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THE ANCIENT ROAD TO LO-MANTHANG

Located in the Trans-Himalayan region of western Nepal, the kingdom of Mustang only opened to visitors in the early 1990s and offers an experience quite unlike anything else in the country. Its proximity to Tibet is prevalent in the region's desert-like landscapes of stratified red and ochre cliffs and mountain caves, but also in its cultural influences, where traditional Buddhist practices have remained unchanged for centuries. The highlight of an adventure in Mustang is the opportunity to follow the historic road from Jomsom to Lo-Manthang. This ancient trade route was a vital corridor for the transport of food, salt and other essential supplies between India, Nepal and Tibet and - up until the early 2000s - was still only passable on foot or by mule. While the widening of the track now permits travel by 4x4, the condition of the road and its multiple river crossings still serve as an enormous deterrent to vehicle traffic, meaning those intrepid few who make the journey will find the route sublimely untrodden and utterly rewarding - truly 'the road less travelled'.

Ensuring you gain a fully rounded experience of Nepal you will begin your itinerary with some time in the Kathmandu Valley, before flying on to Pokhara to spend a few days enjoying some exquisite hikes in the lower Annapurna range. Walking with a private guide and staying in some remote and utterly serene lodges provides you with a personalised and authentic experience of the Himalayas. You will then fly to Jomson to begin your adventures into the Upper Mustang region. The route has been carefully designed to allow time to acclimatise to the altitude as you contemplate the serene lakes and orchards in the communities around Jomsom, before beginning a spectacular ascent through mesmerising valleys and soaring mountain passes. Discover some of the region's fascinating sky caves which are steeped in history and feature painted representations of stories from Tibetan myth and legend. The ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang provides a highly rewarding conclusion to your journey, with its labyrinthine streets lined with white-washed houses and centuries-old monasteries.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take in the highlights of bustling Kathmandu by rickshaw
  • Hike lower sections of the Annapurna circuit from Pokhara with a private guide
  • In Mustang glimpse traditional Tibetan ways of life which have remained unchanged for centuries
  • Discover the Upper Mustang's mythical sky caves
  • Be one of the intrepid few to travel the ancient and spectacular road from Jomsom to Lo-Manthang
£7,962
per person

Price from

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Travel Specialist Rachel Cooper

RACHEL COOPER

Tailor-Made Travel Specialist

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+44 (0)1242 787 814

  1. Arrive
  2. Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu

    Arrive in Kathmandu today where you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. Dwarika's is our favourite place to stay in the capital, bursting with character and modelled on the grand palaces of the Newar Kings. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from your journey.

    Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel

  3. Day 2 Highlights of Kathmandu

    Meet your private guide this morning for a thoroughly enjoyable tour of Kathmandu by rickshaw, navigating the city's lively streets and bazaars like a true local. Highlights include Durbar Square and the UNESCO-protected Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Stupa). You will then travel out to Patan in the Kathmandu Valley. Also known as Lalitpur, the city is renowned for its artisans and crafts. Together with your guide explore Patan's Durbar Square, its atmospheric streets dotted with temples and workshops, and also appreciate the fine collection of intricately carved statues and artefacts on display at the Patan Museum.

    Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel

  4. Day 3 Pokhara - Dhampus

    This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival you will be driven to Phedi, around an hour away, to embark upon a scenic hike to Dhampus, taking in terraced hills, verdant hills and tiny villages. You will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, with the afternoon free to relax or take a walk through the sleepy village of Dhampus.

    Overnight: Basanta Lodge

  5. Day 4 Trek to Majhgaon

    Today you will set out on a trek to Majhgaon, a fascinating journey of between four and five hours which can be taken entirely at your own pace. Pass through hillside villages of Tibetan traders and sub-tropical forests fragrant with tree orchids and magnolias. After lunch at your lodge in Majhgaon you will be able to visit the villages of Tanchok for a snapshot of traditional life in the Annapurna lowlands.

    Overnight: Mala Lodge

  6. Day 5 Hike to Lumle & return to Pokhara

    Early coffee is available this morning should you wish to photograph the exquisite mountain scenery at dawn. After breakfast, bid farewell to your lodge and hike through forests to the village of Chandrakot. Take in the sweeping views of the valley before continuing the short distance to Lumle. From here it is just one hour's drive back to Pokhara. This afternoon you will be able to visit the superb International Mountain Museum, and then travel out to the Fewa Lake for a relaxing boat trip and the opportunity to visit the small island temple of Barahi. Spend the night in an invigorating luxury resort with views of the Himalayas.

    Overnight: The Pavilions Himalayas - The Farm

  7. Day 6 Flight to Mustang - Dhumba Lake

    This morning you will be driven to Pokhara airport for the short flight to Jomson, gateway to the kingdom of Mustang. Transfer to your hotel and, after some time to settle in, you will set out this afternoon for a visit Dhumba Lake. This emerald-green lake at the base of Mount Nilgiri is considered sacred to the Tibetan Buddhist community of Upper Mustang. You will have the option to travel to the lake either by private vehicle or perhaps on foot, hiking for just over three miles. Return to your hotel in Jomsom for the evening.

    Option: Gain the most spectacular panorama for your journey from Pokhara to Jomsom with a private helicopter transfer.

    Overnight: Om's Home

  8. Day 7 Marpha Village

    After breakfast at your hotel you will set out to explore the nearby village of Marpha. Here you can observe traditional stone houses painted white and framed with cherry wood windows; the collection of logs stacked on the roofs symbolising the wealth of each family. Marpha is best known for its apples, and is referred to as Mustang's 'apple kingdom' due to its bountiful orchards. Three distilleries in the region produce apple, peach and apricot brandy and you will be able to take a walk through the fields and visit the horticulture farm to learn more about the fruit harvest and brandy production. At the end of the visit you will be driven back to Jomsom, with the afternoon at leisure to continue with the acclimatisation process.

    Overnight: Om's Home

  9. Day 8 Into the mountains & Lo-Manthang

    A spectacular journey today takes you into the heart of Upper Mustang as you travel past soaring mountain scenery on the road to Lo-manthang, stopping for lunch along the way at the Dhakmar caves. En route to the high mountain pass of Marang-la you can enjoy views of the entire Annapurna Massif and out to the pretty village of Kagbeni. At the highest point of the journey the view takes in the monastery of Namgyal and the Tingkar valley before you begin your descent, gaining a first tantalising glimpse of the ancient walled city of Lo-manthang. To the east enjoy views of the Khola canyon which dazzles in shades of red and yellow, while to the west the snow-capped peak of Manaslu dominates the horizon. Complete your descent into Lo-Manthang and on to your hotel, where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or begin exploring the ancient walled city. The imposing white walls of the palace hide a labyrinth of narrow streets within, where vendors and goats navigate the tiny alleyways with ease.

    Overnight: Royal Mustang Resort

  10. Day 9 Lo-Manthang & Chosar Caves

    This morning you will embark upon a visit to the caves at Chosar. They are a perfect example of the sky caves typical of Upper Mustang, thought to be constructed around 1000 BC initially to serve as burial chambers, though later becoming family homes in times of war and then latterly serving as meditation caves when the communities eventually moved out into villages. The Chosar caves contain a wealth of Buddhist paintings, manuscripts and artefacts, and previous excavations here uncovered human remains dating back some 3000 years. After time exploring Chosar you will return to Lo-Manthang, stopping to visit remote settlements en-route. This afternoon you may have the option to visit a traditional Tibetan Medicine centre, or simply enjoy some free time to further explore Lo-Manthang.

    Overnight: Royal Mustang Resort

  11. Day 10 Return to Jomsom

    Depart Lo-Manthang this morning for the scenic journey back to Jomson, stopping for lunch at Chusang with its dramatic backdrop of ochre cliffs. Enjoy a final free afternoon in Jomsom to recover from your adventures.

    Overnight: Om's Home

  12. Day 11 Flight to Pokhara

    Leaving Mustang you will take a morning flight back to Pokhara and transfer to your hotel. After the adventures of the previous days you may wish to take full advantage of the swimming pool and spa at the wonderful Pavilions Himalayas.

    Option: Return to Pokhara by private helicopter.

    Overnight: The Pavilions Himalayas - The Farm

  13. Day 12 Kathmandhu - Bhaktapur visit

    Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Kathmandhu. Here you will be met by your guide and driven to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, located just ten miles outside the city. Enjoy a tour through Bhaktapur's historic streets and magnificent Durbar Square - a true highlight of the Kathmandu Valley. You will then be driven back to Dwarika's in the capital for your final night in Nepal.

    Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel

  14. Day 13 Depart

    You will be met at your hotel and driven to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

    Option: extend your trip by one day and take a helicopter flight to Mount Everest, stopping to set foot on the mountain and photograph the majestic peaks.

  15. Depart

GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person

Currency
Mid £ 8,072 $ 11,898
High (Tiji festival) £ 8,264 $ 12,181
Low £ 7,962 $ 11,735

BOOKING NOTES

  • Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room.
  • If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.

INCLUSIONS

  • All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
  • All meals.
  • Private transfers throughout.
  • Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
  • All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Annapurna trek permit, guide & support staff.
  • Permit to enter Lo-manthang.

EXTRAS

  • International flights.
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
  • Entrance fees, photography fees at monasteries and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel Insurance
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The idea for Red Savannah was always based on a clear market need. A small team of the most experienced travel designers, supported by the latest technology and delivered with the lightest touch. In short, a travel company redefined for the 21st century.

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