Nepal 9 Days: Himalayan Desert Drive – Mustang Explorer
ID: GYG1223257-1876940
Category:
Country: Nepal
Duration:
9 days
Description
Enjoy a scenic 4WD journey from Kathmandu to Mustang, A perfect mix of Himalayan landscapes, culture, pilgrimage sites, and comfortable jeep adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Airport Pickup
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Tour briefing and trip preparation in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (Approx. 6–7 Hours)
After breakfast, scenic drive to Pokhara by tourist bus or private vehicle.
Enjoy beautiful views of rivers, hills, and rural villages along the way.
Evening free time to explore Lakeside and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 3: Drive to Marpha via Kali Gandaki Valley – Visit Lupra
Today begins your real Himalayan jeep adventure!
Drive through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley, surrounded by towering peaks and dry desert-like landscapes.
Stop at Lupra Village, one of the few Bon Buddhist villages in the region.
Continue to beautiful Marpha, famous for:
Apple orchards
Apple brandy and local products
Traditional Thakali culture
Whitewashed houses and narrow stone alleys
Overnight in Marpha.
Day 4: Explore Marpha, Dhumba Lake & Thini Village – Overnight Jomsom
Morning exploration of Marpha village and monastery.
Drive to peaceful Dhumba Lake, a sacred lake with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views.
Continue to Thini Village, an ancient settlement offering panoramic views of Nilgiri and surrounding peaks.
Overnight stay in Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang.
Day 5: Drive to Muktinath, Jharkot & Kagbeni
After breakfast, drive to sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Pilgrims visit the 108 holy water taps and eternal flame.
Continue to traditional Jharkot, known for its old monastery and traditional mud houses.
Drive onward to medieval Kagbeni, a gateway village to Upper Mustang with ancient alleys and monasteries.
Overnight in Kagbeni.
Day 6: Morning Hike to Tiri Village – Overnight Kagbeni
Short scenic hike to Tiri Village, a peaceful traditional village with beautiful landscapes and authentic local lifestyle.
Enjoy cultural interaction and stunning views of the arid Mustang valley.
Afternoon free to explore Kagbeni village and relax. Overnight in Kagbeni.
Day 7: Drive Back to Pokhara
After breakfast, long but scenic jeep drive back to Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Arrive in Pokhara by afternoon/evening.
Relax and celebrate the successful Mustang adventure.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 8: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel. Scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
Free time for shopping, souvenir hunting, or farewell dinner.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 9: Final Departure
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Departure with beautiful memories of Mustang’s landscapes, culture, and spirituality.
Highlights
- Comfortable 4WD adventure through Himalayan desert landscapes.
- Explore ancient Thakali and Tibetan-influenced villages.
- Visit sacred Muktinath pilgrimage site/Suitable for all age groups.
- Experience Bon, Buddhist, and Hindu cultures together.
- Stunning views of Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
March to May and September to December is the best season.
INCLUDED
- Airport pick up and drop off.
- Round trip transfer by comfortable private jeep.
- Experienced English speaking tour guide.
- ACAP Permit and all official documents.
- Kathmandu and Pokhara 2 star label hotel accommodation with breakfast.
- Accommodation in tourist standard hotel with breakfast during the tour.
- All entrance fees
- Guide and driver all expenses
NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Personal expenses
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.