Upper Mustang Tour
Private Group Journeys

Upper Mustang Tour

Thrilling Jeep Safari to the last forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang

  • duration 14 Days
  • Activity Culture Tours
  • Activity Village Tours
  • Activity Festival Tours
  • Easy
    Easy
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With century-old tradition and culture, ancient caves, historically rich archeological sites, and magnificent landscape make Upper Mustang Tour a unique experience in Nepal. The Upper Mustang is a restricted area with its capital Lo Manthang. It is a travelers paradise with its dramatic landscape, deep canyons, colorful rock formation, and unique Tibetan culture and tradition.

Upper Mustang is located in the rain shadow of the Himalayas in the north-central part of Nepal, within the trans-Himalayan region bordering Tibet. The area, once known as the Kingdom of Lo Manthang and often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” was closed to outsiders until 1992. This isolation helped preserve its unique Tibetan Buddhist heritage and traditional way of life.

Since 1992, Upper Mustang has been a popular trekking destination. However, with the recent construction of roads over the original trekking trails, the thrill of trekking in this region has diminished, as more travelers now prefer to journey by road. Despite this, its charm and allure remain as captivating as ever.

The Upper Mustang Tour is a perfect way to experience what this region has to offer. We have designed this Upper Mustang Jeep tour as an alternative to the Upper Mustang Trek. The Upper Mustang Tour allows you to discover Mustang without trekking. On this 14-days Upper Mustang Tour, you will explore the marvelous landscape, ancient monasteries and temples, panoramic mountain views, and the hidden city of Lo Manthang.

The Upper Mustang Tour begins with a day of sightseeing around Kathmandu. The next day you will fly to the lake city of Pokhara. From Pokhara you will drive past charming villages such as Tatopani, Kagbeni, Ghami, all the way to Lo Manthang. This beautiful drive goes through the diverse landscape, stunning mountain views, the deepest gorge in the world, and quaint villages with fantastic views of the surrounding landscape and the mountain ranges.

The drive from Kagbeni, past Chhusang, Syanboche, Ghami, Dhakmar and finally to Lo Manthang is out of this world experience. The views you get during the drive is absolutely fantastic. You will explore the once forbidden city of Lo Manthang and drive to Pokhara from Chhusang and then fly to Kathmandu, thus ending our Upper Mustang Tour.

Upper Mustang is an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of adventure, history, and spiritual exploration. Its appeal goes beyond cultural heritage, captivating visitors with the stark beauty of the Trans-Himalayan region, characterized by its desolate yet breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Upper Mustang Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: In Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Marpha
Day 5: Drive from Marpah to Kagbeni (Excursion to Muktinath)
Day 6: Drive from Kagbeni -Chhusang – Ghami
Day 7: Drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang
Day 8: Exploration day In Lo Manthang
Day 9: Exploration day In Lo Manthang
Day 10: Drive from Lo Manthang to Chhusang
Day 11: Drive from Chhusang to Kalopani
Day 12: Drive from Kalopani to Pokhara
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure

Overview

cultural_tour Trip Type Culture Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Culture Tours Activities Included Village Tours Activities Included Festival Tours
Accommodation Accommodation 3-4* category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara while best available lodges in Mustang region
Meal Meal Only breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara while all meals during the Mustang Tour
Best Seasons Best Seasons Best during September-November, March-May is also a good season
Route Route Kathmandu-Pokhara-Marpha-Kagbeni-Ghami-Lo Manthang-Chhusang-Kalopani-Pokhara-Kathmandu
  Best Months Best Months June, July, August, September

Good Months Good Months March, April, May, October, November

Not Recommended Months Not Recommended Months January, February, December

  • Explore the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu.
  • Drive through mountainous terrain with Magnificent mountain views throughout the trip.
  • Journey through the Kali Gandaki George, the world’s deepest
  • Discover the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang.
  • Visit Muktinath Temple and other cultural sites.
  • Visit old monasteries and ancient caves of Upper Mustang.
  • Encounter the desert-like landscape in Nepal.
  • Enjoy a mixed culture of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon culture.

Cost Information

Included

  • All transfers by private vehicle.
  • Sightseeing and monument entrance fee.
  • Accommodation in the above listed or similar(3-4*) hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and local village lodges in the Mustang region.
  • Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu, and all meals during the Jeep Tour.
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu airfare.
  • One welcome/farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • English-speaking local guide.
  • All necessary paperwork and permit (ACAP/RAP)
  • All Government taxes and service charges.

Not included

  • Nepal entry visa.
  • International flight to and from Kathmandu.
  • Lunch and dinner or any other meal not specified above.
  • Personal Travel Medical Insurance.
  • Personal expenses like bar and beverages, tips and gratuities, laundry, telephone, battery recharge, etc.
  • Hot showers during the trek.
  • Any extra cost incurred due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section.

Detailed Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Later in the evening, there will be a short briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

MEALS:
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Day 2:

In Kathmandu

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with its intricate wood carving and its history. Also known as the “Musuem of Temples” there are over 50 temples in the square. You will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments.

Following the visit, you will drive to Boudanath Stupa. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and also a World Heritage Site. Boudanath signifies peace and tranquility, and is a Centre of religious and spiritual significance. You will see thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries.

Afterward, you will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river and is one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal. The main temple complex is not accessible to non-Hindus, but you can explore around the periphery of the temple complex which is quite large and impressive. Overnight in Kathmandu.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Day 3:

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara

This morning, you will drive to the domestic airport and take a flight to Pokhara. Our guide and vehicle will receive you at Pokhara airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area. Upon reaching the hotel, you can rest and relax until lunch. After lunch,  you will have a half day tour around Pokhara covering, Devis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda and the Lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

 

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 822m
Duration Duration: 2-3hrs
Day 4:

Drive from Pokhara to Marpha

You will begin your upper Mustang Tour from Pokhara. You will drive west from Pokhara over a blacktopped road until Beni. The drive from Beni, is over a graveled road along the Kali Gandaki valley with the views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges.

Along the way we will stop at Tatopani, a small town where you may enjoy a bath in the natural hot springs. From Tatopani, you will drive past Kalopani and Ghasa, arriving at Marpha. Marpha is a beautiful village popular for apple production and apple products. Overnight in Marpha.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2670m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 5:

Drive from Marpha to Kagbeni & Excursion to Muktinath

Marpha is a spectacular town with the blend of traditional culture and modernity. You will explore the apple orchards of Marpha, traditional homes with spectacular mountain vistas. After spending some times in Marpha, you will drive through picturesque villages such as Syang Jomsom, and Ekle Bhatti to Kagbeni.

Along the way, you will stop at several places to explore around. You will explore by short walks and drives, you will visit the Dhumba lake, explore around Jomsom, and then drive to Kagbeni.

After lunch at Kagbeni, you will continue to Muktinath temple. This temple holds great significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. For Hindus, it is known as muktishetra, a sacred place of salvation. Meanwhile, Buddhists refer to it as Chumming Gyatsa, a place of hundred waters.

The temple features a remarkable set of 108 faucets, where pilgrims partake in a ritualistic bath. After exploring the surroundings of the Muktishetra, you will make your way back to Kagbeni for the night. Overnight in Kagbeni.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2800m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 6:

Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami

You will visit the Kagbeni Monastery and the Buddhist monastic school. After completing the permit formalities, we will drive to Upper Mustang, crossing the Kali Gandaki River on our way to Chhusang.

Chhusang is a picturesque village surrounded by high mountains, red-colored cliffs, and sky caves. Here, you will take a break to explore the fascinating dwelling caves before continuing our journey to Ghami.

After visiting the caves, you will drive to Ghami, passing through the villages of Chele, Samar, Syangboche, and Ghilling. This private Jeep tour allows you the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you wish, giving you the opportunity to fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Overnight in Ghami.
.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 3560m
Duration Duration: 32kms/5-6hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 7:

Drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang

After breakfast at Ghami, you will drive past Tsarang, cross over the Ghami river and then climb a platue and continue through the winding mountain road to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang.

Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and Bhrikuti Peak. You will arrive in Lo Manthang around lunchtime.

After a short break following lunch, you will explore the town, which features traditional houses, the Royal Palace, and nearby monasteries. Although Nepal no longer has a monarchy, the people of Upper Mustang still hold deep respect for the royal family. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 3840m
Duration Duration: Drive 3-4hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 8 & 9:

Exploration day In Lo Manthang

For the next two days, you will explore around Lo Manthang where you will have the opportunity to visit and explore some remarkable sites. You will visit the Chodey Gompa, a beautiful monastery that holds significant religious and cultural importance.

Continuing on further, you will then visit the Thubchen Gompa, another majestic monastery known for its stunning architecture and ancient artworks. As you continue to immerse yourselves in the spiritual atmosphere, you will make your way to the Namgyal Gompa, a peaceful sanctuary where monks conduct their daily rituals.

In addition to these monasteries, you will also have the chance to explore the fascinating Choser and Shija Jhong caves, which serve as incredible archaeological remnants. Hiking through the nearby villages will provide you with insights into the local way of life and allow you to appreciate the traditional customs and warm hospitality of the people. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 3840m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 10:

Drive from Lo Manthang to Chhusang

After exploring Lo Manthang, you will make your way back along the same route, passing through Tsarang and Ghami. As you retrace your steps, you will pass through various villages and continue driving until you reach Chhusang.

This drive offers another opportunity to take in the stunning landscapes and the unique charm of these remote villages. Along the way, you will make several stops to explore ancient monasteries and caves, immersing yourself once more in the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Overnight in Chhusang.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2950m
Duration Duration: 6-7hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 11:

Drive from Chhusang to Kalopani

After breakfast, you will drive from Chhusang to Kalopani. The drive follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through small villages and settlements such as Tangbe, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Tukuche before reaching Kalopani. The drive offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges as a backdrop. Overnight in Kalopani

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2530,m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Overnight Tea House
Day 12:

Drive from Kalopani to Pokhara

After breakfast, you will retrace your drive to pokhara past Ghasa and Tatopani to Beni. From Beni you will follow the Prithivi highway towards Pokhara, passing through lush green hills, terraced fields, and small settlements. Overnight in Pokhara.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Altitude Altitude: 822m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Day 13:

Fly to Kathmandu

Transfer to Pokhara airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival check into the hotel, the rest of the day is free to rest and relax or go for shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Duration Duration: 30 min flight
Day 14:

Departure

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.

MEALS:
Breakfast

Guides

Overview

cultural_tour Trip Type Culture Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Culture Tours Activities Included Village Tours Activities Included Festival Tours
Accommodation Accommodation 3-4* category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara while best available lodges in Mustang region
Meals Meals Only breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara while all meals during the Mustang Tour
Route Route Kathmandu-Pokhara-Marpha-Kagbeni-Ghami-Lo Manthang-Chhusang-Kalopani-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Max Group Size Max Group Size 2-8
Best Seasons Best Seasons Best during September-November, March-May is also a good season
Best Months Best Months June, July, August, September

Good Months Good Months March, April, May, October, November

 Not Recommended Months Not Recommended Months January, February, December

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