Mustang district: horseback adventure in the last "forbidden kingdom"

Día 1: Kathmandù

ITALY/KATHMANDU (-/-/-)
An adventure through the Mustang region of Nepal, a hidden gem known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Nepal, renowned for its stunning UNESCO-listed Himalayan peaks and diverse geography, offers exceptional opportunities to explore on horseback, especially in the remote Mustang region.
Mustang, often called "The Last Forbidden Kingdom," is a unique destination characterized by its rugged terrain, ancient Tibetan culture, and extraordinary natural beauty. The high-altitude desert landscape, dotted with ancient monasteries and traditional villages, provides an ideal setting for horseback adventures, allowing you to experience the breathtaking scenery up close—from deep canyons and eroded cliffs to lush valleys and vast plateaus. The journey takes you through charming villages such as Kagbeni and Lupra, sacred sites like Muktinath, and the imposing Thorong La Pass, offering spectacular mountain views and a sense of timeless adventure.

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (KTM), at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Meet our local representatives and transfer to your hotel in the city amidst its vibrant atmosphere.

Día 2: Pokhara

KATHMANDU/POKHARA (B/-/-)
After breakfast, take a scenic 30-minute flight to Pokhara, Nepal's tourism capital. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake. After the boat trip, have lunch at one of the refined restaurants in Pokhara’s Lakeside area. In the afternoon, visit the World Peace Pagoda, perched on a hilltop, to enjoy panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna mountain range, or explore Gupteshwor Cave and Devi’s Fall. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 3:

POKHARA/JOMSOM/KAGBENI (B/L/D)
Begin today’s adventure with an exciting 20-minute morning flight to Jomsom, the gateway to the Mustang region. Upon arrival, meet your experienced riding guide. Begin your horseback journey, riding through scenic landscapes from Jomsom to Kagbeni. As you traverse the rugged terrain, be captivated by spectacular views of the Kali Gandaki River and surrounding mountains.
Arrive at Kagbeni, a charming village marking the entrance to Upper Mustang at 2,700 meters. Enjoy a delicious lunch and take the opportunity to explore the village’s ancient architecture and unique culture. Overnight in Kagbeni, soaking in the serene atmosphere and preparing for the next stage of the journey.

Día 4:

KAGBENI/MUKTINATH (B/L/D)
Ride along scenic trails through arid and majestic landscapes to Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Situated at over 3,700 meters above sea level, this sacred site symbolizes spiritual liberation and harmony between the two religions.
Visit the renowned Muktinath Temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu, known for its 108 sacred fountains flowing with icy water directly from the mountains. Pilgrims bathe here for purification and divine blessings. Adjacent to the temple is the “eternal flame,” a natural gas source that has burned continuously for centuries inside a small Buddhist chapel—a unique phenomenon representing the union of fire, water, earth, and air. The mystical atmosphere, combined with the quiet of the surrounding villages and the imposing Himalayan peaks, makes visiting Muktinath a profoundly spiritual and memorable experience. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 5:

MUKTINATH / LUPRA (B/L/D)
Descend to Lupra, one of the few remaining Bon villages in Mustang, where ancient pre-Buddhist traditions still survive today. Set in a wild and rocky landscape, Lupra offers an authentic and remote atmosphere, far from well-trodden tourist paths.
Explore traditional Bon monasteries, characterized by rituals, symbols, and practices different from Tibetan Buddhism. Discover ancient prayer wheels, ritual frescoes, and masks used in shamanic ceremonies of this millennia-old tradition. Stroll through stone houses and narrow village streets to observe the daily life of locals, deeply connected to the seasonal cycle and Bon spirituality. Interacting with the community and visiting sacred sites offers a rare opportunity to understand a unique cultural heritage that has survived for centuries in the remote Himalayas. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 6:

LUPRA /JOMSOM (B/L/D)
Return to Jomsom through spectacular landscapes, passing tranquil Dhumba Lake and the picturesque village of Marpha, following the Kali Gandaki River valley. The route offers a variety of breathtaking scenery, with open views of the snow-capped Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks, as well as the typical wind-sculpted rock formations that characterize the high valley.
Stop at Dhumba Lake, a turquoise lake considered sacred by local communities, nestled among mountain walls and quiet trails—a perfect spot for a short break to enjoy the peace of the Himalayan landscape. Continue to Marpha, known as the “apple village,” famous for its orchards and traditional apple cider. Wander through its neat streets, white houses with wooden details, and covered passages that give the village a welcoming and timeless atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 7: Pokhara

JOMSOM/POKHARA (B/-/-)
Transfer from Jomsom to Pokhara (approximately 6 hours) along scenic mountain roads, with spectacular landscapes unfolding as you descend from the Kali Gandaki Valley to the green hills of central Nepal. The journey offers views of deep gorges, traditional villages, and terraced fields, making the transfer a pleasant and relaxing experience.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure: relax along the peaceful Lakeside, stroll among shops and cafés, or simply unwind while admiring the mountains reflected in Phewa Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 8: Kathmandù

POKHARA / KATHMANDU (B/-/-)
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon returning to the capital, visit the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its massive white dome, surrounded by prayer wheels and Tibetan monasteries, creates a mystical and vibrant atmosphere, with pilgrims circumambulating the stupa chanting mantras.
Then visit Pashupatinath Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most sacred Hindu sanctuary in Nepal. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, the complex houses ancient temples, hermitages, and shrines, and is one of the most spiritually intense places in the country, where important rituals and ceremonies take place.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sound healing session—a meditative experience using Tibetan singing bowls and other traditional instruments to promote deep relaxation, inner balance, and well-being. A perfect conclusion to your cultural and spiritual day in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 9: Kathmandù

KATHMANDU (B/-/D)
Visit Swayambhunath, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” one of the oldest and most sacred sites in Nepal. Perched on a hill overlooking Kathmandu, it offers breathtaking valley views and a unique atmosphere where Buddhist and Hindu symbols coexist harmoniously. The large golden stupa, the Buddha eyes painted on all four sides, and colorful prayer flags create a deeply spiritual environment, animated by the monkeys inhabiting the area.
Continue to Patan Durbar Square, another historic jewel famous for its incredible Newari architecture. Admire carved temples, royal palaces, and intricate works of art that testify to the city’s ancient splendor. Take the opportunity to try pottery-making in one of Patan’s traditional workshops—a fun and immersive experience that allows you to shape clay with your own hands and discover a centuries-old craft tradition.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner accompanied by a Nepalese cultural performance. Folk dances, traditional music, and local dishes make your last evening special, celebrating Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Overnight at the hotel.

Día 10:

KATHMANDU/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the international airport.

Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (EASY/INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels + mountain lodges
EQUIPMENT: English-style saddles
HORSES: Locally bred horses, small in size but very sturdy, accustomed to rough terrain and high altitudes.
RIDING DURATION: 4 to 7 hours in the saddle per day (approx. 20 km/day). The main pace is walking due to complex mountainous terrain with significant elevation changes. Good physical condition is required due to altitudes above 3,000 m.
WHAT TO BRING: Layered riding clothing according to the season, including warm, waterproof, and windproof items. Sunscreen, helmet, water bottle, and basic first aid kit.
MINIMUM AGE: Not specified, accompanied by an adult
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 80 kg
TYPE OF TOUR: Itinerant trekking with overnight stays in mountain lodges and hotels

Departure dates: Upon request, preferably from April to October.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 – MAX 9

SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS:
Reduction for groups over 6 participants: €290 per person