Upper Mustang Overland Tour
The only part of the Himalayas in Nepal that you can explore while driving from one village to another is the Upper Mustang.
Our 14-day Upper Mustang overland tour is perfect for travelers of all ages and makes for an adventurous family holiday trip. You do not have to trek for 5 to 6 hours daily during the tour.
Following the upper Kali Gandaki river valley, you will drive past remote villages via mountain passes and canyons. The ride will be bumpy and thrilling; however, the magical mountain panoramas and arid landscapes will pay for all the exhaustion.
Upper Mustang boasts a different landscape and terrain, unlike other parts of the Himalayas. It is much more like the Tibetan plateau. The sand fields, canyons, and rocky gorges replace the dense forests and lush valleys.
Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Upper Mustang Overland Tour Highlights
- Explore Nepali cities and villages, experiencing warm hospitality and savoring delicious Nepali delicacies.
- A unique Himalayan experience by driving through picturesque villages
- Suitable for all ages, this 14-day overland tour provides an adventurous family holiday without the need for strenuous daily treks.
- Traverse the upper Kali Gandaki river valley via mountain passes and canyons.
- The challenging roads add an element of excitement to the journey, with bumpy rides providing a thrilling experience.
- Enjoy the trans-Himalayan landscapes and stunning mountain views.
- Meet locals from diverse communities and get to see their daily lifestyle.
- Visit ancient monasteries, stupas, and sky caves during the tour.
- Come across natural hot springs and beautiful apple orchards.
- Explore Lo Manthang, the last forbidden kingdom.
- Get a blessing in Muktinath temple, Nepal's significant pilgrimage site.
What can you expect during the Upper Mustang overland tour?
Our Upper Mustang overland tour itinerary is well-designed to give you an adventurous yet gradual and immersive journey in the Himalayas.
We want you to enjoy nature without rushing. You will spend three nights in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara.
During this time, join our friendly tour guide and visit both cities' ancient historical and natural sites.
Explore Nepali art, architecture, culture, and beliefs. See Nepali city and village life. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals wherever you go and indulge in delicious Nepali delicacies.
During the overland tour, you will encounter lovely terraced fields, apple orchards, and meadows.
Soak your body in natural hot springs in Tatopani and visit ancient monasteries throughout the tour.
Witness stunning mountain views, barren hills, and cross-high mountain passes like Yamada La (3,850 m/12,631 ft) and Lo La (3,950 m/12,959 ft). The route has numerous stupas, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags.
Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, is located close to the Tibetan border. It stretches south to north towards the Tibetan border.
The majority of the locals in Upper Mustang follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak the semi-Tibetan language with different dialects. Meet with communities like Thakali and Gurung.
Towards the end of the Upper Mustang overland tour, you will visit an important pilgrim site in Nepal- Muktinath Temple.
Follow the deepest gorge in the world to Jomsom and drive back to Kathmandu via Pokhara. You will witness vibrant and lush landscapes in the route's lower part.
Major attractions during the Upper Mustang overland tour
Historical monuments and bustling markets of Kathmandu
Our 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.
Lakes, museums, and waterfalls in Pokhara
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.
Natural hot springs in Tatopani
On the way from Pokhara to Kagbeni, you will spend a night at Tatopani, which is located at 1,190 meters (3,904 ft). It is a small settlement with natural hot springs where tourists can relax by paying a small fee. These hot springs have healing properties that soothe your muscles and benefit your 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
Kagbeni is located at 2,804 meters (9,199 ft). It is a beautiful village and gateway to Upper Mustang. The town is known for its well-preserved mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and a 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.
Jomsom
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.
Kali Gandaki gorge and Shaligram
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 gorge is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with towering cliffs and stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. For centuries, the Kali Gandaki Gorge 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
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. Get to see the lifestyle and the culture of the locals. You will be amazed by their simplicity and generosity.
Ancient monasteries and sky caves
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, 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
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 Trek that you can check out if you wish to participate in this festival. You can also customize the package and make it an overland tour.
Muktinath Temple
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.
Apple orchards
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.
The cultivation of apples has become a cultural practice, with the fruit being used in various forms, from fresh produce to local delicacies and even apple-based products like jams, wines, pies, and juices.
Arid landscapes and snow-capped mountain views
The 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.
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) are seen along the way.
Sarangkot viewpoint
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.
Overland Mustang tour permits
A foreign traveler must get a restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit for the Upper Mustang overland tour.
The restricted area permit costs USD 500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 per person each day after that.
Likewise, the cost of the ACAP permit is NPR 3,000 per person. Both permits have a single entry and cannot be transferred to others' names. We, Outfitter Himalaya, help you obtain both permits.
Note that to get a restricted area permit, you have to be in a group of at least two people (a single permit will not be issued for a restricted area). You can join our fixed departure groups if you are a solo trekker.
Difficulty and altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang overland tour
The rugged road conditions are the main difficulty during the Upper Mustang overland tour.
The ride will be safe but quite bumpy so that you will get exhausted. We try our best to provide you with a robust vehicle in good condition to ensure the journey is less tiring.
In the villages and around them, you will go on leisure hiking. Other than that, the Upper Mustang overland tour does not include any physical difficulties.
Apart from that, you must adjust to the basic tea house and simple meals during the tour.
One other main concern during the Upper Mustang overland tour is altitude sickness. Not everyone gets it, and you can easily avoid it by following the below measures:
Keep drinking lots of water. You have to keep yourself hydrated and avoid consuming anything that may dehydrate your body, like alcohol and cigarettes.
Get plenty of rest and sleep well. Make sure you are not sleep-deprived. Maintain your energy.
Take frequent breaks and enjoy nature. Stay calm about everything, including unstable internet. Immerse yourself in the moment.
Be aware of symptoms like headache, insomnia, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and nausea. Inform your guide and get first aid immediately if you see any of these symptoms.
Best seasons for Upper Mustang Overland Tour
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.
Accommodation and Meals
The accommodation during the Upper Mustang overland tour is tea houses. You will stay overnight in simple tea houses along the way. The houses are made up of stone and mud.
The rooms are twin shared.
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.
Last-minute booking
To do the last-minute Upper Mustang overland tour, send us your inquiry via our site or contact us immediately at [email protected]. If you are already in Kathmandu, visit our office located at Sukra Bhawan, 44600 Thamel Marg.
Our last-minute booking service allows you to book the Upper Mustang overland tour 48 hours before the trip begins. You must make the full payment for the journey, which is non-refundable.
Our team will do their best to arrange everything on time so you can start your Upper Mustang overland tour smoothly.
Upper Mustang overland tour packing list
Follow the list below to pack for the Upper Mustang overland tour. You can buy and rent most of these clothes and gear in Thamel, Kathmandu, at an affordable cost.
Clothing
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.
Gear
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.
Toiletries and first-aid
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
