Upper Mustang Tour 13 Day

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Group Size: Minimum 2
  • Min Age: +10
  • Trip Type: 4WD Jeep Tour
  • Tour Start & End: Kathmandu
  • Season: March to December
  • Permit Cost: $500 Per Person
  • Food: As Per Itinerary
  • Max Elevation: 3,840m | 12,598ft

Highlights

  • The Upper Mustang Tour is one of the best packages for exploring Lo Man Thang in the Upper Mustang.
  • Experience spectacular mountain views and visit the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki River.
  • The tour also includes visits to ancient Buddhist monuments, Tibetan ethnic groups, and local cultural experiences.
  • One of the best times to visit is during the exploration of Kathmandu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Pokhara.
  • You will be accompanied by an experienced driver and tour guide who will take you to various caves along the way.
  • The package includes 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.
  • All ground transfers by private jeep.

About Upper Mustang Tour 13 Day

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 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

Would you like more details about any part of the tour or assistance with planning logistics?

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!

Details Itinerary of Upper Mustang Tour

Day One: You're Welcome to Nepal (Kathmandu 1,315m/4314ft) Airport Pickup, Transfer to Hotel.


Heartly welcome to Nepal for your dream tour to Upper Mustang

You're welcome to Nepal, Kathmandu. Officially we manage your arrival pick-up from the international airport (Tribhuvan) of Kathmandu, meet our airport pick-up crews, who are looking at and showing the display board of Nepal Spirit Adventure. Approximately a 30-minute drive to Thamel is a main junction area for tourists, most hotels, restaurants/bars, and shopping centers are available. Check-in at Hotel Ramada Encore for overnight! the rest of the time for individuals.

Day Two: In Kathmandu City Tour Overnight in Hotel Ramada Encore.


City tour of Kathmandu: Swoyambhunath temple

Today, you're exploring Kathmandu's recognized World Heritage (UNESCO) ancient attraction places. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Hotel Ramada then you'll be pick-up by Nepal Spirit Adventure's city sightseeing crews in the hotel at 10:30 Am, An experienced tour guide lead you to the first-place tour of Swoyambhunath temple (monkey temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur and Kumari temple), Bouddhanath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. You can enjoy a full-day city tour with our guide, and in the late afternoon back to the hotel for the Upper Mustang Tour details you may have questions/answers. Overnight in hotel.

Day Three: Approximately 6hrs Drive to Pokhara (8,20m/2690ft) 200km.


Beautiful Pokhara Phewa Lake's view before the Upper Mustang tour

We'll leave (8:30 am after breakfast) from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes approximately 6-7 hours with a beautiful countryside landscape through local Nepalese villages, Rivers, and mountain views: Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Manaslu, you'll get lunch stop between Malekhu, and Damauli as it is a private Upper Mustang Tour, you can break anywhere for drinks and lunch stop, receiving spectacular view of Annapurna Himalaya ranges while we appear from Pokhara city. Pokhara has a beautiful Lake that is well-known by Phewa, overnight stay in Pokhara at a comfortable hotel.

Day Four: Approximately 6 Hours 4WD Jeep drive to Tatopani (1190m) 110km.


Mt.Annapurna south and Mt. Himchuli view from Hyanga, Pokhara way to Tatopani

We're leaving Pokhara after breakfast around 9 am. Approximately six hour's drive to Tapopani –a natural hot spring approximately 110 km. First section, we drive west to the town of Beni with the blacktop road and then follow the Kali Gandaki River. The road after Beni is off-road. The Kali Gandaki valley is the world’s deepest gorge, between Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) Himalaya. Tatopani is a small town where you can experience the natural hot spearing and local activities overnight in the guest house.

Day Five: Approximately 4-5 hour drive to Kagbeni (2810m/9,219ft) 75km (includes Muktinath)

Upper Mustang Tour Itinerary begins your international arrival pickup from the Kathmandu airport The following day, we drive to Pokhara and lead you to Kaligandaki Gorge hot spring, apple garden, famous Hindu temple Muktinath ( god Shiva), Kagbeni upper Mustang restricted permit checkpoint then continue jeep drive to Ghami through famous Chungsi cave, Charang Ghar gompa and the territory beyond the Himalaya lying on the border of the Tibetan plateau.

You will get enough time to explore the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang which was long a forbidden territory, visit many monasteries, and drive to the Tibet border last Musang village called Chhosar where you can visit Chhosar caves and many other Buddhist monuments caves, and monastery. This itinerary drives back the same way to Pokhara then tour conclusion at Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

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.

Itinerary

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You're welcome to Nepal! After you arrive at the international terminal of Kathmandu airport, meet the Nepal Spirit Adventure airport representative eagerly waiting for you. The NSA staff will pick you up from the international (Tribhvan) airport and then transfer you to your hotel is included in the tour package.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Ramada Encore
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4314ft

You'll enjoy the delicious breakfast at Ramada. The Kathmandu city sightseeing crew picks up from the hotel at 10:30 in the morning. Today you're going to visit four UNESCO World Heritage site
1. Swayambhunath stupa (monkey temple)
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka, Basantaput, Kumari temple)
3. Boudhanath stupa
4. Pashupatinath temple

Four ancient places are more than enough to visit a day while the Upper Mustang Toru permit is obtained from the government of Nepal. There are other historical attractions places Patan and Bhaktapur that you can visit after your Upper Mustang tour in the evening we'll brief you on details about the tour, and introduce the guide who will be company along the journey overnight in Hotel Ramada Encore/similar.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Ramada Encore
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314ft

Breakfast is included in the tour package, we leave Kathmandu after breakfast at approximately 8:30 AM because the morning drive offers us fresh wind and clean views of countryside greeneries, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain sceneries it takes about 5-6 hours to drive. The swift option is that we can take a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara. As per our upper Mustang Jeep overland tour itinerary finally, we reach Pokhara a naturally beautiful city that offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri,Manaslu, Fish-tail- Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and many more check in hotel then explore around Pokhara city have a fun boat in the Phewa Lake overnight in hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Pokhara
  • Altitude: 8,20m | 2690ft

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara city (around 9: AM in the morning) to Tapopani –a natural hot spring approximately 110 km far and will take us around 5-6 hours First we drive west to the town of Beni with the blacktop road and then follow the Kali Gandaki River. The road after Beni is off-road. The Kali Gandaki valley is the world’s deepest gorge, between Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m) Himalaya. Tatopani is a small town where you can experience the natural hot spearing and local activities.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Tatopani
  • Altitude: 1190m | 3904ft

After breakfast we drive through the local villages of Kalopani, and Ghasa and explore the apple farming of Marpha Village and Jomsom local market, we can observe a vast difference in the landscape. The is a shift from lush green vegetation to desert-like vegetation, the hills are not as forested anymore and the soil has a desert-like aura. Continue the drive will cross Kagbeni village and visit the holy temple complex of Muktinath and 108 taps dedicated to lord Vishnu. Also, you will visit Jal Devi where you can see the fire lighting itself (Natural gas), the local town of Muktinath, the Buddhist monastery in Jharkot with incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak, and drive to Kagbeni beautiful village beside the Kaligandaki River and is marked as the entrance to Upper Mustang overnight guest house.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Kagbeni
  • Altitude: 2810m | 9,219ft

Today we will have a beautiful day, in the morning session tour guide visit the official formalities check into the ACP special permit for the Upper Mustang permit then start our 4WD trip to the Upper Mustang.  First, you will cross the Kaligandaki River near Chhuksang village, and climb up to Chella village, Samar, and Syangboche villages offer spectacular mountain views. We visit the very old Chhungsi Cave then continue the drive to Ghiling where you can explore the temple and monastery lunch then drive to Ghami village

During today's journey, you will see the amazing landscape, the historical Chhungsi cave, the local farmer houses with YAK, and houses caravan with colorful Tibetan culture and local activities. Approximately a 5-6 hour drive slowly because we stop at many places to take photos and share information. 

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Ghami
  • Altitude: 3510m | 11,515ft

Today we will visit the monastery of Mustang Lo “Gager” Ghar Gompa which is a very important monastery in Mustang. The drive goes further to around 3900m on this day.

Charang, also known as Tsarang, is a small village dotted with many ancient stupas, monasteries, and fortresses called “Dzong”. We take the route of Ghar Gumba before reaching Charang. At Charang we visit Charang monastery and also explore the village’s monasteries carved with ancient Mandalas.

After the pleasure drive we reach Lo Manthang then visit" Jampa Gompa" the oldest monastery, built in the early 15th century and also known as the "God house", "Thubchen Gompa" a huge, red assembly hall, and gompa built in the late 15th century, "Chodey Gompa", now the main city gompa and Monastic Museum.  Also, you will observe domestic Yaks and cattle caravans, Wonder mountain views, landscape from the passes, a Buddhist school, arts, the king's palace, and local activities in Lo-man thang.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Lo Manthang
  • Altitude: 3,810m | 12,500ft

Today is the special attraction day of the “Upper Mustang Tour” We explore some attractions in Lo Manthang, including the Lo Manthang Monastery. Lo Manthang is teeming with many Tibetan Monasteries and a reminiscence of its Tibetan heritage. Likewise, the village is famous for its white-washed walls and building structures making the village easy on the eyes.

 We can visit 15th-century Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. Similarly, we have many activities packed for the day. Highlights: Today after breakfast you will explore Namgyal Gompa, the sky caves of Chhoser, and the SHIJA JHONG cave of Mustang dating back to over 3,000 years have been the subject of excavation for archaeologists from around the world.

There are other several caves near Chhoser that have been used for burial, meditation, and also for living. Also till now, SKY BURIAL has been used in Upper Mustang which is in Chhoser and nearby villages. After finishing the sightseeing in the local areas we drive back to a guest house in Lo Manthang.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Lo Manthang
  • Altitude: 3,810m | 12,500ft

After breakfast in Lo Manthang, we leave and drive to Marpha the overland 4WD journey will be approximately 6 to 7 hours descending to the altitude of 2650m. Thus, you will not feel as uneasy as you did on the previous nights. The journey takes you towards greener vegetation. Likewise, Marpha is a beautiful village surrounded by steep mountains.

Similarly, Marpha apples are extremely popular among travelers. You can also check some apple orchards. After all, Marpha’s orchards are beloved! After a couple of hours of descending drive, we finally reach Marpha. 

Similarly, you can also visit the famous temple of Muktinath at Kagbeni! While we follow the Upper Mustang, reaching Muktinath temple takes a detour route. However, we can still make it to the temple if we have enough time overnight in Marpha.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Marpha
  • Altitude: 2,650m | 8,694ft

A beautiful day can be enjoyed with spectacular mountain views, valley, forest, and Rivers approximately a 5-6 hours drive we arrive in Pokhara overnight in a hotel.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Pokhara
  • Altitude: 8,20m | 2,690ft

We finally head back towards Kathmandu, retracing our steps from a few days ago. This time, with a lot of memories, we can cherish forever. After reaching Kathmandu, you are transferred back to your hotel. You can take some rest for the remainder of the day.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Ramada Encore
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4314ft

Today is buffer day! You can do the tour of Bhaktapur and Patan as per your interest. 

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Ramada Encore
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4314ft

A Nepal Spirit Adventure staff will drop you at the international terminal of Kathmandu airport. You can travel back home or to any destination of your choice. We hope you had a great time with us!

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    Cost Details

    • Private transportation for international arrival, and departure.
    • Four-night hotel in Kathmandu at Ramada Encore with breakfast.
    • Full-day Kathmandu city tour with monument fees.
    • Kathmandu to Lo Manthang to Kathmandu by 4WD jeep.
    • Full board meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
    • Guest house/tea house during the tour.
    • Upper Mustang Tour guide including his daily wages, accommodation, food, salary, and insurance.
    • Special Upper Mustang tour permit.
    • Annapurna conservation route permit.
    • Tour equipment: Down jacket, & duffle bag.
    • Two night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
    • General med kit box.
    • Nepali Visa Fee.
    • Personal tour insurance
    • Lunch or Dinner while staying in Kathmandu
    • Daily personal expenses such as alcohol and nonalcoholic, laundry, internet, and telephone.
    • Personal equipment.
    • International airfares.

    Dates & Prices

    Departure note

    The published tour departure date is guaranteed to organize the trip. If departure dates don’t match your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help plan your tailor-made trips to your dream tour.

     

    Departure DateStatusPriceNote  
    30 Mar, 2025 - 11 Apr, 2025AvailableUS$2190Confirm