Nepal is one of the most beautiful destinations for cultural, adventure, and spiritual travelers. Nepal Culture Tours will provide you with a fulfilling and unforgettable holiday in Nepal. The highlights of the Nepal Culture Tour include Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot, and the incredible Upper Mustang Trekking.
Upper Mustang refers to the arid, Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki, beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This land is characterized by barley fields, grazing pastures, and dramatic landscapes. As a restricted area, obtaining a special permit with a liaison officer is required to trek here. The Mustang trek is best done during the summer months when the people are most active in the fields, villages, and monasteries.
Kathmandu, the capital city, is home to a wealth of ancient temples, handicrafts, and historic Durbars (palaces). You can explore the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square, witness the Living Goddess Kumari, and visit iconic Buddhist stupas such as Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
Patan, an ancient city, boasts numerous historical temples, a beautiful Durbar Square, and much more. Apart from its rich cultural heritage, Nepal offers stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and experiences that defy imagination.
As the birthplace of Buddha, the “Light of Asia,” Nepal holds immense spiritual significance. The country is famous worldwide for its unique traditions, language, and hospitality, which are deeply embedded in the countryside. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two primary religions in Nepal, but people from many different ethnic groups also follow various other religions.
With all this and more, Nepal is truly one of the best destinations for sightseeing and cultural exploration!
After arriving at Kathmandu airport, look for our company board outside the main gate. Our airport representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. The representative will assist with hotel check-in. If time permits, we will take you to our office for a short briefing about the trip; otherwise, we will provide a brief at the hotel and request payment of the remaining trip balance. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, we begin a guided tour of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual landmarks. This will also be the day to finalize all official procedures and necessary arrangements. You will receive a briefing on the trek, equipment, and team composition. Some key sites include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, the famous Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath), and Bouddhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, we will have a pre-trip discussion with the trek leader and team members. You can also make any last-minute purchases for the trek. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, we will visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Patan, known as The City of Fine Arts, and Bhaktapur, also known as The Town of Devotees. Patan Durbar Square is famous for its ancient temples and exquisite carvings. Bhaktapur preserves medieval arts and architecture, offering a walk back in time. Overnight at Hotel.
We take an early flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, offering spectacular mountain views. From Jomsom, we begin our trek to Kagbeni, passing through the Kali Gandaki River valley. Kagbeni is a Tibetan-influenced village and the gateway to Upper Mustang. After reaching Kagbeni, we will visit the oldest monastery in the area. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
We begin with a special permit check-up and then follow the riverbank of Kali Gandaki upstream. The trail takes us through scenic and arid landscapes, passing through Tangbe and Chhusang villages before reaching Chele. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
The trail climbs to Taklam La Pass (3,624m), with stunning views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Himal. We continue to Shyangbochen, passing by juniper trees and a famous cave known as Ramchung Cave. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
We take a short climb to a pass (3850m), then descend to Ghami, the third-largest village in the Lo region. The trail passes through Tibetan-style houses, fields of barley, and chortens. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
After crossing the Ghami Khola, we reach a plateau and pass a long Mani Wall. We then trek to Charang, a maze of fields and stone houses, where we can visit the red Gompa and the Old Palace. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
We trek to Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang, with breathtaking views of the Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna peaks. Upon reaching Lo-Manthang, we will visit the Royal Palace, monasteries, and the town. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
Explore the area surrounding Lo-Manthang, visiting Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last village in the northwest of Lo-Manthang. Alternatively, you can hire a horse to visit Chosar village and two beautiful monasteries, Garphu and Nyphu Gompas. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
On our way back, we take a different route. We cross Chogo La (4230m) and descend to Drakmar, passing through stunning valleys and sacred sites, including the Ghar Gompa, a monastery more than 1200 years old. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
The trail descends alongside a stream and climbs to Nyi La (4010m). We continue to Geling, a small village in Upper Mustang. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
The trail descends gently through beautiful landscapes, eventually reaching Chhuksang. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
Today, we trek back to Jomsom, passing through Kagbeni and enjoying the scenic views of the Kali Gandaki River valley. Jomsom is a bustling town in the Mustang region. Overnight at Teahouse/Camp.
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara in a small aircraft, offering stunning mountain views. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. You can also explore Pokhara’s lakeside. Overnight at Hotel.
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, passing through beautiful mountain landscapes and rice terraces. You may also opt for a short flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.
Enjoy a leisure day in Kathmandu for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing. You can also arrange extra activities with the company. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, we provide a transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
