Trip Overview
Everest Short Trek & Mustang Immersion
This customised 13-day program combines a condensed Everest region trek via helicopter access for efficiency and luxury, followed by an immersive 5-day cultural and sightseeing adventure in the Mustang region, based at the luxurious Shinta Mani Mustang resort in Jomsom. Mustang, often called the “Last Kingdom of the Himalayas,” offers arid desert landscapes, ancient Tibetan-influenced villages, sacred monasteries, and dramatic Kali Gandaki River gorges. The sightseeing days focus on accessible day trips and short hikes (no high-altitude overnights required), emphasising cultural immersion, gentle exploration, and relaxation to acclimatise comfortably at Jomsom’s moderate elevation.
On the additional information, if you have time in Nepal, you could try the following program after this one:
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Meet your guide for a private transfer star hotel. Afternoon free to rest and adjust to jet lag. Evening: Welcome briefing on the itinerary, gear check, and tour registration form fill-up with our representative.
Early morning transfer for the scenic northeast route over the valleys, helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. And after arrival at Lukla, prepare for the short trek to Phakding, 3-4 hours. The trail leads downhill and uphill with an easy start. Continue the trek and Soar above terraced hills on the heli ride. Trek through pine forests, Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges, spot prayer flags and yaks. Arrive at Mountain Lodge Phakding for cosy comfort overnight.
Today, the trek will be a slightly moderate ascent with one steep section. Mindful of gaining elevation and staying hydrated. The trail leads to the milky Dudh Koshi River, crosses thrilling bridges, and enters the Sagarmatha National Park Entry point. Arrive in Namche at Mountain Lodge for a comfortable and cosy overnight.
Today is the rest day, which includes some hiking for acclimatisation. Hike from the hotel to the Hotel Everest View, which is considered as panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and more. The trail leads to the steep but short uphill. Take sufficient time to immerse yourself in the mountains closer to your exposure and descend to the Nache at Mountain Lodge and overnight there.
Early morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and then prepare for the scenic mountain flight. If the weather permits, you will witness 8+ peaks over 8000m on your morning mountain flight. Return to Kathmandu & transfer to the Shinta Mani Mustang Resort. The day will be slightly considered as flying over the blues and valleys. On arrival at Shinta Mani, you will be welcomed with the Thakali tea or local fresh juice. For comfort and cosy, the stay will be more than a retreat to yourself.
Elevation: Jomsom base (2,720m); short hikes up to 2,900m. Details: Gentle full-day acclimatization at the resort. Morning: Guided village walk through Jomsom’s mud-brick lanes, visiting the ancient Jomsom Gompa (monastery) for prayer wheels and Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Afternoon: Easy 2-3 hour hike along the Kali Gandaki Riverbed to collect fossilized ammonites (“Shaligram” stones, sacred to Hindus). Option: Resort yoga session overlooking Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Evening: Cultural talk on Mustang’s history with local shaman. Distance/Activity Level: 4-5km walking, flat/moderate. Meals: All-inclusive. Overnight: Shinta Mani Mustang.
Elevation: Jomsom (2,720m) to Muktinath (3,800m) – Drive/trek ascent; return same day. Details: Early jeep/heli-assisted transfer (~1 hour jeep or 10-min heli) to sacred Muktinath, a dual Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage site (“Place of Liberation”). Explore the Vishnu Temple with its eternal flame and 108 water spouts for ritual bathing. Hike short trails to nearby gompas and viewpoints of snow-capped peaks. Picnic lunch amid prayer flags. Return to Jomsom by afternoon for resort spa (hot stone massage). Distance/Activity Level: 3-4km optional hike, moderate altitude. Meals: All-inclusive. Overnight: Shinta Mani Mustang.
Jomsom (2,720m) to Kagbeni (2,800m) – Flat along river. Details: Jeep ride (~30 min) to Kagbeni, the “Gateway to Upper Mustang.” Wander medieval alleys, fortified towers, and the oldest monastery in the region. Afternoon: Riverside hike in the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge (world’s deepest); optional pony ride or fossil hunting. Return for sunset cocktails at the resort’s infinity pool. Cultural highlight: Taste local buckwheat pancakes. Distance/Activity Level: 5km walking, easy. Meals: All-inclusive. Overnight: Shinta Mani Mustang.
Elevation: Jomsom (2,720m) to Marpha (2,670m) – Gentle descent. Details: Short jeep trek (~20 min) to Marpha, the “Apple Capital of Nepal.” Stroll terraced orchards (peak harvest Sept-Oct), sample fresh apple brandy/cider at distilleries, and visit the whitewashed village with hidden courtyards. Optional 2-hour loop hike to Dhumba Lake for birdwatching (ibis bills, eagles). Afternoon: Hands-on cooking class at the resort using local produce. Distance/Activity Level: 4km walking, leisurely. Meals: All-inclusive. Overnight: Shinta Mani Mustang.
Elevation: Jomsom (2,720m) to Tukuche (2,590m) – Flat/downhill. Details: Venture to hidden Tukuche village (~40 min jeep), known for ancient herbal medicine and Thakali cuisine. Tour a traditional distillery (raksi spirit) and join a local family for tea in a mud-house. Afternoon: Free time for resort activities like archery, meditation, or a hot air balloon teaser over the valley (weather permitting). Evening: Bonfire storytelling with Mustang folklore. Distance/Activity Level: 3km walking, cultural focus. Meals: All-inclusive. Overnight: Shinta Mani Mustang.
Morning breakfast at the hotel, prepare yourself for the scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu. Packed all your belongings. The flight will allow a scenic flight over Annapurna, along with the wonderful view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Macchapuchi, along with the scenic view of Pokhara. Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. Our representative or guide will transfer to the hotel.
Free day for last minute shopping in Thamel (pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, souvenirs) or spa relaxation. Buffer for any weather delays from prior flights.
Our representative will drop you off at the airport as per the flight schedule