NEPAL - MUSTANG VEGAN TOUR

Namaste, and welcome to Kathmandu! Steeped in legends, folklore, myths, and mysteries, Kathmandu is a microcosm of Nepal. Cradled in “the valley” at roughly 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level, it is the largest city in Nepal with ancient roots dating back well over 2 millennia. With its narrow winding lanes, alleys, markets, temples, and bazaars, Kathmandu is the center of modern Nepal’s history, culture, social, economics and politics. Located along ancient trading routes, the architecture, faiths, and cultures in the valley are a beautiful fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. With no history of colonization, Nepal leads the way on women rights and political representation compared to its neighbors in South Asia, as well as being the most progressive country on LGBTQ rights in South Asia. Today we will gather for our orientation meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better, discuss the adventure ahead, and experience our “Introduction to Nepal and Mustang’s History, Cultures and Diversity” presentation.  Then, as the sun sets over this ancient capital, we’ll meet up with fellow vegans from the Nepal and enjoy a delicious dinner of local vegan delicacies together.

Highlights of the Day:

• Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better, discuss the adventure ahead and have our Introduction to Mustang and Nepal’s History, Cultures and Diversity Presentation.

• Join local vegans and animal rights activists for a delicious dinner and cultural exchange, where we’ll learn about plant-based diets, conservation, and animal welfare in Nepal as we enjoy a delicious vegan dinner of some of Kathmandu’s most famous classic dishes.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Dinner

Starting with an early vegan breakfast in Kathmandu, we’ll then head to the airport and fly to Pokhara. After collecting our luggage, we’ll begin our journey to Beni. During the journey, we’ll stop at Kusma, known as the city of bridges, for a special vegan lunch before continuing onto Beni. Beni is a beautiful little trading town situated in the middle of the hills on the bank of the holy Kali Gandaki River. Divided into two parts by the river, the name Beni means “the place where two rivers meet”, with the second river being Myagadi. Situated on a former Tibet-Nepal trading route, the cultural diversity of the community can be seen from the different ethnic groups who have settled here over the centuries. Once we arrive, we will check-in to our community lodge and then set out on foot to explore Beni before settling down for a tasty dinner of local vegan delicacies in the evening.

Highlights of the Day:

• Vegan breakfast in Kathmandu followed by our flight to Pokhara.

• Scenic road journey to Beni with a special vegan lunch at Kusma (the city of bridges).

• Explore the old trading town of Beni Bazaar, known as “the place where two rivers meet”, where we’ll learn about its history along the ancient trading routes as the gateway to Mustang.

• A special vegan dinner of local Beni favorites veganized just for us.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After breakfast at Beni, we will drive towards the majestic Himalayas, climbing to 2,780 meters (9,121 feet) above sea level. During our drive, we will pass the deepest valley in the world known as the Kali Gandaki Valley. Our first stop will be at Tatopani, a famous hot spring where locals bathe in order to get rid of inner and outer body diseases.  Then we’ll have a tasty vegan lunch of local Himalayan delicacies before continuing our journey to Rupse Falls, the largest waterfall in Nepal stretching over 300 meters from top to bottom. With epic views of the Rupse Falls, we’ll enjoy some hot Himalayan tea at one of our favorite local tea houses. We’ll then continue on to Marpha, our home for the next 2 days where we will immerse ourselves in a first-hand experience of Thakali culture (and of course, enjoy their famous delicious cuisine).  The Thakali people dominate the lower part of Mustang and practice syncretic religion, combining aspects of Buddhist, Hindu and Bon (Tibetan religion). Marpha’s name actually in the Thakali language means “hardworking people”, which is exactly how the Thakali people are often described. They are known to be business-oriented and have worked to popularize their cuisine throughout Nepal. Tonight, we will join a local family as their guests, who will prepare a home-cooked Thakali dinner for us. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic drive towards the epic peaks of the Himalaya, driving along the world’s deepest valley, the Kali Gandaki Valley.

• Take a refreshing and rejuvenating dip into the sacred hot springs at Tatopani where locals bathe to help with various ailment. We will also eat lunch here.

• Visit and take in the majestic Rupse Falls, the largest waterfall in Nepal, while enjoying a hot cup of fresh Himalayan tea at one of our favorite local tea houses.

• Join a local family for a delicious a home-cooked vegan dinner of Marpha delicacies. 

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

We will begin our day with a traditional breakfast, then we’ll visit the original place of the Thakali culture and people. We’ll also visit the village of Bupi Sherchan, the home of the most famous and revolutionary poet of 70s and 80s Nepal, before being guests of a 600-year-old monastery where we’ll learn about the local version of Vajrayana Buddhism practiced by the Thakali people. We will spend the day exploring the Thakali heartland and learning about this community and their way of life. Since Marpha is also known as the apple capital of Nepal, we will also visit a local apple farm and apple brandy distillery, sampling their famous harvest and the different edible (and drinkable) goods they make from it. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore the charming Marpha village and as we get a first-hand experience of Thakali culture and way of life in the Himalaya.

• Guests of a 600-year-old monastery where we’ll have our Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, monastery architecture and design by resident monks as well as symbolic, architectural concepts synonymous with monasteries here, from the main prayer hall to the monks’ quarters, prayer wheels, flags, stupas, and much more.

• As Marpha is Nepal’s apple capital, today we will experience (and taste) our way through a visit to a local apple farm and apple brandy distillery.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Today, we continue our journey further into Mustang as we traverse the Himalayan roads to the small, charming village of Lubra! Lubra is the only village in Mustang where all the residents still practice and follow Bon. Bon is a pre-Buddhist religion that worships nature and practices shamanistic beliefs and rituals. Bon was the main religion in Tibet prior to Buddhism’s arrival in the upper realms of the Himalayas. Founded in the late 12th century, and quite off the beaten track, the people of this Bon village have preserved their traditional way of life over generations. Upon arriving at Lubra, we will have traditional lunch (veganized specially for us) with a local Bon family, before setting out to explore this centuries-old village. The center of the village is home to an ancient Bon monastery with unique wall paintings and statues. As the moon rises over Lubra, we’ll spend our evening as guests of a local family, enjoying a delicious home-cooked vegan dinner and local drinks.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic drive traversing the Himalayan roads to the 12^th-century village of Lubra, where the locals still practice the pre-Buddhist Tibetan religion called Bon. 

• Learn about the basics of Bon, its history, and the important role it plays in the way of life and culture of the people in Lubra from a local point of view. 

• Guests of an ancient Bon monastery. We will learn about the daily practice, rituals, and symbolism in Bonism.

• Join a local family for a traditional lunch and dinner, where we’ll learn about local eating etiquette and traditions in this part of the Himalaya, while we enjoy delicious vegan meals of local classics specially veganized for us.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Today, immerse yourself in the authentic Bon way of life with a full day at a traditional Bon monastery in Lubra. Spend time with Bon monks and learn about their daily rituals and spiritual practices, gaining a deeper understanding of how these shape Bon culture and society.

As nature and natural elements are central to Bon beliefs, we’ll engage in seasonal activities with local families—helping harvest crops and tend to their plants using sustainable, time-honored methods.

Next, dive into the region’s culinary heritage by learning to prepare Thukpa, a traditional Tibetan noodle soup that’s both hearty and rich in flavor.

As evening falls and the moon rises over the Lubra valley, we’ll gather with the local women’s association for a vibrant cultural performance featuring music, storytelling, and traditional dance. You’ll also have the chance to learn and participate in a special Bon ritual dance.

We’ll end the day with a nourishing, home-cooked vegan dinner, lovingly prepared by the local mothers’ group, offering a true taste of Himalayan hospitality.

Highlights of the Day:

• Experiencing the Bon religion and way of life with monks and novices at the village monastery. 

• Cultural culinary experience today as we learn to make Thukpa, traditional Tibetan noodles. 

• Join local families for a colorful evening of local music and dance where we’ll enjoy a dance performance by the local women’s association and partake in a special Bon dance.

• Special home-cooked vegan meal with local families.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After breakfast, we’ll make our way towards Charang. Crossing over the Kali Gandaki River, entering the restricted area of Upper Mustang, which is known as “The Kingdom of Lo”. Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Himalayan Ranges and falls under the area known as the Tibetan Plateau. Upper Mustang is well-known for its Tibetan culture, and it falls under the King of Nepal’s unification campaign. On route to Charang, will stop at the oldest settlement in the region, Kagbeni. Here we will explore the quaint town and have tea with a local friend. We will then continue to the village of Ghami for a tasty vegan lunch of popular local dishes.  Arriving in Charang in the afternoon, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time with the village’s traditional clay flat-roofed houses, vibrant prayer flag-strewn rooftops, narrow lanes and alleys, chortens (stupas), mani (prayer) walls, and shrines. Charang (also spelled Tsarang) was an important stop along the ancient caravan trading routes that plied between India and Tibet. At an elevation of 12,000 feet above sea level, this ancient Himalayan Mountain trading village sits amongst the arid high-altitude desert wilderness area lying behind the Himalayan “wall” at the southern fringes of the Tibetan Plateau. This will be our home for the next two days as we learn about life and cultures in the epic arid desert of Upper Mustang.   

Highlights of the Day:

• Epic scenic journey into the restricted area of Upper Mustang, historically known as “The Kingdom of Lo”. Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Himalayan Ranges, and it home to an epic arid high-altitude desert wilderness that stretches out across the southern fringes of the Tibetan Plateau. 

• Visit the oldest settlement in the region, Kagbeni where we’ll explore the quaint town and have tea with a local friend. 

• Explore the ancient lanes and back alleys of the village of Charang home to traditional clay-flat roofed houses, vibrant prayer flag strewn rooftops, narrow lanes and alleys, chortens (stupas), mani (prayer) walls, and shrines. 

• Traditional Tsarang dinner of local delicacies specially veganized just for us.  

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

In the morning, as the sunlight washes over the arid desert, we’ll learn in-depth about the prayer flags of Mustang – which you’ll see not just here, but also adorning stupas, temples, monasteries, shrines, hilltops, rooftops, homes, shops, and other structures across the Himalayas. This morning, we will also introduce what prayer flags are all about, their history and what they represent, and we’ll hang contribute prayers to a series of prayer flags to encourage blessings into the valley. After hanging the prayer flags, we will explore the ancient trading village of Charang. This small, traditional village has a population of just 700 and was a famous resting place for traders and caravans during the salt trading age and was home to rest houses and stables dating all the way back to the 11^th-12^th century! Charang is also home to a 500-year-old monastery with beautiful murals depicting revered deities and the Medicine Buddha mandala (the Medicine Buddha is highly respected in Upper Mustang), along with spectacular sky caves that were hewn out of the caves thousands of years ago.  These caves hold some mystery for historians – some believe they were initially used as burial chambers, but they may also have been used as places of refuge in times of conflict, places of meditation and even military look outs. The village was also once the home of the Raja of Mustang, and today we’ll visit the ruins of the former palace which sits strategically along a hill overlooking the vallet.  We will also be guests of a local nunnery where we’ll be guests of local Buddhist Nuns at their monastery and we will learng about their way of life, the precepts they follow, and women issues from a Buddhist point of view.

Highlights of the Day:

• Prayer Flags Program – Since the Upper Mustang has deep spiritual roots, today we’ll learn in-depth about the prayer flags of the Himalayas – which you’ll see not just here, but also adorning stupas, temples, monasteries, shrines, hilltops, rooftops, homes, shops, and other structures across the Himalayas, today we will also introduce what prayer flags are all about, their history and what they represent, and we’ll hang contribute prayers to a series of prayer flags to encourage blessings into the valley.

• Join a longtime local resident of Charang who will share with us their village and its rich history as we explore by foot and a short hike for some epic views.

• Visit to some of the village’s thousands-of-years-old mysterious sky caves, whose origin and historical use is debated. 

• Guests of local Buddhist Nuns at their monastery where they will introduce us to their way of life, the precepts they follow, and women issues from a Buddhist point of view. They also have a special ceremony they will share with us.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Starting the day with hearty local vegan breakfast, we will then set off on our 3-hour drive to the walled city of Lo Manthang, which was the capital of the former Mustang Kingdom prior to its unification with Nepal in the 18^thcentury. Until recently, Lo Manthang was treated as an autonomous kingdom under King Jigme Dorhe Palbar Bista, when in 2008 it lost this status. A medieval town, Lo Manthang offers an abundance of historical riches to explore, including the 4-story king’s palace and old monasteries built by Tibetan architects which includes the Thubchen Lhakang Monastery dating back 15^th century. Lo Manthang was a key meeting point for Indian and Tibetan traders back in the day who gathered in the ancient kingdom to trade salt and silk, and the taxes it charged made it a very wealthy kingdom. Arriving in Lo Manthang mid-day, we’ll enjoy a tasty momo-themed lunch where we’ll enjoy one of the Himalaya’s most famous dishes and their condiments. So get ready to enjoy a variety of magnificent momo and their delicious accompaniments. After checking into our rooms, we’ll set out to explore Lo Manthang and learn about its rich and regal history along the ancient caravan trading routes. In the evening, we’ll be guests of a local family at their home for a traditional dinner of their favorite dishes passed down generation to generation, and of course, specially veganized for us tonight. 

Highlights of the Day:

• 3-hour jeep ride to the medieval walled Tibetan kingdom of Lo Manthang.

• Exploration of Lo Manthang – a former meeting point for Indian and Tibetan traders – including the 4-story king’s palace and a 15^th-century-built monastery.

• A magnificent momo feast – where we’ll learn about (and taste a plenty) momo in the Himalaya and the vast variety of ways they can be prepared. Make sure you bring your appetite!

• Guests of a local family at their home where we’ll enjoy a feast of their favorite fermented dishes known as gundruk, fermented radishes known as sinki, and fermented achars (pickles) along another staple in the Upper Mustang area, potatoes.    

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Today, we set off further north towards the Kora La border near Tibet and Nepal. It is situated on the drainage divide between the Yarlung Tsangpo and the Ganges river basins. At only 4,660 meters in elevation, Kora La is considered the lowest drivable path between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent. During our journey today we will stop at a series of ancient caves dating back some 3,000-4,000 years old. These caves still have paintings and statues visible today! Returning to Lo Manthang in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to freshen up and relax before we meet for tonight’s cultural culinary experience – where we’ll join a talented home chef who will introduce and teach us how to make a full Thakali meal – vegan style! 

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore the area towards the Kora La border near Tibet and Nepal, which is situated on the drainage divide between the Yarlung Tsangpo and the Ganges river basins. At only 4,660 meters in elevation, Kora La is considered the lowest drivable path between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent.

• Stop on route at some ancient caves dating back some 3,000-4,000 years old to view statues and paintings still visible today.

• Visit local farmers market and pick up fresh and dried and fermented veggies for our farm to market to table cooking class this evening.

• We join a very talented chef in the kitchen where we learn how to make and enjoy some of Mustang’s classic dishes – from the fresh farmers’ market to the home kitchen, we’ll learn how to cook up a traditional Mustang feast – all 100% vegan.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After a delicious breakfast, we set out on foot to explore Lo Manthang city, including the city wall and the king’s palace. This part of Mustang is also renowned for its unique and natural beauty, along with its abundance of black and pink salt. Shilajit, a sticky gum found in the rocks in the high-altitude areas of the Himalayas, can be found here. Today, we will also learn about shilajit, how it is produced, and its health benefits. Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for overall health and well-being, locals typically travel from Upper to Lower Mustang in the winter to sell this gum, along with other medicinal herbs, spices, and salts. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Exploration of Lo Manthang city, including a visit to the king’s palace.

• Learn about the unique resources (medicinal herbs, gums, spices and salts) this city offers including its black and pink salt, and shilajit – a sticky gum found in the rocks in the high-altitude areas of the Himalayas can be found here commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for overall health and well-being.

• Join a local family for a delicious dinner, local drinks, and a colorful evening a local folk on our last night in Upper Mustang.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After breakfast, we will head back to Lower Mustang through epic scenery, stunning Himalayan peaks horizon and passes, and arid high-altitude desert wilderness terrain. Arriving in Jomsom (which comes from the word Dzongsam, meaning “new fort”), the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks form the epic backdrop of the town which sits alongside the mighty Kali Gandaki River.  Here, we will see buckwheat, white potato and uwa (a barley-like grain) being grown as we pass arrive near the Kala Gandaki. On the way, we will also stop to see fossils which could be millions of years old, that are intimately connected with local Hindu beliefs and are known as Saligram, one of the forms of the Hindu god Vishnu. Arriving in Jomsom, the administrative headquarters of MUSTANG, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner of buckwheat, white potato, and barley grain dishes local to the area

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic journey from Upper to Lower Mustang through epic scenery, stunning Himalayan peaks horizon and passes, and arid high-altitude desert wilderness terrain. 

• We will stop and search for fossils, believed to be millions of years old and intimately connected in local Hindu belief with the god Vishnu. 

• Delicious dinner of buckwheat, white potato, and barley grain dishes local to the area, which will form the focus of our vegan feast tonight in the Thakali heartland.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Today we will bid farewell to Mustang, experiencing a beautiful and majestic mountainous flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. In the early evening, we will all meet up for our farewell dinner party, where we will enjoy a colorful evening of live music, refreshing drinks and a delicious fusion vegan feast for our last meal in Nepal together!

Highlights of the Day:

• Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara including majestic views of the Himalayan Mountains. 

• A farewell Nepali vegan fusion feast along with refreshing drinks and live music on our last night in Nepal together.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After a traditional Nepali vegan fusion breakfast, we’ll catch our flight from Pokhara back to the Kathmandu Valley. After two weeks immersing ourselves in the unique and often forgotten cultures, religions, and people of Mustang, sadly it is time to head. We’ll enjoy a delicious vegan fusion breakfast together, giving us a chance to share our highlights and memories from our time together. Our check-out time from the hotel is 11am, after which we will head to the airport.

After two weeks in Nepal immersing ourselves in the unique and often forgotten cultures, and religions of the people of Mustang, being personal guests of villages, off-the-beaten-track hamlets, monasteries, local home kitchens, grassroots community projects, and educational institutions, and two weeks of out-off-this world views, we’ll have our last breakfast together, and then catch our flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival back in the Kathmandu Valley, we’ll enjoy our last lunch together, and then it’s time to catch your flight back home. The flight timings in Nepal can be unpredictable and are often delayed. So to be on the safe side, please do not book your return flight home until 7 pm or after. For any additional onward assistance, our team will be on hand to help. Thank you very much for traveling with us on our Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Vegan Adventure in Mustang!

Highlights of the Day:

• Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu

• A final feast for lunch together of Nepali fusion food on arrival back in the Kathmandu Valley.

Vegan Meals Included:  Breakfast and Lunch