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Trip Facts
- Duration 12 Days
- Start FromKathmandu
- Group Size1-10 Pax
- End FromKathmandu
- Trip GradeEasy
- Max Height 3840 m
- AccommodationHotel/Guest House
- TransportationCar/Jeep
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the geographical diversity of Nepal
- Witness the beautiful Himalayan vista of the Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Explore the history and heritage of Upper Mustang
- Visit Korala at the Nepal-China border
Trip Overview
The Upper Mustang Driving Tour is an exciting adventure that takes you to the forbidden kingdom of Nepal- Upper Mustang. The trip offers a glorious display of the arid landscapes of Mustang along with the towering Annapurna Himalayas. The travelers can enjoy the Tibetan culture of the Thakali and people. The trip also allows you to relish the diversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area. To sum up, the trip is an easy and classy way to explore Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang.
The driving tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu and follows with a drive to Pokhara. The City of Lakes offers a surreal view of the Mt. Fishtail (6997m) along with other landmarks like Phewa Lake. Then, the tour heads west to reach the Kali Gandaki River and turns north along the river. Driving past the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki gorge, you reach Marpha. The drive passes Jomsom and enters the Mustang region from Kagbeni. With occasional specks of greenery, you drive to Chele along the arid tracks. The tour also passes Ghami and head north to Lo Manthang. Then, you spend a couple of days at the capital of the ancient Mustang kingdom.
At Lo Manthang, you can visit numerous monasteries and cultural heritages. Namgyal Gompa, Thinggar, and the Jhong caves are few of the landmarks at Lo. You also drive to the Nepal-China border at Korala and relish the beauty of both the countries. Finally, you begin the return trip and retrace your steps to Jomsom. The drive continues as you drive past Pokhara and beautiful hills to reach the Kathmandu Valley.
It is an easy trip where travelers do not have to spend much of their energy and stamina. Similarly, you can take this tour around the year except during monsoon. It is so because the condition of the roads worsens due to the heavy rainfall.
Note:
At Vista Treks, we direct our services towards the comfort and satisfaction of our clients. Also, we offer various trips across Nepal as per your preferences.
Trip Itinerary
- Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Vista Treks will welcome you just outside the airport. Drive through the narrow alleys of Kathmandu city as you make way towards the hotel.
- Afterward, you will visit our office to discuss the trek in detail and to meet your tour guide.
- If time permits, you can visit Thamel and enjoy the vibrant evening life of the city.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- The entire tour will be conducted in a private jeep. Your tour guide will obtain the restricted-area permits for Upper Mustang on your behalf before embarking on the tour.
- After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on the first day of the tour and drive almost 200km west of Kathmandu towards the touristic Pokhara City.
- The road journey may last up to 5/6hr and will take you through the Prithvi Highway alongside the massive Trishuli River.
- Frequent stops during the journey will offer ample time to enjoy the local lifestyle and cuisine en route.
- Check-in your hotel and head out to explore the beautiful lakeside of Pokhara City.
- The tour moves from Pokhara and concludes at Marpha located at almost 313.8km northwest of Pokhara City.
- After breakfast, you’ll embark on the tour and drive through the Baglung Highway crossing Beni and Tatopani en route to Marpha.
- The road until Beni is smooth. However, from Beni to Marpha, you may encounter a difficult terrain.
- Drive alongside the massive Kali Gandaki River and cross the deepest gorge in the world to reach Marpha.
- Enter the scenic Mustang District and stay overnight at the apple capital of Nepal, Marpha. The town is also famous for local apple brandy called ‘Marpha.’
- Leaving Marpha, you’ll begin heading towards Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang District. You’ll drive past many shops and hotels en route.
- The drive continues through the scenic Kali Gandaki Valley and reaches Kagbeni village, a sparsely inhabited village. You will find large fields of buckwheat here. The journey continues through Chele, Syangmochen, and Chuksang towards Chaile.
- Explore the 3000 years old man-made sky caves at Syangmochen village before driving towards Chaile.
- Then follow a steep trail to Samar, a major halt for horse and mule caravans.
- Chaile lies just outside Kali Gandaki Valley. The village serves as a major stop for horse and mule caravans.
- Leaving Chaile, you’ll begin driving through the rugged terrain towards Ghami village. A part of Tibetan plateau, the landscape in Upper Mustang resembles that of Tibet.
- Drive all the way to Nije La Pass located at 3950 meters in the southern border of Lo Valley. A short drive from here will bring you to Ghami village. Ghami village is named after the local river Ghami Khola.
- Enjoy the beautiful sights of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho, and Yakawa Kang peaks en route.
- The tour embarks on its prime journey towards Lo Manthang. A walled city, Lo Manthang was the capital of the former Lo Kingdom.
- Enjoy exploring the large Mani walls with Buddhist painting at Ghami as you begin driving towards Tsarang. Tsarang is home to many beautiful Buddhist Chortens and an ancient Charang Monastery.
- Charang Monastery is originally named Tsarang Choedhe Shedrup Dhargyeling Monastery and is one of the biggest monasteries in the entire Mustang.
- Drive past White Gumba and Luri Gumba en route to Lo Manthang. Explore the unique architecture of the city and observe the simple lifestyle of local inhabitants.
- Overnight in Lo Manthang.
- Today, you’ll embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Lo Manthang and the surrounding area.
- Lo Manthang is home to three popular Buddhist monasteries namely Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa. They are known to organize the major festival of Tiji every year.
- You can consider visiting all of these monasteries before traveling towards the ancient royal palace at the heart of the city. The 14th Century palace belonged to the last King of Mustang, Raja Jigme Dorje Palabar Bista.
- Exit the city and explore the nearby Nyiphu and Garphu Monasteries. Lying close to these monasteries is the 2500 years old Jhong Caves. Jhong Cave comprises of a large intersection of caves with 44 different compartments.
- Overnight in Lo Manthang.
- Leaving Lo Manthang, you’ll drive towards Nepal Tibet Border at Kora La situated at 4,660 meters. Get a close glimpse of Tibetan plateau from the border.
- Explore the scenic heard of Yaks en route.
- Along the tour, you will get to visit Choser Valley (3900m) and explore the exciting cave. Explore caves with 100 rooms on one wall and a door at Kenchol Ling.
- Drive back to Lo Manthang, after a short visit to the Namgyal Monastery.
- You’ll bid adieu to Lo Manthang and drive back to Jomsom. Catch the last glimpse of the city as you exit the Lo Valley.
- Retrace your path and continue driving through Dhakmar and Ghar Gumba towards Lo Ghekar Monastery. The ancient monastery was built around the 7th Century by Saint Padmasambhava.
- Continue driving through Chhuksang and Syangmochen en route to Kagbeni. A short drive through the river beds of Kali Gandaki will bring you to Jomsom.
- Enjoy the local delicacy, Thakali cuisine, and Po Cha: (Butter Tea), in the evening. Overnight in Jomsom.
- The day begins early as you exit Jomsom and drive back to Pokhara City. Grab a bottle of local apple brandy ‘Marpha’ as you leave the city.
- Drive through Marpha, Kalopani, and Tatopani en route to Beni. Once in Beni, you’ll encounter an easy road that passes through Baglung Highway towards Pokhara.
- Enjoy the scenic drive as you look outside the window and enjoy the local sceneries.
- On the last day at Pokhara, you will dine in one of the finest restaurants just beside the beautiful Phewa Lake.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
- Exit Pokhara and bid farewell to the majestic sights of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
- Enjoy driving through the scenic Trishuli Highway as you make your way passing many colorful towns en route to Kathmandu.
- Once in Kathmandu, you can head out to explore Thamel and indulge in shopping.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- On the last day in Kathmandu, you can head out to Thamel to shop for a souvenir before driving to the airport.
- Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll drop you off at the airport.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- 2 nights Deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and two night in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek with tea coffee.
- 3 liters of mineral water in a day.
- Local lodges accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed guide and experience driver ( including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
- Private Jeep transportation from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lo-manthang-Kathmandu.
- All necessary permits and entry fees including Upper Mustang special Permit.
- All government taxes.
- Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets, etc. if needed).
- Trekking Map
- Medical Kit
- Rescue assistance
- Vista Trek’s T-shirt as a souvenir
- Our service charge
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30).
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
- Any personal expenses.
- Bar bill.
- Staff & driver tipping.
Trip Gallery
Trip Map
Useful Info
About Accommodation.
In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at Hotel Sapana Garden. Local lodges accommodation provided during the trek on twin sharing basis. Hotel in Kathmandu comes with private bathroom , however in mountain, toilet and shower will be on sharing basis. In the busy months, (October/November & April/ May) you may have to share the room with other traveler as some villages have limited number of local lodges .
About Meal
You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental , Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Dinner and breakfast serve at the teahouse where we stay and lunch will be served on the way to next destination. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is provided. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no worries, Nepal is such a easy place to get several vegetarian options.
About Staff:
A Guide and a porter assist you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. In a group with more than 8 guests, 2 guide will be provided. A porter provided for 2 trekkers, and carries between 15 to 20 K.G.
About Equipments
Following Equipment list is recommended to bring for the trek.
Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleecy jacket, T – shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp, thick and warm woolen socks, Light cotton socks , A day bag to carry your valuable, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, rain coat, Sun block, lip balm , Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit, Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries etc. Please kindly check our Equipment list for complete details.
About Temperature.
Temperatures vary as per the elevation and season in Nar Phu Valley. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) is quite warm below 3000m that you can walk with t-shirts and shorts during day. Above Meta, day time temperature is around 5-10 °C and night time temperature is below 0 °C. Nar and Phu Village is generally cold through out a year and night time temperature can reach up to–20 °C in winter. There are no heating system inside the room in guest houses, therefore it is important to prepare warm clothes and sleeping bag for the trek.
Physical Fitness and experience
Upper Mustang Trek is a challenging trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag. Some days are even longer with 7- 8 hours of walking, therefore this is not suitable for the beginner. This is high altitude trek which demands more physical fitness, However if you are strongly determined and have excellent health and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Few weeks prior to the trip, doing some physical exercise is better . No technical skill is needed however past experience also helps . If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or for blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to Vista Trek P. Ltd.
About Insurance,
You have to obtain the travel insurance which should cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Some Insurance policy’s cover only up to 4000 meter, so please kindly confirm with the insurance company before you purchase it.
About Seasons
Spring and autumn seasons are the ideal seasons for Upper Mustang Trek. This is also known as rain shadow area, which is located right behind of Annapurna Mastiffs with least amount of rain compare to other area of Nepal. Therefore Raining season (June/July/August) is also good time for Upper Mustang Trek. Winter (December to February ) trek is also possible if you are used to in extremly cold temperature.
About Bus Drive
Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide , strike or by political issues. In such case trip itinerary will be affected. Thus, we would like to request you to add few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
Please cheque our FAQs for various issues of the trek.
