Lo-mangthang Forbidden Kingdom
Duration
10D / 9N
Difficulty
MODERATE
Category
EXPEDITION
Package Tier
DELUXE
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Overview & Highlights
Lo-Manthang Click to open side panel for more information is the historic walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, nestled at an altitude of over 3,800 meters in the arid rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Founded in the late 14th century by Ame Pal, this remote fortress settlement served for centuries as a vital trade hub along the salt route connecting Tibet and Nepal. Because it was strictly sealed to outsiders until 1992 and still requires a restricted-area permit, it stands today as one of the most remarkably intact living sanctuaries of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and trans-Himalayan heritage anywhere in the world.
Ancient Monasteries & Art: Home to legendary centuries-old gompas—including Jampa Lhakhang (the Temple of Maitreya, built in 1447) and Thubchen Lhakhang—famed for colossal gilded statues and intricate, well-preserved Buddhist mandalas and frescoes.
The Royal Palace & Walled City: Enclosed within massive whitewashed mud-and-stone perimeter walls, featuring narrow cobblestone alleyways, traditional flat-roofed earthen homes, and the historic four-story palace of the Mustang royalty.
Living Himalayan Culture: Offers an authentic window into high-desert Tibetan life, traditional animal husbandry, centuries-old social rituals, and the iconic, colorful springtime masked dance festival of Tiji.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Carefully planned route for optimal acclimatization and scenic mountain experience.
Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, spend the afternoon resting or strolling through the vibrant streets and bustling bazaars of Thamel. In the evening, attend a pre-trip briefing with your guide to go over the travel route, essential gear, and road regulations for the upcoming journey. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Day 2: Kathmandu Permit Processing & Sightseeing
Your original passport will be submitted to immigration this morning to secure your Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. While the documentation is processed, embark on a cultural sightseeing tour around Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the towering Boudhanath Stupa and the sacred hilltop shrine of Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple). Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)
After breakfast, transfer to the domestic terminal for a scenic 25-minute flight to the lake city of Pokhara, offering aerial views of the Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges. Check into your lakeside hotel and spend the afternoon soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. You can take a peaceful wooden boat ride across Phewa Lake or explore the cafes and shops along the shoreline. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 4: Day 4: Pokhara to Jomsom (2,743m)
Take an early morning flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, or make the rugged overland journey by 4WD vehicle up to Jomsom. Upon arrival, take time to settle in and acclimatize to the rising altitude. Wander through the town along the windswept Kali Gandaki riverbed, sample locally grown apples, and get a first taste of the arid trans-Himalayan scenery. Overnight stay in Jomsom.
Day 5: Day 5: Jomsom to Lo Manthang (3,840m)
Board your 4WD jeep and drive past the official checkpoint at Kagbeni to enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. The route carves through dramatic desert canyons, wind-carved red cliffs, and ancient settlements like Chhusang and Tsarang. After traversing high mountain passes with expansive vistas of the Tibetan plateau, you will arrive at the walled capital of Lo Manthang by late afternoon. Overnight stay in a local teahouse in Lo Manthang.
What's Included & Excluded
Transparent breakdown of all package inclusions and exclusions.
What's Included
Hotels on 3 Star basis
What's Excluded
Personal Expenses
Terms & Travel Policies
- 1.Booking 50% Percentage
- 2.Extra Service Extra charges
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