Upper Mustang overland tour is perfect for all ages of travelers and makes an adventurous family holiday trip in Nepal. You do not have to trek 5 to 6 hours a day during the Upper Mustang overland tour.
Upper Mustang boasts a very different landscape and terrain. It is much more like the Tibetan plateau. The sand fields, canyons, and rocky gorges replace the dense forests and lush valleys. This is because Upper Mustang is located in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The only part of the Himalayas in Nepal that you can explore while driving from one village to another is the Upper Mustang. Following the upper Kali Gandaki river valley, you will drive past remote villages via mountain passes and canyons. The roads are not well made, so the ride will be bumpy and quite thrilling. However, the magical mountain panoramas and arid landscapes will pay for all the exhaustion.
There are many attractions during the Upper Mustang overland tour and find some of the highlighted below.
Upper Mustang overland tour includes a short but guided UNESCO World Heritage Sites visit on the second of the itinerary. You will spend 4-5 hours of the day visiting monuments such as Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnah Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. All these places are must-visits and present intricate Nepali art and architecture.
Similarly, around all these monuments are local markets that you can explore. The surroundings of Boudhnath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square have the most bustling markets. Thamel, Asan, and Indra Chowk are famous shopping areas. Explore the traditional goods, handicrafts, spices, jewelry, food, and textiles.
Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. You will spend two nights here. Our Mustang overland tour also combines a guided tour in Pokhara. During your time in Pokhara, enjoy the tranquility of Phewa and Begnas lakes. Witness gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Explore museums like the International Mountain Museum and Gurkha Museum. Likewise, visit tourist sites such as Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and Bat Cave.
On the way from Pokhara to Kagbeni, you will spend a night at Tatopani, 1,190 meters (3,904 ft). It is a small settlement with natural hot springs where tourists can relax for a small fee. These hot springs have healing properties that soothe muscles and benefit skin. Terraced fields, traditional villages, and views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges surround Tatopani. The combination of the therapeutic hot springs and the natural beauty makes Tatopani a popular stop in the Annapurna region.
Kagbeni is 2,804 meters (9,199 ft) high. It is a beautiful village and gateway to Upper Mustang. The town is known for its well-preserved mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and medieval fortress. The architecture reflects the traditional Tibetan influences of the region. Here, you will visit a 15th-century monastery called Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery.
At 2,700 meters (8,856 ft), Jomsom is a central village in the Mustang region. It is located in the lower part of the Mustang and serves as the central economic hub. Beyond beautiful mountains, Jomsom has numerous infrastructures, including ATMs, high-end lodges, airports, gear shops, and restaurants. Your time here will be magnificent.
The Kali Gandaki Gorge is known as the deepest gorge in the world. The Kali Gandaki River carves it as it flows between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. The Kali Gandaki Gorge is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with towering cliffs and stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. For centuries, it was the trade route between Tibet, Nepal, and India. Shaligram is a fossilized ammonite stone found only in the Kali Gandaki River. It is known as the golden black rock and is considered holy by Hindus.
Shaligrams are believed to represent the various forms of Lord Vishnu. They come in different shapes and sizes. Smaller Shaligrams are kept in households for daily worship, and larger Shaligrams are enshrined in many temples.
Lo Manthang is the capital of Upper Mustang and is also known as the Walled City or the Last Forbidden Kingdom. It is 3,850 meters (12,631 ft) high. It is one of the main highlights of the Upper Mustang overland tour. You will spend two nights here and visit the king's palace and ancient monasteries. The city's architecture reflects Tibetan influences, with whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful prayer flags. Experience the lifestyle and culture of the locals. You will be amazed by their simplicity and generosity.
Upper Mustang is home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries that have withstood the test of time. These monasteries are religious centers and warehouses of Tibetan Buddhist art and culture. Thubchen Gompa, Champa Lhakang, Namgyal Gompa, and Ghar Gompa are some centuries-old monasteries you will explore. Upper Mustang is also famous for its sky caves, which are ancient artificial caves carved into the cliffs of the Kali Gandaki Valley.
They are believed to date back thousands of years and were used for meditation, habitation, and burial.
Tiji festival is the annual event celebrated in Lo Manthang. It is a three-day ritual known for its vibrant masked dances, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies. The Tiji Festival is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and commemorates the victory of Lord Buddha's incarnation, Dorje Jono, over a demon named Man Tam Ru.
During the festival, the monks make giant mandalas and perform the mask dance, reenacting ancient stories through intricate dance performances. The dances are believed to dispel obstacles, bring prosperity, and purify the community. We have a special package called Tiji Festival tour that you can check out if you wish to participate in this festival. You can also customize the package to include an overland tour.
Situated at 3,800 meters (12,464 ft) in the lower Mustang region, Muktinath Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. The temple complex houses a Vishnu temple and a Buddhist gompa, symbolizing the region's coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Pilgrims believe that visiting Muktinath brings salvation and purifies the soul. The temple is famous for the 108 water spouts where pilgrims take a bath, will feel to cleanse them of sin. Muktinath is also known for its natural gas fires, which have been burning continuously for centuries.
During your overland tour to Upper Mustang, you will encounter various lush apple orchards in the hills and valleys. Apple farming has been a traditional livelihood for the locals here. Apple cultivation has become a cultural practice, and the fruit is used in various forms, from fresh produce to local delicacies and even apple-based products like jams, wines, pies, and juices.
Upper Mustang overland tour presents breathtaking arid landscapes like the Tibetan plateau. You will come across thorny bushes and low shrubs. The rugged landscape provides a habitat for wildlife, and lucky visitors might spot Himalayan blue sheep or other mountain fauna. Along the way, you can see Himalayan Mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), and Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft).
Sarangkot is a renowned hill station and viewpoint located on the outskirts of Pokhara. It is particularly famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Many local and foreign tourists also visit this place to paraglide. If you wish to paraglide, let us know. The viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscapes, including Phewa Lake, Pokhara City, and the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges.
Our representatives will escort you to the hotel at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival day. They will welcome you and take you to the hotel in a private vehicle. Spend the remaining time exploring the bustling streets of Thamel.
Today, we will spend the day visiting some famous tourist sites in Kathmandu and later preparing for the tour. We will visit historical monuments such as the Monkey Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhnath Stupa during the tour.
Later in the day, we will have the trip briefing with the mountain guide and arrange the permits.
After a delicious breakfast, we will leave Kathmandu and follow a beautiful highway to Kathmandu. The ride will be very comfortable and scenic. On the way, you will witness stunning views of hills, rivers, waterfalls, and terraces. Pokhara welcomes you with spectacular views of Mt. Fishtail. Spend the evening enjoying Phewa Lake's tranquility and Lakeside Market's bustle.
*Note: You can upgrade your Transportation to a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It will not cost you much money, and you will have the whole day in Pokhara to rest and explore.
From today onwards, the Upper Mustang Overland tour officially begins as you will be driving to Tatopani. We use a well-maintained jeep for the tour. Leaving Kathmandu, we follow an excellent road to Beni (95 km away). The ride is quite scenic and offers views of snow-capped mountains.
From Beni, it takes another 20 kilometers to drive to Tatopani. Tatopani is a natural hot spring area. For a few extra bucks, you can enjoy a hot spring. It will help you relax and relieve sore muscles from the long drive from Pokhara.
On this day, drive to Kagbeni. The road is not in good condition, so the ride will be bumpy. Enjoy views of lush hills and mountains. Drive past small villages and towns. On the way, you will come across gorges, waterfalls, lovely apple orchards, and stone houses.
The views of mountains like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I are striking during the drive. Drive past Dana, Ghasa, Lete, Kalopani, Kobang, Tukuche, Marpha, and Jomsom villages.
From Kagbeni, drive to Ghiling via Chhusang, Chele, and Samar settlements. In Samar villages, visit Chhuyer Chorten and Samar Gompa and witness breathtaking views of Annapurna and Nilgiri. You will also take a lunch break here. The drive continues to Sangbochen. On the way, you can visit Ramchung Cave (Chungsi Cave Monastery).
The view of Tilicho and Damodar Danda from Ramchung Cave is phenomenal. The ride continues to Yamada La pass (3,850 m) and descends to Ghiling. It is a lovely village surrounded by barley, buckwheat, wheat, and potato fields. You can visit Chyoling Gompa here.
Leave Ghiling early and drive to Ghami. Here, you will explore the old winter palace of Lo Kingdom and Shad Drup Darkeling Gompa. This Gompa is related to the Sakyapa sect of Buddhism founded by Sonama Lodo in 1414 AD.
The ride continues from here, crossing a bridge over Ghmai Khola and taking one hour to reach Dhakmar. Dhakmar is another beautiful village. Further, drive to Charang village, the second largest town in Mustang.
Visit a 16th-century monastery built by Bsum Grub Dorje. Later in the day, visit Ghar Gompa, an ancient monastery built in the 8th century by a Tibetan magician- Guru Padmasambhava, related to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
Continue the drive to Lo Manthang, the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal. Enjoy the arid landscapes with canyons, red cliffs, and barren terrain. The road crosses the Lo La pass. You will see traditional mud-brick houses, the palace, monasteries, and narrow alleys here.
Later in the day, you may visit Chhoser to explore sky caves and surrounding monasteries.
You will spend one day in Lo Manthang because there are many things to explore here. After breakfast, visit monasteries and explore the nooks and crannies of this untouched city. As you explore the village and interact with the locals, you will see their lifestyle. Some places you will explore are Champa Lhakang, Namgyal Gompa, and the Monastic Museum.
We have a long ride from Lo Manthang to Jomsom today, so we will begin the day early. On the way, we will stop at one of Nepal's most significant pilgrim sites, Muktinath, and drive along the deepest gorge in the world: Kali Gandaki Gorge.
You will mostly follow dirt roads and drive downhill, enjoying majestic mountain panoramas throughout the ride. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain views make the ride superb, even though it is bumpy.
Enjoy your time in beautiful Jomsom village, and remember to explore it while you are here.
From Jomsom, you will take a long ride to Sarangkot. The route descends following uneven cliff sides and small villages and towns. Along the way, you will witness breathtaking mountain views and diverse scenery. The landscape soon changes to lush hills, waterfalls, and terraces.
Sarangkot is a famous hill station near Pokhara. Spend the night here and witness a gorgeous sunset with views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Fishtail.
*Note: Sarangkot is famous for paragliding. Let us know if you wish to go. It's affordable, and a professional paraglider will fly with you.
You will return to Pokhara today. Spend a couple of hours resting and freshening up. Later, visit the famous tourist sites in Pokhara, such as Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Bat Cave, World Peace Pagoda, and other museums around the city.
You can also boat on Phewa Lake and buy souvenirs while exploring the Lakeside Market.
It is time to drive back to Kathmandu. Leave Pokhara early in the morning after a big breakfast. We will use a comfortable tourist bus for the ride, which will be smooth and beautiful. After you reach Kathmandu, the guide will drop you off at the hotel.
Unpack and rest. We will meet you in the late evening for a farewell dinner.
Our team will drop you off at the international airport on this day as you will fly back home. Let us know if you wish to do any other activity in Nepal. We will organize a hassle-free trip.
For the Upper Mustang overland tour, a foreign traveler must obtain a restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit.
You can do the Upper Mustang overland tour any time, but the summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) seasons have some extra weather challenges. The best seasons for the Upper Mustang overland tour are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring and autumn seasons have low precipitation, excellent visibility, moderate climate, and stable weather, which make driving off-road safe. In the summer/monsoon season, there is heavy rainfall in the lower part of Nepal, which increases the risk of landslides in the hilly area.
However, once you touch the upper region of Mustang, there is no rainfall, and the weather and climate are perfect for enjoying overland tours. Likewise, an Upper Mustang overland tour in winter is also possible, but the cold will be extreme, and some tea houses at the upper elevation are closed.
Tea houses are the accommodation during the Upper Mustang overland tour. You will stay overnight in simple stone and mud houses along the way. You can also request single rooms at the time of booking. These tea houses offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the locals. You will get comfortable beds, clean shared bathrooms, hot showers, and healthy meals. Hot showers, WiFi, and charging come at an additional cost.
Similarly, these are some of the usual food options available during the Upper Mustang overland tour- dal bhat, Tibetan bread, Thenduk, Thukpa, momo, chapati, rice, curries, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, porridge, soups, muesli, oats, eggs, toast, apple pie, etc.
Follow the list below to pack for the Upper Mustang overland tour. Most of these clothes and gear can be bought and rented at affordable prices in Thamel, Kathmandu.
You need many pieces of clothing, such as Thermal base layers, an insulating jacket (down or synthetic), fleece or soft-shell jacket, a waterproof/windproof jacket, waterproof/windproof pants, long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, hiking pants, thermal leggings, moisture-wicking underwear, sports bras (for women), a hat or beanie, a sun hat with a wide brim, gloves, hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, and warm socks for colder days.
You need gear for the trip, including a Daypack, duffle bag, rain cover for your backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking pole, sunglasses with UV protection, water bottle, water purification tablets, high-energy snacks and bars, quick-drying towel, torch, power bank, adapter and chargers, map and GPS, knife, duct tape, notebook, and pen.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, high SPF, lip balm with SPF, toilet paper, prescription medications (if needed), a basic first-aid kit, waterproof bags/pouch, cash, necessary permits/documents, and sleeping eye mask/ear plugs.
Mustang is located approximately 206 kilometers (128 miles) away from Kathmandu. However, the road distance is almost 422 kilometers (262 miles).
Upper Mustang shares a border with Tibet and has vulnerable natural diversity, which makes it a restricted area in Nepal. Likewise, this region also houses the ancient cultural heritage of the locals. Upper Mustang is restricted to preserve and protect culture, nature, and borders.
It depends on the kind of activity you are doing. For instance, you can explore the Upper Mustang in a jeep in 8 to 14 days. Likewise, trekking takes 12 to 18 days.
You must wear appropriate clothing during the Upper Mustang overland tour.
Your clothes must be adjustable, breathable, and water-resistant. Trekking clothes are best because they are made to withstand unpredictable Himalayan weather. Also, face masks and glasses are essential.
Is travel insurance compulsory for the Upper Mustang overland tour?
Travel insurance provides the necessary coverage and response in case of any medical emergency.
In the event of injuries, sickness, or any other unseen occurrence, we use travel insurance to provide helicopter evacuation, which can be very expensive without travel insurance.
Upper Mustang is a trans-Himalayan region famous for its distinct climate, biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, unexplored sky caves, centuries-old monasteries, canyons, gorges, and arid landscapes.
If you cannot trek and want to explore the Himalayas, the Upper Mustang is the only part you can explore in a jeep.
The road could be better made, but the mountain views, landscapes, and local interactions are surreal. The upper Mustang overland tour is 100% worth it.
These are the best seasons for the Upper Mustang overland tour: spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). You can also do the tour in summer/monsoon (June, July, and August); however, the lower region may create monsoon nuisances.
Upper Mustang has a slightly hotter climate than other trekking regions. The average daytime temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C, while at night, it drops to -2°C to 0 °C.
The lower part of the Upper Mustang sees rainfall, but once you are above Kagbeni (the upper part of the Mustang), there is no rainfall. It is because the upper Mustang lies within the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Upper Mustang is like a semi-desert. The terrain, climate, and landscapes match the Tibetan plateau. This region has sand fields, red cliffs, canyons, rocky gorges, big rocks, etc.
Upper Mustang is home to musk deer, snow leopard, golden eagle, and Himalayan griffon. During the overland tour, you may spot some of them.
During the Upper Mustang overland tour, you will witness many different peaks and mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, etc.
You should carry additional money during the Upper Mustang overland tour to buy extra drinks and snacks or other services like hot showers, charging, WiFi, etc. Based on your spending habits, budget USD 15 to USD 25 daily.
