About Upper Mustang Road Trip
Embark on a mesmerizing 8-day adventure through the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, Nepal. This road trip takes you through stunning Himalayan landscapes, culturally rich monasteries, and historical caves that date back over 3,000 years. Witness the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and spirituality on this unforgettable journey.
Join us for a unique expedition across Pokhara, Jomsom, Muktinath, Lo Manthang, and Kalopani, where you will experience serene beauty, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Highlights of the 8-Day Upper Mustang Circuit
- Begin your journey in Pokhara, known as the "Jewel of Himalaya," with stunning views of the Annapurna range and serene Phewa Lake.
- Travel through the Kaligandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest, and visit the breathtaking suspension bridge in Kushma.
- Explore Jomsom, a topographical marvel surrounded by some of the deepest gorges in the world.
- Visit Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and explore the picturesque Marpha village known for its apples and local wine.
- Discover the walled village of Lo Manthang, home to ancient caves, historical scriptures, and unique Tibetan traditions.
- Experience the sky caves of Chhoser and Shija Jhong, used historically for meditation, burial, and living.
- Enjoy the cultural richness of Kalopani village with panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peaks.
- Conclude your journey in Pokhara with thrilling activities like bungee jumping and ziplining or a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake.
Itinerary
Welcome to Pokhara, ‘the jewel of Himalaya’. This is where the adventure
begins. On arrival
in Pokhara check in to your comfortable accommodation for tonight. Evening
dedicated to
a briefing session and safety instructions. Get to know your fellow
travellers and gear up for a
journey to remember.
The vibrant city of Pokhara offers magnificent Himalayan views, Annapurna
range,
Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare set against the beautiful Phewa lake of Pokhara.
A humble introduction to what lies ahead.
After breakfast start your journey towards Mustang. Drive on the paved road
accompanied
by the Seti Gandaki River. After driving through verdant meadows and
settlement areas, you
will finally arrive at Kushma. Visit the breathtaking suspension bridge.
Drive along the Kali
Gandaki River with magnificent Himalayan views to reach the village of
Jomsom where we
halt for tonight. Jomsom or Dzongsam is a topographical marvel marked by
some deepest
gorges in the world and Annapurna Conservation area.
After breakfast start your journey towards Mustang. Drive on the paved road
accompanied
by the Seti Gandaki River. After driving through verdant meadows and
settlement areas, you
will finally arrive at Kushma. Visit the breathtaking suspension bridge.
Drive along the Kali
Gandaki River with magnificent Himalayan views to reach the village of
Jomsom where we
halt for tonight. Jomsom or Dzongsam is a topographical marvel marked by
some deepest
gorges in the world and Annapurna Conservation area.
Today we explore the beautiful Marpha valley and visit the famous Muktinath
temple. After
breakfast head to Marpha village for a walk through its ancient lanes.
Marpha is also famous
for its delicious apples and local apple wine. Thereafter drive towards
Kagbeni village and
visit holy temple complex of Muktinath. Visit Jal Devi where you can see the
fire lighting itself
(due to the presence of Natural gas), the local town of Muktinath, Buddhist
monastery in
Jharkot with incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak. Drive
back to Jomsom
and enjoy your retreat for tonight.
Drive to the farthest destination of our trip today, Lo Manthang.
LoManthang is 50 km from Mustang’s district headquarter Jomsom. “Lo” in the
local
language means heart, “man” meaning wish and “thang” meaning land. Lo
Manthang as a
village is walled within a 6m high, 1m wide wall that runs 856m. Also known
as the upper
Mustang region, more than a dozen caves with historical and archaeological
importance
have been discovered here. The caves have historical scriptures that depict
Buddhist
philosophy and practices.
Today after breakfast head out to explore the Tibetan landscape of Lo
Manthang. Visit the
Garphu Gompa, Namgyal gompa, sky caves of Chhoser and the SHIJA JHONG caves
of
Mustang dating back to over 3,000 years have been subject of excavation for
archaeologists from around the world. There are other several caves near
Chhoser have
been used for burial, meditation and also for living. Also till now SKY
BURIAL is used in Upper
Mustang which is in Chhoser and nearby villages.
As we drive back from upper mustang, we are headed towards Kalopani village,
located in
Mustang region, within the Kali Gandaki river valley, is a picturesque and
captivating
destination along the Annapurna Circuit. The village offers stunning views
of prominent peaks
such as Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche.
It is predominantly inhabited by the Thakali people, an ethnic group of
Tibetan origin. The
Thakali community has a rich cultural heritage, and can experience their
unique traditions
and way of life, through their cuisine. Evening to relish in your
comfortable stay and with
wholesome local food.
After breakfast drive to Pokhara. Re-explore Rupse waterfall on the way. On
arrival in Kushma
get your adrenalin pumping. Experience the world’s second highest Bungee
Jump or explore
other activities such as Ziplining, Bungee swing etc. or simply enjoy the
breathtaking views of
the gorge and Kali Gandaki River from the suspension bridge.
Arrive in Pokhara and check into your stay. Evening to enjoy the beautiful
city of Pokhara
and its eateries near Phewa Lake.
Inclusions
- Upper Mustang Restricted Permits for all travellers which cost USD 500 Per Person (any other Nationality other than Nepal).
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit.
- 3-star accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing.
- Standard twin sharing accommodation after Pokhara.
- All Breakfast and Dinner in the hotel with open menu.
- Lunch in between the destinations as itinerary.
- 24 litres bottled drinking water will be provided in Pokhara for the entire trip.
- 1 experienced government certified English/Hindi speaking Self Drive Upper Mustang tour guide from Sunauli to Sunauli.
- 1 Tour Guide from Western Himalaya.
- Salary, allowances, travel expenses, insurance of all staff.
- Entry fare for sightseeing spots and boating lake and Muktinath Temple, Dumba Lake.
- Entry fees of mentioned sightseeing points and all highway tolls and parking in Nepal.
Exclusions
- Any Air/ Train / bus fare which has not been mentioned.
- Any personal shopping of any type.
- Any other meals / snacks during the journey etc. which have not been mentioned above.
- Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Personal medication if any.
- Anything which has not been included above.
Cancellation Policy
- If cancelled within 20 days – Full Retention.
- If cancelled before 30 days – 25 percent of the total cost.
- Full refund if cancelled before 45 days.
