UPPER MUSTANG TOUR BY JEEP
The name Mustang refers to the arid Tibet -like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki, lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is the land of barley fields, pastures for villages inhabited by people related to the Manages and the northern region (the ancient kingdom of Lo) where the language culture and traditions are almost purely Tibetan.
The name Mustang refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki, lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is the land of barley fields, pastures for villages inhabited by people related to the Manages and the northern region (the ancient kingdom of Lo) where the language culture and traditions are almost purely Tibetan. Mustangs being a restricted area there are certain formalities required by the government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit with liaison officer. The long forbidden region of upper Mustang is now open to limited numbers of trekkers. After an exciting flight through the Kali Gandaki, we land in Jomsom and begin trekking north towards the kingdom of Mustang. Hiking past the villages with multi-storied houses, monasteries and crumbling castles we reach (4100 m.) Lo-Monthang, the walled capital of this kingdom. Mustang trek and tour can be done during the summer months when the people are most active in the fields, villages and monasteries.
BESTS
- Upper Mustang is deeply influenced by Tibetan culture. The area is rich in Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags.
- The locals follow Tibetan traditions, and the unique architecture and ancient lifestyle add to the region’s charm.
- If you want to experience the full cultural immersion, you can also visit places like Tingkhar (the last village before the Tibetan border).
- Expect to see some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes, including desert-like terrain, rocky hills, and towering mountains, with stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Wildlife: The region is home to species like the Himalayan blue sheep and the snow leopard, though sightings are rare.
- Visit the centuries-old monasteries, caves with murals, and ancient palaces in Lo Manthang, which reflect Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
- possibility of customizing the itinerary with other activities or excursions
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01.Arrive Kathmandu
- Day 02.Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m/2,790ft),
- Day 03.Drive From Pokhara to Marpha and Jomsome(2,720m/8,921ft),
- Day 04.Jomsome(2,743m/8,999ft),to Kagbeni (2804m/9,199ft), to Chele (3060m/10,043ft), to Chhusang(2980m/9,777ft),
- Day 05.Chhusang (2980m/9,777ft), to Shyangbochen(3800m/12,467ft), to Ghami (3510/11,515ft),
- Day 06.Drive Ghami (3510/11,515ft.) to Tsarang- Lo Manthang (3,810m/12,500ft),
- Day 07.Explore around Lo-Mangthang (3,810m/12,500 ft),
- Day 08.Drive Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3,820m/12,510ft),to Chhusang(2980m/9,777ft.), toTetang(2,940m/9,645ft),
- Day 09.Tetang (2,940m/9,645ft),to kagbeni (2804m/9,199ft)- Muktinath (3760m/12,336 ft)- jomsome(2,743m/8,999ft),
- Day 10.jomsom(2,743m/8,999ft) Jeep to Pokhara, (850m/2,790ft),
- Day 11.Pokhara Flight to Kathmandu
- Day 12. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
- Day 13. Departure Kathmandu
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from Airport representative and transfer to hotel. We will serve authentic Nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.
Meals included: dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara(850m/2,790ft),
After the breakfast we will be heading to Pokhara by private transport which takes around 6-7 hours. On the way we would be seeing the beautiful view of the Trishuli River which is flowing side by side throughout the most of our way to Pokhara. We even get to witness the people doing rafting in Trishuli river.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 03.Drive From Pokhara to Marpha and Jomsom(2,720m/8,921ft),
Today we start our journey by jeep to Jomsom. Boarding your 4WD vehicle, it’s smooth tarmac as you head out of Pokhara and into the lower reaches of the Kali Gandaki Valley. If the weather is clear, we will have good view of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the Phewa Lake as you drive out of Pokhara. Crossing the village of Kusma, visit the Kusma Balewa [Bridge which is the highest and longest suspension bridge in Nepal [117 m in height and 344 m in length]. Continue the drive further through Malunga which houses the Malunga Temple and the Malunga Bridge. The countryside of Nepal can be best viewed on the drive in this region with traditional houses, rice terrace fields and vegetable gardens. We will continue our drive to reach Beni (900m). [Beni means a place where 02 rivers meet, Kali Gandaki River and Myagdi River]. Arrives in Goods for lunch. After lunch visit the Galeshwar Temple in Beni dedicated to Lord Shiva. After the visit we will say goodbye to tarmac road as the road becomes a rough with rock, pebbles and dust including river crossing at few stretches as we slowly ascend. The drive is along the Kali Gandaki River. On a clear day, the Nilgiri Mountain Ranges will be visible from here. A 22 kilometer drive brings us to Tatopani, a site of natural hot water spring, as the road now ascends. Near Dana we will witness the mesmerizing waterfall, Rupse Jharna. After the visit we will continue our drive via Ghasa, where there is a Police Check point. The peak of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas come into view. Half and hour further drive reaches us to Lete and then jomsome there is some monastery so better to visit this monastery and look around jomesome.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 04.Jomsome(2,743m/8,999ft), to kagbeni(2804m/9,199ft)-chele to Chhuksang(2980m/9,777ft),
After Breakfast. From Chele, you will take a jeep drive to Chhusang. From Chele, you will cross the Tangbe village to reach Chhuksang. explore around chhuksang village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 05.Chhusang (2980m/9,777ft), to Shyangbochen(3800m/12,467ft), to Ghami (3510/11,515ft),
During the Morning after breakfat you will start your journey.From Chhuksang, you will drive towards Syangboche. The route involves the views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. You can stop your jeep between your journey to take rest and click some beautiful pictures. Driving through Syagboche La and Nyi La, you will take the route to Ghami.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 06.Drive Ghami (3510/11,515ft.) to Tsarang- Charang -Lo Manthang (3,810m/12,500 ft),
After having your breakfast at Ghami, today you will drive towards the hidden King kingdom of Lo Manthang today. At first, you will drive towards Tsarang via Lo Pass. crossing the Ghami river, the route takes you to a plateau crossing several Mani Walls. After a few hours of drive, you will reach Tsarang which is also known as Charang. From Tsarang, you will drive towards the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. Along the way to Lo Manthang, you will be able to see some of the magnificent mountains such as Mount Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Bhrikurti. You will cross the Lho Pass before you reach the beautiful Lo Manthang Valley.After reaching Lo Manthang, you will stop the jeep.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 07.In Lo-Manthang (3,810m/12,500 ft)
After breakfast we will drive for 30 minutes to reach Chhoser where we will visit the Cave Monastery and the Caves around the village of Garphu. We could see caves everywhere on the other side of the valley. At the village of Garphu we will cross the river and drive towards Lo Nyiphuk Monastery built in the cave. The monastery belongs to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. After visiting the monastery we will visit the Caves which are about 2,500 years old. Archaeologists believe that the caves in Mustang were used in three general periods. They were first used some 3,000 years ago as burial chambers. Then around 1,000 years ago, they became primarily living quarters, perhaps to escape battles and intruders into the valley. Finally, by the 1400s, most people had moved into traditional villages and the caves became places of meditation. Some of these caves were turned into monasteries such as the Luri Gompa and the Nyiphuk Cave Monastery [which we will visit] Inside the caves are ladders to assist the guest to move within the caves. Through the windows of the caves there are great views of the mountains all around. Return to Lo Manthang for lunch. After lunch we will participate in the prayer ceremony conducted for the group in the Monastery. The prayer ceremony is private and exclusive and is meant for the well-being of everyone in the World. Our members can sit in meditation to the clamps of the bells and drums of the Monastery. The ceremony will last for about an hour. Rest of the time free for souvenir shopping.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 08.Drive Lo-Manthang (3,810m/12,500ft), to Dhakmar (3,820m/12,510ft)-chhuksang (2980m/9,777ft),to tetang(3040m/9973ft),
After breakfast we will drive for 30 minutes to reach Chhoser where we will visit the Cave Monastery and the Caves around the village of Garphu. We could see caves everywhere on the other side of the valley. At the village of Garphu we will cross the river and drive towards Lo Nyiphuk Monastery built in the cave. The monastery belongs to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. After visiting the monastery we will visit the Caves which are about 2,500 years old. Archaeologists believe that the caves in Mustang were used in three general periods. They were first used some 3,000 years ago as burial chambers. Then around 1,000 years ago, they became primarily living quarters, perhaps.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 09.Tetang (2,940m/9,645ft),to kagbeni (2804m/9,199ft),- muktinath (3760m/12,336 ft), to jomsome(2,743m/8,999ft),
After leisurely breakfast we will towards following the same route and after short Drive you will reach Kagbeni. from kagbeni you will drive toward muktinath temple visit there and return same route to Jomsom with stoppage at ease for photography. Nilgiri South Peak becomes even more impressive and the bulk of Dhaualgiri comes into view as we approach Jomsom (2700m). Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Free time to discover Jomsom on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 10.Jomsom (2,743m/8,999ft) to Pokhara(850m/2,790ft), by Jeep.
After early breakfast we will go towards jomsom to pokhara following same route and After 7-8 hrs drive .you will reach pokhara and rest. or (free to visit).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 11.Fly Back to Kathmandu
After early breakfast visit somewhere in Pokhara and in the afternoon connecting flight to Kathmandu. Assistance upon arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. After your adventures in Upper Mustang, Kathmandu will no doubt feel bigger, noisier and livelier than ever before. All time at leisure. Driving: 7 hrs by private transport / (Pokhara Kathmandu flight: 25 minutes).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 12. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
After breakfast take an excursion visit. Today we will go for sightseeing Swyambhunath, pasupatinath, bouddhanath, patan, heritage site and freely shopping day. evening there will be a typical Nepali dinner organized for you in the typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program.
Meals included: dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 13.Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, End of our services with departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board flight for your onward destination.
Meals included: breakfast.
INCLUDED
- All Airport pickup / Drop by private a/c Van, Car.
- All transportations as program
- night’s accommodation in Kathmandu with BB plan in with tourist standard hotel
- night’s accommodation in Pokhara with BB plan(Lakeside) hotel.
- Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by Private van or tourist bus.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu flight’s and airport taxes
- Food and Accommodation during trekking tour area in Hotels/teahouses/Lodges (jomsom to jomesome)
- English speaking experienced guide (or Italian speaking)
- Food, salary, accommodation and insurance for our Nepali staffs
- all necessary paper work and upper mustang special permit fee
- Farewell dinner.
NOT INCLUDED
- International flight to and from Nepal
- Soft and hard drinks
- Meals in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Personal insurance and other personal expenses
- Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected).
ON REQUEST
- Single room
- Sleeping bag rental on site
- Guide with knowledge of Italian or French
- Travel insurance
- Superior hotel accommodations in town
- Tour extensions