Kathmandu
Experience sacred UNESCO sites, living traditions, and architectural splendour amidst the vibrant energy of Nepal’s cultural heart.
From the spiritual heart of Kathmandu, to the raw beauty of Mustang’s Himalayan highlands, every moment of this 12 day holiday in Nepal offers an immersion into a different world — one that blends the ancient with the modern and the sacred with the earthly.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Annapurna Day Walk
Step into the Himalayas, trekking through lush hills, Gurung villages, and forested trails, with spectacular panoramas.
Lower Mustang
Explore ancient monasteries, sacred caves, riverside villages and mountain lakes, all set against mind-blowing views.
Shinta Mani Mustang
A remote mountain retreat where the mighty peaks of Nilgiri Himal fill the view, shifting in colour and mood throughout the day.
Why Steppes?
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Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu (Dwarika’s Hotel)
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Days 2-3
Kathmandu (Dwarika’s Hotel)
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Day 4
Kathmandu to Pokhara (Sarangkot Mountain Lodge)
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Day 5
Pokhara (Sarangkot Mountain Lodge)
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Day 6
Pokhara to Jomson (Shinta Mani Mustang)
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Days 7-10
Jomson (Shinta Mani Mustang)
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Day 11
Jomson to Pokhara (Dorje’s Resort & Spa)
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Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu (Dwarika’s Hotel)
Transfer to your hotel in the city and spend some time at leisure.
Days 2-3
Kathmandu (Dwarika’s Hotel)
Spend two days with your guide exploring the UNESCO sites, palace complexes, Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries of the city. Wander on foot and zip through the city by rickshaw taking time to stop and people watch and learn about the fascinating traditions and legends of this spiritual metropolis.
Day 4
Kathmandu to Pokhara (Sarangkot Mountain Lodge)
Transfer to the airport for a short 30 minute flight to Pokhara. Transfer to your accommodation by land or cable car! Later, visit the International Mountain Museum, dedicated to documenting mountaineering history and preserving the legacy of Himalayan expeditions.
Day 5
Pokhara (Sarangkot Mountain Lodge)
Acclimatise in Pokhara and take in some of the spectacular mountain scenery on a day trek into the Annapurna.
Day 6
Pokhara to Jomson (Shinta Mani Mustang)
A full day drive today, gaining elevation and journeying through lush valleys and alpine covered slopes to the jagged peaks of the Himalayas and the remote Mustang district. Check into Shinta Mani Mustang sitting at 2,800 metres.
Days 7-10
Jomson (Shinta Mani Mustang)
Over the next four days, immerse yourself in the region via a range of curated experiences including wilderness trekking, village and temple visits, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery and wellness therapies.
Day 11
Jomson to Pokhara (Dorje’s Resort & Spa)
Return to Pokhara by air and check into your accommodation on arrival. Spend the afternoon exploring Pokhara’s bazaar , Seti Gorge and Devis Falls, a divine waterfall which marks the point where a stream from Phewa Lake disappears underground.
Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flights to Kathmandu and onward travel.
More Details
A City of Contrasts
Exploring Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and modern vibrancy. Amidst the city’s expansion, its heart remains in its rich cultural heritage. Explore the lively streets of Old Kathmandu by rickshaw, weaving through narrow alleys to Ason’s bustling bazaars. Visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, perched on a hill, its legend intertwined with the valley’s origins. In Patan, admire fine artisanship at Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Pashupatinath Temple, witness Hindu devotion on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. End at Boudhanath, where prayer flags flutter as pilgrims circle the grand Tibetan Buddhist stupa.
Short Treks, Big Views
Annapurna Day Walks
In Pokhara tackle a rewarding day walks amidst stunning Himalayan scenery. A hike to the World Peace Pagoda takes you through Raniban’s forested hills to panoramic views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range, with a boat ride back to Lakeside. For a more challenging option, the Australian Camp trek begins with a drive to Kande, followed by a scenic uphill walk through Gurung villages to a peaceful hilltop retreat. The return journey passes through Dhampus before heading back to Pokhara. Exploring on foot is a magical way to experience Nepal’s natural beauty.
where mystique rewards the journey
Mustang Activities
Five nights at Shinta Mani Mustang, allows ample time to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Nepal’s Lower Mustang region. Take scenic hikes to Thini and Marpha villages, exploring traditional stone houses, Buddhist monasteries, and verdant apple orchards. Trek through the Jomsom Valley, pausing for a mountaineer-inspired picnic, or venture to Lubra Village, a stronghold of Bon Buddhism. Visit Jharkot and Jhong, enjoy a monastery lunch with panoramic views, or opt for an excursion to the sacred Muktinath pilgrimage site. Your adventures can be tailored to include mountain biking, archery, horseback riding, or a helicopter tour, before unwinding with a bespoke spa and wellness experience overlooking the Nilgiri range.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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The Dwarika’s Kathmandu preserves the rich artistic legacy of the Newari civilisation, incorporating centuries-old woodwork, handmade bricks, and intricate carvings. A pioneer in sustainable heritage conservation, the hotel showcases how tourism supports cultural restoration. By maintaining traditional craftsmanship, it ensures the survival of Nepal’s architectural heritage while positively impacting local artisans and preserving Kathmandu’s unique identity.
Shinta Mani Mustang follows a social enterprise model, supporting the Pasang Lhamu Foundation to empower women from remote Himalayan regions. In honour of Nepal’s first female Everest summiteer, the foundation provides education, vocational training, and healthcare. Revenue from the resort directly funds these initiatives, alongside cultural preservation and environmental sustainability efforts in Mustang.
Tourism brings positive benefits to remote areas like Mustang, fostering infrastructure, transportation, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation—enhancing the quality of life for local communities. By visiting, you support sustainable tourism while avoiding the pitfalls of over-tourism, immersing yourself in an authentic Nepalese experience. Revenue from Shinta Mani Mustang directly funds these efforts, ensuring long-term community impact.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
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A note on price
This Itinerary
Price
From £10,795 Per person
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