Nepal - Mustang Tour - full itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu
We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport. Nathan runs the optional pre-tour technical and aesthetic workshop from around 1-5pm for those new to travel photography or who feel they would benefit from a refresher course. There will be a pre-tour meet ‘n’ greet with Nathan at the hotel starting at around 6pm.
Day 2:
Kathmandu
We spend the day in Kathmandu whilst our agents obtain our travel permits for Mustang. In the morning, we visit the Tibetan Pagoda - Boudanath. Boudhanath, is one of the largest stupas in the world and is a significant site for Tibetan Buddhism. Prayer is an integral part of religious practice and it is performed in various ways by devotees and visitors alike.
Circumambulation is a common practice whereby devotees walk clockwise around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and offering prayers as they go. This act is believed to accumulate merit and purify negative karma. Devotees often light butter lamps and incense as offerings to the Buddha and other deities. The flickering light of the lamps and the fragrance of incense are considered offerings that symbolize the dispelling of ignorance and the attainment of enlightenment.
Devotees often hang prayer flags in the vicinity of the stupa. These colorful flags are inscribed with prayers and mantras, and the act of hanging them is believed to spread positive energy and blessings to the surrounding area.
On our other Nepal tour, we see Boudanath in the evening, but an early morning visit will give you a different experience as there should be fewer tourists and more devotees.
In the late afternoon, we visit Paspuhtinath. Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River and one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. It holds immense religious significance for Hindus, particularly followers of Shaivism, a major tradition within Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, it is believed to be one of the holiest abodes of Shiva, where he is worshipped in his form as Pashupati, the Lord of all beings.
Pashupatinath is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are self-manifested lingams (representations of Shiva) spread across India and Nepal. These lingams are believed to be particularly potent sources of divine energy and are revered by devotees. The temple complex also serves as a sacred cremation site for Hindus. Cremation ceremonies performed here are believed to ensure the deceased's soul attains moksha (liberation from the cycle of reincarnation). The Bagmati River, which flows beside the temple, is considered holy, and cremations are conducted on its banks.
The temple complex is also home to many sadhus, many of whom Nathan has known for years and he will help you take intimate portraits. On our other Nepal tour, we visit Pashpuhtinath in the morning, but we feel an early evening visit will provide you with an alternative but just as interesting an experience.
Day 3:
Kathmandu — Pokhara — Thasang Village
Early in the morning, we drive to the airport for the flight to Pokhara. When we arrive in Pokhara, we jump in the jeeps and start our adventure to the land just behind the Himalayas, standing right on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It features untouched centuries-old socio-cultural practices, rich archaeological sites and, of course, magnificent landscapes. The drive to Thasang takes around 5-6 hours, and we stop on the way at Kushma Bungee jump (photography and lunch - no jumping) and Tatopani hot water ponds for coffee. We should reach our hotel in Thasang village before sunset.
Thasang Village offers a myriad of captivating photographic opportunities that will delight both amateur and professional photographers alike. With its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and architectural wonders, Thasang Village presents a tapestry of visual delights waiting to be explored.
One of the prominent photographic attractions in Thasang Village is its breathtaking mountain vistas. Surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, including the awe-inspiring Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Our hotel roof top gives photographers the best chance to capture the sublime beauty of snow-capped mountains at both sunset and sunrise. The ever-changing play of light and shadow on these peaks provides an enchanting spectacle for landscape photography enthusiasts.
Day 4:
Thasang Village - Kagbeni
At sunrise we set up tripods on the roof of the hotel to photograph the sun light up Dhaulagiri in golden hues. Beyond the mountains, Thasang Village also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The village is home to indigenous Gurung and Magar communities, offering photographers a glimpse into their traditional way of life. Capturing the vibrant traditional attire, and warm hospitality of the locals can create powerful and evocative images that tell stories of resilience and cultural diversity.
The village's architecture is another captivating subject for photographers, as it features simple temples, monasteries, and traditional houses adorned with intricate woodwork and vibrant colours. These architectural curiosity's provide a unique opportunity to capture the fusion of religious and cultural elements in a single frame.
After breakfast at our wonderful hotel in Thasang, we step off on our adventure to Upper Mustang. Today we drive for 3-4 hours, taking our time to walk through the villages Tukuche and Marpha as we pass through them. After reaching Kagbeni, we go on a photo walk around the town.
Nestled in the Upper Mustang region, Kagbeni offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels that make it an ideal destination for capturing stunning images.
One of the main attractions for photographers in Kagbeni is its breathtaking surroundings. The village is nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Mustang Valley, with towering cliffs and the Kali Gandaki River flowing through the heart of it all. This picturesque setting provides a captivating backdrop for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the golden light bathes the landscape in a magical glow.
Kagbeni is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The village is a gateway to the ancient kingdom of Mustang, and it showcases a traditional Tibetan-influenced central monastery. Photographers have the opportunity to capture the serene ambiance of monastic life, providing a glimpse into the region's spiritual and cultural traditions.
The surrounding village's narrow, winding streets lined with traditional mud-brick houses, ancient courtyards, and prayer wheels create a nostalgic atmosphere, especially when local sheep herder's send, or bring their flock back from pasture. Photographers can capture candid moments of daily life, interactions between locals, and the timeless beauty of the village's architectural details.
Day 5:
Thasang — Ghami/Dhakmar
Today we enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang and head for our next hotel in Ghami. The drive starts by skirting the side of the Kali Gandaki River Valley. The river rises near the Tibetan border and eventually feeds into the Ganges. Again we will take time to walk through the villages of Thangbe and Chusang as we pass through them. There is plenty to photograph from the road side but assuming we arrive at our hotel in Ghami in good time we will check in before driving just a bit further to Dhakmar.
Dhakmar offers photographers a fascinating array of photographic opportunities that showcase the unique beauty and cultural heritage of this remote destination. Situated along the renowned Annapurna Circuit trek, Dhakmar presents a combination of natural wonders, ancient caves, and traditional architecture that make it an enticing subject for photographers.
One of the main attractions in Dhakmar is its striking red cliffs, which have earned it the nickname "Red Cliffs Village." The vibrant hues, formed from sedimentary rocks, create a surreal and dramatic backdrop for landscape photography. One can capture the interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the landscape is bathed in warm, golden tones.
Dhakmar is also home to ancient caves adorned with Buddhist murals and intricate carvings. These caves, known as Dhakmar Ghar, provide a unique opportunity for photographers to capture the cultural heritage of the region. The detailed artwork and religious symbolism found within the caves offer a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of the local community.
Furthermore, the village itself boasts traditional Mustangi architecture, with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and ornate doorways. Photographers can document the timeless charm of Dhakmar's streetscapes, capturing the daily life and interactions of the locals against the backdrop of the traditional structures.
Day 6:
Ghami - Lo-Manthang
Pre-breakfast it can be rewarding to wake up early to witness the gental life of Ghami as the locals either tend to cattle or spin prayer wheels. After breakfast we start our dramatic drive to Lo-Manthang but not with out stopping at Tsarang.
Tsarang is a picturesque village with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders, Tsarang offers a tapestry of visual delights waiting to be captured.
Tsarang is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and is home to the ancient Tsarang Monastery, a magnificent architectural masterpiece dating back to the 14th century. The monastery's intricate woodwork, vibrant murals, and prayer halls offer photographers a wealth of opportunities to capture the spiritual essence and cultural significance of this revered site.
Tsarang presents a unique blend of traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture and the timeless charm of village life. One can wander through the village's narrow alleyways, lined with ancient mud-brick houses adorned with ornate carvings and colourful prayer flags. Capturing the daily life and local customs provides a glimpse into the authentic way of life in this remote region.
From Tsarang it’s just an hour or so’s drive to the hidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang. This formerly independent “Kingdom of Lo” lasted from the 15th to the 18th centuries, when it was finally annexed to Nepal. The medieval walled capital city of Lo-Manthang, where the ceremonial king still lives to this day, serves as a starting point for treks into Upper Mustang, a region formerly part of Tibet.
Day 7:
Lo-Manthang / Chhoser
Waking up in Lo-Manthang is a joy to behold. Lo-Manthang is the capital of Mustang and it's ancient walled city, also known as the "Forbidden Kingdom," is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels, considered by some scholars to be the best medieval fortification in the world.
One of the main attractions for photographers is its unique and breathtaking landscapes. Surrounded by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and vast arid plains, the region showcases a dramatic play of light and shadow. The ever-changing hues of the barren terrain, especially during sunrise, provide a surreal backdrop for landscape photography, offering opportunities to capture the raw beauty and mystique of the Mustang region.
Lo-Manthang is also steeped in rich cultural traditions, with a history dating back over a thousand years. The city is adorned with ancient monasteries, intricately carved palaces, and traditional mud-brick houses. Photographers can capture the vibrant colours of prayer flags fluttering in the wind, the intricate details of the architecture, and the spiritual rituals performed by the local Loba community, providing a visual narrative of their unique way of life.
Furthermore, the narrow labyrinthine streets of Lo Manthang offer endless possibilities for street photography. Photographers can document everyday life in this ancient city, capturing the interactions between locals, the vibrant marketplaces, and the timeless charm of the traditional attire worn by the residents.
Chhoser is a hidden gem that presents a plethora of captivating opportunities to capture the unique beauty and cultural heritage of this off-the-beaten-path destination. Situated in the heart of the Trans-Himalayan region, Chhoser offers a blend of ancient caves, monastic settlements, and stunning landscapes that make it a captivating subject.
In the afternoon we will visit the Chhoser Cave Complex. These ancient caves are adorned with intricate Buddhist murals, statues, and religious artifacts. One can explore the caves, capturing the spiritual ambiance and rich symbolism depicted in the artwork, providing a glimpse into the region's ancient traditions and beliefs.
Chhoser is also home to several monasteries and hermitages, such as the Niphu Monastery and the Chhoser Monastery. These serene and isolated locations offer an opportunity to capture the peacefulness and devotion of the resident monks, as well as the architectural beauty of the monastic structures against the rugged mountain backdrop.
Breathtaking landscapes showcase the raw beauty of the region. One can capture the arid landscapes, with barren cliffs, winding riverbeds, and the majestic peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. Changing light conditions and the interplay of shadows and textures provide endless photographic possibilities.
Day 8:
Lo-Manthang — Muktinath
Today we have a long drive back tracking all the way to Kegbeni. We will break the journey up with photo opportinuites as we see them but we will want plenty of day light when we arrive at our hotel in Muktinath.
Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site that offers photographers a wealth of opportunities to capture the spiritual essence and natural beauty of this revered destination. Situated 3,800 metres above sea level, it's a place of great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, presenting a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
One of the main attractions for photographers is the Muktinath Temple itself. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. The ornate architecture, intricate stone carvings, and vibrant prayer flags that adorn the temple premises provide a captivating subject for photographers seeking to capture the spiritual atmosphere and devotion of the pilgrims.
The surrounding landscapes offer a dramatic setting for photography, with snow-capped peaks, rugged cliffs, and the Kali Gandaki River carving through the valley. Muktinath is also a gateway to traditional trekking routes, where photographers can explore the nearby villages and monastic settlements, capturing the traditional Tibetan homes and serene way of life.
The region's rich cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of the locals provide ample opportunities for engaging portraits and documentary-style photography. Muktinath also offers access to diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, barren landscapes, and the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Time depending we might also have time to fit in the nearby village of Jharkot; a typical Annapurnna circuit trekking village. (If not we will make time the next morning)
Day 9:
Muktinath — Jomsom
Just after sunrise we will take a short walk to Purang village where we know of a great reflection shot in a small lake of the said village.
After breakfast we will start driving but with just a very short one hour drive to Jomsom today, we will make the best of the photography en-route.
We may well want to include Jharkot but if we managed to fit that in the evening before we will make a usually rewarding segue to Lupra. This takes some more serious off-roading as there is no real road there but you will get a great insight to another village only usually accessed by trekkers.
We should be Jomson for lunch, and we might even have time for some shared post-processing review time.
Towards late afternoon we will head off to the other side of the valley to Jomson to visit the more traditional streets of Thini village and its local residents. The extended valley rugged charm and traditional architecture provide further photographic opportunities. The narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses, the occasional street corner where locals gather, and gentle back yard scenes offer a glimpse into the daily life and timeless culture of the region, perfect for street and documentary photography.
Day 10:
Jomsom - Tatopani
This morning we will wake up early to photograph the first planes arring at Jomson airport. Situated along the Kali Gandaki River, Jomson serves the only airport in the Mustang region, boasting a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rugged charm that make it a photographer's dream.
After breakfast we will use our morning to explore the local valleys. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the local way of life. From the rugged cliffs and deep canyons to the snow-capped peaks and dramatic gorges, Jomsom offers a visual feast of natural wonders that change with the shifting light and seasons.
After lunch we will drive down hill ( taking some photos on the way) to our new hotel at Tatopani. Tatopani is famous for its hot water springs and at this point you might want to relax in a hot bath or again catch up with some post processing.
Day 11:
Tatopani — Pokhara
This morning we have an early breakfast and then take the fairly long drive to Pokhara. Fortunately we can break the drive up for you with some interesting stops at Galeshwor temple, Baglung suspension bridge and Kalika Bhagwati temple. Once we arrive in Pokhara, we will walk along the shore of Lake Phewa and hopefully photograph the nightly Aarti ceremomy.
Day 12:
Pokhara — Bhaktapur
In the early morning, we take a boat ride on Lake Phewa for an hour, and after breakfast we fly to Kathmandu, arriving at our hotel around noon if the flight is on time. In the afternoon you are free to relax, explore the busy streets and inner alleys of of Bhaktapur, and enjoy its Durbar Square after most tourists have headed back to the Thamel area of Kathmandu. We sleep in a Bhaktapur boutique hotel.
Day 13:
Departure from Kathmandu
We will arrange for you to be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or you may have chosen to stay an extra night in Kathmandu.
We are sure you will have had an enjoyable and memorable experience!
