Begin an exhilarating adventure through the arid western regions of the Annapurna with the Upper Mustang Overland Tour. Nestled in the alpine valleys carved by the Kaligandaki River, Upper Mustang is a magnificent jewel for your travel experiences.
Upper Mustang is highly regarded as a prime destination to immerse oneself in Tibetan-Buddhist customs and traditions. This Upper Mustang Overland Tour guides you to the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang, a region that was once a forbidden territory. Here, the locals maintain their traditional way of life, untouched by modern influences. The Upper Mustang District and the restricted part of the Annapurna conservation area encompass the enchanting ambiance of Lo Manthang.
The 14-day Upper Mustang Overland Tour offers a profound journey into the history, folklore, contemporary culture, customs, and ceremonies deeply rooted in traditional practices preserved sustainably to this day.
This Upper Mustang Overland Tour is more than just an adventure; it's an insightful exploration into the locals' way of life. The diverse cultures of the Thakalis, Gurung, and Tibetan people are living art forms that one can experience in this region. A visit to Upper Mustang unveils the region's aesthetic perspectives and the rich, multifaceted cultural heritage of its inhabitants.
Upper Mustang's unique geography, marked by high cliffs and rock formations in the rain shadow region, is unlike any other. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the whitewashed homes scattered around the Kali Gandaki river valley appear timeless on this Upper Mustang Overland Tour.
The overland route of the Upper Mustang Overland Tour includes stops at various temples, gompas, Mani walls, and chortens, integral to Tibetan Buddhist practices. A highlight of the journey is the interaction with local Bon and Lhopa communities. Throughout the tour, the grandeur of the Annapurna range and other Himalayan peaks will accompany you.
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour offers breathtaking views of rivers, mountains, streams, forests, and historical stone monuments and homes, capturing the majestic landscapes of Northern Nepal.
Explore the territory beyond the Himalayas, lying on the Tibetan Plateau's border with Recreation Holidays' 14-day Upper Mustang Overland Tour. Discover intact centuries-old socio-cultural practices, historically significant archaeological sites, and stunning scenery throughout the rain shadow region.
Upper Mustang Overland Tour Highlights
- Experience warm hospitality and savor delicious Nepali delicacies in Nepali cities and villages.
- Enjoy a unique Himalayan experience by driving through picturesque villages.
- Suitable for all ages, this 14-day overland tour provides an adventurous family holiday without strenuous daily treks.
- Traverse the upper Kali Gandaki river valley via mountain passes and canyons.
- Experience thrilling bumpy rides on challenging roads.
- Admire trans-Himalayan landscapes and stunning mountain views.
- Meet locals from diverse communities and observe their daily lifestyles.
- Visit ancient monasteries, stupas, and sky caves.
- Encounter natural hot springs and beautiful apple orchards.
- Explore Lo Manthang, the last forbidden kingdom.
Discover the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the timeless beauty of Upper Mustang with Recreation Holidays' Upper Mustang Overland Tour.
Cost and Booking for Upper Mustang Overland Tour 2024/2025
The cost of the Upper Mustang Overland Tour varies depending on the chosen itinerary, services, and group size. We offer the flexibility to customize your trek itinerary to suit your specific needs. Booking as a group of five or more can provide significant savings with better per-person rates.
We are now accepting bookings for the Upper Mustang Overland Tour 2024/2025. For assistance and to start planning your adventure, please contact us. Our team is ready to help you create an unforgettable journey.
Upper Mustang Overland Tour Itinerary
Begin your 14-day adventure from Kathmandu with a scenic jeep ride to Pokhara, followed by a trip to Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang. Jomsom is the gateway to the Kingdom of Upper Mustang, also known as Lo Manthang. The overland jeep safari will take you through many historical and culturally significant towns, including a full day at Muktinath temple, experiencing ancient customs and traditions.
Travel Distances
The journey covers:
Kathmandu to Pokhara: 200 km
Pokhara to Jomsom: 155 km
Jomsom to Lo Manthang: 60 km
Despite the seemingly long distances, the tour spans 14 days, ensuring ample time to explore each location rather than spending most of it on the road.
Key Highlights
The Gateway to Mustang: Jomsom
Jomsom serves as the tourism hub for culturally rich Mustang and the entry point to the region. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the natural diversity of Mustang provide a captivating experience. The town is adorned with pine trees, gompas, and stone temples, offering a spiritual venture for visitors.
Panoramic Himalayan Views
Departing from Pokhara, you will witness some of the most enchanting views of the Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna, Fishtail, Tukuche Peak, Thorung Peak, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. The valleys, towering cliffs, and rock formations create a mystical geographical landscape.
Sacred Shaligram Stones of Kaligandaki
The Kaligandaki River is famous for its Shaligram stones, golden black stones with fossilized imprints inside. These stones hold significant religious importance in Hindu culture as representations of Lord Vishnu, believed to bring inner peace and combat evil.
Exploring Lo Manthang's Ancient Kingdom
Founded in the 1300s and opened to tourists in 1992, Lo Manthang is an enigmatic destination with a rich history. The Royal Palace, built 600 years ago, and several gompas, including Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa, stand as historical marvels. Recent archaeological discoveries have unveiled ancient paintings, monuments, and manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
The Celebrated Tiji Festival
The Tiji festival is the most auspicious event in Upper Mustang, celebrating the victory of good over evil. The three-day festival, held in mid-May, features ritual dances performed by monks from the Choedhe monastery, depicting significant events from local legends.
The Sacred Muktinath Temple
Located at an altitude of 3,749 meters, Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Known as Mukti Kshetra, or "place of salvation," the temple is renowned for its ever-burning candle, symbolizing peace and harmony. It is believed that visiting the temple brings liberation from the sufferings of the world.
Road Adventure Through the Himalayas
The overland Upper Mustang tour allows you to cover significant distances comfortably. Despite rugged roads after Kagbeni, the journey offers stunning natural scenery, including the long-lost Tibetan Kingdom of Mustang and the gorges of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. The drive is safe, thrilling, and rewarding, providing an exhilarating experience.
Immersing in Mustang's Rich Culture
The locals of Mustang lead a unique lifestyle, primarily focused on trade, tourism, and animal husbandry. The region's Thakali community is renowned for its distinctive customs, cuisine, and culture. Experience the rich cultural heritage firsthand with the Upper Mustang Overland Tour.
Apple Orchards of Marpha
Marpha is known for its harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. The village is famous for its apples, which are the main ingredients in Marpha brandies and jams. During the blooming season, the apple orchards enhance the village's beauty, making it a delightful stop on the tour.
Rejuvenating Hot Springs of Tatopani
Tatopani offers a natural hot spring, reputed for its therapeutic properties. Dipping into the hot spring is believed to cure skin diseases, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Sarangkot: The Perfect Viewpoint
Sarangkot, located on the outskirts of Pokhara, is a renowned hill station and viewpoint, famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. It offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscapes, including Phewa Lake, Pokhara City, and the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges. For adventure enthusiasts, paragliding from Sarangkot is a popular activity.
Conclusion
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour with Recreation Holidays promises a unique blend of cultural richness, historical significance, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the mystical Jomsom to the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang, and the sacred Muktinath temple to the therapeutic Tatopani hot springs, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure through the hidden gems of Northern Nepal.
Permits for the Upper Mustang Overland Tour
To begin your Upper Mustang Overland Tour, foreign travelers need to secure two essential permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
The cost of the RAP is USD 500 per person for the first ten days. For each additional day beyond the initial ten, the fee is USD 50 per person per day. The RAP is a single-entry permit and is non-transferable. To obtain this permit, travelers must be in a group of at least two people, as solo permits are not issued for restricted areas. Solo trekkers can join our fixed departure groups to meet this requirement.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
The ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 per person. Like the RAP, this permit is also a single-entry and cannot be transferred to another person.
At Recreation Holidays, we facilitate the process of obtaining both the RAP and the ACAP permits, ensuring a hassle-free experience for our travelers.
