Mustang Tour is a tour to a distant yet semi-autonomous kingdom of Nepal. This kingdom is situated north of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks and is one of the few remaining bastions of unspoiled Tibetan culture. The trek was opened to foreigners for the very first time in 1992, and it takes you to Lo-Manthang, which is the fortified capital of Mustang at an altitude of 3,800 meters. This is located along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki.
The trekking route involves difficult terrain with high mountains, exposure, and strong winds. Mustang is well-known for its barren desert zones, Buddhist monasteries, Chortens, and mysterious caves. The region with rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and attractions is hidden behind the giant Himalayas. The trekking route to the region is quite difficult because it involves trekking in high terrain with exposure to strong winds.
Highlights of the Mustang Tour:
We embark on the Mustang Tour by driving to Pokhara. This will be an enjoyable journey for you with all its long scenic routes that involve bio-diverse farmland, rivers, and hills. Pokhara lies 220 km west of Kathmandu and is known for its pleasing natural environment. You arrive at Pokhara and check into your hotel for rest and leisure, or go for an evening walk around Lakeside to view its peaceful sunset.
Includes: Private Transport and an overnight accommodation at Batika Classic Hotel or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
In the morning, you will take a 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The first part of your flight will give you wonderful scenery. If you take a clear-day flight, you will see mighty peaks like Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and other shining mountains emerging from the clouds. After reaching Jomsom, you can have breakfast and then start walking towards Kagbeni via the Kali Gandaki River. The trail will be relatively flat and rough with excellent perspectives of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Kagbeni is another ancient village, looking like it is from medieval times, and lies between two rivers. It is on the ancient trade route connecting Nepal with Tibet’s salt routes. The district also has monasteries belonging to Mustang’s ancient past and keeps secrets waiting to be revealed.
Includes: Airfare, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kagbeni.
Today, your starting point is Kagbeni, where you begin your trip. While trekking, you will see caves and Gompa Kang situated on your left side. After that, you climb to Tangebe (3,060m), which is a beautiful place with narrow alleys; chortens with black, white, and red paintings are unique to the region of Mustang. Chele is only two hours away from this place.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chele.
With a dream of reaching the most remote lands near the Nepal-Tibet border, your trek starts from Chele, heading to the scenic village of Syangbochen. You will be taken through the summer pass. Further ahead, you come across two routes for trekkers-the upper path via Vena leading to Syangbochen, and the lower path toward Milarepa Cave.
The lower route is more exciting, whereby one gets to encounter Himalayan pack animals: ponies, horses, and donkeys, with heavy loads strapped on their backs with ropes. After a whole day of trekking, you will reach Syangbochen, a small village in Tibetan style marked by a sprinkling of quaint houses and a few shops.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Syangbochen.
Early in the morning, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and the surrounding mountains from Syangbochen. After that, have your breakfast, and then proceed on your journey to Dhakmar, followed by the beautiful village of Ghami, crossing Syangmochen Pass, which lies at 3,850 m. The route further passes through Tsarang, which is a beautiful village situated amidst red mud cliffs, with prayer flags swaying in the strong winds.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tsarang.
Your trek resumes towards Lo-Manthang as you are taken across the Dhakmar Pass, where the scenery is truly spectacular with natural rock formations that look like ice next to amazing human-made architecture. From the pass, you will be taken to Ghar Monastery, a red-colored structure with a history of over 1,200 years. Continuing further to Lo-Manthang, the previous walled capital of the Lo Kingdom, you enter a culturally and linguistically Tibetan area, which is also considered the homeland for the Thakali people, whose language and customs seem to be an amalgamation of both Tibetan and Nepalese influences. Lo-Manthang is famous for its high whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas, and the King’s Palace, a nine-cornered, five-story structure probably built around 1400.
The town has four major temples: Jampa Lhakhang, the oldest, also referred to as the “God House,” which was built in the early 15th century; Thubchen Gompa, meaning a huge red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century, is located southwest of Jampa Gompa. Chodey Gompa main city gompa-and Choprang Gompa, which is popularly known as the “New Gompa.” Set amidst almost treeless, barren landscapes, these architectural marvels put together a colorful mosaic of earthen reds, yellows, and browns, something that further enhances the unique allure of Lo-Manthang as a destination.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
The seventh day of the Mustang Tour is set aside for Lo-Manthang sightseeing activities. Lo-Manthang has some 150 households, besides dwellings for a large number of Lamas. You will set out for Lo-Manthang sightseeing activities, which include visits to the Zhong Cave and the Tshosher Monastery, a 1,000-year-old Tibetan monastery, using horses or jeeps. When you return to Lo-Manthang, further Lo-Manthang sightseeing activities, such as visits to the King’s Palace, monasteries, the Lo-Manthang Village, among other sites, will follow. The King’s Palace, a magnificent building at the core of Lo-Manthang, is still inhabited by the reigning King and Queen. Even though the role of the King is almost symbolic, he is still admired by locals, and the people of the entire kingdom still regard him as the key person from whose counsel they benefit on a wide range of issues.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
Today marks the first day of returning to modern civilization from Lo-Manthang. Along the journey back, you have opportunities to see various natural sites that add to the joy of touring. Afterwards, there will be a continuation of trekking to Ghami.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ghami.
In the morning, you will resume your journey towards the village of Samar. This will be a trek of about 7-8 hours through the natural surroundings of Mustang.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samar.
In the morning, you will start your journey to Muktinath. In case you are unable to get to Muktinath because of the road conditions and/or weather, Kagbeni will be your final destination for the day.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath/Kagbeni.
In the morning, you get to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous Hindu temple, Muktinath, which is a holy site visited by many devotees. You get to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains, so be sure to have your camera ready. Later on, you get to begin your descent towards Jomsom to get ready for your flight to Pokhara the next morning.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jomsom.
An early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara takes 20 minutes. After arrival at Pokhara Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day can be used to explore Pokhara Valley. The natural beauty of Pokhara is indeed amazing. There are many places to visit.
Includes: Airfare, Breakfast, and an overnight accommodation at Batika Classic Hotel or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
Morning pickup by our driver will be followed by a return journey to Kathmandu. It will take about 6 to 7 hours and will include scenic views. After the arrival in Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your hotel. This is the end of your Mustang Tour.
Includes: Private Transport, Breakfast, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
