Upper Mustang Tour Package

The Upper Mustang Tour (also called Lo Manthang) is one of the most unique experiences you can have, with its desert-like scenery and dramatic canyons that run alongside picturesque villages. Upper Mustang is located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Mustang, Nepal, close to the Korala Border between Nepal and China. This remote area is rich in culture. One of the highlights of this trip would be visiting the walled city of Lo Manthang, which houses several monasteries like Royal Palace, Champa Lhakhang, and Choede Gompa, among others, apart from being the abode for the King of Mustang. The city’s buildings are constructed exceptionally to ensure their long-term preservation, resulting in a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other structures in similar areas around upper Mustang.

Moreover, besides its cultural significance, there exists no other place on earth that boasts such geological features as towering cliffs, caves and rock formations like those seen at Upper Mustang.
The Upper Mustang Tour Package also covers Pokhara, which is referred to as the “City of Lakes” due to its numerous lakes, including Phewa Lake Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake etc. Pokhara offers visitors a wide range of activities from boating to kayaking or even paragliding over these lakes. The place is also perfect for thrill-seekers who enjoy activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, Bungee Jumping, and Ultralight flights. Pokhara is considered one of the top places globally where people love paragliding due to favorable wind conditions coupled with scenic background.

Although the exact details regarding the early history of Mustang date back to the 14th century, most of this history comes from stories based on the events at the time rather than recorded timelines. Based on these accounts, Mustang used to be a region of Tibet and was known as the Ngari district. Then, the Malla Empire inherited a sizable proportion of Musang in the 14th century. As time passed, this area dominated the trade between India and the Himalayas due to its key strategic location between the 15th and 17th centuries. Between this period in around 1380, it became an autonomous kingdom under Ame Pal. While Ame Pal was responsible for a majority of construction in this area, which was then known as Lo Manthang, only the kingdom of Lo remains to this day.

The next significant historical event in Mustang came during the unification campaign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah near the end of the 18th century. After the completion of the conquest, this region turned into a district of Nepal.

In the early 1960’s the warriors of Khampa joined with other local forces in the Mustang region and began fighting against the Chinese government. Because of this, the Chinese government requested Nepal to ban foreigners from entering this region. Nepal complied with this request and as a result, tourists were forbidden from entering Musang from 1962. This prohibition lasted till 1992, when the doors of Mustang finally opened to internationals. Because of this event along with Mustang being an independent kingdom until its conquest by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, it became known as the forbidden kingdom amongst tourists.

• Visit Mustang through popular tourist spots such as Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Manthang.
• Immerse yourself in the local customs of the Bon and Lobha ethnic groups in Upper Mustang.
• Visit the picturesque landscape of Mustang that takes us through the magnificent barren landscapes, ancient caves, centuries-old monasteries, and many other historical and archeological monuments.
• Understand Tibetan Buddhism better through sites such as Champa Lhakang, Namgyal Gompa and Lsechen Shedrubling Monastery School.
• Witness the backside of the Grand Himalayas
• Discover the old kingdom of Lo Manthang
• Visit the five-story kings mansion which is also one of the oldest buildings of Lo Manthang.
• Enhance your spirituality by visiting the Buddhist and Hindu temple of Muktinath.
• Experience the opportunity to participate in the Tiji festival.
• Enjoy the famed local apple, apple pies, and apple wine in Jomsom.
• Travel through the deepest gorge in the world: Kali Gandaki Gorge
• Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges.
• Explore the breathtaking splendor of a woodland teeming with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees.

Here are key reasons to visit Upper Mustang with a local tour operator from Nepal:

• Cultural Expertise: Local operators have deep knowledge of Mustang’s unique Tibetan-influenced culture, offering richer insights and interactions.
• Permits and Logistics: They handle restricted area permits and complex travel logistics, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Safety: Familiarity with the terrain and altitude ensures safety in remote areas where conditions can be challenging.
• Authentic Experience: Access to hidden gems, local villages, and off-the-beaten-path locations not covered by mainstream tours.
• Support Local Economy: Booking with a local operator directly supports the local community and promotes sustainable tourism.
• Tailored Itineraries: Customizable tours that suit personal interests, from trekking to cultural exploration, led by experienced guides.
• Language and Communication: Local guides are fluent in both Nepali and local dialects, bridging communication gaps with locals.

Before heading toward the Upper Mustang Tour, you need to have some amounts of preparation. For this, you can consider many aspects, and the specifics of how you prepare depend on your specific circumstances. Some of the key ways how you can prepare for the Upper Mustang Overland Tour include:

Obtaining a Permit

One of the first things you should prepare before heading towards the Upper Mustang is to obtain the special permits required for this tour. You can get this through government-authorized trekking agencies or tour operators such as Kailash Vision Treks. You should do this a few weeks before the visit since it can take several weeks to process.

Research Destination

Another key aspect of preparing for the Upper Mustang Overland tour includes researching the destination. You should learn as much as possible regarding the culture, history, and geography of this region so that you do not face cultural shock or be unprepared for the journey.

Pack Appropriately

While researching your destination, you should also research what to pack for this journey and pack appropriately. Since the Upper Mustang region is pretty cold, you should pack warm and waterproof clothing along with comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. You should also pack a hat or head covering along with necessary medications and enough cash in hand.

Be Physically Fit

Although you are not required to do much walking on this journey, you should remember that it is still a journey that takes you to high altitudes. Therefore, before heading on this journey, you should spend a few weeks to be physically fit.

Understand The Risks

Another key preparation you should do while going on this journey is to understand the risks. Mustang region is, after all, a remote region, and many aspects, such as road conditions and health facilities, are not advanced. Therefore, you must have good travel insurance that covers all of these aspects.

Be Prepared For Long Distance Drives

Since this tour is essentially a long-distance drive, you should be prepared to stay in your vehicle for long durations. Furthermore, many roads leading to your destination on this trip are not well-finished and are located in rural areas. Therefore you should expect somewhat of a bumpy road.

Be Respectful

Last but not least, being respectful is one of the key aspects of preparing for the Upper Mustang Trek. Do remember that you are ultimately traveling to a remote region of Nepal which has completely different rules, values, customs, and lifestyle to even that of urban areas. Therefore, you should always be mindful of your behavior, tone, and actions.