Are you dreaming of visiting Upper Mustang on an overland tour? We are organizing a 13-day Upper Mustang Tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu by jeep. This tour is one of Nepal's most unique and culturally rich destinations for touring and trekking in Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Tour offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and stunning natural beauty. Previously, the route from Pokhara through Beni, Baglung, and Jomsom to Lo Manthang was primarily a full camping trek. However, times have changed, and we now have the option to enjoy a tea-house lodge trek or a 4WD jeep tour to Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang Tour Highlights
Beautiful Landscape: During the Upper Mustang Tour, you will experience a terrain characterized by rugged mountains, vast barren landscapes, and dramatic cliffs. The Mustang region is often referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" due to its isolated location and preserved culture. The landscape is arid, resembling the Tibetan Plateau, with semi-desert terrain.
Cultural Experience: Upper Mustang is home to the Tibetan ethnic group. You will have the opportunity to explore ancient monasteries and caves adorned with centuries-old wall paintings. Additionally, you can engage with locals who still practice traditional ways of life. This region's unique culture, language (Mustangi), and religious customs (Buddhism) are major attractions.
Ancient Kingdom of Lo: The Upper Mustang region was once a kingdom and is still culturally and historically distinct from the rest of Nepal. The area is rich with Tibetan Buddhist traditions and ancient monasteries. The capital of this region is Lo Manthang, a walled city that feels like a step back in time.
Trekking Route: The Upper Mustang route is not as steep as other trekking routes in Nepal, but it offers an incredible experience with scenic views and a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture. The trek is also suitable for those looking for a relatively easy yet remote and scenic Himalayan journey.
Monasteries and Caves: There are many important monasteries in the Upper Mustang area, including Ghar Gumba and Tashi Kabum, which are worth visiting. The sky caves in the area, believed to be ancient burial sites, also offer a mysterious and mystical experience.
Why Choose Upper Mustang for a Tour?
Cultural Heritage: On the journey to Upper Mustang, you can explore the rich Tibetan culture, unique architecture, and vibrant festivals. This region is a remarkable destination for those interested in history, culture, and religion. Mustang has preserved its heritage in a way that is rapidly disappearing in many other parts of the world.
Photography Opportunities: The dramatic landscapes, the old monasteries, and the unique way of life provide excellent opportunities for photographers and those seeking to capture something truly special.
Adventure with Accessibility: Unlike some of the more challenging treks in Nepal, the Upper Mustang Trek is relatively accessible in terms of difficulty, making it ideal for those looking for a less strenuous trekking adventure while still enjoying remote and rugged terrain.
Remote and Unique: Upper Mustang is one of the few places in Nepal where the culture, traditions, and landscapes have remained largely unchanged. It offers a rare opportunity to experience a region that has only opened up to the outside world relatively recently (in the 1990s).
When is the Best Season for the Upper Mustang Tour
When planning a tour of Upper Mustang in Kaligandaki, Nepal, the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn seasons.
Spring (March to May): The weather is mild during this time, and flowers begin to bloom, enhancing the beauty of the landscape. This makes for a wonderful experience in Upper Mustang.
Autumn (September to November): This is the peak trekking season in Nepal, characterized by clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mustang Valley. Autumn provides the best weather conditions for tours and trekking in the Upper Mustang region.
Summer (June to August): This is the monsoon season in Nepal, but Upper Mustang experiences less rainfall compared to other regions due to its rain shadow, possible to start the Upper Mustang tour while summer can be a good time to visit, be aware that trails between Pokhara and Beni may still be slippery due to rain.
Winter (December to February): The winter months bring cold weather to the Upper Mustang area. Trekking during this season can be quite challenging, especially at high altitudes. However, with proper preparation, it is still possible to plan a tour during the winter months. In summary, the best times to explore Upper Mustang are during spring and autumn for optimal weather and stunning scenery.
Permit Requirements for the Upper Mustang Tour: What You Need to Know?
Traveling to Upper Mustang requires a special permit due to its protected status and proximity to the Tibetan border. This permit is known as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and costs $500 for the first 10 days. For any additional days, there is a charge of $50 per day. Please note that the price is on a per-person basis, and a minimum of two travelers or trekkers is required to obtain the Upper Mustang Permit, according to Nepalese government regulations.
Upper Mustang Permit Application Process: The RAP can only be obtained through a licensed trekking agency in Nepal. It is important to understand that touring and trekking in the Upper Mustang without this permit is illegal. Additionally, if you plan to visit Lo Manthang, you will need another permit called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs $23 for foreign nationals. Since Upper Mustang falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the ACAP is required in addition to the RAP.
Upper Mustang Tour Overview
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Join us for an amazing tour to Upper Mustang, where you'll have the best opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Pokhara, the world's deepest gorge in the Kaligandaki River valley, and the natural hot springs at Beni Tatopani. Experience Nepal's famous apple orchards in Marpha, Jomsom, and Mustang, all while enjoying breathtaking mountain views of Annapurna, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), along with stunning seasonal flora and fauna.
The Upper Mustang tour offers spectacular mountain vistas, and the beauty of the valleys will leave you speechless. The lifestyle and culture of the local people add a special charm to this incredible experience. This tour package is suitable for travelers of all ages, including families with children and older adults who may not be able to trek extensively. Our maximum altitude reaches 3,840 meters at Lo-Manthang, making it accessible to all tourists.
During the tour, you will have the chance to explore century-old Buddhist monasteries, numerous caves, and significant archaeological sites, all included in the Upper Mustang itinerary. The Upper Mustang Tour not only provides a unique adventure but also offers a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. You will have the opportunity to see various temples, gompas, caves, and colorful mani walls, all while connecting with the local Bon and Lhopa communities.
Let us help you create unforgettable memories on this exclusive journey!
Spiritual Discovery in One of Nepal's Experiences You Will Have!
Experience spiritual discovery in one of Nepal’s most remote regions. The Upper Mustang Tour offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries while taking in breathtaking landscapes. With proper planning, the right permits, and careful timing, the Upper Mustang tour can become one of the most rewarding travel experiences you will ever have.
