Upper Mustang Overland Journey – 9 Days

Upper Mustang, Nepal, Lo Manthang, Nepal - View on map
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  • 9 Days
  • Max People : 10
  • Wifi Available
  • Jan 18’ - Dec 21’
  • Min Age: 12+
  • Pickup: Hotel
Description

A place high in the mountains of Nepal that feels like traveling back in time. This is Upper Mustang, a secret kingdom that was closed to most people until only a few years ago. Now you can visit this incredible region on a 9-day journey. You won’t be hiking for days through mountain trails  instead, you’ll be riding in a comfy jeep, allowing you to experience more of this amazing trip.

Upper Mustang is like nowhere you have ever been. It’s like a mountainous desert with rocky cliffs, deep canyons, and wide-open spaces. The air is clean and crisp, the sky a bright blue. This isn’t merely a visit to see pretty sights; it’s an opportunity to study a culture that has remained unchanged for centuries. The Upper Mustang's residents, known as Lobas, preserved their ancient culture and lifestyles. They practice Tibetan Buddhism, and you’ll notice many reminders of their faith, including colorful prayer flags and ancient monasteries. You’ll also explore unique houses and villages made from mud bricks, designed to fit into the mountain environment.

This 9-day experience is ideal for someone looking to see something special. You don’t have to be a super-fit hiker to do it. You’ll see the walled city of Lo Manthang, which is like a living museum. You’ll also get to meet local people and learn about how they live. You will also experience breathtaking views, customs of an ancient culture, and a way of life that is extremely different from your own. It’s an opportunity to glimpse a corner of Nepal that most people haven't visited. It’s a journey you’ll  remember, even after you go home.

Why Choose an Overland Journey to Upper Mustang?

Nepal is best known for mountain trekking. But there’s another way to experience a unique part of Nepal: driving through Upper Mustang.

Why choose a Jeep? Well, you get to see so much more in less time. If you don’t have weeks to hike, a jeep can give you deep access to Upper Mustang.

It is also very comfortable to ride in a powerful 4×4 jeep. You won’t be as exhausted as you would be after days of walking.

A jeep allows you to get to inaccessible places. You’ll explore remote villages and ancient monasteries tucked into cliffs and discover a unique type of art. These are things most trekkers would overlook.

You will have incredible sights of all surroundings near to your jeep. The seats in the Jeep are raised and provide a great view.

This type of trip is ideal for pretty much anyone. Even if you’re not a super-fit hiker, the beauty of Upper Mustang is within your reach. If you’re not into walking for days, an adventure by jeep is a great way to experience this amazing place. It’s an easy, casual way to explore a hidden gem.

Trek highlights

Here are the highlights of each of these must-do activities that will make your adventure truly unforgettable:

  • Explore Lo Manthang, the Walled City
  • Discovering a Different Culture
  • Visit and learn about Ancient Monasteries
  • Tracking the Kali Gandaki River

Physical demands and trek difficulty  

Even on an overland trip across Upper Mustang, where participants move in 4x4 vehicles, the trip requires moderate physical fitness levels in high altitudes and rough terrains. The region has an average altitude of over 3,000 meters and requires careful adaptation to avoid “soroche,” or altitude sickness. While a lot of this travel is done by jeep, there will also be occasions when you will need to walk, and even jeep travel over rough terrain can be exhausting. 

The landscapes are parched, featuring rock-studded trails, canyons, and high passes, necessitating an average level of fitness. Winds can pick up, temperatures can drop, and the sun is more intense, so be prepared for a variety of conditions. Although this is an overland journey and not a traditional trek, the altitude is the biggest challenge, and being in reasonable physical shape will only add to your experience.

Cultural Heritage and Local Traditions

Upper Mustang is a land of rich cultural value and local traditions. Tibetan Buddhism seeps into every part of life, from the bright prayer flags billowing in the wind to the vividly painted monasteries. Some of these monasteries date back centuries; they have always been spiritual and community power places that contain sacred artifacts and scriptures that explain Mustang's history. The local people, called Lobas, have managed to retain their unique cultural identity and are closely related to the Tibetan people. They have their own cultural practices, which are illustrated in their agriculture and their tight-knit communities. 

The Upper Mustang architecture is also a reflection of its culture and tradition. The local architecture, with mud-brick houses decorated with colorful murals, feels natural in the landscape. With its ancient gates and narrow alleyways, the walled city of Lo Manthang is like a living museum. Upper Mustang is one of such destinations where you find these living traditions and the culture that has remained the same for hundreds of years.

Flora and Fauna

Upper Mustang is a remote region high in the Himalayas. Its rain-blocking geography leaves a dry, desert environment. This makes it an exceptional home for some very special flora and fauna. The weather is a challenge here, with great temperature changes and almost no water. So, everything that lives here has to be hard and resilient.

Flora:

The plants in Upper Mustang are survival specialists. They’ve learned to survive on little water and high winds. What you’ll find is strong bushes that hold onto the rocky ground, grasses that can endure long dry seasons, and thorny plants that defend themselves against hungry animals. These plants have designed themselves to save water and survive under the scorching sun. As you travel lower in altitude, you may see some scattered juniper trees. And for summer, just a little hint of color from wildflowers that sprout, but otherwise, the rest of the land is pretty barren.

Fauna:

The animals are just as tough as Upper Mustang itself. They have found ways of existence in this harsh place. Here's what you might see:

Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal): These are some seriously good climbers. They hop from rock to rock as if it’s no big deal, and they munch on the few plants that can thrive up here.

Snow Leopards: These big cats are extremely elusive due to their excellent camouflage. They live high in the mountains.

Birds: There are birds that can soar high, such as eagles and vultures, smaller birds can be found flying around as well.

Small Mammals: Small creatures such as pikas and marmots create tunnels among the rocky soil. They are good at hiding from predators.

Upper Mustang is a challenging place to live, but the area's plants and animals have managed to adapt. Together, they form a unique balance in this high-altitude desert.

Sustainable Trekking Practices 

Going on a trip that cares for Upper Mustang is all about protecting its delicate beauty and unique culture. When you travel overland here, choosing to be a super mindful trekker makes a big difference in how much you affect nature. This means creating as little trash as possible - like taking your water bottle and saying no to plastic things that are used once and tossed. 

Conclusion

An Upper Mustang overland trip is more than just a trip; it's a transformative experience. From the moment you pass through the gates of Kagbeni and enter the defined area, you will be transported to a realm of unequaled beauty and serenity. The wind-swept plains, the ancient cloisters, and the warm hospitality of the local people will leave an unforgettable mark on your soul.

It’s also really important to respect the paths and not drop any garbage, even tiny bits, to keep the landscape beautiful and clean. Being smart about how much water you use, because it's a dry area, the less water you use the better it is. By making these smart choices and being mindful, you help make sure that tourism in Upper Mustang can keep working for a long time so that its beauty and culture will be around for future generations to enjoy.

Price Includes
Airport Pick up and drop from Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
Provision of Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) cards
Covering up the Entry Permit
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
All accommodation during the treks
Free luggage stored at Wandering Trail Adventures store during the trek
An experienced & qualified English Speaking Guide Including his food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance equipment
An experienced porter shared with two individuals including his food, lodging, transportation, Salary, insurance, and equipment.
Deluxe, tourist sofa Seater Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara before the trek & Pokhara to Kathmandu after the trek
Shared Transportation from Pokhara to trek start point Kande
Shared Transportation from trek end point Siding to Pokhara
1-night hotel at Kathmandu & 1-night hotel at Pokhara with Breakfast
Government VAT & official expenses
Price Excludes
Any extra food & desserts during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
No coverage of Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs
Self-payment for Nepal entry visa fee and International airfare
Personal expenses such as Alcoholic beverages, donations, cold drinks/Coffee, premium lodge e.t.c
Extra Personal equipment needed for the trek
Tips for guide and Porter (Tipping is expected)
All the personal expenses such as Hot showering at lodges, water bottle, hot water, battery charge, Wifi etc.
Gadgets charging fee at tea houses

Complimentary Items

Company T-Shirt
Trek Completion Certificate
Souvenir
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

These Trekking Gears are provided by the company for rent:

Crampons
Sleeping Bag
Pair of hiking poles
Itinerary

Your 9-day Upper Mustang overland adventure starts with flying into Kathmandu, Nepal's colorful and bustling capital, and arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport. The transfer is comfortable as you head to your pre-booked hotel, which serves as your peaceful location in the bustling city. This initial day is meant to gently get you comfortable for your journey, giving you time to settle in as you'd like. After checking in, you will explore the rich culture of Kathmandu. You can visit some of the World Heritage sites, including the grandeur of Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and an important location of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you can observe the religious rituals and feel the spirituality in the atmosphere. You can also use some of your time for last-minute preparations.

Arrival at Kathmandu

Today, you travel from busy Kathmandu Valley towards the foothills of the Himalayas. You will start with a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city in the foothills and right beside the lovely Phewa Lake. From Pokhara, you will continue your journey with a drive to Beni. Beni is the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers. The drive will be interesting as you will travel through twisty roads and you will be able to experience how people live in Nepal’s country side. Beni is an interesting town, and from Beni, you will be able to see a lot of remote parts of Nepal.

Flight to Pokhara and drive to Beni

Today, your adventure takes you further into the Himalayas, along the path of the Kali Gandaki River. It is one of the deepest rivers in the world, and it has carved its way through the mountains to create spectacular scenery. You’ll continue southwest, past Beni, up into the rugged terrain. These small villages provide a glimpse of the traditional, centuries-old lifestyle of the mountains. The geography changes every kilometer or so. The lush green of the lower foothills will slowly transition into a drier, high-altitude landscape. You will be getting closer to the mountains and the Kali Gandaki valley, leaving you feeling surrounded by the vastness of nature. Your destination for today is Jomsom, the Mustang region’s centre. Jomsom is a fairly busy town, an important transit centre for tourists and locals. At a higher point, it has a fresh, new view of the surrounding mountains. Jomsom greets you with a hustle and bustle similar to that of an airport and set with a beautiful windy environment.

Drive to Jomsom

Today, you will be crossing into upper Mustang, This is a big, exciting trip for any trekker as you will be entering the special, old-walled kingdom. Your destination is the ancient village of Kagbeni, which has a very different and almost mystical feel. Kagbeni is like a door to Upper Mustang, the official entry point into this protected and culturally rich part of Nepal. You'll notice a difference as you get near Kagbeni, a tangible shift, a sensation of leaving behind the known and entering the world's past and ancient ways. When you arrive, you head to the checkpoint where they check your permits. This is not just a formality; it is a symbolic entry into a realm that has retained its unique character for centuries. Kagbeni is the perfect place to spend a few hours soaking in the magical atmosphere. Wander through its narrow, winding alleyways, which feel frozen in time. Mud-brick houses and traditional architecture reveal the long history of settlement in the area. The old monastery that overlooks Kagbeni is a place of deep spiritual significance and architectural beauty. This is where you can see the rituals and traditions that have been kept for generations. It’s all interesting, but give yourself time to simply feel your way around this border town. The air is crisp, and the sense of history hangs in the air.

A Glimpse of Upper Mustang: Kagbeni

Your vehicle will also go up into the high passes of Upper Mustang when you continue your overland journey, exposing you to landscapes of stunning beauty and stark contrast. You’ll keep on driving, leaving Kagbeni behind and entering landscapes that slowly turn into a desert of high-altitude. You will visit the charming villages of Tangbe and Chhusang, both of which have their unique character and provide a glimpse into the traditional life of the Lobas. These small way stations, hidden among craggy peaks, offer a sense of perpetuity with the past. The best part of the day is hiking to the Syangboche La Pass 8560 above sea level. At this point, you will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After that, you will arrive at Ghami village, known for its impressive long mani wall. Mani walls are more than just stone installations; they are spiritual beacons of prayer. Ghami, being a very peaceful village, provides a calm environment in the theatrical landscape. Further, this day is a mix of nature and culture, continuing into the depths of Upper Mustang.

Ghami, high passes, and ancient walls

Today, we arrive at the highlight of our Upper Mustang exploration: Lo Manthang, its ancient capital. The closer we get to this lost city, the more excited we become. Then, we will be able to see the yellowish-brown walls of Lo Manthang in the distance. This isn’t a movie set — it’s a real city, hewn directly from the rocky hills surrounding it and showing the signs of many years. We pass through the ancient gates and enter Lo Manthang. The city is something like a living narrative about history, with dusty stone paths and old buildings. Once we arrive, we will settle into our accommodations. We will spend some time finding out about local customs and how Lo Manthang is. Following that, we start the exploration. Streets are narrow, leading to hidden market treasures, as well as old monasteries and walls decorated with clay pots. Lo Manthang has a story to tell from its past at each of its corners. There are three significant monasteries and the King’s Palace in this city, which we will visit during our trip. Lo Manthang’s remoteness has protected its ancient culture, providing a glimpse into a way of life that hasn’t altered much over time. This day represents a transition from crossing the vast open spaces of the region to visiting the core of its historic hub.

Entering Lo Manthang, the Walled City

Today, we delve into the heart of Mustang. We'll take day hikes outside the strong walls of Lo Manthang, exploring places few people see. Our day begins with a visit to Namgyal Gompa, one of the most important monasteries, located on a hillside north of the city. The views from there are stunning. You can spot the entire valley and the amazing Mustang terrain extending in all directions. The general beauty and spiritual significance of the region are well reflected in Namgyal Gompa as well. Next, we will visit Tingkhar village – the last village in Upper Mustang before reaching the Tibetan plateau. It’s a peaceful place, a fraction of the size of Lo Manthang. Here, you’ll find a simpler way of life. Tingkhar provides us with an opportunity to observe how local people live in synchrony with nature.

Exploring Lo Manthang & Beyond

Today, we will start our backward journey to Jomsom by the same old roads that we came to Lo Manthang. This allows us to view some of the beautiful scenery that we liked on the way up, but from a different perspective. We’ll be treading trails we’re already familiar with. This trip home isn't so much about returning but rather having the opportunity to see this land with new eyes and to witness things that we may have previously overlooked. Every stop offers an insight into the day-to-day lives of these locals and allows us to soak in their culture. This day is for reminiscing on our time in Lo Manthang and taking pleasure in the stillness of the Mustang landscape. We’ll stop and reflect on it all, basking in the wonderful things we experienced

Back to Jomsom

This morning, you’ll be saying goodbye to the mountains as you fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom on an early flight. This short flight is more than a hop; it's your last look of the spectacular Himalayas from above. It’s a bittersweet moment, a goodbye to the magnificent terrains that have entranced you. In Pokhara, you will get a transfer to another flight that will take you back to Kathmandu immediately after landing. Arrive in the capital of Nepal and start the reflection of the amazing upper Mustang adventure. The ancient walled city, stunning mountain passes, and Lobas culture will remain unforgettable for years to come. You will have some time in Kathmandu before your international flight. You might use this time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, bringing back gifts that serve as reminders of your travels. You can also use this time to rest and get ready to say your final good bye to nepal. And finally, catch your flight from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) with the unforgettable memories of the Upper Mustang trip.

Flight to Pokhara and Kathmandu

Add-ons & Options

Porter / Guide Service
Porter Services - USD 160
- Let our skilled porters handle your gear, allowing you to fully embrace the stunning landscapes of the Mardi Himal Trek. One porter can be shared between two trekkers, with a maximum load of 25 kg.
Private Guides - USD 35
- Private Guides /Day/Guest
Flight Ticket
Kathmandu to Pokhara - USD 100
- Enjoy a seamless transition from Kathmandu to Pokhara with a flight ticket that includes airport transfers.
Pokhara to Kathmandu - USD 105
- Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara with ease, as this flight ticket also includes airport transportation.
Transportation
Private Jeep/ Car - USD 55
- Jeep/ Car from Pokhara to Kande
Private Jeep/ Car - USD 60
- Jeep/ Car from Sidhing to Pokhara
Location
FAQs

An overland journey is when we will be driving by car, like a jeep, instead of walking miles. It's a road trip in the mountains.

Yes, you will be required to possess special permits in order to get into Upper Mustang. These are required since it is a controlled area. An agency can help you get these.

You'll see marvelous scenery, ancient monasteries, caves, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. You'll also see the Tibetan culture of the people.

You'll be staying in tea houses or lodges. They are simple guest houses that offer plain rooms and food.

Yes, Upper Mustang has high altitude, so you can anticipate some effects of altitude sickness. Drink lots of water and rest a bit.

Yes, Upper Mustang has high altitude, so you can anticipate some effects of altitude sickness. Drink lots of water and rest a bit.

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