Mystical Mustang Heritage Journey
Key Highlights
Hiking & Trekking
Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
Helicopter Adventure to Mustang
More about this escape
Your room has big windows that look directly at the Nilgiri mountains, which are covered in snow and reach 7,000 meters high. This five-day trip lets you experience real Tibetan Buddhist culture by visiting monasteries, walking through villages, and meeting local families who still live the same way their ancestors did centuries ago. You will go on guided walks through desert areas, bike rides in the mountains, and horseback rides on local Mustang ponies with village guides. A traditional Tibetan doctor named Amchi Tsewang Gyurme Gurung will give you personal healing treatments using old herbal medicines and traditional methods. This beautiful retreat designed by Bill Bensley combines comfortable luxury with real cultural experiences in places that very few travelers ever get to see.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Cultural Welcome
Arrive in Jomsom where your guide meets you and takes you to the resort, which sits 2,800 meters above sea level. Check into your room and enjoy spa treatments to help you adjust to the mountain altitude. In the evening, take an evening walk to Thini Village, where you will explore traditional paths and meet local families who will share stories about daily mountain life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Airport Transfer & Check-in, Altitude Adjustment Spa Treatment, Thini Village Walk
Day 2 – Marpha Village Discovery
Start with a 2-hour morning walk to Dumba Lake and Khutsab Terenga Monastery, which overlooks the world's deepest valley. Then travel to Marpha Village by walking, biking, or driving to explore stone streets and visit apple orchards that make this community famous. You’ll have lunch with Mrs. Kamala, a respected local chef, and learn about regional food and cultural traditions at her family table.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Local Family, Dinner
Activities: Dumba Lake & Monastery Walk, Marpha Village Apple Orchard Visit, Traditional Cooking Experience
Day 3 – Wilderness Trekking Adventure
Go on custom walking trips through Jomsom Valley, crossing mountain streams and walking on ancient forest paths with beautiful Himalayan views. Stop halfway for a wilderness picnic with mountain-style food and cold drinks in untouched natural areas. Afterward, continue exploring areas where few people go, taking photographs and making memories in complete mountain peace.
Meals: Breakfast, Wilderness Picnic, Dinner
Activities: Jomsom Valley Trekking, Mountain Stream Crossing, Photography in Remote Areas
Day 4 – Historic Villages & Sacred Sites
Drive to Jharkot village to visit its important temple and experience Tibetan community life that has been preserved for centuries. Walk through old orchards to Jhong village for a traditional home tour and monastery lunch with mountain views in all directions. Your day ends as you continue to Kagbeni, the entrance to Upper Mustang, and visit Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, with an optional trip to the sacred Muktinath pilgrimage site.
Meals: Breakfast, Monastery Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Jharkot Temple Visit, Jhong Village Home Tour, Kagbeni Monastery Experience
Day 5 – Traditional Healing & Departure
Complete your trip with personal wellness treatments in private spa rooms that overlook the Nilgiri mountains. Meet with Amchi Tsewang Gyurme Gurung for an individual health consultation and receive custom herbal treatments based on traditional Tibetan medicine practices. Finally, leave with handmade remedies and deep cultural memories from this life-changing mountain experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Activities: Nilgiri Mountain Spa Treatment, Traditional Tibetan Medicine Consultation, Departure with Herbal Remedies
What's Included
Accommodation & Dining
29 luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling Nilgiri mountain views
All daily meals at Nilgiri Restaurant and during excursions
Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Wilderness picnics during trekking adventures
Traditional home-cooked meals with local families
Room service and in-suite dining
Activities & Cultural Experiences
Private guided hiking to monasteries and villages
Mountain biking with full support team and equipment
Horseback riding on traditional Mustang ponies
Traditional archery lessons with local bow techniques
Helicopter flights over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks
Monastery visits including morning meditation sessions
Wellness & Personal Services
Personalized spa treatments overlooking Nilgiri range
Traditional healing consultation with Amchi Tsewang Gyurme Gurung
Custom herbal remedies and Tibetan medicine treatments
Airport transfers to/from Jomsom
Personal Bensley Adventure Guide throughout stay
What's Not Included
Travel & Insurance
International flights to and from Nepal
Travel insurance and medical coverage
Domestic flights beyond Jomsom transfers
Helicopter trips to Upper Mustang cost extra
Visa fees and passport processing
Emergency medical evacuation
Personal Expenses & Extras
Personal shopping and souvenirs in villages
Additional excursions outside planned itinerary
Gratuities (though service is exceptional)
Personal laundry and dry cleaning
International phone calls and premium WiFi
Professional photography services
Good to Know
Before You Go
Pack Smart: Bring warm clothes for cold evenings and light clothes for sunny days. You need good walking shoes for village visits. Sunglasses and sunscreen are important because mountain sun is very strong.
Health Prep: The high altitude can make you feel tired or give you headaches on your first day. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol when you arrive. Tell the resort staff if you feel unwell.
Money Matters: Villages only take cash for buying things. Bring small bills in Nepali rupees. Credit cards work at the resort but not in local shops.
During Your Stay
Respect Local Ways: Take off your shoes before entering homes and temples. Do not touch religious items or point your feet toward Buddha statues. Local people appreciate when visitors show respect.
Photo Tips: Monks and older people might not want photos taken. Always ask first with a smile. Some temple areas do not allow cameras at all.
Best Activity Times: Morning activities work best because afternoons get very windy. Helicopter flights usually happen early in the morning when weather is most stable.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal periods to experience Mystical Mustang Heritage Journey at its finest, based on weather conditions and overall visitor experience.
Accommodation
The resort features 29 luxury suites built entirely from local materials including stone, slate, and wood that reflect traditional Tibetan architecture. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular views of the snow-capped Nilgiri mountain range, while the interiors showcase regional artwork, handwoven Tibetan carpets, and furniture crafted by local artisans. The suites feature open floor plans that connect the bedroom and living areas so nothing blocks your mountain views, plus spacious bathrooms with double sinks and large rainfall showers. Every suite includes locally sourced soft furnishings and decorative elements that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Mustang region. Your stay includes all meals featuring local and international cuisine, premium beverages, guided cultural activities, wellness treatments, airport transfers, and government permits.