aashma aaryalUpper Mustang Trek Overview
Upper Mustang Trek begins in Kathmandu with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. After exploring the city’s rich culture, the route continues with a scenic drive to Pokhara, known for its beautiful lakes and mountain views.
From Pokhara, the overland adventure heads to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, where Tibetan culture and dramatic landscapes begin to unfold. The journey then continues to Charang, home to an ancient monastery, followed by a visit to the historic Luri Cave, famous for its centuries-old Buddhist murals.
The highlight of the trip is Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Mustang, where travelers explore historic monasteries, the Royal Palace, and the fascinating cave dwellings of Chhoser. A visit to the sacred Ghar Gompa adds another cultural experience before returning through Jomsom and the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge to Pokhara and finally Kathmandu.
This overland route offers a unique blend of Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, Tibetan culture, and the timeless heritage of Upper Mustang.
Alternative Upper Mustang Overland Tour Routes (2026)
Upper Mustang can be explored in several ways, depending on your travel style, fitness level, and available time. Here are the most popular alternatives to the Upper Mustang Overland Tour.
Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is the best choice for travelers who want to experience the region on foot. The route passes through traditional villages, ancient monasteries, dramatic desert landscapes, and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang, offering a deeper connection with the culture and scenery.
Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back
This option combines trekking with a comfortable jeep return journey. Travelers hike to Lo Manthang while enjoying the region’s spectacular landscapes and cultural heritage, then drive back, reducing the overall trekking duration without missing the major highlights.
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is ideal for those seeking a comfortable adventure with minimal walking. The route covers major attractions such as Kagbeni, Charang, Lo Manthang, Chhoser Caves, and Ghar Gompa, making it a great choice for families, seniors, and travelers with limited time.
Each of these routes provides a unique way to discover the breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich Tibetan culture that make Upper Mustang one of Nepal’s most remarkable destinations.
Why Choose the Upper Mustang Overland Tour?
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore the remote region comfortably without completing a full trek. Traveling by jeep with short walks along the way allows visitors to experience Lo Manthang, Chhoser Caves, Ghar Gompa, Kagbeni, and other cultural landmarks with less physical effort.
Most tour packages include transportation, accommodation, meals, experienced guides, and the required permits, making the journey convenient and hassle-free. With its unique blend of Himalayan scenery, ancient monasteries, Tibetan culture, and historic villages, the Upper Mustang Overland Tour offers an unforgettable adventure in one of Nepal’s most fascinating destinations.
Best Way to Reach Upper Mustang
By Motorbike
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, riding your own motorbike from Pokhara is a great option. The route takes you through Beni and follows the road linking Lower and Upper Mustang, all the way up to Lo-Manthang. It’s a popular choice for riders who enjoy long, scenic drives with a bit of dust and thrill thrown in.
By Jeep
For a more comfortable off-road experience, a Jeep (usually a Scorpio) is the way to go. Travel winger arranges jeep trips to Upper Mustang from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. If you’re coming from Kathmandu, you might also want to check out our Pokhara tour package, which pairs nicely with the Mustang route.
By Cycle
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to earn the view, cycling to Mustang is an option too. It’s tough — the roads are rough and the altitude adds to the challenge — but for hardcore adventure seekers, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience the region.
By Flight
There’s no direct flight from Kathmandu to Mustang. You’ll need to fly to Pokhara first, then catch a short flight to Jomsom, which is the closest airport to Mustang. One thing to keep in mind: Jomsom is notoriously windy, so flights get delayed pretty often. Also, since Pokhara–Jomsom flights only operate in the morning, you’ll need to spend a night in Pokhara before flying out.
By Helicopter
For those who want to skip the long drive altogether, the Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour is hands down one of the most thrilling ways to experience this region. Often called “the land beyond the mountains,” Upper Mustang looks even more spectacular from the air, and a helicopter ride lets you take in the dramatic landscape without spending days on the road. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want the full Mustang experience.
Best Season for Visiting Upper Mustang
Picking the right time to visit Mustang really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after. Temperatures shift quite a bit across the year, with daytime highs sitting somewhere between 12 and 20°C during spring and autumn. Beyond the weather, Mustang also has a rich cultural side to it — think ancient monasteries and a strong Tibetan influence that visitors get to experience firsthand. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown to help you decide.
Spring (March–May)
This is when Mustang really comes alive. The days are sunny, temperatures are comfortable, and it’s widely considered one of the best times for the Upper Mustang trek. Wildflowers bloom across the valleys, and if the timing lines up, you might even catch the Tiji Festival. The trade-off? It can get windy, a few trails still hold snow, and since it’s peak season, expect higher prices and more fellow travelers on the trail.
Summer (June–September, Monsoon Season)
Summer is warm, making it a solid choice for camping and higher-altitude treks. The landscape turns greener, crowds thin out, and interestingly, Upper Mustang stays fairly dry even during monsoon — since it sits in a rain-shadow area — so trekking is still very doable. That said, you should be ready for occasional rain, thunderstorms, and the usual altitude sickness risks that come with high-elevation travel. It’s a trade-off of gains and losses, and if you’re someone who doesn’t mind adjusting on the go, this season can work out great.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is often called the sweet spot — clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for both trekking and sightseeing. It’s also prime time for the Upper Mustang trek. The catch is that everyone else knows this too, so prices climb and the trails get busier, especially around Dashain and Tihar. If you enjoy the buzz of meeting other travelers along the way, though, this could be exactly your season.
Winter (December–February)
Winter brings a quieter, more peaceful Mustang. You’ll find fewer crowds, snow-capped peaks, and cheaper accommodation. The downside is the cold — some trails get blocked by snow, several teahouses and guesthouses shut down for the season, and flights can be unpredictable.
Pokhara to Upper Mustang Tour Package
The Upper Mustang Tour from Pokhara is a memorable journey to one of Nepal’s most unique and beautiful regions. Known as the hidden kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang is famous for its rich Tibetan culture, ancient traditions, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
This restricted area is perfect for travelers who enjoy adventure, nature, and cultural experiences. The Upper Mustang Tour gives Nepali visitors a chance to discover centuries-old monasteries, mysterious caves, traditional villages, and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang. It is an unforgettable trip that combines history, culture, and stunning mountain landscapes in one amazing destination.
Top Places to Visit in Mustang
- Muktinath Temple – a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Lo Manthang – the walled capital of the former Mustang kingdom
- Kagbeni – a picturesque village at the gateway to Upper Mustang
- Jomsom – the administrative hub and main entry point to the region
- Rupse Jharana – a stunning waterfall along the way
- Kushma Bungee – for those craving an adrenaline rush
- Sky Caves – ancient man-made caves carved high into the cliffs
- Chungsi Cave – a sacred cave linked to Guru Rinpoche
- Red Cliff – striking rock formations known for their vivid color
- Kali Gandaki River – home to the world’s deepest gorge
- Chhoser – known for its caves and monasteries
- Luri Gumba – a hidden, centuries-old cave monastery
- Chortens and Mani Walls – scattered throughout the region, reflecting deep Buddhist roots
- Ghar Gompa – one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang
- Marpha Monastery – set in the charming apple-orchard village of Marpha
Please note: Our 3-night, 4-day package does not include a visit to Dumba Lake. Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like more details or want to add it to your itinerary.
Accommodation and Food in Mustang
Throughout the trip, accommodation is available in local tea houses and guesthouses run by families from the region. These places provide a warm and comfortable stay for trekkers and other visitors. Guests are generally expected to have their meals at the same place where they stay.
Room prices are affordable, usually ranging from NPR 300 to NPR 1,000 per room, depending on the location and facilities. Dormitory-style rooms are also available for groups. Most tea houses and guesthouses offer a menu with a variety of local and common meals, allowing visitors to choose according to their preferences. For those seeking more comfort, luxury accommodation is available in some locations along the route.
Upper Mustang Tour Package Itinerary
3 Nights 4 Days – From Kathmandu
Day 1: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Beni/Tatopani
6 AM pickup, lunch at Kurintar, drive via Mugling and Pokhara, passing Kusma’s famous bungee spot. Overnight in Beni.
Day 2: Tatopani → Jomsom → Kagbeni → Muktinath
Early start toward Muktinath via Marpha and Kagbeni. Worship and lunch at the temple, then back down to Lete for the night.
Day 3: Lete → Beni → Pokhara
Breakfast, then drive back stopping for lunch in Beni. See Rupse Falls, Baglung Kalika Temple, and Sarangkot. Evening free at Pokhara’s Lakeside.
Day 4: Pokhara → Kathmandu
Morning views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna (weather permitting). Quick visits to Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, and Shanti Stupa before heading back to Kathmandu.
4 Days 5 Nights – From Kathmandu
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Beni (lunch in Mugling)
- Day 2: Beni → Tatopani → Marpha/Jomsom
- Day 3: Jomsom → Kagbeni → Muktinath (worship & lunch) → back to Lete
- Day 4: Lete → Beni → Pokhara, with a stop at Galeshwor
- Day 5: Pokhara sightseeing → Kathmandu
2 Nights 3 Days – From Pokhara
- Day 1: Pokhara → Kagbeni
- Day 2: Kagbeni → Muktinath → Jomsom
- Day 3: Jomsom → Pokhara
5 Days Upper Mustang Tour (For Nepali Travelers)
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Beni/Tatopani
- Day 2: → Chhusang via Muktinath
- Day 3: → Lo-Manthang; explore border area, Ghar Gompa cave & monasteries; return to Marpha via Dumba Lake
- Day 4: → Pokhara
- Day 5: → Kathmandu
5 Nights 6 Days Upper Mustang Tour
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Beni
- Day 2: → Chhusang/Kagbeni via Muktinath
- Day 3: → Lo-Manthang
- Day 4: Sightseeing (border, Ghar Gompa, monasteries) → Lete/Marpha via Dumba Lake
- Day 5: → Pokhara
- Day 6: → Kathmandu
Mustang Tour Package Price 2024
Pricing varies based on trip duration and group size. We offer several package options for Nepali travelers, so you can pick one that suits your budget and holiday plans.
Mustang Tour Package Price for Nepali
| Package | Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| 4 Days 3 Nights Mustang Package (Jeep) | NRs 11,500 |
| 5 Days 4 Nights Mustang Package (Jeep) | NRs 13,500 |
| 4 Days 3 Nights Mustang Package (Bus) | NRs 8,000 |
| 5 Days 4 Nights Upper Mustang Package (Bus) | NRs 11,500 |
| 5 Days 4 Nights Upper Mustang Package (Jeep) | NRs 15,500 |
| 6 Days 5 Nights Upper Mustang Package (Bus) | NRs 13,500 |
| 6 Days 5 Nights Upper Mustang Package (Jeep) | NRs 18,500 |
| Mustang Helicopter Tour (1 Day) | NRs 50,000 |
Note: For couples, an additional NRs 500 per person per day applies.
Trip Includes/Excludes
What’s Included?
- Ground transportation throughout the trip
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation
- All meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Campfire, music, and dance in the evenings
- Boating experience
- An experienced guide to accompany you throughout the journey
What’s Not Included?
- Personal travel insurance
- Nepal entry/re-entry visa fees (if applicable)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, drinks, and shopping
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Any costs arising from natural calamities, flight delays, or itinerary changes beyond our control
- Entrance fees for optional sightseeing spots not mentioned in the itinerary
Note: Pricing is based on what’s included in each package, so please double-check with us directly, as inclusions and exclusions may vary slightly depending on the package you choose.
