16 Nights 17 Days Forbidden Kingdom Adventure — Nepal
Upper Mustang Trek & Cultural Tour | 16 Nights 17 Days
- 16 Nights / 17 Days complete Upper Mustang trek and cultural tour package, journeying through the ancient Forbidden Kingdom of Lo-Manthang
- Explore the dramatic, arid high-altitude desert landscapes of the Mustang Plateau, a rare and restricted trekking destination in Nepal
- Discover Tibetan-influenced culture, ancient monasteries, sacred cave dwellings, and royal palaces untouched by modern civilization
- Includes scenic domestic flights (Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara) and both-way tourist bus (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu)
- Stay in hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara and authentic local tea houses and lodges throughout the Upper Mustang trekking route
- Includes a Special Restricted Area Permit (USD 500) and ACAP permit — all arranged and covered by the package
- Ideal for cultural travelers, adventure seekers, and history lovers who want to experience one of Nepal’s most exclusive and remote trekking regions
- Best seasons: Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November); the Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang is a must-see in May
Trip Highlights
- Thrilling scenic mountain flight
- Trek through mystical Mustang Plateau
- Explore Lo-Manthang
- Visit Chhosar Cave & Tingkhar
- Discover Ghar Gompa
- Spectacular panoramic views of Tilicho, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, Bhrikuti, and Dhaulagiri
- Cross dramatic high-altitude passes
- Walk alongside Kaligandaki Gorge
- Sherpa and Thakali village culture
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
Itinerary
16 Nights 17 Days Upper Mustang Trek & Cultural Tour
Day 01 :
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Met by company representative and private vehicle transfer to your hotel
- Check-in, freshen up, and relax after your international flight
- Evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant with authentic Nepalese cuisine
- Meals: D
- Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 02 :
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
- Full-day guided cultural sightseeing of the historic Kathmandu Valley
- Visit Boudhanath Stupa — one of the world's largest and most sacred Buddhist stupas
- Explore Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) with sweeping panoramic views over Kathmandu
- Discover Kathmandu Durbar Square — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient palace architecture
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 03 :
Drive to Pokhara (~840 m)
- Morning breakfast at hotel then depart for a scenic overland drive to Pokhara
- Enjoy beautiful countryside views of rivers, mountains, and traditional villages en route
- Afternoon arrival, check-in to your hotel, then stroll the famous Lakeside (Baidam) area
- Optional boating on the stunning Phewa Lake at sunset; dinner and overnight in Pokhara
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Pokhara
Day 04 :
Fly Pokhara to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni (2,858 m) | Trek: ~4 hrs
- Early morning scenic mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Meet your full trekking crew and begin your Upper Mustang adventure on foot
- Trek through the Thakali region alongside the magnificent Kaligandaki Gorge
- Arrive at the ancient, atmospheric village of Kagbeni — gateway to Upper Mustang
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Kagbeni
Day 05 :
Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- Permit checkpoint at Kagbeni — your restricted area permits are verified here
- Trek toward Chele village through scenic arid valleys and terraced fields
- Pass through quaint traditional villages with sweeping views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks
- First taste of the unique desert-like Mustang landscape; overnight in Chele
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Chele
Day 06 :
Trek Chele to Syangboche (3,475 m) | Trek: 7–8 hrs
- After breakfast, continue trekking through Ekle Bhatti and onward toward Syangboche
- Cross the dramatic Taklam La Pass (3,624 m) with breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas
- Trek through remote valleys with rugged, rocky terrain unique to the Mustang region
- Arrive at Syangboche village and explore the area; traditional dinner and overnight stay
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Syangboche
Day 07 :
Trek Syangboche to Ghaymi (3,520 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- After breakfast, trek uphill toward the ridge of Yamada La (3,850 m)
- Pass through traditional Tibetan-style villages with ancient monasteries and roadside tea houses
- Cross the memorable Nyi La Pass (4,010 m) with spectacular high-altitude views
- Descend and arrive at Ghaymi Village, soaking in the authentic Mustang culture
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Ghaymi
Day 08 :
Trek Ghaymi to Charang (3,500 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- Early breakfast and begin the day's trek through stunning desert plateau landscapes
- Cross Ghaymi Khola river and ascend onto the high plateau trail
- Walk alongside an impressive long Mani wall — sacred Buddhist prayer stones of great spiritual significance
- Arrive in Charang, a village of terraced barley fields and ancient clifftop monasteries
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Charang
Day 09 :
Trek Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,700 m) | Trek: 4–5 hrs
- After breakfast, follow the main ancient trail toward the legendary Lo-Manthang
- Enjoy magnificent views of Tilicho, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti peaks along the route
- Arrive at the walled capital of Upper Mustang — one of the most remote and mystical places in Nepal
- Explore the narrow alleyways and old town on arrival; dinner and overnight in Lo-Manthang
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Lo-Manthang
Day 10 :
Acclimatization & Lo-Manthang Exploration
- Full day dedicated to acclimatization and in-depth exploration of Lo-Manthang
- Visit the spectacular Chhosar Cave — a historic spiritual landmark carved into the cliffs
- Explore Tingkhar, the northernmost and most remote village in Nepal
- Absorb the vibrant Tibetan-Buddhist culture, royal palace, Namgyal Monastery, and ancient architecture
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Lo-Manthang
Day 11 :
Trek Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3,810 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- After breakfast, trek through Gyakar village on the return alternative trail
- Visit the awe-inspiring Ghar Gompa — one of Nepal's oldest monasteries, over 1,200 years old, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche
- Trek through dramatically beautiful red-cliff scenery and remote villages
- Arrive at the striking Drakmar settlement for a well-earned overnight rest
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Drakmar
Day 12 :
Trek Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- Morning breakfast then trek toward the remote village of Ghiling
- Trek through open plateau terrain with wide-angle Himalayan views throughout the day
- Avoid trekking in the afternoon due to strong and potentially dangerous valley winds
- Settle in at Ghiling for overnight stay with a traditional local dinner
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Ghiling
Day 13 :
Trek Ghiling to Chhuksang (3,050 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- Breakfast then continue trekking along the main Mustang trail toward the lower valley
- Walk through the fascinating Humpty Dumpty cliffs with stunning panoramic views of the canyon
- Begin the gradual descent toward greener and lower-altitude terrain
- Arrive at Chhuksang for overnight stay with local dinner
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Chhuksang
Day 14 :
Trek Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700 m) | Trek: 6–7 hrs
- Morning breakfast and final long trek of the Upper Mustang section
- Descend through beautiful landscapes alongside the iconic Kaligandaki River gorge
- Pass through familiar villages as the trail descends back into the lush Thakali region
- Arrive at the busy trekking hub of Jomsom to celebrate the end of the Upper Mustang trail!
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Jomsom
Day 15 :
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
- Early morning scenic mountain flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara
- Check in to your hotel and enjoy some well-deserved rest after the trek
- Afternoon: Visit Lakeside market for souvenir shopping or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake
- Dinner and overnight stay in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Pokhara
Day 16 :
Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
- Early morning departure from Pokhara by comfortable tourist bus
- Enjoy the scenic mountain-lined highway with views of rivers and countryside villages
- Arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon; transfer to hotel for check-in and rest
- Overnight in Kathmandu — the final night of your Himalayan journey
- Meals: B, L, D
- Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 17 :
Farewell Program & Final Departure
- Morning checkout from hotel; pack luggage and prepare for departure
- Attend the special farewell program organized by Global Service Travel Pvt. Ltd.
- Private vehicle transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your outbound flight
- Tour ends — fly home with unforgettable memories of the Forbidden Kingdom!
- Meals: B
Trip Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast
- 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast
- Full-board meals throughout the entire trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner every day)
- Complimentary hot beverages (3 cups per day) during the trek
- Domestic airfare: Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara (both legs included)
- Both-way tourist bus tickets: Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
- Special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500) — fully covered
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit — fully covered
- Complimentary trekking gear: down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag
- Seasonal fresh fruits during the trek
- Comprehensive emergency medical kit bag carried throughout the trek
- Complimentary farewell dinner on the final evening in Kathmandu
Trip Exclusions
- Nepal entry visa fees (Visa on arrival — USD 30 for 15 days / USD 50 for 30 days / USD 125 for 90 days)
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended — must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (only breakfast included at city hotels)
- Meals in city hotels in case of early return from the mountain before the scheduled itinerary ends
- Personal expenses — phone calls, internet/Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot showers, bottled or boiled water, etc.
- Extra porter fees if personal pack exceeds the standard limit
- Tips for guide, porters, and trekking staff (optional but very much appreciated)
- Any services, activities, or expenses not explicitly listed in the inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a moderate-level trek, but prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are strongly recommended due to high altitude and long daily walking hours.
Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking zone requiring a special government permit (USD 500) — this is fully included in the package price.
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal; Upper Mustang is also one of the rare treks accessible in monsoon season (June–August) due to its rain-shadow location
Yes — both legs of the domestic flight (Pokhara–Jomsom and Jomsom–Pokhara) are fully included in the package, though flights are subject to weather conditions.
Accommodation includes 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and basic but comfortable local tea houses and lodges throughout the trekking route on a twin-sharing basis
