Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back

The Upper Mustang, also known as Lo-Manthang, is the most preserved kingdom between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. It is a region of barren landscape and a rain shadow area in the Annapurna region. Since it was made accessible to tourists, it became a well-liked hiking & trekking destination. It also has become a popular tourist location due to the road connectivity and vehicle accessibility.

As you continue your trek to Upper Mustang, you’ll be introduced to the region's rich tradition and Buddhist culture. The ancient monasteries, decorated with prayer flags and wall paintings, will take you back in time. With this wonderful Buddhist resemblance all over, the trek will be very unique.

Discover the remote and intriguing cultures and customs of the Gurung, and Tibetan people through the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back. Upper Mustang is covered with tall hills, and several tall peaks will captivate you. In the villages leading to this old kingdom, there are several Buddhist relics, Chhortens, and monasteries. The palace of the previous monarch of Lo Manthang provides information about the long-lasting culture and customs. The Upper Mustang, which is a portion of the Tibetan Plateau, gives the impression that you have visited Tibet. This will become even more incredible due to the diverse and rich culture here.

Additionally, you’ll find the architecture of the houses in the Upper Mustang very appealing. The Mustang region is preserved, as the houses are still traditional, made out of stones and mud bricks. The highlight of this trek is Lo-Manthang, the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang. This city is filled with beautifully decorated caves, built thousands of years ago. You can find mesmerizing Buddhist stupas that are captivating.

Top Moments from the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back

• Explore Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites- Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Temple.
• Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Jomsom. Watch out for stunning mountain ranges from the window!
• Engage with the ethnic groups in Upper Mustang to learn about their customs and way of life.
• Visit the scenic surroundings, which include stunning barren landscapes, historic monasteries, ancient caves, and many other archaeological monuments.
• To better understand Tibetan Buddhism, visit the Champa Lhakang, Namgyal Gompa, and Tsechen Shedrubling Monastery School.
• Visit the King's Palace, Lo Manthang's oldest building, which is a five-story mansion covered in whitewash.
• On the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back, discover the old Kingdom of Lo Manthang.
• Travel through well-known villages, including Kagbeni, Jomsom, Lo Manthang, and the Muktinath Temple, to immerse yourself in their spirituality and peace.
• In Jomsom, enjoy the famed local apples and apple wine (Marpha).
• Travel through the deepest Gorge in the world, The Kali Gandaki Gorge.
• Take in the stunning panorama of the Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges.
• Witness various odd species as you stroll between rhododendron, oak, and pine trees.

Route Overview of Upper Mustang 

When you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll find our staff waiting for you at the arrival terminal. A sightseeing tour will be organized for Kathmandu before you go on your adventure. You’ll explore all the heritage sites around Kathmandu such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Etc. After the half day of sightseeing, you’ll catch a flight to Pokhara.

Before starting your trek to Upper Mutan, you will stroll around the vibrant city and explore the lakeside streets. Then, from Pokhara, you’ll fly toward Jomsom and trek up to Kagbeni. It is the headquarters of Mustang and the gateway of Upper Mustang. It will then take you to Muktinath, the most sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Then, you’ll move to Chusang, Geling, and Charang and reach the Kingdom of Lo-Manthang. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the Namgyal Gompa and the Tingkhar Village before returning to Lo-Manthang. The adventure continues with a hike to Chogo La (4210m/13810ft), the highest point on this trek. Then, you’ll cross the Charang River and climb up to Ghar Gompa before walking to Dhakmar.

The next day, you’ll start your trek towards Ghami, where you’ll drive to Jomsom. You’ll take a flight back to Pokhara city and the following day fly back to Kathmandu.

If you require any personalized Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back or any kind of trip, feel free to contact the Nepal Hiking Team.

Difficulty Level of the Upper Mustang Overland Tour

Difficulty: Before proceeding into these amazing landscapes of the Upper Mustang, you must understand the difficulty of the trek. The Himalayas unfold a vast expansion of peaks and deep valleys. You will drive through the region from Pokhara to Lo-Manthang and back to Pokhara again. But you will hike short trips, so you will need to be physically fit as well.

Acclimatization: The acclimatization day is one of the most crucial points in any high-altitude trip. For those who are unfamiliar, acclimatization is a period of rest during your high-altitude thrill, allowing your body to adjust to shifts in altitude. In the desert-like terrain of Upper Mustang, the importance of acclimatization cannot be exaggerated. Despite the seemingly steady ascent, the region sits at an elevation of 3,840 m/12,595 ft. above sea level. Ignoring the necessity of acclimatization will lead you to risks of high altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Support and Guidance: An extensive counseling session before you go on any journey is very important. It makes sure trekkers are well-equipped with knowledge and techniques to steer the adventures ahead.

Therefore, a well-planned itinerary can be the compass that leads you through the maze of rough terrains and diverse altitudes. This will increase your chances of completing this trip successfully.

Best Time

The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is almost conducted throughout the year. But the best time to go is spring, autumn, and summer. Every season has its unique aesthetics offering unique terrains, natural settings, and trekking experience.

Can I drive to Upper Mustang in the summer?

Yes, you can go on the Upper Mustang Overland Trek during the summers as well. Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadows of the Annapurna range. So, summer drives are pleasant, well-lit, and dry. The weather is perfect and the trails are in superb condition with warm and sunny days with stunning visibility.

The Mustang region's Rivers and ecosystem are at their peak during this season. Even though you may encounter some damp weather in the lower Mustang, making the trails slippery and muddy, the natural beauty is enhanced.