Shinta Mani Mustang Luxury Tour - 11 Days

Namaste and welcome to Nepal! After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, head towards the exit gate. An Access Nepal Tours and Trekking representative will be waiting for you. You’ll be welcomed with a khada, a “traditional ceremonial scarf”.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Hotel Barahi or a similar four-star hotel via private tourist vehicle. After check-in you can take a rest and relax in your hotel rooms. In the evening we will have a brief pre-tour meeting to discuss the Shinta Mani Mustang Tour, itinerary, and safety guidelines. Moving forward, we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Access Nepal Tours and Trekking in traditional Nepali style with cultural performances.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included: Airport Pick-up, Accommodation, and Welcome dinner.

After breakfast at Barahi Hotel, spend the day touring Kathmandu’s legendary landmarks. First stop: Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the riverbank ghats where cremations take place, and experience the temple’s live rituals and ornate carvings (remember to dress respectfully; only Hindus may enter the main shrine).

Learn how Pashupatinath, the temple of “Pashupati” (Lord of Animals, an incarnation of Shiva), dates back millenniaand was discovered under mysterious circumstances. You’ll see sleek pagoda towers, gilded shiva lingas, and maybe even the resident monkeys and stray dogs, said to sniff for offerings.

Next, head up the hill to Swayambhunath Stupa, the famous “Monkey Temple.” Climb (or drive) up the 365 steps to the top platform to admire the enormous gilded stupa crowned by painted Buddha eyes. Take in sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley’s urban sprawl beyond the stupa. This is a prime spot for fun facts: the hilltop is home to hundreds of mischievous macaques that locals revere as holy guardians. Walk around ancient shrines and prayer wheels, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu symbolism, and discover why Swayambhu is one of Nepal’s oldest monuments (the stupa’s origins date back over 2,000 years).

In the afternoon, drive or cable car up to Chandragiri Hill (2,551 m) for sunset. A thrilling cable car ride 2.4 km long whisks you to the summit in about 10 minutes. From the top, jaw-dropping panoramas of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan peaks (Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang) await on a clear day.

Explore the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple (an important Shiva shrine) where local legends say King Prithvi Narayan Shah first saw Kathmandu and resolved to unite Nepal. After sunset views and perhaps a cup of ginger tea at the mountaintop cafe, ride down and return to Thamel. Tonight, you’re free to wander the streets or rest, tomorrow we leave the city behind.

Included: Transportation, brealfast, and accommodation. 

Rise early for a panoramic helicopter journey from Kathmandu to Mustang. As the rotors spin, you’ll lift above the sprawl of the valley into thin, cool air. En route you may catch the first rays touching the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs in the west.

After about 2 hours, touch down in Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang. Take in the alpine air (around 2,700m here) and board a short drive to Shinta Mani Mustang, our luxury resort perched above Jomsom at 2,800m. This Bill Bensley-designed hotel looks like a Himalayan palace: stone walls, carved wood, and a rooftop Buddhist shrine under the towering Nilgiri peaks. The views from your suite or the dining hall are nothing short of cinematic.

After settling in, join a welcome lunch featuring local flavors (we might try Thakali khana, a Nepali barbecue or dal bhat made by village women). Spend the afternoon exploring the resort’s grounds: gaze at prayer flags snapping in the wind, dip into the pool or steam room, or simply lounge with a cup of Tibetan butter tea on the patio. A house-led yoga or meditation session may be offered as the sun starts to descend.

Dinner tonight is an al fresco alpine picnic on the lawn, with yak steaks or local cheese platters, as serene a first night in Mustang as you can imagine. (Insider tip: spring yields rhododendron blooms and crystal-clear skies; autumn brings apple harvests in nearby villages. Either way, don’t forget your camera.)

Included: Accommodation with full board meals.

After breakfast at Shinta Mani, hike or drive a scenic road through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Marpha Village (approx. 30 min). The valley views en route are immense, carved by the deepest canyon on earth. On arrival in Marpha (2,650m), you immediately feel the peaceful village vibe. Often called the “Apple Capital of Nepal,” Marpha is famous for its orchards and apple products. Today’s adventure unfolds amid fruit trees and whitewashed houses.

Begin with a gentle walk in a local apple orchard. You’ll learn how Marpha’s farmers cultivate Red and Golden Delicious apples (introduced here in the 1960s) on terraced slopes. Depending on the season, pick a ripe apple or simply smell the flowers. Snack on warm apple pie, a village specialty, and sip fresh homemade apple cider or brandy. As one guide says, “from the first bite of a warm apple pie to the last sip of apple wine, Marpha promises an experience as sweet as the fruit it produces”. Browse small shops stocked with dried apple slices, jams, and apricot oil made by local women.

In the afternoon, visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery (also called Marpha Monastery) perched on a hill above town. A gentle climb of a few dozen steps brings you to this 200+-year-old gompa. Inside, the walls are painted with intricate murals of Avalokiteshvara (Chenresig) and other deities; outside, the stupa’s white dome catches the sunset glow. Listen to Buddhist chants if a prayer ceremony is underway, many traveling pilgrims leave prayer flags fluttering here. From the monastery terrace enjoy panoramic views of the Kali Gandaki valley, with distant snow peaks peeking on the horizon.

Back in town, stroll Marpha’s cobbled alleys. Look for traditional Thakali architecture: flat-roofed stone houses with cherry-wood window frames and firewood neatly stacked on roofs. You might spot “Jerry Galli,” a charming old courtyard lined with vases of marigolds and prayer wheels, where families used to gather. Peek into the Ekai Kawaguchi museum (the Japanese monk’s old house) or simply chat with villagers at a teahouse. This evening enjoy a home-cooked Thakali dinner at the famous “Dal Bhat Ghar” (community kitchen). Feast on buckwheat flatbread, yak cheese, spicy curry and of course more apples!

Included: Accommodation with full board meals.

Spend a second day savoring Mustang’s culture. After breakfast, take a cultural walk through the heart of Marpha. Wander Jerry Galli and the Main Street to see prayer flags, mani walls (carved prayer stone walls) and the handcraft workshops. Stop at a local bakery to sample the famed Marpha apple pie, thick crust with stewed apple filling. In the orchard behind the village, you might meet a farmer and help sort apples or sip homemade apple brandy under a tree.

By midday, drive or hike a short distance to Jharkot and Jhong, two neighboring Mustang villages. These hamlets offer insight into the ancient trading life. In Jharkot, visit a Bon-po monastery (red-roofed temple) and see the earth-colored homes overlooking snow-capped Nilgiris. In Jhong (a smaller village) walk among whitewashed chortens (stupas) and the Mani monastery on a hill. Each village allows for respectful mingling with locals dressed in colorful shawls, they may invite you in for a tea ceremony.

Return to Marpha for the evening. Tonight’s highlight: a cozy indoor Thakali buffet in one of the homestays or restaurants. Try the famous Thakali khana, a meal of several curries served atop the staple dal-bhat. Don’t miss traditional desserts (garam: yak buttered popcorn) and a final toast with Marpha’s iconic fruit wine. As you dine under twinkling Tibetan lanterns, you’ll understand why visitors leave Marpha “whiter than the cobblestones,” refreshed and relaxed in this hidden Himalayan haven.

Included: Accommodation with full board meals.

We depart Mustang by air today. After an early breakfast, transfer back to the Jomsom helipad (enjoy a last walk past apple trees). Board a helicopter north over the dry Mustang plateau. The views change rapidly: first green valleys, then orange cliffs, then as you climb west the colossal wall of Annapurna-Dhaulagiri reflects on nearby lakes. In under an hour, descend to Sarangkot Hill, above Pokhara.

From the helipad it’s a short drive to Hotel Barahi Resort & Spa (Begnas Lake) or similar, where we’ll spend the night. Check in and unwind, sip a drink on the balcony as the sun dips behind the Himalaya. If there’s energy, take a short hike from Sarangkot village to the famous World Peace Pagoda (Buddhist stupa) and watch mountain shadows gather over Phewa Lake.

Otherwise, relax in the spa or visit a lakeside café. Tonight’s dinner is at leisure along Pokhara’s Lakeside, stroll past boats on the shore, maybe sample local trout or momos with mountain views. The blend of quiet village serenity and the distant Annapurna range sets the tone for tomorrow’s dawn adventure.

Included: Accommodation with full board meals.

Wake before sunrise for the grand finale of hilltop mornings. Sarangkot is famed as “the best sunrise viewpoint of Pokhara.” Wrap up in warm clothes and hike or drive to the Sarangkot summit (1,600m).

At the summit viewpoint, join other early birds as the eastern sky slowly brightens. As the sun peeks up, a golden light bathes the Annapurna range. Often you’ll see clouds part around Machapuchare (“Fish Tail”), which glows pink against the sky. In clear weather even Annapurna I, III, and Lamjung reveal sharp profiles. Sip tea as mountain vultures wheel overhead, this is a photographer’s dream and a soul-stirring moment.

Return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast. For the rest of the day, we explore Sarangkot areas. Overnight at Sarangkot.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals.

Spend today at a relaxed pace. You can sleep in, have a spa treatment, or enjoy more of Pokhara. Thing to do in Pokhara are:  If you didn’t reach Tal Barahi, ferry from Lakeside to its tiny island temple (the otherside view of Sarangkot and the white stupa shimmering in the distance is quintessential Pokhara).

Visit Pokhara’s oldest Hindu shrine, perched on a small hill with views of Annapurna. (Legend says this Devi protects the valley.)

Browse Lakeside’s boutiques: pick up hand-woven pashmina shawls, intricate wood carvings, or Tibetan singing bowls. Enjoy fresh local foods (momos, sel roti) from street stalls.

Visit Davis/Gupteshwor if desired. Simply swim in the pool, or take a short jungle walk near the hotel.

In the evening, we’ll prepare for departure back to Kathmandu. Enjoy one last Pokhara sunset by the lake, and a farewell dinner with your group at a panoramic rooftop restaurant (perhaps with Nepali guitars playing softly). Rest early for the next day’s flight.

Included: Accommodation with breakfast.

After breakfast, complete any last lakeside photos, then head to the Pokhara helipad. Board a private helicopter bound for Kathmandu. The four-season views from Pokhara to Kathmandu include the inner Himalayan ranges (if clear, you may even glimpse Sagarmatha/Everest in the far distance) and the terraced hillsides of central Nepal. The aircraft will land at Kathmandu’s domestic terminal. Transfer back to Barahi Resort (Kathmandu) for check-in.

Afternoon is free in Kathmandu. You may wish to reconvene as a group for a short tour of Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO site) if time allows; its giant white dome and fluttering prayer flags are truly one last sight to behold in Nepal. Otherwise, relax at the hotel spa or lounge, reflecting on your trek.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included: Accommodation and Heliflight.

After enjoying the realxing trip in Mustang, now we are taking some rest. It’s a last day before your departure to flight back home. If you have missed some places to visit, you can take thsi chance to explore around the Kathmandu cities. Barahi is central to Thamel Kathmandu’s tourist bazaarso you can easily walk to bustling alleys stacked with handicrafts.

During your exploration, you can look for Tibetan thangka paintings (religious scrolls) in red-sleeved shops, or modern Buddha artwork. Buy an authentic pashmina or cashmere shawl (visit S.K. Handicraft or surrounding outlets). Quality varies wildly, so feel the fabric and ask about the wool origin.

Stock up on singing bowls, prayer flags, and handcrafted jewelry in local cooperatives. Small wooden masks, singing bowls, and thangka make unique gifts.

For spiritual mementos, see the Patan neighborhood’s Durbar Square if you haven’t yet, woodcarved palaces and shops for masks and incense. If interested, arrange a last-minute Amchi consultation at Shinta Mani (they may offer a daytime session in Kathmandu for returning guests).

Midday, enjoy street food: cold thukpa (noodle soup), spicy chat, or a classic Nepali momo at a café. Treat yourself to a Kathmandu-themed souvenir: maybe a singing bowl that still resonates, or a tiny stupa statue. In the evening enjoy a final farewell dinner hosted by Access Nepal Tours and Trekking. Swapping stories over cocktails, you’ll feel that perfect mix of adventure fatigue and elation, a hallmark of a trip done right.

Included: Accommodation and Farewell

Today is the final day of your Shinta Mani Mustang Luxury Tour and in Nepal. After a warm breakfast, you can do a last minute shopping or explore around. Then we will bid farewell.

Depending on your flight time, our representative will drop you at airport for your flight back home. Hope you had amzing expereince with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking. If you want more of adventure, just inform us and we will make it happen.

Safe flight!

Included: Breakfast and Airport Transfer.