Upper Mustang Tours & Travels

About Luri cave Monastery tour

Luri Gumba is a beautiful and historic Buddhist monastery located in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Trekking to Luri Gumba is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. The monastery has been carved out of the sandstone cliffs, creating an awe-inspiring architectural wonder. Luri Cave Monastery itself is a marvel of ancient architecture. its walls are adorned with exquisite murals and frescoes that depict tales of Buddhist mythology, philosophy and deep-rooted with Buddhist traditions.

The entire complex consists of a series of interconnected caves, chortens, and prayer flags. The caves are adorned with murals, depicting the life of Buddha, and his teachings. Luri gumba trek in mustang is a wonderful opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of the Upper Mustang. Sacred Luri Gumba is a pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and adventure. It is an historical religious site and cultural heritage of Mustang Nepal.

• Visit Luri Gumba a sacred cave located in the mustang, which holds great spiritual significance.
• Driving through the barren and windswept terrain to explore mysterious caves, unique culture and traditions of Mustangi people.
• Off road drive takes you to Luri Gompa in hidden valley to explore cave monastery with beautiful frescoes.
• Visit to Tashi Kabum in rock cliffs and impressive collection of ancient Tibetan art in dom.
• Explore hidden villages of Yara, Ghara, Dhy, untouched by modern development and opportunities.
• Glimpse into the region's fascinating history and culture seeing ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures in Luri Gumba.
• Luri Gumba an important Buddhist pilgrimage of mustang built in between 13-14th century.
• Discover variety of flora and fauna of mustang including endangered Himalayan griffon vultures.

• 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.

  Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

• Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and permit preparation

  After breakfast, full day sightseeing journey in Kathmandu valley start with private vehicle and professional guide. There are many sights to see in Kathmandu Nepal. Among of them guide takes you to the selected destination like Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square etc. Kathmandu sightseeing trip covers major historical, and cultural monuments that beautifully crafted with various wood, metal, and stonework. The city is full of history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. After city tours, we will drive back to hotel and conduct Pre-trip meeting. You spent rest of the time for gear shopping, packaging, exploring streets of Thamel and sample local food.

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

  The main ways to travel from Katmandu to Pokhara are by bus, private car and plane as per the budget, interest and booking deal. It takes 6 to 7 hours to cross 200 kilometers distance of Prithivi Highway in between Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you prefer flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara then only takes about 25 minutes.
  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 Kagbeni 2800 meters / 9185 feet

  After breakfast, we set out from Pokhara to Kagbeni by jeep via Nayapul, Kusma, Beni, Tatopani and Ghasa, kalopani, marpha, jomsom villages to reach Kagbeni the gateway to uper 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 Kagbeni again and offers really amazing view of Himalayan mountains, charming villages, terraced farmlands and greenery around. It is an unparalleled opportunity to witness the beauty of lower mustang and immerse oneself in the rich natural & cultural heritage of Nepal. Pokhara to Jomsom flight then trek to kagbeni option aslo available but not recommended.

• Day 5 : 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 6 : Drive to Lo Manthang 3840 meters / 12598 feet

  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 7 : Explore around Lo-Mangthang & Chhoser area 3897 m / 12785 feet

  Today is the day to discover the secret of Lo Manthang Nepal that you’ve been waiting for. After breakfast trip starts with 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 8 : Drive to Luri Gumba and back to Tsarang / Ghami 3560 meters / 11680 feet

  Today we are driving towards 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 9 : Drive to Tatopani 1243 meters / 4078 feet via Marpha
• Day 10 : Drive to Pokhara then evening flight to Kathmandu
• Day 11 : Airport transfer to depart Nepal

  Amazing Nepal trip completed today! Our company representative will transfer to international airport 3 hours before your flight departure.
  “Enjoy the journey! Hope to see you again soon and stay in touch.”

• Airports pick up on your arrival day by private vehicle
• Transportation Kathmandu – Pokhara by private vehicle / flight
• Two nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara BB basic
• Round trip Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) 4 cups of hot drink each day on choice
• Best accommodation at tea houses during trekking period
• Professional English speaking guide service trained by government of Nepal
• Experience trekking staffs (2 guest =1 porter basic) to carry your backpack
• All necessary mustang trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and local taxes
• Travel and rescue arrangements if require

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