Start the drive early to avoid Kathmandu valley traffic; the journey to Tatopani is long (around 10–11 hours) so expect varied road conditions and scenic river valleys along the way.
Malekhu is famous for riverside fish stalls and short tea/refreshment breaks; a good place to stretch legs and try freshly grilled fish or a hot cup of tea. Stalls and teahouses are typically open early (06:00–18:00), but hours are informal.
Stop in Lakeside, Pokhara for a relaxed lunch — Moondance Restaurant & Bar (Lakeside) offers international and Nepali dishes and is open for lunch (typically 11:00–22:00), making it a convenient mid-route stop.
Arrive at Tatopani, check into a guesthouse and relax; dinner at a local teahouse that serves classic dal bhat and local dishes (most teahouses serve until around 20:00–21:00).
Early departure for the longer mountain road into Upper Mustang; roads are rough and the day is planned with short breaks only to make steady progress to Lo-Manthang.
A simple mountain breakfast of tea, omelette or toasted bread at a Marpha-area teahouse — teahouses generally open from around 07:00 in the tourist season and are ideal for hot drinks and light food.
Quick stretch and sample Marpha's famous apples, apple products and local cider at small shops; many stalls open around 08:00–18:00 during daylight hours.
Brief stop at Lete to admire the narrow Kali Gandaki gorge and surrounding cliffs; quick photo opportunity and leg stretch before continuing to the Mustang plateau.
Arrive in Lo-Manthang early afternoon; as this is inside Upper Mustang you must have the required permits with you — settle into a local guesthouse and rest. Note: permit checks are routine here.
Short walk around the walled town to orient yourself and watch golden light on the ancient clay buildings; shops and guesthouse kitchens typically serve dinner until about 20:00.
Visit Lo-Manthang Palace and nearby gompas to absorb the Tibetan-influenced culture; many sites allow visitors from around 08:00–17:00 but local opening times can vary, so check with your guesthouse.
Begin the drive back south toward the Muktinath area; roads are variable so allow time for stops and traffic, aiming to reach the guesthouse near Muktinath by evening.
Visit Muktinath Temple early to avoid crowds and witness morning puja; the temple complex and the adjacent 108 water taps are accessible early (temple sees devotees throughout the day, but check any seasonal temple timings). Respect footwear and photography rules at inner sanctums.
Drive down through Lete and Marpha, stopping briefly for photos and to pick up apple products in Marpha; short refreshment or lunch break possible en route.
Have a fuller lunch in Marpha or at a roadside teahouse—Marpha is known for simple hearty food and apple-based treats; most eateries operate during daylight hours (08:00–18:00).
Arrive back in Pokhara; enjoy dinner at Moondance or another Lakeside restaurant with views over Phewa Lake — restaurants typically open until late evening.
Start the day with coffee and a proper breakfast at Himalayan Java (Lakeside branch usually opens ~07:00), which offers reliable western options and quick service before sightseeing.
If you want sunrise mountain views, Sarangkot is the classic spot (sunrise times vary seasonally); many people go very early (before 06:00) — if you missed that, morning light from viewpoints still rewards. Check local transport operators for jeep/driver availability.
Visit Davis Falls (Devi's Fall) and the adjoining Gupteshwor Cave for a compact sightseeing circuit; attractions are normally open 07:00–17:00 but check seasonal hours.
Take a short boat across Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of the Annapurnas and Pokhara basin; sites and boat operators run broadly 07:00–17:00 but daylight hours vary by season.
If you want adventure, local paragliding operators run tandem flights (usually 08:00–16:00) — otherwise relax by the lake and visit Lakeside shops and cafés.
Finish the day with dinner at a well-rated Lakeside restaurant — The Old House Restaurant (or similar) serves a mix of Nepali and international dishes and stays open into the evening.
Have an early breakfast at Himalayan Java or your hotel and depart on the highway toward Mugling and Kathmandu; the road is a steady drive of around 7–9 hours depending on traffic.
If you prefer a fuller meal before the final leg into Kathmandu, stop at a clean roadside restaurant in Mugling — many serve Nepali thalis and simple rice/noodle dishes during daylight hours.
Arrive back into Kathmandu; drop-off in Thamel or at your booked hotel. Congratulate yourself — you’ve completed a loop from the Kathmandu Valley to the Mustang plateau and back.