Upper Mustang Overland Tour - 11 days

Duration: 11 Days   |   Based on 1 Review
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking and Tour
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Jeep
  • Food: Full Board Plan
  • Accommodation: Hotel And Guest House
  • Group Size: 2-15
  • Max Elevation: 4,650 m./15,252 ft.

The 11-day Upper Mustang Overland Tour is isolated in the Nepal Himalaya and is popular for ultimate tourist overland activities among the tourist things to do in Nepal. Upper Mustang, known as Lo Manthang, is the most preserved kingdom between Dhaulagiri I (8,156 m/26,791 ft.) and Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,538 ft.). Upper Mustang is like barren land and a rain shadow area of Nepal in the Annapurna region.

The Upper Mustang overland tour follows the Kaligandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world) to Kagbeni by jeep. Along the way, we pass Tatopani-Natural Hot Spring, Marpha Village, and "The Apple Garden." Kagbeni-the religious pilgrimage—and enter into the Lo-Manthang. The Lomanthang is a windy valley that blows from the south toward the Tibetan border. The majority of the people believe in Tibetan Buddhism, speak the semi-Tibetan language, and practice the same culture as Tibetans. Life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry, and trade. Kagbeni is the starting and ending point of the Upper Mustang restricted area trekking and tour. Upper Mustang is also a part of the Annapurna Circuit, situated in the northern part of Jomsom (65 km/40 miles) towards the Tibetan border.

Road Trip to Upper Mustang

The road trip to Upper Mustang is safe and well-paved in most places. It is just 60 km. from Kagbeni to Lo-Mangthang. Along the way, you may experience the man-made sky cave, Monastery, Chortens, and Mani wall. Sometimes you can make a side trip by walking for the best viewpoint and Monastery. There is a local jeep service sometimes to Lo Manthang, but it is overcrowded, risky, unsafe, and may not be available all the time. So it is recommended to have a private jeep for your safe and comfortable journey. While you are taking a private jeep tour, you have the opportunity to visit all the recommended places in this secret valley.

The Upper Mustang overland tour starts from Kathmandu with a private jeep drive to Pokhara and up to Lo-Manthang. After a deep study of our expertise, we kindly suggest and propose you take a jeep drive from Kathmandu throughout the trips and avoid the flight disturbance from Jomsom to Pokhara and vice versa. The road distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is 200 km (124 miles). Pokhara to Jomsom is 155 km/96 miles and Jomsom to Lomanthang is 60 km/40 miles It is a pleasant drive with beautiful scenery of the Mountain range and diverse landscapes. You will be driving very little distance every day, but you will be spending more time exploring the villages and monasteries in each place. Please see the below day-to-day tour itinerary and feel free to write back with any thoughts you may have. Optionally, you can fly in and out from Jomsom to make your trip shorter.

Accommodation and food while on the Upper Mustang Tour

The Upper Mustang trek accommodation throughout our trek is in tourist standard and comfortable lodges which are run by local families. Each lodge has a central common area with a large wood stove that provides heat and a cozy atmosphere. The bedrooms are unheated and generally have two beds with mattresses, pillows, and a blanket. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (3 seasons is fine)

The lodges mostly have showers that are powered by gas/electricity, and they mostly have western toilets (some lodges also have squat toilets). food on the Upper Mustang trek is very good quality and a mixture of local Nepali / Tibetan and Western food. The common, tasty local meal is Dal Bhat with rice, lentil soup, vegetables, Papad, pickles, and vegetable curry.

Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara: there is a huge selection of hotels, but our package includes two-star standard accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The hotel we offer on our program comprises a clean, array, with hot and cold showers, TV, and Telephone, and is centrally located. If you would like to upgrade, the hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara is also possible for an additional cost. Please kindly let us know.

Places to visit while in Upper Mustang

Monastery Details of Upper Mustang that you will visit while on the trip.

1. Chungsi Cave Monastery Near Syanmochen/Samar

  • The sector of Buddhism: Ningmapa
  • Major Statues/Images: Tara Devi, Statue of Guru Rinpoche, Jhoao Chasapani
  • Remark: "Chhevum Bhumba (stone and soil structure increasing itself)

2. Tashi Chyoling Gompa, Ghiling

  • The sector of Buddhism: Ngorpa sub-sect of Sakyapa sect
  • Established Date/Old: 571 years old
  • Major Monastic rituals: Molam, Mandala Puja, Ketor Puja, Dhukpa Chesi, Kangso Chyachchha, Kangso Puja, et cetera
  • Major Statues/Images: Sakyamuni, Jhampa, NgorChen, Padma Samabhawa, Chhepame, Dalai Lama, Lhobo Khenjen (Ghhenchen)
  • Major Religious books: Ghetongma, Kangyur, Ketatangi, Tangka, Sakya Kabub, and Lhamed; some are in gold script
  • Remark: Founded by "Lhobo Ghenchen Lama"

3. Lo Geme Shad Drup Darkeling Gompa, Ghami

  • The sector of Buddhism: Sakyapa sect
  • Established Date/Old: 1414 AD (590 years old)
  • Major Monastic rituals: Heverja, Khyuri Dhunmje, and Mela
  • Major Statues/Images: Buddha Pravamandal 2'6" high, Bajra Satwa 2'3" high, Buddha Statue 2'9high, Ngor Chhen Kunga Sangpo, Sakyamuni, Dorjesemba, Midhukpa
  • Major Religious books: Sakya Kabum-03, Ghetangma-03, Lhamde-10, Kengyur-103, Tengyur-215
  • Remark: Founded by Sonoma Lodo

4. Jhampa Gompa, Lomanthang

  • The sector of Buddhism: Sakya sect
  • Established Date/Old: 1387 AD
  • Major Monastic rituals: Molam Chhyang, Ngyugne
  • Major Statues/Images: Jhamapa Chhempo, Rhikpa Jampa, Dharma Birwa, and Lhamu Hoser Change Singham
  • Remark: Gompa houses with gold-painted tantric Mandalas

5. Thupchen Gompa, Lomanthang

  • The sector of Buddhism: Sakyapa sect
  • Established Date/Old: 15th century
  • Major Statues/Images: Thupchen, Namgyal Chhorten, Chen Tejik, Jampalyang Gurun Rinpoche, Dhristrarastra, Baishnawan, Birudhak Birupaksya
  • Remark: The Hude wooden beams in Dukhang carry the Buddhist mantra inside the Gompa

6. Chhyode Gompa, Lomanthang

  • The sector of Buddhism: Sakyapa sect
  • Established Date/Old: 1757 AD
  • Major Monastic rituals: Tenchi, Saka Dhawa, Lolam, Bayang Yaarne, Lhabap, and Duchhen
  • Major Statues/Images: Dorje Sonnu, Dorje Dhhang, and Sange Thukpa
  • Remark: Thompa houses of beautiful Thanka and Images

7. Chhujung Gompa, near to Lomanthang

  • The sector of Buddhism: Sakyapa sect

8. Garghu Dhejing Chhyoling Gompa, Garphu, Chhoser

  • The sector of Buddhism: Ningmapa sect of Sakyapa
  • Established Date/Old: 500 years old
  • Major Monastic rituals: Chyuchi Ngyugne, Mahakala Puj, Hyum, Kengyur, Tengyur, Ghyutor, and Chhempo
  • Major Statues/Images: Guru Rinpochhe, Dhorje Chhyang, Chhewang Lhindu, Siiji Shhyamjo
  • Major Religious books: Rinjin Dhorje, Kathang Dherng, and Kathang Sanlingma
  • Remark: The footprint of Guru Rinpoche on stone

9. Nyiphuk Namdol Norbuling Gompa, Nyiphuk, Chhoser

  • The sector of Buddhism: Ngorpa sub-Sector of Sakyapa
  • Established Date/Old: 600 years old
  • Major Monastic rituals: Saka Dhawa, Ketor Dhinchhu, Dhukpa Chhesi, and Mahakala Puja
  • Major Statues/Images: Dhorje Chhyang, Sakyamuni, and Lo Khenchen Sonam Lindup
  • Major Religious books: Ghetongba, Todsum, Dhomang, Khaj yuk Vembu, Lo Khejen Sonam Lhindup

Highlights

  • Upper Mustang is one of the best-preserved secret regions of Nepal
  • Touring in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege in the Annapurna region, which has the most scenic drive
  • Explore the city of Wall, Lo-Manthang
  • Experience the Bone and Khampas culture in Upper Mustang
  • Experience the last forbidden Kingdom 
  • Cultural Richness of Buddhism
  • Restricted area until 1992

Outline Itinerary

Open All Days Close All Days
Day 01: Kathmandu (1,350 m./4,428 ft.) Arrivals and transfer to Hotel 6 km./30 min Drive

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our dedicated airport representative with the Marigold Garland and comfortably transferred to your hotel for your comfortable and pleasant overnight stay.

  • No Meals
  • Hotel
  • 1,350 m./4,428 ft.

This is a leisure day in Kathmandu. Take your time for yourself and enjoy your surroundings. Trek details briefing and meet your dedicated trek team at Global Adventure Trekking.

  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1,300 m./4,428 ft.

After having a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we embark on an enchanting overland journey to Pokhara in our private vehicle or tourist bus, travelling on the scenic Prithivi Highway to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. A scenic drive through lush hillside landscapes along the way. Arrive and check in to the hotel, and look forward to exploring beautiful Fewa-Lake and enjoying the vibrant evening lives of tourist hub Lake-Side Pokhara.

  • Bed and breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 810 m./2,780 ft.

Embark on an exciting overland tour, starting with a hearty breakfast. Traveling 165 km. along the picturesque Beni-Baglung highway, passing through captivating locals like Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, and Jomsom. It is adventurous mountain road driving with exciting and delightful scenery and amazing landscapes, along with the world's deepest gorge, "Kaligandaki Gorge." Upon reaching your destination, you will have fun with well-deserved comfort at the Guest House/Tea House.

  • Full Board plan
  • Guest House/ Tea House
  • 2,800 m./9,184 ft.

Today marks the beginning of our thrilling adventure, We start our journey through the enchanting adventure tour today. Our drive today involves the enchanting landscapes of Chhusang, Chele, and Samar Village. Upon arrival, enjoy your delightful Lunch and walk around Samar, visit Chhuyer Chorten, explore Samar Gompa, and enjoy the view of Annapurna and Nilgiri. After having lunch, we drive to Sangbochen via Vana or walk 8km via Ramchung Cave (Chungsi Cave Monastery), enjoying great views of Tilicho Peak, Yaskawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. Next, we drive to Yamada La pass at 3,850 m. with Chorten and down the beautiful valley of Ghiling with its surrounding fields of barley, wheat, buckwheat, potato, and Tashi Chyoling Gompa. Overnight at Guest House.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House/ Tea House
  • 3,600 m./11,808 ft.

Today's journey commences with the scenic drive to Ghami with its picturesque fields and surrounding the entire village, where we explore the old Winter Palace of Lo-Kingdom and Shad Drup Darkeling Gompa related to the Sakyapa sect of Buddhism founded by Sonama Lodo in 1414 AD. Then again, we drive and cross a bridge over the Ghami Khola and hike for an hour to explore Dhakmar another beautiful village with the striking sight of red cliffs glowing brightly in the sun. Then we further drive to Charang Village, Mustang’s second-largest town, with a monastery built by Bsum Grub Dorje in the 16th century AD and around 1000 inhabitants.

Continue our journey across Ghami River, enjoy your lunch, and as soon as you finish lunch, we will walk to Gyakar village (3,950 m.) which houses a century-old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings. Ancient Ghar Gumba was built in the 8th century by a Tibetan magician, Guru Padmasambhava related to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish at the gompa will have it fulfilled. We explore the Gompa, continue to Lo-Mangthang, or go back to Charang and drive to Lomanthang.

  • Full Board plan
  • Guest House/ Tea House
  • 3,850 m./11,644 ft.

Upon reaching Lo Manthang, our journey unfolds with its rich culture, heritage, and monuments. Lo Mangthang is a walled town in a remote area of Nepal. We spend the day exploring three major iconic gompas of the town, namely Jhampa, Thupchen, and Chhoeda. All of these gompas have undergone expert restoration over the last two decades. Then, we drive to Kora La (4,660 m.) to take in picturesque views, drive back to Chooser to visit caves and monasteries, and then back to Lo Manthang for a comfortable stay.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House/ Tea House
  • 3,850 m./12,628 ft

Upon our return journey to Jomsom, we will take the familiar route as earlier, which will treat us to spectacular views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. The familiarity of the route does not diminish the magic of the surroundings, or their beauty. Once you reach Jomsom, you will have a fantastic moment with organic food and a comfortable stay.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House/ Tea House
  • 2,700 m./8,856 ft.

We take an early morning scenic 25-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From there, our journey continued with a shameless half-hour connected flight to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at the domestic airport of Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our dedicated airport representative and comfortably transferred to your hotel. 

  • fare well
  • Hotel
  • 1,350 m.

Today is the last day of your journey. Of course, we will accompany you to the Kathmandu international airport for your next adventure. We always wish for your safe and pleasant onward journey.

  • Breakfast
  • No hotel

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop off by private vehicle
  • All transportation Kathmandu-Lomanthang-Jomsom by a private Jeep
  • Three-night accommodation in Kathmandu in twin sharing, including breakfast
  • One-night hotel in Pokhara on a B/B basis
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while whilst the Mountain
  • Clean and comfortable Six-night accommodation at teahouses during the Mustang tour period
  • government-approved Professional English speaking guide throughout the trip
  • All necessary paperwork, company services charges, and local taxes
  • Annapurna conservation entry permit and Upper Mustang Restricted area permit for 10 days.
  • Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
  • Meals whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Clients' Personal Travel insurance
  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa Visa can be obtained on your arrival at Kathmandu Airport and cost 30 USD, 50 USD, and 125 USD for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days, respectively.
  • Drinks include water, cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, snacks, and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the Mountain tour.
  • Personal, necessary equipment
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
Request a Private Date

This itinerary may differ slightly during your tour. Occasionally, itineraries need to change to allow for weather conditions, transportation, your desires, etc. It is recommended that you allow an additional 1-2 days before your international flight to allow for remote flight delays and other unforeseen circumstances

We do list here only confirmed scheduled departures for the Upper Mustang Tour. However, we operate this trip based on the client's requirements. So please feel free to contact us for your preferred departure date.

Useful Info

  • Nepal visas are granted on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Please take 2 passport-size photographs. 6-month valid passport from the date of arrival in Nepal.
  • Once the trip is confirmed by paying a 10% deposit, the deposit is non-refundable, but you may postpone the trip without paying an additional fee.
  • Once the trip has started, there is no cancellation.
  • This trip is suitable for those who are keen to learn about Buddhism and Tibetan culture and tradition. 
  • On our Silver Jubilee 25th anniversary, Global Adventure Trek offers a 50 USD discount for the Upper Mustang Overland trip.

Client Reviews

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Vicky, Spain

Amazing Experience with GAT

We were group of 5 willing to have a lifetime trip to Mustang in Annapurna. We had many research and ...

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