4 Wheel exclusive Jeep Drive tour in the Nepal Himalayas-10 Days

4X4 adventure trip is a wonderful package designed by Natraj Tours & Travels for the clients who love to have adventurous experiences with the views of natural beauty and local people/cultures/activities, all while traveling on a comfortable vehicle, i.e. a jeep.

The thrilling 4×4 adventure trip will take you over some of the most rugged and bumpy terrains of Nepal. This tour takes you to some of Nepal’s most unique and remote 4WD tour destinations. Such destinations include Tatopani, Kagbeni, Jomsom (Muktinath), Marpha and Kalopani. Additionally, other destinations in this trip include the stunning Pokhara city, Kathmandu, the capital and Beni. Cultural heritage of Kathmandu, Muktinath- a popular pilgrimage, Pokhara- paradise of Nepal, Marpha- land of apples in Nepal, all these are some of the major destinations of this trip.

Our 4WD tours extend across this vast nation, exploring isolated areas that few have the opportunity to see.

Day by day detailed itinerary
Day 01  Arrival and airport welcome with garland
Arrival Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, guest will be met and welcomed by our representative and transferred to Hotel

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal!
Kathmandu is the bustling capital of Nepal and the country’s largest city. Away from the modern parts of the city is an intricate maze of narrow streets, great for exploring and observing the traditional culture and Nepalese way of life with hidden temples, local markets and old workshops. Actually formed of three ancient cities, Kathmandu has always been a melting pot for the different ethnic groups of Nepal, and therefore boasts an unbelievably rich cultural heritage that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Age.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 02  Full day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Half day tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa
You will be taken on a sightseeing tour Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the city. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess)

The old market lying in the heart of the Kathmandu city has a distinct character of it’s own, taking one back to many centuries. This traditional market leads to many intriguing sights and is a maze in itself with the narrow streets/alleys, the temples, the people milling around, colorful shops offering a variety of spices, dry fruits, color powders, incense, and many more things. Every day fresh fruit and vegetables are carried to this market place from all over the valley. It is fitting that the three story temple located here is dedicated to the goddess of abundance called Annapurna. From dawn until late at night, Ason is jammed with buyers, sellers and passers-by. The six roads meeting at this crossroads make it the busiest junction in Kathmandu.

Visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) The world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot.

Afternoon visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur means “the city of devotees” in Nepali language. It is also known as Bhadgaon and was founded in 889 AD by King Anand Dev. Today it covers an area of four square miles and is flanked by Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity of the Malla years and the details at which the crafts people then worked. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows stands in the square, which was also home to many kings of Bhaktapur. The kings of Bhaktapur ruled over Kathmandu and Patan from the 12th century to the 14th century.
Overnight at the hotel
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 03  Kathmandu / White Water Rafting/ Pokhara
After breakfast, we start our journey early in the morning and drive to rafting start point (approx 3 ½ hrs drive) for White Water Rafting at Trisuli River (it will be an approx 2-3 hrs).

Rafting on the Trishuli River is an excellent opportunity to observe the diversity of demography, landscapes, and cultural heritage and the flora and fauna.

White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal’s thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.

Leave Kurintar for Pokhara (approx 2 hrs drive)
Arrive Pokhara, check in at the hotel

Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal. The beauty of Pokhara is enhanced by its lovely lakes, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Located 200 km west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 827 meter from sea-level. For the mountain viewers Pokhara offers a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, Machapuchre (Fishtail), five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is the only place in the world to provide such a dramatic views in a sub-tropical setting. Machapuchre, for example, is only 28 km from Phewa Lake and not a single mountain range intervenes between the two.

Free time or walking around lakeside market
Lakeside-The eastern shore of Phewa Lake, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Overnight at the hotel
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 04  Pokhara/ Tatopani by 4 wheel Drive Jeep
After breakfast, we will drive to Tatopani via Beni Bazaar (it will be an approx 5-6 hrs including lunch time ) . Tatopani (1180m) is a large village with many well-appointed tea-houses and takes its name, “hot water”, from the hot spring bathing pools on the banks of the river.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Overnight: Simple Teahouse (Local Lodge)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 Tatopani / Jomsom by 4 wheel Drive Jeep
After breakfast, we leave Tatopani for Jomsom by 4 WD Jeep , it will be an approx 5-6 hrs scenic drive.

Jomsom, situated at an altitude of 2710m, lies in the Trans -Himalayan rain shadow zone which causes a rather dry climate forming a desert – like landscape. It falls in the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek route.

The name Jomsom is originated from the Tibetan word Dzong Sampa, which translates as “New Fort”. The three-eyed king Thang Mig Chen of Thini village established the fort in order to monitor movement of north-south trade. The fort and the town which grew up around it, were both called Dzong Sampa. Jomsom has been district headquarters of Mustang since early 1970s and all government offices are located here. This is a major town of Kali Gandaki valley (kind of extension of the lost importance) during times of ancient Tibet – India salt trade which led through this area. The inhabitants are mostly Thakali with Tibetan origins.
Dinner and overnight at Om’s Home- Jomsom
Overnight: Simple Teahouse (Local Lodge)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06  Jomsom – Muktinath –Kagbeni – Jomsom (4 hrs)
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Muktinath (approx 1 hr drive)
Situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet) at the base of the Thorong La mountain pass in the Mustang district, Muktinath is a highly venerated sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Hindus call the site Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of salvation” and it is one of the most ancient temples of the God Vishnu and the Vaishnava tradition in Nepal. The shrine is considered to be one of the eight sacred places known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras (the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar and Badrinath), as well as one of the 108 Divya Desam, or holy places of worship of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, it is also one of the 51 Shakti Pitha goddess sites.

The temple is small and contains a human-sized golden statue of Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayana. In addition to Mukti Narayana, the temple has bronze images of Bhoodevi (the Earth-goddess form of Lakshmi), the goddesses Saraswati and Janaki (Sita), Garuda (the mount of Vishnu), Lava-Kusa (the sons of Rama and Sita) and the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages created by Lord Brahma). There is an old Buddhist monk present in the temple and worship is conducted by Buddhist nuns.

After visit of Muktinath Temple, on the way back to Jomsom, we will stop over beautiful village of Kagbeni.

Situated at an altitude of 2,800m, Kagbeni is a unique famous village of Baarah Gaun(lit. twelve villages) region in Mustang district. It lies in the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek route and is a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys and imposing Chhortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. The “Kag” of “Kagbeni” used to be “Ghag” meaning centre and hence, is a centre of nearby villages of Jomsom to south and Muktinath to the east. “Beni” in Nepali means confluence of two rivers, and indeed Kagbeni lies on the banks of the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers. Before heading to Muktinath, Hindu pilgrims offer Pinda and perform Shraddha (death ritual)to their deceased ancestors at this confluence believing that it brings salvation to the departed soul. According to the Hindu epic Adhyatma Ramayana, Kagbhusundimeditated here on suggestion of Saptarishis, hence place was named Kagbeni. The village maintains characteristic appearance of a fortress town and is culturally very rich. The town played a very significant role during “Salt Trade” era that flourished between Tibet and Nepal. However, with formation of Mustang in 15th century, Kagbeni’s importance diminished. The main ethnic group in village is Bhotias (posses last name Gurung and Thakuri).
Dinner and overnight at Om’s Home
Ovrnight: Simple Teahouse (Local Lodge)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07  Jomsom – Marpha–Tukuche-Kalopani (7 hrs)
We leave Jomsom for Kalopani via Marpha – Tukuche by 4 WD Jeep.

Marpha (2670 meter) is a unique and one of the most famous villages of Panch Gaun (lit. five villages) region in Mustang district Marpha is located deep in the canyon (world’s deepest) of Kali Gandaki river, just below Nilgiri Peaks to the east and Dhampus and Tukche Peak to the west. Yet here is plenty of sunshine, being just behind the main Himalaya.

We drive continue to ascend and pass through Lete at 2470m, shortly before arriving at Kalopani at an elevation of 2530m. From here we obtain superb views of the Nilgiri peaks to the east.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Overnight: Simple Teahouse (Local Lodge)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08  Kalopani – Pokhara (Approx 6-7 hrs drive)
After an ealy breakfast at local lodge at Kalopani, we finally drive back to Pokhara ( it will be an approx 6-7 hrs drive from Kalopani to Pokhara by 4WD Jeep). Arrive Pokhara, recheck inat hotel. Rest of time free for your own activities.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 09  Pokhara/Kathmandu fly
After breakfast, group will be drive to Pokhara domestic airport (approx 10 minutes drive) for flight back to Kathmandu ( it will be an approx 20 minutes flight).

Free time till dinner

In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine Nepali local meal.

Nepali Dinner with an ethnic local cultural show
A mixture of various ethnic groups have made Kathmandu Valley a unique place not only for its cultural and tradition, but also for its authentic cuisine. Decorated in traditional Nepali ambience, soft lights cast long shadows in the room. Tradition paintings along with old handicrafts and soft melodious music makes for a truly enchanting evening. Another feather in its cap is the traditional folk music and cultural dance program performed every evening.

The idea behind it is to familiarize the guest(s) with the costume, traditions and life styles of various ethnic groups in Nepal.
Overnight at the hotel
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10  Depart Kathmandu
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again.

Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, a representative from Natraj Trekking will transfer you to the airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast