Nepal from the High Himalayas to the Jungle

The IGO team will greet you in Kathmandu and take you through the organised chaos to the Dwarikas Hotel. The Hotel is a unique place in South Asia, a living testament to the fact that tourism need not destroy heritage and the environment. It has demonstrated that a proper blend of cultural restoration and tourism leads to the preservation of historical artefacts and contributes to the growth of skills and culture that would otherwise have eroded due to the crass commercialism of today. Freshen up, briefing by the IGO team, organise your kit before meeting for a traditional 6 course Nepali Banquet at the Krishnarpan restaurant.

Activities - Trip briefing, drinks with the group, introductory supper.

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the domestic airport for your 20 minute flight to Pokhara. On arrival in Pokhara you will have a short layover before flying up to Jomsom (2800m). On arrival in Jomsom, you will be met and transferred to Moksha. Tucked high within in the majestic Himalayas, this is the ideal place to start your adventure in Mustang. Moksha provides the perfect base for trekking in the surrounding area, exploring Buddhist culture or just unwinding with a view of some of the highest snow-capped peaks in the world. We will have lunch at the property before taking to the Himalayas with an afternoon of walking and acclimitisation. 

Activities: Acclimitisation Hike (3hrs) 

Accommodation: Moksha Mustang 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will explore the surrounding ancient cities by Bicycle. Marpha is huddled behind a ridge for protection from the wind and dust. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It is also famous for its apple garden and traditionally well kept monastery. Situated at an altitude of 2580m, it was once the most important Thakali Village and famous chief market town in a major trading route between Tibet and India. Many of the town’s stone houses once served as salt and grain storehouses.

Activities - Full day cycling and exploring

After an early breakfast we will begin our journey further into the district for a day in the mountains and an overnight camping. Thini is an outstanding village on the other side of Jomsom. Inhabited by the elders while the young goes off to greener pasture, this village is well worth visiting. The Nyingma-Pa sect monastery is located above Dhumba Lake and dates back to 17th century. Dhumba Lake is a sacred Turquoise lake nestled in the lap of Mt. Nilgiri. This lake today attracts people from surrounding areas in all their finery and bright colours in all shapes, sizes and ages. They throng to this lake for prayers that similar changes for betterment may occur in their life.  Visitors might encounter Dhekep, a masked dance performed by monks in October/November.

Activities - Full day cycling and exploring

After breakfast begin the climb to Muktinath, this is the hardest day of our journey but the views from the top are incredible. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist, this pagoda style temple is a symbol of the religious symbiosis between Hindus and Buddhists. You will also enjoy splendid mountain views  across to Tibet, After the temple visit we continue downhill to Kagbeni. Kagbeni, a green Oasis at the junction of the Jhong Khola and Kali Gandaki River. After a rest in Kagbeni we will decend further to Lupra and onto the comfort of Moksha Lodge. Lupra is a hidden village located in Panda Khola gorge in between Kagbeni and Jomsom and is rarely visited by the tourists. The highlight of this trip is the ancient Bon Po monastery which can be seen in very limited places of the Mustang region. Bon Po religion is believed to be even older than Buddhism and is not represented by many monasteries in the current days.

Activities - Full day cycling and exploring

You'll start with an early breakfast before heading to the airport for your flights onto Bharatpur and transfer to Tiger Tops. Arriving at the camp, you will be met by our staff who will show you to your tent, where you have time to freshen up. After a welcome drink and a short briefing, lunch will be served in the dining hall. This will be followed by a walk around the camp and an introduction to the elephants and their mahouts. When the temperature has come down, follow the elephants to the river to watch them drink and bath. While the elephants frolic in the water, our staff will serve you chilled drinks and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the warm light of the setting sun. This is a perfect time for taking photos of the elephants. Walk back through the charming Tharu villages, while learning everything about the local culture and customs. Gather this evening for a cocktail party and tiger talk hosted by Jack, who will explain the tiger conservation efforts going on across Nepal.

Activities - Connect with elephants

Wake up early and prepare for the day’s adventures with a hearty breakfast. Then strap on your walking boots, take a sturdy bamboo walking stick and prepare for a day of pure exploration and excitement! There will be a premade lunch ready along with refreshments to keep you going through the day. Your day will be spent in the Land Rover and on foot scouting out the undergrowth for that elusive Tiger. Walking down a jungle path enclosed by the Sal trees, listen out for the sounds of orioles and hornbills. We will take you to one of the many “hides”, where patience is key, as you settle down with a cup of tea and wait... Maybe a rhino, maybe a jungle cat, maybe something else! Aside from the safari, we will also meet with those at the forefront of Nepal's conservation efforts, whether it be - anti poaching units, camera trapping organisations or local village guardians. The day is packed with education on the fabulous conservation work Nepal does daily. 

After breakfast prepare for a river safari on the Narayani River. The outing commences with a nature walk through the riverine forest followed by a scenic float down the river. Cruising on the wide expanse of the river, pockets if rapids propel the boats along as gentle waves lap at the sides. Sitting inside a hand-carved boat keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birdlife and wildlife. Top of the list is the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and its more sinister relative, the Marsh-Mugger. The rest of the day you spend with the mahouts learning about the Tiger Tops Elephant camp and what it takes to achieve the highest welfare standards. The Elephant camp is Nepal's first and only company offering responsible elephant experiences. The philosophy is to provide the most natural life for the elephants and the highest welfare standards possible whilst ensuring their upkeep is paid for without exploitation.

Activities - River Safari, elephant education and conservation

After an early breakfast and saying your goodbyes to the Elephant Herd at Tiger Tops, we shall journey north to Kathmandu. After a 2hr drive to Bharatpur airport and a short flight we will be met and escorted 45 mins to Dwarikas Dhulikel for lunch. The Himalayan belt has been home to holistic healing and wellbeing for more than three thousand years. Hence, undoubtedly the region’s approach to wellbeing has attracted great sages, with its serene natural beauty and rare medicinal herbs adding to its charm. With the belief in the need for maintaining harmony between the body, mind, spirit and earth for a peaceful, healthy and balanced life, the Dwarika’s Resort is built on the philosophy of respecting nature and self. The resort takes its inspiration from ancient Hindu Vedic scriptures (vedas), Buddhist medicine and traditional Himalayan knowledge. At the resort their are an array of activities to choose from, the day is yours as you please. A chance to unwind and reflect on your life experience to Nepal.

Today is your final day in the country, a chance to buy some traditional souvenirs, arts and crafts, jewellery or fine cashmere. We will have a lazy morning, leisurely breakfast before heading to Kathmandu Tribhuvan airport for your flight home.