follow the Dumre-Besishar-Manang highway which Besishar also calls the gateway to Manang. With the subtropical atmosphere and deciduous backwoods, Besisahar is the passage to the celebrated Annapurna Range journey. The geological midpoint of the nation.

We will continue our journey around 34 km to Jagat. It is an undulating climb on a dusty road. we will drive through a narrow and steep, rocky, trail crossing the villages. we will continue to drive throughout the Marsyangdi river bank, a 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.

Day 03 | Agro farm to Manang,
After breakfast, we will continue our journey around 25 km to Manang. It is also an undulating climb on a dusty road. we will hike a car through a steep, rocky, trail crossing the villages.  we will continue riding throughout the Marsyangdi river bank for Manang. There is a legend which say a piece of heaven falls in the Manang district. you can expect amazing scenery throughout the tour. we will be traveling 63 kms on 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.

After arriving at Manang, check in at the hotel and 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.

Day 04| Manang to Besishar, 94Km, 6:00 Hrs.
After breakfast drive back to Chame 30 Km via the same route. Chame is the district headquarter of Manang district and is located at an elevation of 2650 m above sea level. The magnificent fusion of numerous mountain peaks, glaciers, passes, valleys, and human settlement make it a wonderful place.

We will be traveling offroad trails along with some amazing scenery and the welcoming nature of the Gurung who are the local residents.  after traveling the whole day, we will have an overnight stay in Bandipur.

Day 05 | Drive Besishar to Dhikurpokhari.
After breakfast, get ready to drive. Today we have two options to drive. Via back to Dumre and via Sundar Bazar. It is suggested we follow the new route but it is still under construction, so sometimes The road is blocked to work. If permitted to follow the new road it is best to avoid the traffic of Pokhara highway We drive to Pokhara and take left to Dhikure Pokheri.

Day 06 | Drive Dhikurpokhari to Muktinath.
After an early breakfast, drive towards Beni (70 KM) on the Baglung Highway. At Mal Dhunga, leave the main highway by taking the right trail and follow a dusty graveled path all the way to Beni, which is located at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers at an altitude of 799 M. From here, the road is unpaved and dusty with potholes in several places. Unpaved, graveled rough road poses a real challenge for drives and makes it more difficult with the occasional river crossings. 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. On the trail following the Kali Gandaki River and passing Villages to Dana, Ghasa, Tukuche, and Kalopani. 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. 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. Later 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 07 | 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 08 | 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 09 | Drive Lo-Manthang to Kalopani
After breakfast, we ride backtrack to Kagbeni following the same trail. We have Lunch at the convent place on the way. Kagbeni at an altitude of 2840 meters is a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys, and imposing chortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. Although the village has a very medieval look but has all the modern amenities that travelers require. This village also boasts a Monastery. The monks here are of the yellow hat or the Gelup Sect and are only recently opened to visitors with a legitimate entrance fee of Rs 100, which they collect for the maintenance of the school. From the Kagbeni village continue the ride to Jomsom. Jomsom is approximately 11 kilometers from Kagbeni. Check out the permit here also and head 29km toward Kalopani Upon arrival we check in to the lodge and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore the village.

Upon arrival at Marpha, we check in to the lodge, and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore Kagbeni Village.

Day 10 | Drive Kalopani to Pokhara.
Early breakfast and continue to drive a further 22 kilometers, about 1 hour to Tatopani. It is a pleasant relief to be able to tackle the roughest section of the journey in the early morning. Descending to Tatopani, there is a continuous change in the topography with every twist and turn until at Tatopani. “Tato” means ‘hot’ and “Pani” means ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs and is a popular place for travelers to relax and dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs. Upon arrival at Tatopani after lunch and free to relax or explore the village and take a relaxing dip in the Hot Springs located nearby.

After lunch continues the ride for another 3 hours drive to Pokhara back to the settlement of Jaleswor located close to the river and then continue on to beni. After a quick stop for a quick, set out following the trail along the river and the after about an hour meet the main highway at Maldhunga and then continue of the metalled road to Pokhara which is reached in about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the Lakeside Bazaar.

Day 11 | End of Trip
Leave from Pokhara to Bhairawa/Sunauli border via Tansen and see off the group at the Sunauli border.

Early Breakfast drives back to Bhairawa/Sunauli border via Tansen and sees off the group at the Sunauli border.

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 at Bandipur in Nepal and ends in Pokhara in Nepal.

If you are not travelling in your own SUV. To reach Bandipur from Sunauli border crossing and while driving back from Pokhara ( PKR )  The exit will again be from Sunauli border.

For those coming by flight to Kathmandu ( KTM ) ,, can reach Bandipur in a cab from Kathmandu ( 147 Kms ) and return to Kathmandu again by Cab from Pokhara ( 201 Kms ) 

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 backup vehicle from Bandipur to Pokhara  ( additional lead vehicle for large groups )
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 $ 500.00 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