Upper Mustang Overland Tour

Trip Overview

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Trip Facts

Total Duration 14 Days
Trip Grade Moderate
Max Altitude 4110m.
Start From Kathmandu
End From Kathmandu
Min Size 2 pax
Max Size 10 Pax
Trip Mode Tour/Hiking
Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
Best Season: March to May & Sep to Dec

Trip Highlights

Witness the spectacular arid Trans-Himalayan landscapes.
Discover the authentic Tibetan culture and traditions.
Visit ancient Buddhist and Bon heritage sites.
Enjoy an exciting overland adventure through both Lower and Upper Mustang.

A Complete Journey Through Lower & Upper Mustang
Begin a memorable Upper Mustang Overland Tour to the legendary Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, located north of Kagbeni. This remarkable journey takes you into Nepal’s remote Trans-Himalayan region, where ancient Tibetan culture, centuries-old Buddhist heritage, and dramatic arid landscapes remain beautifully preserved. Once known as the Kingdom of Lo, with Lo Manthang as its capital, Upper Mustang maintained close cultural ties with Tibet from the 14th century. Although it became part of Nepal in the 17th century, the kingdom preserved its unique identity and royal heritage for centuries.

Travel through a spectacular landscape of colorful canyons, wind-eroded cliffs, and rugged mountains beneath deep blue Himalayan skies. Snow-capped peaks rise dramatically to the south, while vast, barren valleys and endless ridges create the unforgettable scenery that makes Upper Mustang one of Nepal’s most extraordinary travel destinations.

Upper Mustang remained closed to foreign visitors until 1992, and tourism is still carefully regulated to protect its unique culture and environment. Today, visitors can experience a way of life that has changed little over the centuries, making the Upper Mustang Tour one of the most authentic cultural journeys in Nepal. This arid Himalayan landscape resembles the Tibetan Plateau and is home to traditional villages where local people continue to follow Tibetan Buddhist customs and traditions. A restricted area permit is required, and according to the current regulations, the permit costs US$50 per person per day.

Our Upper Mustang Tour Package usually begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, an exciting overland journey follows the beautiful valleys of the Madi Khola and Kali Gandaki rivers, continuing through Kagbeni into the restricted Upper Mustang region. The tour combines the cultural highlights of Lower Mustang with an adventurous road drive to Lo Manthang.

Along the route, you will explore some of the region’s most beautiful villages, including Naurikot, Marpha, Kagbeni, Chhuksang, Ghiling, Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang. You will also visit ancient monasteries, Buddhist shrines, chortens, cliffside monasteries, colorful thangkas, sacred mandalas, traditional paintings, and mysterious dwelling caves, all of which reflect the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Call Blossom Expeditions and plan an exciting, culturally rich adventure with us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Days	Program
01	Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
02	Full-day guided cultural tour of Kathmandu: Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa.
03	Early morning flight to Pokhara (820m), meet our driver and drive to Naurikot Village (2,740m) via Beni, Tatopani, and Kalopani. Flight: 20 minutes, and Drive: 5–6 hours.
04	Explore Naurikot Village in the morning, hike to Gurusangbo Cave, and drive to Kagbeni (2,810m) via Tukuche, Marpha, and Jomsom. Hike: 1.5 hours, and Drive & Exploration: 5–6 hours.
05	Drive to Ghami (3,520m) via Chhusang, Chele, Samar, and Syangboche villages. Visit Chungsi Cave and explore Ghiling Monastery, Ghami Monastery, and the villages. Drive & Exploration: 7–8 hours.
06	Drive to Lo Manthang (3,840m) via Lo Gekar and Tsarang. Visit Lo Gekar Monastery and Tsarang Monastery, and explore the villages. Drive & Exploration: 7–8 hours.
07/08	Explore Lo Manthang and visit some of the oldest and most spiritually significant monasteries and ancient caves in and around the nearby villages.
09	Drive to Yara (3,650m). Visit Tashi Kabum Cave and Luri Monastery with its ancient cave complex. Drive & Exploration: 7–8 hours.
10	Drive to Jomsom (2,729m). Drive: 7–8 hours.
11	Drive to Pokhara (820m). Drive: 6–7 hours.
12	Full-day Pokhara sightseeing tour, including the World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Mahadev Statue, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Devi’s Falls, and the International Mountain Museum.
13	Fly to Kathmandu. Free day for leisure or last-minute shopping.
14	Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

Cost Details

Trip Cost

Per Person(2pax)	USD2455
Per Person(3-4pax)	USD2225
Trip Deposit	USD1000
Single Supplement	USD100

(Single Supplement Kathmandu and Pokhara only)

What's Included

Five nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara at a three-star standard hotel, including breakfast.
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee during the tour.
Accommodation during the tour on a sharing basis (common room).
Guide and assistant guide’s food, accommodation, salary, and insurance during the tour.
Domestic airfare: Kathmandu–Pokhara including the guide.
Round-trip 4WD transportation between Pokhara-Lo Manthang-Pokhara.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card fees.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.
Airport transfers.
Tour guide and private transportation for sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara

What's Excludes

Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Hot drinks other than those included with breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the tour.
Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation and personal medical expenses.
Personal expenses, donations, and anything not mentioned under “Cost Includes.”
Tips and staff welfare.

Trip Gallery

FAQs

Trip FAQs

What permits are required for the Upper Mustang Tour?
Two permits are required for the Upper Mustang Tour. A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory for entering the Forbidden Kingdom north of Kagbeni, and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required as the tour takes place within the Annapurna Conservation Area. We arrange all necessary permits before your Upper Mustang Tour begins.

How much does the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit cost?
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD 50 per person per day (2026 rate). The permit is mandatory for all foreign visitors travelling in the restricted Upper Mustang region.

Can I travel to Upper Mustang independently?
No. Independent travel is not permitted in the restricted Upper Mustang region. All foreign visitors must book their Upper Mustang Tour Package through a registered Nepali trekking and tour company and travel with a licensed guide.

What is the minimum group size for the Upper Mustang Tour?
The minimum group size is two foreign visitors. If you are travelling alone, Blossom Expeditions can arrange a permit pairing to meet the government requirement for the Upper Mustang Tour.

What is the best time for the Upper Mustang Tour?
The best seasons are: Spring (March–May): Stable weather, pleasant temperatures, and clear mountain views. Autumn (September–December): Crisp skies and excellent travel conditions.

As Upper Mustang lies in a rain-shadow region, it is also one of Nepal’s best destinations during June, July, and August, when many other regions experience heavy monsoon rainfall.

How difficult is the Upper Mustang Tour?
The Tour is rated moderate. Most of the journey is by comfortable 4WD vehicle, with short hikes to villages, monasteries, caves, and viewpoints. The highest point reaches approximately 4,110 meters, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

What type of accommodation is available during the Upper Mustang Tour?
Accommodation is provided in local lodges and guesthouses throughout the Upper Mustang Tour. Rooms are generally simple, clean, and comfortable. Depending on your selected package, hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara range from three-star to four/five-star standard.

Is there Wi-Fi or a mobile network in Upper Mustang?
Most villages offer basic Wi-Fi and mobile network coverage (NTC/Ncell) for a small fee. However, connections may be slow or unreliable due to the remote location and weather conditions.

Are there ATMs in Upper Mustang?
No. There are no reliable ATMs beyond Jomsom. Visitors should carry sufficient Nepalese Rupees for personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, charging electronic devices, and tips.

Can I charge my electronic devices during the tour?
Yes. Most lodges provide charging facilities, usually powered by solar energy or local hydroelectric systems. A small charging fee may apply.

Is drinking water safe during the Upper Mustang Tour?
Tap water is not recommended without proper treatment. Visitors should drink boiled water or use water purification tablets or filters to refill reusable water bottles. The use of single-use plastic bottles is discouraged to help protect the fragile Himalayan environment.