Upper Mustang Overland Tour

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
An Upper Mustang overland tour is a 4WD jeep journey through Nepal's remote Mustang region, offering an alternative to trekking for exploring the region's unique landscapes and culture. It allows travelers to experience the "Forbidden Kingdom" with ease and comfort, skipping the arduous trek to Lo Manthang, the region's capital. The tour typically includes visits to historic villages, monasteries ,offering a blend of cultural and natural beauty.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    13 Days
  • Activities
    Overland Tours/Hiking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    Full Bord Meals
  • Max. Elevation
    3210m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    March to May and Sept to Dec

Do you want to embark on an adventure to the mystical land of the Upper Mustang? But don't want to trek? The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is just what you are looking for! It takes you to discover the ancient Himalayan kingdom that has long been shrouded in mystery via drive. This exciting tour will give you the full experience of this region without tiring yourself out. 

Historically, the region of Upper Mustang was once forbidden and cut off from the rest of the world until the year 1992. It used to be its own kingdom. But the monarchy of this hidden kingdom ended in the year 2008 due to the order given by the Government of Nepal.

Since the region is home to ancient monasteries and traditional Tibetan villages, you will get the chance to meet the locals who still follow the old traditions and culture. And you'll have the chance to hear their stories. Also, the diverse landscapes in this region are sure to take your breath away. 

Overall, our tour is ideal for people who are short on time and want to experience the mysteries of this region. And although it is a driving tour, our itinerary also includes the short hike to Luri cave and Ghar Gompa.

Best Highlights of Upper Mustang Overland Tour

  • Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. You will be able to see the culture, history, and ancient architecture of the country.
  • Initiate your journey with a scenic drive to Pokhara. You will cross several forests and breathe in the fresh air.
  • Relish and unwind at the shore of the famous Phewa Lake in Pokhara. Strolling around the streets of this city is worth noting.
  • Explore the ancient village of Kagbeni, located in the heart of the Mustang district, and its historic architecture and culture.
  • Hike to the Luri Cave in Charang, where you'll be awed by the ancient Buddhist murals and intricate carvings.
  • Visiting the fabled kingdom of Lo Manthang, where you can explore the mystical Chosar Cave and the charming Chosar Village.
  • Walk to Ghar Gompa in Charang, a beautiful monastery with a rich history and stunning panoramic views.
  • Embark on a pilgrimage to Muktinath, a sacred site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Enjoy the view of rugged terrain, desert landscapes, and magnificent mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang Himalayas.
  • Get an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Nepal. Also, meet friendly locals, and listen to their way of life stories.

Route Overview

Want to get a glimpse of your journey? Well, you are just in the right section of the trip overview.

When you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll find our staff waiting for you at the terminal. Before you embark on your driving adventure, a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley is organized for you. The journey begins with a scenic drive to Pokhara and continues to Kagbeni. It will then take you to Charang (Tsarang), where you will hike to the Luri Cave and explore its beauty before returning to Charang.

The next stop is Lo Manthang. Here, you will have the chance to explore the Chosar Cave and the Chosar Village before returning to Charang. The adventure continues with a hike to Ghar Gompa before driving to Chhusang and then to Muktinath. Finally, you will drive back to Pokhara and then return to Kathmandu for your farewell.

When Are The Best Times To Book?

The best time to embark on this epic journey would be spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these seasons, the weather is generally clear, dry, and mild. All these things add up to make it perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and driving.

A point worth noting about this region is that it is situated in a rain shadow area. And it receives very little rainfall throughout the year. Thus, it is possible to go on this trip during this season.

It's best to avoid the winter season (December-February) for this trip. The harsh weather conditions during this time can make the trip even more challenging, with frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Is The Tour Right For You?

Now that you've read about the tour to Upper Mustang, you might be wondering whether it's the right fit for you. Let’s explore that in this section.

Upper Mustang Overland Tour is an excellent way to explore the region's stunning landscapes and unique cultural heritage. The trip takes you through remote areas of Nepal. It offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, rugged valleys, and traditional Tibetan villages.

This trip is suitable for those who prefer a more leisurely pace of travel. And for those who want to enjoy the scenery without having to trek through mountainous terrain. However, keep in mind that the roads to Upper Mustang can be rough and bumpy. Thus, it's better to be prepared for long hours of driving.

What is The Alternative Adventure?

Didn’t this tour suit your preference? Well, if so, let’s look at its alternative adventure.

You can also choose to explore this region by trekking with the comfort of driving back to Jomsom from Ghami on the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back.  This 14-Day journey will take you to explore the region on foot. However, while returning, you’ll hop on a jeep from Ghami to Jomsom and then catch a flight back to Pokhara.

We promise you that any adventure you choose, it will be a memorable experience for you. So aren’t you ready for your adventure in the Himalayas? If you want to make any changes to your journey, just let us know your preference, and we will customize it for you.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

You may arrive at the airport at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by Nepal Hiking Team’s representative who will be there to welcome you and will help you get transferred to your hotel. The representative will also explain further plans and programs to you. You may check into your hotel and enjoy your time there.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sight Seeing Tour

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, it's time to prepare your daypack for a full day of sightseeing. Today, there will be a briefing where you'll need to gather all your travel documents, including a photocopy of your passport, insurance papers, and trip payments.

During the briefing, you'll also have the opportunity to meet your trek guide and receive complimentary items such as a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket.

Later, we can set off for the sightseeing tour. The heritage sites you'll be visiting hold immense cultural significance:

  • Pashupatinath Temple- Hindu Temple for worship
  • Swayambhunath Stupa- Buddhist stupa, also known as the monkey temple.
  • Boudhanath Stupa- Another Buddhist stupa is known for its spherical-shaped stupa.
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square- An old site famous for Newari-style architectural buildings and palaces.

After the tour, you'll be dropped off at your hotel to unwind and relax.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2985ft), Duration: 6 hours

After breakfast, you shall be driven to Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal. The drive presents you the opportunity to see wonderful landscapes of terraced farmlands- green and wet with the sowing of rice and barley by the farmers, the frisky rush of the meandering rivers by the highway and the isolated valleys low-lying among the gargantuan hills and rocky gorges.

The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 6 hours, and upon arrival at Pokhara, we shall check into a hotel, which the city has an abundance of.

In the evening, you shall be able to enjoy the respite of a beautiful boat-ride at Fewa Lake and on a clear day, you can see the lucid reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range on the crystalline surface of water as well.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04: Pokhara to Kagbeni, Duration: 8 hours

A beautiful drive to Kagbeni commences in the morning, where the journey is filled with amazing landscapes. The village of Kagbeni is located in the valley of the Kali Gandaki River and it is usually the entry point to Mustang. That is why Kagbeni is also called the main gate to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni used to be a check post for traders in Nepal.

There is a check point at Kagbeni that controls groups departing for Muktinath and Mustang. Trekkers are required to show their permits here for further entry.  As you drive further into Kagbeni, you will notice the difference in the change of the landscape from lush green winding hills to hills that become consistently barren and ashy white. The Tibetan culture and its features also become quite prominent at Kagbeni, and it feels more and more like Tibet itself. The village of Kagbeni is designed as a fortress town, and was quite important during the famous salt trade times between Tibet and Nepal.

Upon arriving at Kagbeni, you can wander around the village’s cobbled streets laden with prayer wheels on the walls of the chortens and small Gompas. At Kagbeni, you can also visit “the Red Monastery” that has red washed walls and is a giant block of a building built around 1429. The village’s solidarity is felt on the dry watered-grey color of its environment and the highly oxidized hills.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 05: Kagbeni to Charang (Tsarang), (3500m/11482ft)

Driving from Kagbeni to Charang (Tsarang) is a journey of white hills and a terrain that resembles the badlands. Tsarang lies just south of the walled town of Lo Manthang- the capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. Dotted with numerous stupa structures, a monastery and a Dzong (fortress), Tsarang is a village made up of several buildings and structures.

Upon your arrival at Tsarang, you will also be visiting the monastery at the village. The monastery’s inner walls are painted with murals depicting the deities of the Medicine Buddha Mandala.

These depictions and rituals of the Medicine Buddha are special objects of devotion in the Kingdom of Mustang and can be found in the temples of almost every Mustang village. 

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 06: Charang – Hike to the Luri Cave – return

From Charang, you will have a hike to the Luri Cave. The Luri Gompa lies south-east of Lo Manthang and is considered an ancient cave system that has very little known about its establishment. The Luri Cave is pitted with sandstone cliffs and bluffs fluted by wind and weather into fantastical formations, like serried, tapered pillars or organ pipes.

These cliffs are pitted with caves, and such a cave forms the inner sanctum of the Luri Gompa, a small jewel of Buddhist art. The Luri Gompa is a Cave Monastery that sits high above the crumbling landscape like an eagle’s nest. It is also sometimes referred to “the Sky Cave”.

One of the last cave monasteries in Lo Manthang and Tibet, the Luri Gompa has no written records that exist regarding its construction. Covered with a red wash, perched on a ledge on a one hundred-meter high cliff, the Gompa stands out against the sand and bone-colored sandstone pillars. Affiliated with the Kagyu sect of Buddhism, the Gompa dates all the back to the 13th-14th century. 

A part of the Luri Gompa is visible from the valley below; its mud-brick superstructure perched on a ledge on one of the sandstone pillars. At first, it seems like the entrance to the cave is obtained only by scaling the pillar itself, but a winding footpath climbs one hundred meters to a door in a lower cave, inside which is a notched log that climbs to the Gompa itself.

The treasures of the Gompa lie in its inner chambers that are hollowed-out or enlarged rooms with smooth walls. Natural light trickles in through a small window, making the space look ethereal. After exploring the cave, you will be returning back to Tsarang. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 07: Charang to Lo Manthang - 3600m/13 km

From Tsarang, you will be driving to the capital of the Mustang Kingdom- Lo Manthang. The drive consists of beautifully unique acreages of badland-like terrain with high corroded hills. Once you arrive at Lo Manthang, you can explore the village on foot.

Lo Manthang has a lot to explore and offers a marvelous taste of Tibetan Buddhist tradition and custom that is considered one of the best preserved traditions on the planet. Occupied by ethnic Lhoba and Bon people, Lo Manthang is noted for its tall white washed mud brick walls, Gompas and the Raja's Palace- a nine-cornered, five story structure built around 1400.

You will visit Lo Manthang’s monasteries, the King’s palace as well as many other places of significance. Particularly, there are four major temples at Lo Manthang: the Jampa Lhakhang or the Jampa Gompa- the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the "God House"; the Thubchen Gompa- a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of the Jampa Gompa; the Chodey Gompa- now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa- which is popularly known as the "New Gompa".

Recently, a series of at least twelve caves were discovered north of Annapurna near the village as well, decorated with ancient Buddhist paintings and set in sheer cliffs at 14,000 feet elevation.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 08: Lo Manthang – Explore the Chosar Cave and the Chosar Village – Return to Charang

You can either walk or drive to the Chosar Village today from Lo Manthang. The Chosar village is a quaint village of stone walls and bone-white hills. While there, you can also visit the Chosar caves.

From Lo Manthang, the canyon trail continues past dry gullies to the ancient ruined fortress, across a bridge through small cultivated areas to reach Chosar. The sight of the deep-red Nyphu Gompa at Chosar comes into view, its structure built into the rock face like an elegant architectural manifest. The ethereal white-washed hills that surround the village looks like they have been carved out of petrified milk and fudge.

A range of spectacular mountains mark the border with Tibet in the foreground, and small gurgling streams like the trail.

The valley itself used to be the main trading point ad lay on the trading route between Tibet and Lhasa and Chosar is peppered with the ruins of old fortresses strategically guarding the valley. After exploring around the village and the Chosar caves, you will drive back to Charang.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 09: Charang – Hike to Ghar Gompa – Return to Charang

On this day, we will be hiking to the famous Ghar Gompa from Charang. The Ghar Gompa, that lies approximately 3 hours away from Charang, is the oldest monastery in Mustang. It dates back to the 8th century and was built by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Gompa is said to cover the heart of Balmo, the ogress conquered by Guru Rinpoche after a mythical battle in the 8th century. It lies just past the settlement of Lo Gekar.

Ghar Gompa is decorated magnificently with paintings that display intricate stories and legends of Gods and Demons. The entrance of the Gompa is flanked by the Four Guardian Kings and the inside of the gompa is filled with excellent painted carved stones and statues of Guru Rinpoche, Palden Lhamo on horseback and Vajrapani.

There are many Tsa Tsa carvings as well surrounding the prayer wheels on the side of Ghar Gompa. After exploring around the Gompa, we will then hike back to Charang.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 10: Drive to Jomsom 37 Kilometers 8-9 Hours

From Lomanthang, we take a jeep for Jomsom. The drive goes along several towns such as Jaite, Shyangbochen, Vena, Samar, Chhusang, Kagbeni, and others. You will drive through the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is renowned as the deepest ravine in the world.

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 11: Drive to Pokhara

Drive back to Pokhara.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu

We shall drive to Kathmandu by private vehicle.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 13: Departure/Farewell

This is the final day at Kathmandu. 3 hours before your departure time, one of our staff will drop you at the airport.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfer.
  • Three-night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Katmandu.
  • Two-night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Katmandu.
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek. We provide an attached bathroom wherever possible.
  • An experienced English-speaking trek guide, including his salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Hiking Team duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, Special trekking permit). Please bring 3 passport-size photos for the permit.
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Travel Insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Cold drinks, water, snacks, and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Horse/Pony during the trek.
  • WiFi internet/phone call
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Wonderful Upper Mustang Valley trek

    A more remote trek than the usual routes, but all the more rewarding for it. The scenery was spectacular, with fascinating history and culture. We trekked up the western trail and returned via the eastern side, covering 170 km.

    From past experience, we knew Nepal Hiking Team was excellent.

    This time, we were even luckier with our fantastic guide, Dipendra “Dip.” Nothing was ever too much trouble, and his smile lit up every tea house. He also kept us off the road as much as possible, with only about 10% of our trek on it.

    Ask for Dip 👍🏻

    D
    - Excellent

    Mr. David S

    23rd Apr 2024
  • Great time visiting Marpha, Jonsom, Upper Mustang & Muktinath

    I traveled from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then flew to Jomsom for a journey through the Upper Mustang, particularly arranged by the Nepal Hiking Team. This was my first time using their services, and I organized everything from home in Sydney, Australia.

    Our guide in Mustang was Yubraj, who was incredibly organized and made our trip enjoyable. Unfortunately, I injured my knee while walking from Lo Manthang to Yara. Yubraj swiftly arranged for a vehicle to reach the remote area and transport me to Muktinath by road. He also adjusted our itinerary after the accident. I highly recommend him as a guide to others.

    The Nepal Hiking Team was easy to deal with and always punctual with their correspondence.

    G
    - Excellent

    Mr. Geoffrey Donald

    16th Apr 2024
  • Upper Mustang Region trek

    I had the incredible opportunity to embark on the Upper Mustang Valley trek as part of a research expedition with three fellow professors from a US university. Our purpose was twofold: to conduct research and also assess the feasibility of bringing students on future trips. During our time in Nepal, we undertook two treks, first exploring the Khumbu Valley and then venturing into the captivating Upper Mustang region.

    Throughout our entire journey, we were fortunate to have the exceptional support and guidance of the Nepal Hiking Team, led by the remarkable Ganga Raj Thapa. Even prior to our departure, they were instrumental in assisting us with numerous inquiries, diligently answering our emails, and helping us craft the perfect itinerary tailored to our specific interests.

    During the treks themselves, we were accompanied by two exceptional guides, Arjun and Prakash. Their extensive knowledge, thoughtfulness, and flexibility made our experience all the more enriching. As the days unfolded, they transformed from our guides into what we hope will be lifelong friends. Their warm and considerate nature ensured that we felt cared for every step of the way.

    The scenery along the Upper Mustang Valley trek was nothing short of awe-inspiring. However, it should be noted that the terrain presented its challenges, with steep paths and demanding hikes. On some days, we covered over 15 miles in a single day. Nevertheless, our guides were attuned to our capabilities, knowing when to encourage us to push our limits and when to allow us time to rest and regain our strength, often enjoying leisurely two-hour lunches amidst the captivating surroundings.

    I wholeheartedly endorse both the Upper Mustang Valley trek and the Nepal Hiking Team. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring our satisfaction and their genuine hospitality left an indelible impression on us. If you are seeking a remarkable trekking experience amidst breathtaking scenery, I strongly recommend embarking on this journey with the Nepal Hiking Team.

    Jennifer Brice
    - Excellent

    Mrs. Jennifer Brice

    18th Jun 2023
  • If one could give it a 6 star, they would get one...

    Did the Upper Mustang trek with Nepal Hiking Team for the first time.

    Everything—from airport pickup to accommodation and logistics—was flawless. The response time via email before the trip was also prompt when finalizing details.

    During the trek, we made some unusual and demanding requests (probably more than once), yet our guide and porters did their best to accommodate us—even going as far as trying to find a live chicken for dinner on our last night in Lo Manthang!

    The trek wasn’t the toughest, but our safety was always their priority. Midway through the descent, one of our team members was hit with AMS in the middle of the night. Balaram, Arun, and their team acted immediately, rushing everyone to a lower altitude and arranging a helicopter to Pokhara for medical treatment. Despite facing a lot of issues with an unhelpful insurance company, they managed to secure the helicopter in time, ensuring our team member received medical attention before his condition worsened. Huge kudos for that!

    Would definitely recommend Nepal Hiking Team to anyone looking to trek in Nepal.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Siaoyue

    15th May 2023
  • Fabulous Upper Mustang!

    We visited Upper Mustang in October/November, having trekked Gokyo Lakes the previous year. The landscape and trail in Upper Mustang were vastly different. In many ways, Upper Mustang was more breathtaking, and the trail felt more challenging than Gokyo Lakes. I appreciated that Upper Mustang was less traveled, making it quieter and the experience more humbling. Visiting a local home in Lo Manthang was like stepping back in time by centuries.

    Our trek started from Jomsom to Lo Manthang, and we returned by jeep. Many visitors explore Upper Mustang by motorbike, which I highly recommend, as it allows you to cover nearly everything you would on foot. However, a major downside of trekking was walking on dusty roads shared with bikes, jeeps, and buses.

    Nepal Hiking Team was, as always, fantastic. Our guide and friend Arjun was outstanding, and our porter Tuk was excellent. The owners, Balaram and Ganga, personally welcomed us.

    I highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team!

    H
    - Excellent

    Ms. Helen R

    6th Feb 2023
US$ 2500Per Person
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