The Annapurna and Lower Mustang

Begin your day with a visit to the former royal city of Patan, affectionately known as ‘Lalitpur’ or ‘City of Beauty’ and regarded as the artistic centre of the Kathmandu Valley. Patan has its own distinct identity, and a walk around the less touristy Durbar Square will allow you to observe wood carvers, painters, and metal workers employing time-honoured traditional techniques in this age of 3D printing and digital reproductions. In the afternoon, join the kora and circumambulate the sacred Swayambunath Shrine, visit the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest monasteries and conclude your day’s explorations with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple Complex, where you will have the chance to witness the lively ‘aarti’ ceremony.

A morning’s drive will bring you to the small village of Kurintar, which is scenically set on the banks of the Trishuli River and is surrounded by forested hills and farmland. Later this afternoon, explore the surrounding countryside on foot and interact with locals. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool.

Set off this morning to Pokhara, a beautiful laidback town set in the shadow of the distinctive Fishtail Mountain and acts as a gateway to the foothills of the Annapurnas. On arrival at Pokhara, meet your experienced mountain guide, who will accompany you during your 4-night trek along the foothills of the Annapurnas. Today, your walk will take you along a ridgeline and terraced farmlands before you descend down and follow the course of the Modi Khola River to the beautiful Birethanti village (1,025m). [Total trek time: around 4 hours].

After breakfast, set off to the small village of Majgaon (1,400m). Today, your trek will take you through secluded villages and picturesque farmlands in the shadow of the Annapurna mountain range. You will reach Majgaon just in time for lunch. The remainder of the day is free. Alternatively, explore the small village of Tanchok and gain an insight into the lifestyle of the locals. You can also visit the local school (if it is not the holiday season). [Total trek time: around 4 hours].

Today, leave Majgaon and walk through beautiful lush forests and woodlands to the village of Dhampus (1,525m) while admiring the panoramic views of the Annapurna range. En route, stop at the quaint Pothana village, which is home to many Tibetan traders and has its own distinct character. [Total trek time: around 3.5 hours].

Descend through pine forested hills to the valley floor. Then, a scenic full-day drive along the Kali Gandaki River will bring you to Jomsom, a remote trans-Himalayan town in Lower Mustang. Set in the shadow of the towering peaks of the Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri mountain ranges, Jomsom is an excellent base to discover the culturally distinct Lower Mustang region. At Jomsom, you will be staying at Shinta Mani Mustang – A BENSLEY Collection hotel – one of the finest boutique hotels in Nepal and ideal for those seeking to discover the Tibetan culture of the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo, as well as set off on scenic day hikes and take in the dramatic, other-worldly landscape.

Begin your day with a short walk to the small traditional village of Thini (2,800m). The walk from Jomsom will take you through terraced farmland and some rough terrain to Thini. Then, take the steep path lined with Buddhist chortens and colourful prayer flags to the small monastery that offers outstanding views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Next, continue to the emerald green sacred Dhumba Lake and follow the Kali Gandaki Valley to the charming village of Marpha. This quaint village is watered by paved canals and is surrounded by green apple orchards. Marpha is home to the Thakali people, and you will have the opportunity to taste their famed apple pie and apple cider before retracing your steps to Jomsom. [Total trekking time: 4.5 hours]. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, trek along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, regarded as the ‘Gateway to Upper Mustang’. Your trek will take you through a barren, wind-swept, lunar-like landscape to the small village of Kagbeni, which is an oasis set amongst rocky mountains and is spectacularly perched atop a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola rivers. Visit the remains of the ancient citadel and the austere 800-year-old ‘Red Monastery’ and stroll through the village, providing a glimpse into their way of life. Then, have lunch at a local cafe before returning to Jomsom by jeep. [Total trek time: around 5.5 hours].

Rise early and drive to the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m), an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and regarded as one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu Vaishnavas. After visiting the temples, begin your trek to Lupra. The walk will take you through the Lupra pass, which offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Annapurna 1, before descending down to Lupra, one of the last remaining villages where the locals still practice Bonpo (pre-Buddhist religion). Visit the monastery nearby, and then after a packed lunch along the Lupra Khola River, follow the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. [Total trekking time: 5.5 hours]. Later, relax your tired muscles with a traditional Ku Nye massage at Moksha Mustang.

Today is at leisure to relax, unwind and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. For those with itchy feet, optional activities on offer include a visit to Jharkot, a tranquil Tibetan village seemingly untouched by time and famous for its historic gompa followed by a hike to the secluded Jhong village. Soak up the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and majestic mountains before returning to your hotel.

Retrace your full-day journey along the Kali Gandaki River to Pokhara. On arrival, check in at your hotel.

Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, if you have itchy feet, you might want to take an easy hike through neighbouring villages.

Rise early and enjoy breathtaking panoramas from one of the viewpoints at your hotel. Then, drive to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur, which was once an important hub along the trade route to Tibet. Explore this delightful old Newari town, which seems to be caught in a time warp, and after lunch, proceed to Kathmandu.

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport and check in for your onward flight.