Experience the thrill of venturinjig into Nepal’s Far Wild West with the Upper Mustang Overland Journey.
This adventure takes you through the mesmerizing landscapes of Upper Mustang, an extension of the South-West plateau of Tibet, offering an unparalleled glimpse into one of the most remote and culturally rich regions of the Himalayas.
Mustang, once a separate kingdom established around the 6th Century AD by the first king, Ame Pal, remains a captivating destination. Visitors can explore the ancient fort-like palace, a testament to Mustang’s rich history. The region’s scenic landscapes and vibrant culture make it one of the most exotic destinations in the Himalayas.
The walled kingdom of Lo Manthang is home to the Lobas, natives of Upper Mustang. Their traditions and Tibetan heritage have been preserved through centuries. As a major caravan trail to Tibet and the gateway to the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route, Upper Mustang offers a unique cultural experience.
The Upper Mustang Overland Journey follows the historic Trans Himalaya caravan trail, making this adventure both exciting and culturally enriching. Travel in the comfort of a 4WD Jeep as you trace the footsteps of ancient traders, starting from the bustling capital of Kathmandu and heading towards the scenic city of Pokhara.
Nestled at the base of the Annapurna Himalayas, Pokhara is a city of natural beauty and serene lakes. From Pokhara, the journey continues westward through the Myagdi district, entering Mustang at Ghasa Village. The drive ascends through forests of rhododendrons and pines, leading into the world’s deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki River Gorge. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna peaks as you approach Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
From Kagbeni Village, the entrance to Upper Mustang, you’ll begin to experience the deep influence of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The drive takes you through dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and windswept terrains. Cross high passes and explore charming farm villages adorned with Mani prayer walls, all set against the backdrop of red mud hills and canyon walls dotted with caves.
The journey culminates in the former forbidden walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. Here, you’ll have ample time to explore the medieval-era town, with its narrow, paved streets and significant historical and religious landmarks. Visit the famous Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lhakhang (God House), and the Red Thubchen Gompa, as well as the Chyodi Gompa with its grand Entrance Hall, where the colorful Tije festival is held. Don’t miss the chance to explore the former fort palace of the late kings, known as the Raja of Mustang.
After an enriching experience in Lo Manthang, retrace your route through the scenic villages of Tsarang and Ghami, passing through lush farm fields and returning to Kagbeni and Jomsom. As you drive further south, the landscape transitions from the arid Mustang region back to the green vegetation and tall tree lines of lower sub-tropical areas. The journey continues through the villages of Tatopani and Beni Town, finally returning to the charming city of Pokhara. From there, a scenic drive brings you back to Kathmandu, concluding your Upper Mustang Overland Journey.
The ideal times for the Upper Mustang Overland Journey are late spring and autumn. Spring, from March to May, offers clear skies, longer daylight hours, and pleasant temperatures, perfect for scenic views and comfortable walks. The late spring season, from April to early June, is particularly favorable for warmer weather and clear mountain views. Autumn, from September to November, is another prime season, with bright days, clear skies, and cooler temperatures—ideal for trekking.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu for optional tour and Upper Mustang preparations.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 860 m (220 km/137 miles-06 hrs.), transfer to hotel.
Day 04: Drive to Kalapani 2,535 m via Beni and Tatopani-06 hours.
Day 05: Drive to Kagbeni 2,830 m via Jomsom 2,715 m -04 hrs.
Day 06: Drive to Ghami 3,510 m -04 hrs.
Day 07: Drive to Lo-Manthang 3,840 m -03 hrs.
Day 08: At Lo-Manthang for local exploration.
Day 09: Drive to Jomsom town 2, 715 m-04 hrs.
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara 860 m (150 km / 93 miles) – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 12: International departure for homeward bound.
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, received by our guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.
Check into lovely room, and after good rest join with other members of
Upper Mustang Overland Journey. The guide or group leader brief you about the treks, dos and don’ts, local culture, as well camping, foods and of lodges on route trek.
A full good information which will help to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.
Morning after breakfast enjoy a leisure free day with options for interesting sightseeing around the world heritage sites of Kathmandu.
After an exciting day tour back to hotel for Upper Mustang Overland Journey preparation with last minute shopping and checking the travel gear.
Morning an exciting drive to Nepal Mid-West, the journey takes you on Nepal’s
main highway. The road follows the Trisuli River for few hours, and then the drive
diverts heading west leaving the main road. Then reaching beautiful city of
Pokhara for overnight halt. Enjoy the comfort of nice hotels by the Phewa
Lakeside, have time for afternoon stroll around the lake side.
From Pokhara begins our true adventure after a good breakfast, start the journey of a 4WD Jeep or similar vehicle. The drive heads beyond Pokhara Valley facing views of Annapurna Himalayas through farm areas, villages and towns.
The drive follows on the main Pokhara and Beni/ Baglung highway, after hours of pleasant ride reaches Beni. The headquarters town of Mygdi district and en route to Mustang areas. From Beni drive continues on dirt country road following the Kaligandaki River to Tatopani. A nice village, the name Tatopani means hot-water due to natural hot spring nearby. Possible lunch stop in Tatopani, afternoon drive heads further west through Kaligandaki River. The world deepest gorge, situated
between towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. Reaching Ghasa Village to enter the Mustang district, the drive follows uphill through lovely cooler forest of rhododendrons and pine trees. Slowly the journey ends for the day reaching lovely village of Kalapani, amidst beautiful forest surroundings. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge with stunning views of Nilgiri’s, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas.
After an enjoyable overnight in Kalapani with stunning views of the Himalayan Peaks. Enjoy the breakfast along with beautiful scenery, then on the road towards further west. The drive leads through forested area to reach Kaligandaki River bed, where tall trees declines. The road follows through Larjung, Kobang and Tukuche Villages to reach near lovely Marpha village. The areas around Kaligandaki is famous for delicious apples and the products.
From Marpha a short drive to Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district.
Possible lunch stop in Jomsom nice restaurants with long list of food menu, afternoon short drive to Kagbeni. The drive leads around wide Kaligandaki River bank then reaching Kagbeni for overnight stop.
Kagbeni an interesting village of strong Tibetan traditional culture, it also the main entrance to Upper Mustang and beyond to border. From Kagbeni visitors requires a special permit to enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang.
Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge or guest house, have time to explore the cultural village.
From Kagbeni and exciting and short day drives on entering Upper Mustang to reach Ghami a nice village. The drive follows on winding ups as altitude gains gradually and over high ridges. The drive leads to an open wide windblown valley, the great dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang. The valley enclosed by the towering colored walls of canyons with eroded high cliffs, dotted with small cave holes. The journey continues facing superb scenery of beautiful landscapes, following Kaligandaki River upstream to Chele. The first village around Upper Mustang, the drive then climb to reach Gyagar village. The journey proceeds to Samar a small village for possible lunch stop. After Samar village drive leads to Syangbochen and then with winding up to cross over Nyi-La pass.
The highest point of the journey, before Lo-Manthang, from the top enjoy the grand vista of Upper Mustang deserted country. After the grand views, a slow winding downhill to Ghami village for overnight halt, check into a nice homely guest-house. Ghami, is also a major village of Upper Mustang, have time in the afternoon for tour of the Ghami Gompa/monastery.
Ghami village, surrounded by wide farm field of buckwheat and barley with few poplars and willow trees.
Today’s drive one of the shortest ride to reach Lo Manthang, the main highlight of the adventures. From Ghami start the morning drive to cross over Ghami Khola (stream). The drive follows across a series of Buddhist Prayer Mani walls with intricate carving of Tibetan alphabet with Buddhist prayers.
The road follows to Dhakmar village, towards Tsarang/ Charang another large and main village around Upper Mustang. After an hour drive from Charang Village, heading up and down to enter the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
Frist the drive leads up to Lo-La pass, with first glimpse of the walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. The road follows to short descend to cross a stream, and then reaching Lo-Manthang for lunch and overnight stops. Afternoon with ample time to enjoy a stroll around the old town of Lo-Manthang, the locals greets you with a cheerful smiles.
Enjoy the full day at Lo-Manthang explore the medieval time period town.
The houses are closely attached with beautiful Tibetan traditional style architectures. The visit takes you to historical, and religious cultural sites around the four main monasteries. The Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lhakhang (God House) and the Red Thubchen Gompa. Includes Chyodi Gompa and great Entrance Hall, where great Tije a festival is held on May. As per the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, for the interesting colorful celebrations. At Lo Manthang tour of former and late Raja / King of Mustang palace, a permission is required. Which was the last king or Raja of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, expired in 2018. At the age of 86 years,
the royal links to back to 6th Century Ame Pal the first king of Mustang Kingdom. He established the Kingdom of Mustang, after separating from the South West Tibet Provinces. After an interesting visit, rest of the afternoon at leisure to observe the local activities and cultures.
After a great experience spending time in Lo Manthang in the heart of Upper Mustang. Return journey on the same exciting route to Jomsom Town, the drive leads through Marang village. Then past Dhakmar village, across a long series of Mani Walls. The drive leads across a bridge above Ghami Khola then head towards Ghiling Village. Slowly the drive leaves the Upper Mustang areas on reaching Kagbeni village. From Kagbeni, driving across Kaligandaki River Valley to Jomsom for overnight in one of the best lodge.
From Jomsom, last day drive around the district of Mustang, the journey starts through Marpha and Tukuche villages. Enjoy the grand views of Tukuche Peak and Mt. Dhaulagiri. After Tukuche village leads to pleasant drive following the Kaligandaki River downstream. Then reaching back into pine, oaks and rhododendron forest, at Kalapani village. The journey continues with dramatic change of landscapes and vegetation, heading further down south around lower warm farm areas. The drive then head past the last village of Mustang district at Ghasa. Then through beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi Chhara.
After few hours reaching Tatopani village for possible lunch stop, afternoon drive to Beni. From Beni Town driving on the main highway to Pokhara after a pleasant drive of few hours reaches Pokhara. Check into the lovely hotels by the Phewa lakeside. Rest of the afternoon or evening enjoying relaxing stroll around the Lakeside.
Morning after breakfast board on a bus or car as per size of a group, for an
exciting overland journey to Kathmandu. The drive of about six hours or more
covering a distance of 220 km or 137 miles. The drive heads east to reach Mugling
Bazaar, then follows the Trisuli River upstream for few hours. Leaving the low
farm areas and towns, the drive heads uphill to reach Kathmandu.
On reaching the city, transfer back to your respective hotels, after a marvelous
adventure to Upper Mustang Overland Journey
Last day in Nepal as per your international flight time, our staff and guide transfer you to the airport for homeward bound. After a great time and adventure around Nepal Far West, journey to Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang was a forbidden kingdom after China annexed Tibet into
Mainland in late 1950’s. Then it was closed for foreign visitors until it was opened
from 1992. But remains restricted area due to close borders with Tibet and China.
All visitor has to join with local Government Registrated company, accompanied
by licensed holder guide.
Not at all, the elevation rise is at slow pace, the altitude is not a big problem on
this tour. As long all members follow the guide instructions and moving
slowly having few stops during drives. Drinking plenty of water to prevent from
dehydration, taking things slowly. The only rapid rise in altitude is crossing over
passes of above 3,900 m high. But having good rest and having the right foods,
will be the best and avoiding alcoholic drinks, while heading higher.
It is all right to drink on the way back to Jomsom and Pokhara.
Covering the whole drives from Kathmandu to Kathmandu will be
approx. 680 k.m. or 423 miles. Both ways drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
and towards Upper Mustang.
The foods and accommodations are simple and good depending upon the places
for overnight and lunch stops. From Kalapani to Ghami the lodge accommodation
are simple, having rooms with common bath and toilets.
But back in Kagbeni, and Jomsom the rooms are better offers rooms
with attached bath and toilets. The food menu provided are simple with most
common Nepali Dhal-Bhat, noodle fried or with soup. Local breads, chapatti,
pancakes and varieties of seasonal vegetables. Momos either meat or vegetable
stuffed are available with various types of potatoes. Followed with refreshments
tea, coffee or hot chocolates. For breakfast oats porridge, cornflakes, variation of
eggs served with breads. Fresh fruits are rare, but can enjoy canned fruits.
At present most large villages and settlements have internet and Wi-Fi facilities,
Including the tele-communication, but in some places the connection is slow and
Disturbing. Depending on the places like in gorge, valley enclosed by high
Mountains, as well as bad weather conditions. Lodges have electricity either run
by private small Hydro or solar power to light the dining room. Where travelers
can charge electronic items at extra cost.
For Upper Mustang Overland Journey all types of people and age groups can join
in. Minimum age of 12 to elderly person of 70 years. For below 18 and above 65
years should be accompanied by friends, families or guardians.
All guest needs to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance, as precautionary
measures, against unfortunate incidents. Like being very sick which needs
evacuation by fastest means of transport like using Helicopter Service.
As well as if the road is broken and obstructed by landslides and rock falls en
route the journey. In this situation it might leads to delay of the tour or might be
cancelled and re-routed to other safe areas. In this case for extra expenses should
be claimed from your insurance companies back in your home country.
If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Bishnu will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years