UPPER MUSTANG OVERLAND JOURNEY
Trip Facts
Duration
08 N -09 D
Trip Grade
Moderate to Adventurous due to rise in altitude
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
On top Nyi-La Pass at 3,860 m / 12,664 feet
Best Time
spring, autumn/fall
UPPER MUSTANG OVERLAND JOURNEY OVERVIEW
Upper Mustang Overland Journey with the guidance of Dhan Kumar Rai.
An expert and veteran guide of the Nepalese company Kirat Society Adventure and Hiking.
Upper Mustang Overland Journey is an exciting overland journey that takes you around varied amazing landscapes. As the journey progresses towards the former forbidden walled kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang Overland Journey continues via scenic Pokhara city and beyond to low warm farm country of western Nepal. The drive leads on the rough dirt highway following the glacial Kali Gandaki River. Heading through the world’s deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki, sandwiched between giant peaks of
Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna. The route follows into lovely, serene woods lined with tall rhododendrons, oaks, pines and firs trees. Heading up past the nice villages of Ghasa, Kalapani and Marpha with ever present views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri’s Himal.
Slowly the adventure reaches around Mustang areas from Ghasa to Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang district.
On leaving Jomsom and Kagbeni the gateway to Upper Mustang the hidden treasures of age-old heritage cultures. Travelers will experience the harmony of ancient traditional customs as it were for hundreds of centuries.
Upper Mustang, geographically an extension of the vast Tibetan Plateau.
The Tibetan plateau is the world’s highest and largest tableland, where drive leads through amazing landscapes. Enclosed by high cliffs and canyon walls of red and brown earth with views of snow-capped peaks of Mustang Himal.
The journey leads from lovely villages to another adorned with ancient culture of Tibetan Buddhism. The Upper Mustang for many centuries remained closed to the outside world until 1991. Due to close borders of Nepal and Tibet, China,
Foreigners require special permits. To enter the forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang from Kagbeni Village.
After days of continuous journey through picturesque dry and arid windswept country of Upper Mustang. Driving above a few scenic high passes to enter the former Kingdom of Upper Mustang at Lo Manthang.
In early days regarded as the walled city, travelers will experience the medieval lifestyle and architecture. The old cobble stones path and alleys are lined with typical Tibetan style houses with shops, stores and inns.
Lo-Manthang offers various exciting places to visit, including its famous monasteries. The colorful Tije festival is held once a year in May, as per the Tibetan Buddhism Calendar. Enjoy the tour of great cultural, religious, and historical interest. After a wonderful experience within the walled kingdom of
Lo-Manthang, return journey leads you on the same scenic route.
An exciting drive from Lo Manthang, the hub of Upper Mustang, leads towards Lower Mustang. Around Kaligandaki River Valley at Jomsom and then enters cooler mid-hills and back to lush green forest. Finally, the journey concludes on reaching Kathmandu via the scenic city of Pokhara. After a wonderful adventure and experience on the Upper Mustang Overland Journey.
Major Highlights
An exciting overland journey on an extension of the Tibetan high plateau.
Enjoy the dramatic change of landscapes from low farm towards arid country.
Journey around lovely villages and enchanting forests of pines and rhododendrons.
Traversing through the world deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki Glacial River.
Adventure in between the massive bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Fabulous scenery throughout the drive to the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal Intenational Airport, after visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Outside the exit terminal our staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed at the hotel, then join with other members of Upper Mustang Overland Jouney for a briefing.
Briefing is done by our guide, group leader with full information of the treks, including hotels in Kathmandu. Local cultures with do’s and don’ts.
In the evening a lovely dinner and introduction to Nepali foods and culture.
Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest
Moning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around thenworld heritage sites within Kathmandu city. After an exciting and interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation and packing for Upper Mustang Overland Tour, clothing and items not required for the trip, can be stored in the Hotel or with Kirat Society Adventure.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 220 km / 137 miles, road distance of more than 5 hours journey
Having breakfast, an exciting drive to Pokhara. The route heads downhill leaving the valley rim towards low warm farm country. On drives enjoy the views of Langtang, Ganesh, and Manaslu Himal with Annapuna range.
The road meanders along the Trisuli River to Mugling Bazaar, from here drive diverts, heading west to beautiful Pokhara. On arrival at Pokhara, transfer into a nice hotel, close to the serene Phewa Lake with views of Annapuna Himalayas.
Day 4: Drive to Tatopani village Approx. 90 km / 56 miles-05 hrs
After a pleasant ovenight stop at Pokhara, moning, having breakfast.
Adventure begins heading west, on the nice smooth highway to Baglung, Beni towns. Leaving the main road following the Kaligandaki River, past farm villages to Tatopani. A nice large village with a natural hot-spring, check in to a nice lodge. Having time to enjoy a dip in a warm pool at a hot spring, located close to the village Tatopani, the name means Hot-Water due to its natural hot-spring.
Day 5: Drive to Kagbeni 2,830 m via Jomsom 2,715 m (56 km / 35 miles)-05 hrs
Enjoying pleasant and wonderful times at Tatopani village and its hot-spring. Adventure continues following the Kaligandaki River upstream.
On leaving Tatopani village, the end of Mygdi district to enter Mustang region past Ghasa Village. The drive meanders towards cooler alpine areas amidst lovely pine and rhododendron forest. The jouney leads through the world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River. Located between the giant Mt. Dhaulagiri andnMt. Annapuna, from here the route leads to a nice village at Kalapani.
Located beneath the towering Mt. Dhaulagiri and its massive Ice-Falls.
Includes grand views of Nilgiri’s and Annapuna peaks. The drive continues through serene woods towards Larjung village, and then upstream to Tukuche and Marpha. A gem of a village with white washed paints and neat streets lined with shops and nice restaurants. From Marpha a short distance ride to Jomsom,nthe headquarters town of Mustang district.
At Jomsom for lunch in nice restaurants, from here a short drive of an hour to Kagbeni. The drive leads on the windy Kali-Gandaki River valley towardsnKagbeni village for an ovenight stop. A nice Tibetan style village, located on the main entrance of Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni onwards within Nepal’s restricted areas, where special permits are required for foreign travelers.
Day 6: Drive to Ghami 3,510 m (Approx. 45 k.m / 28 miles) -04 hrs
A short day drive to Ghami, from here on enters the restricted areas of Upper Mustang. The road follows a winding road and rises in altitude, driving across dry terrains. The drive leads across scenic small passes, with a grand vista of the giant canyon walls, and eroded cliffs.
The jouney continues following the Kaligandaki River upstream amidst dramatic scenery of the windswept terrains. Reaching the first village of Upper Mustang at Chele. From Chele/Tsele the road meanders uphill to Gyagar village and towards the lovely Samar village. Enjoying a short refreshing stop at Samar village, the drive continues to Syangbochen with steep up to Nyi-La pass.nn nnThe highest point of the adventure at 3,860 m, before reaching Lo-Manthang. From the top marvel the picturesque scenery of Upper Mustang landscapes dotted with isolated villages. From Nyi-la down-hill to ovenight stop at Ghami village in the comfort of a nice guest-house. Ghami, is one of the largest farm villages of Upper Mustang, houses an impressive Gompa/Monastery.
The village, situated within a wide farm field of buckwheat and barley with few poplars and willow trees.
Day 7: Drive to Lo-Manthang 3,840 m (Approx. 18 km / 12 miles) -03 hrs
Today’s drive takes you towards our ultimate destinations at the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. From Ghami with refreshing ovenight stops in the harmony of traditional hospitality of Mustang villagers.
From here a short moning drive of a few hours, leaving the Ghami village.
The road leads to winding ups over Ghami Khola (stream).
An interesting place lined with a long series of Mani/ Prayer walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers. As the drive least to Drakmar village and towards the outskirts of Tsarang village. The pleasant road heads straight towards Lo-Manthang.
The drive climbs on top of Lo-La pass, overlooking the first glimpse of thenwalled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. From the top descend to a stream with short ups to enter the main entrance of Lo-Manthang for lunch and ovenight stops.
Day 8: At Lo-Manthang for local exploration
Day 9: Drive to Jomsom town 2, 715 m (Approx. 59 / 37 miles) -04 hrs
Moning retun jouney towards lower Mustang, after an interesting time at the walked kingdom of Lo-Manthang. On leaving Lo-Manthang drive leads on the same route towards Marang village. The jouney continues on an old path to Drakmar village, coming across the long series of Mani Walls.nn nnThe road follows over a bridge of Ghami Khola/stream then diverts towards the lovely village of Ghiling. Slowly our adventure around Upper Mustang comes to an end at Kagbeni village. After driving through Syangboche village, and Yamda La with grand scenic views, heading downhill to Bhena and Samar villages. The drive leads to Gyagar and Chusang villages, the jouney continues around the wild windswept terrains. Then reaching Kagbeni, from here the drive heads across the Kaligandaki River Valley to Jomsom for an ovenight. Enjoy the refreshing rest and ovenights in a nice fine lodge. Jomsom town and surrounding areas are famous for delicious apples and products like apple cider, brandy and juice, a nice place for celebration before reaching Pokhara.
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara 860 m (150 km / 93 miles) – 06 hrs
Leaving Jomsom, a short drive leads near Marpha, towards the lovely village of Tukuche. Located beneath the Tukuche Peak and Mt. Dhaulagiri, from Tukuche village onward downhill following the Kaligandaki River downstream.
On drives as the country changes with more green vegetation, enjoying the incredible views of towering snow peaks. The road follows through Larjung village reaching back into pine, oaks and rhododendron forest.
The drive leads to Kalapani village and continues with dramatic change of landscapes and vegetation. The jouney heads down towards low warm areas on leaving the last village of Mustang district at Ghasa. The jouney towards beautiful Rupsi Chhara, Waterfalls at Rupsi village, heading low farm land of paddy fields at Dhana village. Then reaching Tatopani for a possible lunch stop.
Aftenoon drive follows the Kaligandaki River to Beni, headquarters of Mygdi district. From the town of Beni driving on the smooth main highway to Pokhara. The ride leads past Kusma, and Nayapul, and then on winding uphill to Kande, and then downhill to Pokhara.
Finally, the drive ends, reaching at scenic Pokhara by the Phewa lakeside, check into a nice hotel. Rest of the day with time to explore the shops and restaurants and pubs around the Pokhara Lakeside.
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu 1,320 (220 km / 137 miles) -05 hrs
Today is the last final day of the overland jouney. Driving to Kathmandu, a pleasant drive leads to Mugling for a possible lunch stop. Aftenoon drive follows the Trisuli River upstream for some time. Then leaving the low warm farm areas heading up on a winding road to Nagdhunga, the entrance towards Kathmandu valley and the city. The drive finally completes, reaching the city hub and then to your respective hotels. Rest of the aftenoon at leisure for individual activities and shopping sprees, the last day in Kathmandu and Nepal.
Day 12: Final departure for homeward bound or to a respective port of call
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your intenational flight time our staff transfer to the airport. Then bidding farewell to the staff and guide, after a wonderful adventure on the Upper Mustang Overland Jouney.
Essential Information
The best seasons are spring and autumn/fall. The spring begins from March to May, most days are longer with sunlight hours.
Normally the morning till mid-afternoon days are clear for views and scenic walks can get overcast late afternoon sometime.
Can expect snowfalls, cold mornings and in the nighttime, the mid-hills are covered with tall rhododendron, pine and juniper trees. A lively time with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendrons of various colors.
The next high season is autumn/fall, starts from September and ends in November. Most days are fine with crystal clear blue sky, a pleasant time for scenic walks. Days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, cold afternoons, and nights till morning time. Expect snowfall sometimes, but with a bright starry night sky.
