Upper mustang tour from Kathmandu

Trip ID: UM1255
DestinationMustang, Nepal
Duration12 Days
DifficultyEasy to fairly moderate Persons
Group SizeMin 2 to Max 16
Maximum AltitudeLo Manthang 3840 Meters
Best TimeMarch to November
ActivitiesJeep safari tours & sightseeing
AccommodationTea houses / Lodges / Hotels
Meals3 Meals a day (BLD)
TransportationFlight, Drive & Tours
Start fromKathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom
End atJomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu

Trip Overview

About Kathmandu to Upper mustang tour

Upper Mustang tour from Kathmandu is a unique adventure that takes you to the hidden kingdom of Mustang in the Himalayas. Geographically Upper Mustang area looks like a part of Tibetan plateau. You feel that you are in the land of Tibet & get an opportunity to discover pure Tibetan people, culture & lifestyle in wall city.Weather in Upper Mustang is suitable for off road trip in spring, autumn and rainy season except winter.

Upper Mustang tour package is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers a matchless blend of adventure, nature, culture, and history. Upper Mustang tour package is a unique adventure that offers a challenging off road drive through some of the most rugged terrain in the world.Our experience guide show you every corners of the last forbidden kingdom of Himalayas. If you are a nature lover and an adventurous soul, most go once.

Trip Highlight

  • Tour to upper mustang by jeep is a notable adventure to know about rich history, and traditional architecture.
  • Spectacular view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri range and Thorung peak, Tukuche peak, Tilicho peak & more of Himalayas.
  • Visit the capital city of former kingdom of lo, its forts, monasteries, arts, history and cultural statues.
  • Discover well-preserved Tibetan culture and traditions in hidden kingdom of mustang, which only opened for travelers since 1992.
  • Drive along ancient salt trading routes of upper mustang, which were used by traders to transport goods between Tibet and India.
  • Scenic drive along Kali Gandaki river bank, only river to find black fossils and cross deepest gorges in the world.
  • Enjoy the hospitality of the local people Loba and Thakali and try their traditional food.
  • Drive in high-altitude desert, spot rare birds and wildlife, including the snow leopard in mustang.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu Nepal

    After arrival in Kathmandu Airport (TIA) Nepal, our representative will welcome you and transfer to hotel by private vehicle. At hotel he/ she will give short briefing about program agreement and day to day plan. Check into hotel, use free time to take rest, relax and explore around Thamel.

  • Day 2 : Kathmandu city tours and permit preparation

    City tours, gear shopping and permit preparation is the main task of this day. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and beautiful landscapes. Our guide takes you to the Swayambhunath & Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Kathmandu sightseeing trip covers major historical, and cultural monuments that beautifully crafted with various wood, metal, and stonework. After city tours, we will drive back to hotel and conduct Pre-trip meeting. You spent rest of the time at hotel or explore around Thamel.

  • Day 3 : Kathmandu to Pokhara 822 meters / 2,697 feet by drive / flight

    After breakfast at hotel, we will drive from Katmandu to Pokhara are by bus, private car as per itinerary, budget, interest and booking deal. It takes 6 to 7 hours to cross 200 kilometers distance of Prithivi Highway in between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is incredibly scenic, with breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains, waterfalls, picturesque scenery, Trishuli & Marshyangdi River. Along the way, you will pass through small towns and villages that give you a glimpse into the rural life of Nepal.
    Once you reach Pokhara, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Annapurna range, serene Phewa Lake and beautiful Pokhara city. After checking into hotel you can take a rest or go to explore lakeside area, boating and walk around watching the reflection of mountain and sky in beautiful Phewa Lake. Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara end but memories last forever.

  • Day 4 : Drive to Kalopani 2530 meters / 8300 feet via deepest gorge

    After breakfast, we set out from Pokhara to Tatopani by jeep via Nayapul, Kusma, Beni, Tatopani and Ghasa villages to reach Kalopani in lower mustang. This journey takes us through natural hot spring spot, deepest gorge in the world, Rupse waterfall, along Kali Gandaki river of Nepal.
    It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Lete / Kalapani by jeep. The road condition from Pokhara to Beni is fine. As soon as we cross Beni need to drive in bumpy gravel road until Ghasa. There is fine road from Ghasa to Kalopani again and offers really amazing view of Himalayan mountains, charming villages, terraced farmlands and greenery around.
    Kalopani is a beautiful village located in a valley surrounded by mountains. It is one of the best place to take a rest, relax and enjoy the natural diversity of Himalayas. The warm hospitality of local people, their rich cultural traditions add a unique charm on mustang trip. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thakali dinner at a local restaurant of Kalapani Nepal.

  • Day 5 : Drive to Kagbeni 2800 meters / 9185 feet via Dhumba Lake & Lupra

    This morning we take a jeep from Kalapani to go to Kagbeni village. Driving track till Marpha is fine black toped then after need to drive in off road. The main tourist attractions of the day are Thakali villages, Jomsom, Thinigaon, Dhumba lake, monastery and the Kaligandaki river valley in Himalayan wonderland.
    We drive through unique landscape exploring breathtaking scenery, apple orchard, interacting with friendly local and testing delicious local foods. On the way to Kagbeni we stop at Jomsom to explore around. We drive to Dumba lake, a small lake located in a valley surrounded by mountains. At the same time visit the old monastery and traditional Thini gaon of mustang.
    Dhumba lake and monastery area is a nice place to see the stunning views of Marpha village, Jomsom valley, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks of Himalayas.
    Kalopani to Kagbeni tour is an unparalleled opportunity to witness the beauty of lower mustang and immerse oneself in the rich natural & cultural heritage of Nepal.

  • Day 6 : Drive to Muktinath temple then to Samar 3660 meters / 12008 feet

    Today we take short trip to Muktinath temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists then drive Samar crossing Kagbeni, Tangbe, Chhusang and Chele villages. Kagbeni to Samar overland trip is a great way to experience the Tibetan influences culture and desert type landscape of mustang. During this journey you get the great glimpse of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peak of Nepal.
    Samar itself is a fascinating destination, with a rich history, ancient monasteries, Chortens, traditional architecture and traditional way of life untouched by the modernity.
    We traverse several ridges, farm land, apple orchard, picturesque villages along the river spotting unique rock formation, high cliff and sky caves of Nepal. After crossing Kali Gandaki river drive uphill to reach Samar village of mustang.
    The road condition from Kagbeni to Samar is well-maintained but off road. Kagbeni to Samar tour is a breathtaking adventure tour through the enchanting landscapes. It is not only a feast for the eyes but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural and cultural wonders of mustang Nepal.

  • Day 7 : Drive to Dhakmar 3820 meters / 12533 feet via Ghilng & Ghami village

    Samar vilage, located at an altitude of 3,657 meters in picturesque setting with snow-capped peaks, terraced fields ad barren landscape. We left Samar village and driving towards Dhakmar, passing through several small villages, Chortens and best view points to capture stunning pics. Driving through Bhena La3860 m, Syangboche la 3850m, Ghemi la 3765 m and Nyi la 4010 m pass, a valley of red cliffs, sky caves and eroded formations to reach Dhakmar village.
    Dhakmar village is famous for its unique red cliff, ancient Chortens, beautiful terrains and traditional hamlet that spellbound you. Dhakmar village surrounded by farm land, desert types hills and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Buddhist monuments in between Samar to Dhakmar distance offers great sense of peace and spirituality.
    The Samar to Dhakmar tour is an amazing adventure that unveils the rich history, cultural heritage and mesmerizing beauty of mustang. Embark on this journey and immersed in a surreal world where ancient traditions, mystical landscapes, and warm hospitality of locals merge pleasantly.

  • Day 8 : Drive to Lo Manthang 3840 meters / 12598 feet via Ghar gumba & Charang

    Today’s journey takes us through the heart of mustang “Lo Manthang” in Annapurna conservation area. It offers splendid views of red cliffs, farmland, barren desert and snow-capped mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We discover Lo Gekar monastery, which is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal built by guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in 8th century.
    Ghar Monastery decorated with great architecture, Buddhist arts, stone carvings, eroded murals in walls depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as images of other deities and figures from Tibetan Buddhism and carry great historic significance.
    After exploring Ghar Gumba we drive to Lo Manthang city via Marang village, Sungda Chorten army camp and lo la pass. Trip takes through some of the most remote and stunning scenery of upper mustang Nepal.
    Eventually we each historic city of Lo Manthang and explore its ancient buildings, monasteries, Chortens, Mani wall and traditional Mustangi architecture etc. Dhakmar to Lo Manthang trip is an amazing experience and give us a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

  • Day 9 : Drive to Chhoser 3908m / 12821 ft visit caves, Monasteries & Lo Manthang

    Today is the day to discover the secret of Lo Manthang Nepal that you’ve been waiting for. After breakfast trip starts with either horse riding, walking or jeep safari towards chhoser, garphu & kora la border. Chhosar village offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life, daily activities that the practice in upper mustang.
    Ancient monasteries like Garphu and Niphu monastery, surrounding colorful rock formations and centuries old caves in rock cliff are really impressive to see in Chhoser area. Niphu monastery is an ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs. Travelers impressed to visiting Jhong cave, Konchok ling cave & Ritseling cave in Chhoser valley Nepal.
    After of before Chhoser we heading to kora la, a high mountain pass located in mustang district of Nepal. It is a part of ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet autonomous region of china. Kora la is known for its stunning mountain views and rugged terrain.
    Afternoon we will be back to Lo Manthang and spent rest of the day visiting the city’s ancient monasteries, palace, narrow alleys, stupas and the architecture of earthen wall city. The long walls of the prayer wheels and flags provide a colorful appearance of the place. Royal palace, three ancient monasteries, Amchi school and the local way of life are the highlights of Lo Manthang exploration.
    Lo Manthang is a small town surrounded by towering mountains and arid landscapes. It is a fascinating place to explore, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty which make an epic journey into the Himalayas.

  • Day 10 : Drive to Luri Gumba and back to Tsarang 3560 meters / 11680 feet

    Today we are hiking to explore the Luri Gompa a cave monastery of upper mustang built into a towering cliff face. Luri Gompa is a sacred Buddhist site located near Ghara village. Famous for its unique cave paintings, sculptures, culture and history. You feel deep sense of spiritual connection while visiting Luri cave monastery, stupa and surrounding nature.
    Luri monastery is perched on a cliff face, and we had to climb up a steep staircase to reach it. The climb was worth it, though, as the views from the top were simply stunning. We spent some time exploring the monastery and chatting with the monks, who were incredibly welcoming and friendly.
    There are 2 chambers inside cave monastery. Wall and ceiling of monastery decorated with many paintings in the 14th century or even earlier. Mysterious Luri monastery is one of the best place to achieved siddhi by meditation.
    Chorten inside Luri cave monastery decorated with eight auspicious symbols and four guardian deities. The Dom contains paintings of Namgyal, Khadcheri, Vajrasattva and Lokesvara in 4 directions east, west, north and south respectively. There are many paintings of lama, eight siddhas and mandala also inside the monastery.
    700-year-old “Luri Gumba” is one of the most stunning attractions, rich cultural and spiritual heritage of upper mustang a remote and rugged terrain in Nepal. Visit once in a life time to collect the lifetime memory.

  • Day 11 : Drive to Marpha 2,650 meters / 8694 feet

    Hassle free journey by jeep begin after breakfast at local tea house. The final day of our journey takes from Tsarang to Marpha by luxurious jeep. It takes around 7 to 8 hours to cross Tsarang to Marpha distance by driving. Trip covers vast topography from the barren high desert to the fertile land of lower Mustang Nepal.
    Driving road from Tsarang to Marpha is wide graveled road best for adventure trip. The journey from Syangboche to Marpha is an exhilarating experience in Kali Gandaki valley and witness the beauty of mustang.
    Mostly downhill driving offers some amazing views of surrounding landscape, towering cliffs, rugged terrain of mustang valley. Upper mustang, a restricted area known for its unique Tibetan-influenced culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. As we reach Marpha, conclude our wonderful journey, enjoy traditional dinner and warm hospitality in Thakali restaurant. Embark on this journey of a lifetime and its spell upon you.

  • Day 12 : Drive back to Pokhara by jeep

    Today is the day to say goodbye to Mustang, early in the morning, we will drive to Pokhara. jeep passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, offers stunning view of snow-capped mountains and valleys below. Once you arrive in Pokhara, there are plenty of places to see and things to do. You can spend rest of the day in leisure or walk around the streets of lake city, souvenir shopping, boating in Phewa lake and experience nightlife in Pokhara etc.
    The weather of Jomsom change in no time that affect Pokhara flight frequently. If the weather is not fine, we’ll arrange jeep to drive back to Pokhara. We request you to plan some buffer time for this possibility and be flexible to use alternative ways of transportation like jeep or helicopter.
    Jomsom Pokhara travel by jeep is a great way to explore the beautiful scenery, countryside, waterfalls, people and culture of Nepal, the memories will remain forever.

  • Day 13 : Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight or drive

    After having breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for Pokhara to Kathmandu journey by car, jeep, tourist bus or flight as per travel agreement. It is 25 minutes’ flight by plane. Pokhara Kathmandu road distance is 200 km / 124 miles; it takes 6-7 hours to reach. Road follow Marshyangdi river and Trishuli river exploring countryside and beautiful scenery of the foothills of Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu city you will check into hotel, rest, relax and explore the street of Thamel for souvenir shopping. Enjoy typical Nepali dinner party with culture show to celebrate successful journey.

  • Day 14 : Airport transfer to depart Nepal

    Today is the final day of Nepal trip! Our representative will drop you to airport 3hrs before schedule flight. “Wishing you a safe journey! We look forward to our paths crossing again someday.”

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • Airports pick up on your arrival day by private vehicle
  • All transportation Kathmandu to Kathmandu by jeep / flight
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara BB basic
  • All meals (BLD) 4 cups of hot drink each day on choice
  • Best accommodation at tea houses during Mustang tour period
  • Professional English speaking guide trained by government of Nepal
  • All necessary paperwork, permits (ACAP) and local taxes
  • Airport transfer by private vehicle to depart Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • Visa fees / international airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Hotel Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses phone calls, mineral water, bar bills, hot shower, battery recharge, extra porters & gears etc
  • Tips for guides, drivers (Tipping are expected but not mandatory)

Gallery