Overview
Upper Mustang is "another world" left behind on the far side of the Himalayas. Hemmed in by Tibet on three sides, this high-desert region once flourished as an independent kingdom and remained strictly closed to foreigners until 1992. While the rest of Nepal modernised rapidly, Upper Mustang still breathes with Tibetan Buddhist culture, the traditions of its kingdom era, and a distinctive way of life built on its arid land.
The journey travels up the Kali Gandaki β known as the world's deepest gorge β past rock formations carved by wind and time, white-walled fortress villages, and vividly coloured mani walls and chortens, all the way to the former royal capital of Lo Manthang.
The appeal here is more than the scenery. The thousands of man-made caves bored into the cliffs once held people who lived, prayed, and were buried there. Recent surveys have uncovered human remains and Buddhist manuscripts more than a thousand years old, making Upper Mustang one of the Himalayas' great archaeological treasure houses and a draw for researchers worldwide.
Desolate canyons washed in orange and red, with the white peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rising behind them β this is a one-of-a-kind journey to landscapes and culture utterly different from Kathmandu, yet still within Nepal.
Highlights
- A fabled kingdom closed to foreigners until 1992
- Lo Manthang β the walled capital of the Lo Kingdom
- Magnificent Tibetan Buddhist monasteries dating from the 15th century
- Ancient cave civilisation built into the cliffs
- The Kali Gandaki β the world's deepest gorge
- A living Lo culture, embodied by the Tiji Festival (AprβMay)
- Travel possible even in monsoon season, as it lies in a rain shadow
- Grand panoramas of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
Itinerary
Pokhara β Jomsom (2,743 m) β Chele (3,050 m)
Early morning, a spectacular flight threading between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri brings you to Jomsom. On arrival you head straight into the Upper Mustang restricted area. Passing through Kagbeni with its medieval air, you travel up the Kali Gandaki valley into the Tibetan cultural sphere. Wind-carved cliffs and brightly coloured chortens begin to appear, and the scenery transforms into something that hardly seems like Nepal. Arrive in Chele in the afternoon and take it easy at 3,050 m to let your body adjust.
Travel: Pokhara β Jomsom approx. 20 min (flight) / Jomsom β Chele approx. 2β3 hrs (vehicle)
Chele β Lo Manthang (3,840 m)
Into the heart of Upper Mustang. The route passes through villages such as Samar, Geling, Ghami, and Tsarang, where old Tibetan culture remains strong. Red-and-white banded cliffs, enormous mani walls, and fortress-like settlements appear one after another β a landscape that feels like travelling the remote reaches of the Silk Road. In the afternoon, arrive at Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Lo Kingdom, and explore the old town within its walls.
Travel: Chele β Lo Manthang approx. 4β5 hrs (vehicle)
Lo Manthang & the Ancient Caves
A full day of sightseeing. Visit the temples that survive from the kingdom era β the royal palace, Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and Chode Gompa. Then on to the cliff caves around Chhoser, where countless man-made caves line the rock walls in one of Upper Mustang's greatest sights. Recent surveys here have uncovered human remains and Buddhist manuscripts over a thousand years old, drawing attention as a leading Himalayan archaeological site.
Travel: around Lo Manthang approx. 1β2 hrs (vehicle)
Lo Manthang β Jomsom
An early start. Head south again through the grand high desert. Enjoy the villages and canyon views you missed on the way up as you follow the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, back to Jomsom. Spend a relaxed evening in Jomsom.
Travel: Lo Manthang β Jomsom approx. 7β8 hrs (vehicle)
Jomsom β Pokhara
Weather permitting, take the morning flight to Pokhara. In just 20 minutes you enjoy the grand Himalayan panorama from the air as the journey comes to a close.
Travel: Jomsom β Pokhara approx. 20 min (flight)
- γ»The standard itinerary uses a private vehicle throughout, but it can also be done as a trek. Please enquire if you would prefer to walk.
- γ»The area is very busy around the Tiji Festival. If you would like to see the festival or visit during that period, please get in touch early.
Includes & Excludes
β Included
- Domestic flights (Pokhara β Jomsom, round trip)
- All accommodation (teahouse)
- All meals during the tour
- Licensed guide (English- or Japanese-speaking)
- Required permits (Upper Mustang Permit, ACAP)
- Private vehicle (Jomsom β Lo Manthang)
- First-aid kit
- Taxes
β Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear
- Paid shower, charging, WiFi
- Tips for guide and porter
- Snacks beyond meals & drinks
- Kathmandu hotel
Tour Photos
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | 90% refunded |
| 45 β 59 days | 75% refunded |
| 30 β 44 days | 50% refunded |
| 15 β 29 days | 25% refunded |
| 14 days or fewer | No refund |
| No show | No refund |