Upper mustang trekking attractions

Upper Mustang trekking is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal lies in northern part of the nation Mustang district Gandaki province. Upper Mustang trek routes is incomparable journey through an ancient Himalayan desert landscape, the majestic red cliffs, hidden cave monasteries carved into tawny gorges, profound spiritual heritage, Tibetan bon culture and eye catching Himalayan views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range.

The polyandry marriage system ( a woman has more than one husband at the same time) and sky burial cremation (The dead body chop and throw   to the vultures, facilitating the soul's journey to the afterlife and reflecting the Buddhist tenets of impermanence and compassion) are peculiar attractions of Mustang trekking. 1000+ man made sky caves among them Jhong cave is one of the most gorgeous caves in mustang region and 14 different monasteries in Mustang region provides travelers unique travel experience of  rain shadow zone.

The mind-blowing scenery, wind-eroded hills, The walled capital, Lo Manthang, still feels like a medieval city, less physically demanding than other high-altitude treks like Everest base camp trekking and Annapurna circuit trekking  and it’s a cultural expedition through a living museum of Tibetan heritage, set against one of the most unique landscapes on Earth make upper mustang trip one of the thrilled adventure trekking in the world.

Encircled by over 23 mountains peak with elevations from 1945 meters to 3840 meters above the sea level, trekking in Mustang provides a combination of natural and cultural aspects. Upper Mustang hiking trip opened for tourist in 1991, however tourist  enter in Mustang region from 1992. Reckoning as a restricted treks routes in Nepal , required special Mustang trek permit with minimum two person to obtain the permits through the local Nepal trekking companies as per rule and regulation of department of immigration Nepal.

Trekking in Mustang region required three different treks permits – Upper Mustang trek permit for 10 days USD 500 per person and extended each day cost USD 50, Annapurna conservation area project permit (ACAP) and Trekkers information management system (TIMS) permits. Only Governments registered local Nepal trekking guide may take trekkers to upper mustang trip package as license number required to fill while applying the Mustang tour permits.

Upper mustang travel package begins from Pokhara after overland or by flight to pokhara. Trekkers may have to choice either overland trip to Jomsom from pokhara or 15 minutes scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. since 2008 , traveler may join for upper mustang overland tour from pokhara with in one weeks.  Upper Mustang trip is one of the paramount tour package in Nepal for all age group travelers and appropriate for juniors to seniors citizens. Suggested all travelers  do the  trek  through government registered local Nepal trekking agency recommended by Lonely planet Nepal travel guide book for the secured journeys in Himalaya.  

Mustang tour package attractions

Geographic distinctions of Mustang trip

Upper Mustang package tour comparable like tour in Tibet because  of the surreal landscapes.  The climate of upper Mustang region, and location set it apart from the rest of the country, giving it a unique character often compared to the Tibetan plateau.

The Trans-Himalayan to  rain shadow zone , Arid and Semi-Desert Climate , Wind-eroded cliffs, canyons and  dry riverbeds are the major geographical attractions of upper mustang tour package

Authentic cultural immersion of Mustang trip

Experiencing authentic cultural immersion during a trip to Mustang— especially Upper Mustang—means stepping into a world that has remained largely untouched by modernity, where Tibetan Buddhist civilizations, antique architecture, and centuries-old rituals are still a living part of daily life. The sky burial cremation,  polyandry marriage system , Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang (generally in May), a sacred 3-day ritual containing masked dances, storytelling, and chants that reenact the triumph of good over evil and  Yartung Festival, also known as the Horse Festival, is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant events in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Riders often perform feats such as picking up a ceremonial scarf (khata) from the ground while running.

Sky caves of upper Mustang 

These are man-made cave residences, burial chambers, and meditation retreats carved into steep cliffs, often hundreds of feet above the  ground level.

Many remain unexplored, but those that have been studied reveal preserved human remains, Buddhist relics, and ancient manuscripts.

Major sky caves in Upper Mustang region 

Jhong cave: lies in Chhoser village near by Lo Manthang The  five-story cave system with completed 40 rooms used for shelter, storage, and rituals however visitors may enter and  explore the interiors and another Tsamkhung Caves  lies in near Chhoser village.  Luri cave also famous  lies in south of Lo Manthang at Yara ghara village .

Monasteries in Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a grip of Tibetan Buddhism, with many centuries-old monasteries that are still active and serve as spiritual centers for the local Loba people.

Jampa Lhakhang (Jampa Monastery) – located in Lo Manthang  known as the "God House", built in the 15^th  century. Contains enormous clay statues and intricate mandala murals.

Thubchen Monastery –  Located in Lo Manthang, Built in 1477, this monastery is known for its massive prayer hall and beautifully restored wall paintings.

Luri Gompa– Luri Gompa is located near by  Yara village 3980 meters above the sea level. A cave monastery hovering on a cliff, accessible by foot or horseback. The colorful murals,  ancient stupas, and Buddhist scriptures also Guru Rinpoche mediated at Luri Gompa on 8^th century.  

Ghar Gompa / Lo Gekar Monastery   –  Located between Dhakmar and Lo Gekar. Local people of Mustang  believed to be older than the famed Samye Monastery in Tibet. Founded by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) during his mission to subdue demons that were obstructing the construction of Samye Monastery in Tibet  . Ghar gompa is oldest monastery in Nepal. It is believed that prayers made at Ghar Gompa always come true if made with a pure heart.

Meals and Accommodation un Upper Mustang trip

Travelers get everywhere of Mustang trekking routes - Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, curry) , Tsampa, Thukpa,  – Local Tibetan-influenced dishes  and noodles, MOMO, fried rice etc.

Accommodation during an Upper Mustang trek combinations rural charm  with basic comforts to luxury hotel accommodation in Lo Manthang. Most of the upper Mustang trek route has attached bathroom

The longest off road overland tour in Nepal 

Mustang Overland Tour is a fantastic way to explore the remote and culturally rich Upper Mustang region of Nepal without the rigidities of a full Mustang treks package. Instead of hiking for days,   travel by 4WD jeep or motorcycle, making it ideal for travelers with limited time, physical constraints, or a preference for comfort off road trip in Nepal Himalayas.

Upper Mustang trek Itinerary 

The classic Upper Mustang trekking  itinerary that combines dramatic landscapes, ancient culture, and historic Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The trek usually lasts 12 to 16 days, starting and ending in Jomsom, however trekkers may extend their journey via Ghorepani poon hill trek route too.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1334m, Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition’s representative will transfer to hotel ,Trek to upper Mustang  briefing with officially arrangements. overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara 915m. by tourist bus or by flight. overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Day 03: After breakfast,pokhara to Jomsom by flight  (2,720m / 8,915ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m / 9,500ft) 11.4km / 7miles,  walk approximately 3 hours

Day 04: Kagbeni to  Chele (3,055m / 10,025ft). 11.2km / 6.9miles walk approximately 5-6 hours

Day 05: Chele trek to Syangboche (3,930m / 11,400ft)11.5km / 7.1miles .walk approximately 5-6 hours

Day 06: Syangbochen  trek  to Ghami (3,520m / 11,535ft) 9.3km / 5.7miles walk approximately 5-6 hours

Day 07:  Ghami trek to Tsarang/Chharang  (3505m / 11,500ft) 11.2km / 6.9 miles .walk approximately 5-6 hours

Day 08:Tsarang / Charang trek to Lo Manthang (3810m / 12,135ft) ,11.5km / 7.1miles ,walk approximately 5-hours

Day 09: Acclimatization or Rest day in Lo-Manthang. During this, you can make sightseeing or excursion tour around Mustang King palace and four major Mustang Gompa  - Jampa Gompa (Jampa Lhakhang), Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. Jampa Gompa is the oldest and is also known as God's house.

Day 10: Lo Manthang trek to Ghami (3,520m / 5,577ft) . 16.1km / 10miles . walk approximately 5-6 hours

Day 11: Ghami trek to Samar (3,700m / 12,139ft) .13.2km / 8.2miles ,walk approximately 6 hours

Day 12: Samar trek to Chhusang (2,980m / 9,776ft ) 9.9km / 6.1miles, walk approximately 5-6 hours

Day 13: Chhusang  trek to Jomsom. (2,720m/8,915ft) 13.2km / 8.2miles, walk approximately 5-6 hours.

Day 14: After breakfast Jomsom to Pokhara by flight than by bus/private vehicle or by flight back to Kathmandu.overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 15: After breakfast, Relaxing or shopping with own activities than in the evening farewell dinner in Nepalese Restaurant, overnight at kathmandu in Hotel .

Day 16: After breakfast, Relaxing/shopping with own activities , Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition's representative will drop to Kathmandu international airport for onward journeys or if you have time to stay in Nepal will arrange any other trip such as Chitwan Junlge safari tour, Lumbini tour, Chitwan jungle safari tour , river rafting etc.

Mustang Jeep tour Itinerary 

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1334m / 4375 Feet ), transfer to hotel. Himalaya Journey Trekking representative will briefing about Mustang Jeep safari tour. overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02: After breakfast, HJT Trekking guide  will take to you pokhara (915m / 3001 feet) by tourist bus or by flight . transfer to Hotel. Kathmandu pokhara overland tour by tourist bus is included  in trip cost but if trekkers / travelers prefer private vehicle or flight will have to pay extra. Driving distance 200 kilomeers / 123.4 miles. Drive 6 hours

Day 03: After breakfast, Pokhara via Beni drive to Tato pani natural hot srping ( 1179 m / 3900 feet ) Driving 115 km/71 miles. Drive approximaely 6-7 hours

Day 04: Tatopani drive to Kagbeni (2850m / 9,186 feet) Driving Distance: 60 km/37 miles . Driving Duration: 6-7 hours

Day 05: Kagbeni drive to Ghami village (3560 meters / )Driving Distance: 26.5 km/16.4mi Driving hours: 2-3 hours

Day 06: Ghami village  drive to Lo Manthang  (3840 meters / 12598 feet) Driving Distance: 16.1 km/10miles.  Driving hours: 3-4 hrs

 Day 07: Acclimatization or Rest day in Lo-Manthang. During this, you can make sightseeing or excursion tour around Mustang King palace , Jampa Gompa ,  Thubbchen Gompa,  Chodey Gompa  towering cliffs, sacred ancient chortens, and secret caves . Traveler may drive to Tibet borer too.

Day 08:  Lo Manthang drive to  Luri Gumba and back to Tsarang (3560 meters / 11680 feet ). Drive distance 24.6 kilometers / 14.8 miles. Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

Day 09: Tsarang drive to Muktinath  (3802 meters / 12,470 feet) Distance: 34 km/20.9 miles

Duration: 6 hours

Day 10: Muktinath drive to Pokhara  (915 meters / 3001 feet ) Driving Distance: 124 km/76.5 miles . Drive Duration: 7-8 hours

Day 11: After breakfast Pokhara , by bus/private vehicle or by flight back to Kathmandu  & in the evening farewell dinner in Nepalese Restaurant, overnight at kathmandu in Hotel .

Day 12: After breakfast, Relaxing/shopping with own activities , Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition's representative will drop to Kathmandu international airport for onward journeys or if you have time to stay in Nepal will arrange any other trip such as Chitwan Junlge safari tour, Lumbini tour, Chitwan jungle safari tour , river rafting etc.

If any travel service for Upper Mustang trip package   , just contact : Ram Pahari , Whatsapp : 9851007829