Upper Mustang Overland Tour is a 13 day road journey from Nepal to Tibet. It is ideal for travelers who want to skip the long treks and enjoy the natural and cultural beauty with ease and comfort. The exciting road trip takes you to Lo Manthang, Mustang, through deep canyons, barren ridges, moraine valleys, and desert-like landscapes. Lo Manthang, or Upper Mustang, is a well-preserved kingdom in the Annapurna region's rain shadow area. The phenomenon is caused by the Annapurna and Nilgiri Himalaya range. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers to visit the region during the monsoon season in Nepal. The kingdom of Mustang was initially founded by Amel Pal in 1380 B.C. Eventually, the area acted as an integral part of the Himalayan trade routes for centuries and was often confused with the mythical land of Shangrila by travelers. Mustang was only opened in 1992 for foreigners to visit, and it followed the identical trail used by traders during medieval times. As it has acted as a corridor between Nepal, China, and Tibet, Mustang has a unique cultural history attracting travel enthusiasts worldwide. The Upper Mustang Overland Tour follows the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. You will pass through remarkable sites along the route, including Tatopani, Marpha Village, "The Apple Garden," and Kagbeni. During this journey, we will explore the ancient tradition, culture, history, and architecture of the once-forbidden kingdom of Mustang. Considered to be one of the most accessible tours in Nepal, our 13 days Upper Mustang Overland Tour allows you to experience the raw beauty of the mystical kingdom.
Upper Mustang Overland Tour Highlights
- Explore popular destinations like Lo Maanthang, Kagbeni, and Jomsom.
- View the spectacular view of Kaligandaki, the deepest gorge in the world.
- Stay at beautiful, culturally rich homestays and lodges.
- Visit the restricted area of Annapurna Conservation Area and Lo Manthang.
- Learn about the local culture and history of the ethnic people and Tibetan tribes.
- Historical Kingdom of Lo Manthang and explore the five-storied King’s Palace, which includes several other ancient monuments and monasteries.
- Participate in the auspicious Tiji Festival.
- Engage with the Lobha and Bon Ethnic groups and learn about their customs and daily life.
- Visit Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lhakang, and Tsenchen Shredrubling Monastery School to learn and understand Tibetan Buddhism.
- Enjoy organic apple products such as apple pie and apple wine.
- Travel with the stunning panorama of Annapurna mountain range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
- Immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of the Phewa Lakeside in the evening.
Experience Exhilarating Road Trip to Upper Mustang
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is a 460km journey that passes through well-paved roads in most places. Along the way, you will pass mesmerizing Mani walls, a Monastery, Chortens, and man-made sky caves. The exciting tour begins with an exploration of Kathmandu. During this session, you will explore several world heritage sites and tourist destinations. This includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. As you enjoy strolling through these remarkable sites, we will prepare your permits and arrange the ride to Mustang. From Kathmandu, we will be heading towards Pokhara, and after an overnight stay, the journey continues to Tatopani. Here, you can relax and unwind in the hot springs before we begin our Jeep ride to Kagbeni tomorrow. It is a pleasant travel experience with an enchanting mountain range and diverse landscapes surrounding you. After arriving in Kagbeni, the road trip ahead will lead you to destinations like Ghiling, Charang, and Lo Manthang. The ancient kingdom is located near the Tibetan border, with most of its people speaking the Tibetan language themselves. The Overland Jeep Safari will introduce you to Mustang's natural and cultural richness with multiple-day experiences of the local traditions and lifestyle of the ancient kingdom.
Explore the Magical Forbidden of Mustang
Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, a tiny Kingdom in the mid-western part of Nepal, was a significant corridor for trade during the 1400 between China and Tibet. According to the legends, Padmasambhava, the great founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who built Samye (the oldest monastery in Tibet), came to Mustang to guard against evil who sought to destroy Buddhism. After he triumphed over the demons, a temple of Lo Gekhar was established to commemorate the victory. You can learn about Kindom’s history and myth in the local monasteries and shrines. Apart from its profound cultural heritage, Mustang offers stunning landscapes to travelers who want to explore Nepal's raw nature, wilderness, and pristine scenery. The panoramic view of windswept Kali-Gandaki Valley, Kagbeni, and vast ridges provides a once-in-a-lifetime mind-blowing experience.
What makes this Tour Unique?
Astonishing views of Himalayas and Landscapes
From the beginning of the journey, you will have spectacular views of fascinating landscapes, hills, and snowcapped mountains. During the overland tour, you will witness the Annapurna mountain range, Macchapuchre, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri mountains. Moving on, you will pass by the Annapurna Conservation area, which allows you to experience the extraordinary geography of the region. Along the route, you will encounter exotic species of wildlife and vegetation. So, you can capture magnificent pictures along the journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Visit the Apple Gardens at Marpha
Marpha is a picturesque village in the Mustang region renowned for its beautiful apple gardens. The quaint town located at an altitude of 2,650 m began the revolution of apple farming in the 1960s. The initiative introduced modern means of apple cultivation techniques, bringing several apple varieties to the region. Today, the apple from Marpha is used to make apple pies and brandy, which are celebrated throughout Nepal. Visitors traveling to Upper Mustang can explore the Marpha village and try some of the locally produced snacks and beverages.
Explore the Magical Jomsom
Jomsom, a tourism hub in the Annapurna region of Nepal, serves as an entry point for Mustang. The beautiful town in the Himalayas is known for its rich culture, tradition, and delicious organic foods. During the road trip to Upper Mustang, travelers can relax in Jomsom by exploring or relaxing at cafes in the area. The short detour allows you to enjoy the mystical views of the Himalayas and the splendid natural diversity of the region. There are several gompas and temples in Jomsom, where you can spend time strolling and learning about the local heritage and history.
Historical and Cultural immersional in Lo Manthang
A visit to the royal palace of the mystical Lo Manthang provides travelers with an abundance of wisdom and cultural immersion in the ancient tribes. Exploring the sacred site is also perfect for learning about the region's archaeological findings. You can spectate several hundred-year-old mummified bodies. In addition, discover ancient monuments, paintings, manuscripts, and stone arts of the ancient kingdom.
Spiritual Experience in Muktinath Temple
Muktinath, which translates to "place of salvation," is one of the holiest for Hindus and Buddhist followers. The sacred site is visited by thousands of international and domestic tourists throughout the year. It is located at an altitude of 3,749 m and 18 km northeast of Jomsom. The temple is one of the oldest in Nepal and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Vaishnava tradition. An ever-lightening candle Inside the monument, also known as akhanda diyo, is seen by devotees as the symbol of peace and harmony. Therefore, it is believed that visiting the temple once in a lifetime offers liberation from worldly pain and suffering.
Participate in the Tiji Festival
The Tiliji festival is an auspicious festival in the region and is highly celebrated by the local tribes. The occasion marks the victory of good over evil. It is believed that Doje Jono battled a demon who spread diseases and stole the area's water. As a result, celebrating the evil's defeat began with prayer chants and vibrant dances since that day. The festival is celebrated for three days in May, during which monks from the monasteries perform ritual dances. The festival's first day is "Tsha Chham," the persecution of the Ma Tam Ru Ta demon. The second day is "Nga Chham," which depicts the first of the second son of the demon, Dorjee Sonnu. Likewise, on the third day, the dances performed represent the attempt to bring the demon to Lord Buddha's realm.
Understanding the Difficulty of Upper Mustang Overland Tour
The difficulty level of the Upper Mustang tour is classified as easy. The journey is perfect for travelers who want a convenient, fulfilling, and adventurous experience in the captivating region of Nepal. The road you will be traveling on is isolated from civilization and takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Mustang Valley. You won't need to prepare physically as you will ride on a comfortable jeep for the entire tour. However, we still recommend you get yourself checked before the journey to ensure you won't face any complications. Having said that, the Upper Mustang can be done by people of all ages, as there are no age restrictions. However, children participating in the tour must be supervised by their parents and tour guide. Following this step will ensure their safety and enhance the overall travel experience. Apart from the physical aspects, the Jeep ride to the Mustang Valley is also affected by the region's weather and climate. So, to avoid such challenges, one must understand the unpredictability of the weather in Upper Mustang and pack accordingly. To make things easier, we will assist you with what gear and equipment you must have during the booking procedure. On the other hand, our staff members will also update you on the latest weather reports to avoid unforeseen circumstances, including landslides, floods, and heavy rainfall.
Risk of Altitude Sickness and its Remedies
Altitude sickness, or AMS, is an illness experienced by travelers at a high altitude. As you ascend to higher elevations, the reduced oxygen levels in the atmosphere cause symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. The risk of altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang Overland Tour is relatively low. The journey's highest point is Lo Manthang Monasteries, 4,660m above sea level. However, you still need to be cautious and take appropriate measures to prevent any onset of the symptoms. One crucial aspect to remember is to acclimate appropriately if you experience discomfort during the journey.
Remedies and Coping Strategies
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water every day. Avoid highly caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
- Consult your health care professional to consume medications such as Diamox.
- Maintain a healthy diet and eat protein and carbohydrate-rich food to energize your body.
- Follow the guides' instructions as they know and experience about altitude sickness.
- Have adequate rest and sleep to allow your body to replenish and rejuvenate itself.
- Maintain a positive mindset and embrace the beauty of the Upper Mustang Tour.
Note: Please keep in mind that altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of their previous travel experience or fitness level. Therefore, it is important to prioritize your safety and health. We suggest you follow all the strategies and preventive measures and remain vigilant.
Cost for the Upper Mustang Overland Tour
The standard cost for the Upper Mustang Overland Tour package is USD 2350. The total price will also depend on the itinerary you choose and additional services included. For a group of five travelers or more, we provide the package for USD 2350 per person. We suggest you travel in a larger group to enjoy the discounts and offers we provide for our valued clients.
