Upper Mustang Tour Overview
Exclusive upper mustang tour is a journey into the land of mystery and wonder, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes come together to create an unforgettable experience. Mustang jeep tour provides an opportunity to discover traditional Tibetan culture, people, close up view of majestic Himalayas, sky caves, colorful cliffs and unique rock formations. You can see ancient monasteries, Chortens (stupas), mane wall and prayer flags in each village.
The upper mustang tour package designed to make your trip easy and enjoyable to explore hidden gem of Himalayas. Full board program includes transportation, accommodation, meals, guide and permits. The journey with 4×4 vehicle starts in Kathmandu and passes through the stunning landscapes like Pokhara, Marpha, Jomsom and Kagbeni to reach wall city. Jeep drive through paved and off road side by side of Kaligandaki river is thrilling, yet the scenery is spectacular and memories are priceless.
4WD Tour to upper mustang is a spiritual and cultural odyssey that offers something truly special. Upper mustang is a land of mystique, known as the “last forbidden kingdom.” For years, this area was closed for tourists. Today, you can explore this region by jeep. Jeep tour to mustang is an exciting way to see its magnificence without trekking in Nepal. The jeep tour saves time and energy, it gives adventure feels, wilderness but comfortable. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, cross high-altitude passes, deep gorges and rugged terrain that remains relatively untouched by modern civilization.
The beautiful upper mustang area lies in the Himalayas, close to Tibet. It is a destination of dream for history, nature and culture lover. Life in upper mustang is simple, peaceful and slow. Local depend on trade, tourism, farming and animal husbandry. Encounter with unique geology, timeless culture and way of life make magical and worthwhile excursion in hidden kingdom. Upper mustang overland tour offers a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience and leave a permanent mark on the soul.
Key Highlights of Upper Mustang Tour
# Explore ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, its history, culture and lifestyle of local “Lo-Pa” ethnic tribes.
# Discover Buddhist culture, royal palaces and ancient monasteries adorned with intricate artwork, murals, statues, prayer flags, Mani walls and feel the spirituality.
# Enjoy the breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri range, deep canyons, towering cliffs and arid valleys of Himalayas.
# Explore the sky caves of Chhoser, centuries-old monasteries and feel the essence of Tibet without crossing the border.
# Embark on the traditional Tibetan culture, architecture and high-altitude desert ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Nepal.
# Visit Muktinath temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists with 108 water spouts and eternal flames.
# Discover secret Buddhist and Bon religious sites, cave dwellings in restricted area “Upper Mustang” of Nepal.
Upper Mustang Tour itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 822 meters / 2697 feet
Day 3: Drive to Kagbeni 2810 meters / 9219 feet & explore Lower Mustang
Day 4: Drive to Samar / Syangboche exploring Muktinath temple
Day 5: Drive to Lo Manthang via Dhakmar, Lo Gekar “Ghar Gumba”
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang and Chhoser (palaces, monasteries, caves) the heart of Upper Mustang trek.
Day 7: Visit around Namgyal, Thingar, Chumjung and Kora la
Day 8: Drive to Luri cave monastery then back to Ghami / Ghiling.
Day 9: Drive to Tatopani enjoy natural hot spring
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara flight back to Kathmandu
Day 11: Airport transfer to back home / Departure
Upper Mustang Tour cost: US$ 2155 Per person
Service includes
# Airport pick up on arrival day by private vehicle
# 2-nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu BB as per deal
# Land transportation from Kathmandu to Mustang to Pokhara by jeep
# 1-night hotel accommodation in Pokhara BB as per package
# 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) + 3 cups of hot drink each day on choice
# Best Tea house or lodge accommodation in Upper Mustang as per travel schedule
# English speaking local guide service during the tour
# All necessary permits (RAP, ACAP), entry tickets and government taxes
# Domestic Flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu (one way after tour)
# Airport transfer by private vehicle to back home
Required Permits and Regulations
A typical Upper Mustang tour lasts around 8 to 11 days, start and end in Kathmandu.
Mustang is a culturally rich destination located in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in Himalayas. Upper Mustang region of Nepal was restricted to outsiders until 1992 and still require special permit for entry due to the region’s protected status. The upper mustang jeep tour package takes care of all the paperwork.
To enter this controlled area, visitors must obtain given two key permits.
1: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – $500 for the first 10 days, $50 per extra day.
2: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – $30 per person.
Upper mustang tour is the fastest and most comfortable way to explore former kingdom of Lo. It is mandatory to have a licensed guide and at least two people in group to explore this area (independent tour is not allowed). Restricted area permit checkpoint is in Kagbeni (Entry point to Upper Mustang).
Best Time to Visit
The Spring (March to May), Autumn (September to November) and Monsoon (June-August) months are the best time to visit upper mustang Nepal. From March to November offer stable weather, clear skies, and finest travel situations. Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas; it remains dry even during the monsoon season and travelers can enjoy stunning views of mountains and landscapes. It is tough to visit in winter (December–February) due to extreme cold and snowfall in upper mustang.
Accommodation and Food
There are 3 categories (Basic, Standard and Luxury) accommodation available in upper mustang travel route.
1: Tea Houses & Lodges
The teahouses or lodges are the most common form of accommodation in Upper Mustang. Road access brings more tourist and business opportunity in this area. Local build upscale guesthouses with better facilities like attached bathrooms, hot water and Wi-Fi in major villages. Lodges and teahouses along the route provides basic yet comfortable accommodations and local cuisine.
Lodges and teahouses serve set menus with western dishes, Tibetan and Nepali foods for travelers. Food is mostly vegetarian and some places serve meat as well. Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), Tibetan bread, noodles, Momo and soups are commonly served, food options are limited and menus are often repetitive. We advise all to eat vegetarian food, bring snacks like energy bars and dry fruits to boost the source of energy.
2: Homestays
Stay with local families for more authentic experience, try local foods, learn about Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyles. Homestay available in traditional mud brick houses of Lowa people and accommodations are simple and eco-friendly.
3: Luxury Lodges (Limited)
There are Limited Luxury resort / hotel in upper mustang area. They offer high quality food and lodging facility for travelers.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Upper mustang is often referred as “Little Tibet” due to its strong cultural and historical ties to Tibet. Mustang was once part of the Tibetan empire, and its traditions, monasteries, and language still reflect Tibetan influence.
The cuisine of this area deeply influenced by Tibetan and Nepali culinary traditions, depend on locally available ingredients that provide energy and sustenance. The common foods are Tsampa, Tibetan bread, Thukpa (noodle soup), Momo (dumplings), and butter tea etc.
How to Reach Upper Mustang?
There are 3 different options available to reach “upper mustang” restricted region in Nepal. Getting there requires multiple steps, including flights, road travel and trekking to discover mystical kingdom.
1: Tour (upper mustang 4wd jeep tour is the most popular option to explore mustang after road construction and takes 7 to 10 days to visit) Mountain Biking and motorcycle tour option also available for extreme adventure seekers.
2: Trekking (hiking is the classic option to explore Buddhist kingdom by foot, it takes 10 to 15 days)
3: Flight (flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Jomsom then trek and tour or helicopter tour to Lo Manthang is the fastest option to explore kingdom of lo)
To visit the controlled area, requires careful planning and preparation. Typically, most of the journey to upper mustang begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal or Pokhara, a beautiful city in Nepal.
Cost Estimate
The cost of upper mustang tour in Nepal can vary widely depend on several factors like trip duration, travel style (budget, standard or luxury), group size and season you travel. Guided upper mustang driving tour cost start from us$ 2155 to us $5,500 per person (includes permits, guide, accommodation, transport 4×4 jeeps etc.).
Tips for Travelers
# There are no ATMs in Upper Mustang, so bring enough Nepali rupees to cover your expenses.
# It’s wise to book tour Package in advance to secure best accommodations for Mustang journey.
# Respect local people, culture and traditions that deeply rooted with Tibetan Buddhism.
# Prepare to adjust with limited amenities and simple living conditions at high altitudes.
# Bring warm outfit, boots, sunscreen and good camera to capture the memorable moments.
# Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
# Keep area clean to preserve sensitive ecosystem & environment.
Upper mustang trip takes you to the least explored destinations in the world. it offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, ancient culture, and a sense of adventure. Jeep safari is the most common way to explore Upper Mustang region Nepal. Book the mesmerizing upper mustang tour package online to enjoy peaceful travel experience.