What is the Upper Mustang Overland Tour?
In the context of Nepal’s wild and wonder-filled Himalayan terrain, the Upper Mustang Overland Tour is more than just a road trip. It is a deliberate odyssey into the remote lands where roads where road turn to trails and the comfort is met with curiosity.
This is a carefully created adventure that swaps the hiking boots for the wheels, all without compromising the thrill of deep cultural immersion or missing out on the true Himalayan essence. Instead of trekking for days through harsh and high-altitude landscapes, this Overland tour allows you to journey in a sturdy 4WD jeep. The vehicle is specially chosen for its ability to navigate the challenging and unpaved route of Mustang.
With every km, you will pass through ancient villages carved into dusty hillsides where chortens and prayer wheels spin in the wind. You will enjoy traditional delicacies, sleep in the cozy guesthouse and stand face to face with the Himalayan peaks that seem to rise from the middle of the desert.
This Overland experience in particular is ideal for those travelers who want to access Mustang’s remote cultural gems without having to take on the physical strain of a long trekking journey. That makes this overland tour of Upper Mustang perfect for families, older travelers and those with time constraints.
While the trekkers follow trails that are carved by footsteps, overlanders carve a different kind of path that blends discovery with ease and adventure with deep and meaningful insights.
Highlights of the Tour
- Exploring the ancient walled kingdom of Lo Manthang, the 15th-century walled city that is also known as ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’
- The spiritual gateway of Upper Mustang, Kagbeni
- Chhoser’s sky caves and monasteries that are carved high into sheer cliffs, believed to be thousands of years old
- Visiting Muktinath Temple, the sacred Himalayan temple with 108 sacred water spouts and an eternal flame
- Epic trans-Himalayan landscape where barren cliffs, ochre canyons and vast windswept valleys dominate the horizon
- Ancient monasteries of Ghar Gompa, Thubchen Gompa and Jama Gompa, which are prominent spiritual landmarks in Tibetan Buddhism
- An off-road experience through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge
- Authentic encounters with the Lopa communities who are indigenous inhabitants of Mustang
- Epic and surreal views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti and other surrounding peaks
Ideal Upper Mustang Overland Tour Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Pokhara (820 meters) or optional flight: 6 to 8 hours drive or 25 minutes flight
Your adventure on this day begins with a scenic cross-valley drive or flight to the laid-back lakeside city of Pokhara. If you choose the driving route, you can expect a full day's drive across terraced hillsides, soaring rivers and roadside villages.
On the driving route, you will arrive at Pokhara by late afternoon. You can spend the evening unwinding by Phewa Lake. The mountain silhouettes reflected on still water and peaceful air create an enchanting atmosphere.
Day 02: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,743 meters) and drive to Ghami (3,520 meters): 4 to 5 hours drive or 20 minutes flight
On this day, you can either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom or drive across the beautiful towns. Leaving Pokhara, your jeep will rumble northward as the Kali Gandaki Gorge gradually widens.
The landscape grows more and more surreal as every km takes you deeper into the realm of ancient Tibet. After passing Kagbeni, the symbolic gateway of Upper Mustang, you will traverse the windswept highlands.
Then, driving further ahead, you will reach the peaceful village of Ghami, which is perched beneath the ochre cliffs. This high-altitude village features whitewashed homes and a long stretch of mani walls. The silence here is deep and the sky feels vast across the arid landscape.
Day 03: Drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang (3,840 meters): 3 to 4 hours
Today, your journey goes royal. You will pass the high-altitude plateaus and cross mountain passes to reach Lo Manthang. This is the former capital of the Kingdom of Mustang and is also often dubbed as ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’.
You will be able to feel the weight of centuries in stones beneath your feet. The hum of devotion and the serenity take over the atmosphere. This day will mark your arrival at the very heart of the Upper Mustang.
Day 04: Exploration day at Lo Manthang
This day of your Upper Mustang Overland Tour is dedicated to exploring the treasures of Lo Manthang and soaking in its atmosphere. You will visit the religious landmarks in the region, like Thubchen Gompa and Jama Gompa. These spiritual landmarks highlight ancient murals and monastic chants that will echo across the shadowed halls.
If you want, you can also take a short drive or pony ride to Chhoser. This is where the cliffside caves are located. They feel like forgotten sentinels guarding the secrets of the long-lost civilizations.
Day 05: Drive from Lo Manthang to Muktinath (3,800 meters) and to Jomsom (2,743 meters): 6 to 7 hours
After completing your tour, you will bid farewell to Lo Manthang and begin your descent southward. The driving route snakes across the remote passes and lunar valleys, then you will finally arrive at Muktinath. This is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Nepal, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
If you want, you can pay your respects at the temples and take a bath in 108 holy stone taps. After that, you will continue toward Jomsom, retracing the charming and lush landscape with a fresh perspective.
Day 06: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820 meters): 20 minutes
From Jomsom, you will take a morning flight. This aerial transition will help you embrace the Himalayas as they rise behind the city fortress behind you. After landing in Pokhara, the warm air, green hills and lakeside breeze will welcome your re-entry.
You can spend your afternoon resting, taking a stroll around the major highlights in the city or exploring the traditional cafes and restaurants.
Day 07: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 meters) or optional flight: 6 to 8 hours drive or 25 minutes flight
Your Upper Mustang Overland Tour ends on this day with a drive or flight back to Kathmandu. Whether you decide to roll back through the rolling hills by road or soar above them with a quick flight, the memories of Upper Mustang will still linger like fresh flowers.
By evening, you will settle down in the buzz of Nepal’s vibrant capital. Yet, somewhere deep within, you will feel the remnant of Mustang’s wild grace, which chimes like a prayer carried by the wind.
Cultural Encounters
Upper Mustang Overland Tour takes you into a world where every ancient, crumbling wall and mantra whispered tells the story of devotion, resilience and timeless tradition. This forbidden kingdom which is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, unfolds like a spiritual living museum of Himalayan architecture and culture.
As you explore the windswept plains, a long row of mani walls etched with ancient mantra lines up the trail. Chortens and prayer flags, which are marked along the route, contribute to the spirituality of the region. Monasteries like Ghar Gompa, Thubchen Gompa and Jama Gompa are the spiritual heartbeats of this land.
The culture of Mustang lives and breathes in the warmth of the Lopa people. You will find the homes of these communities painted with earth tones, adorned with yak horn and grain garlands, which define their harmony with the land.
If you time your trip with the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, you will get the chance to witness the culture of the Lopa people in the most radiant form. This three-day celebration reenacts an anxiety myth of good triumphing over evil through vibrant mask dances, ritual performance and community gathering at the heart of Lo Manthang.
Terrain and Driving Experience
The moment your wheel begins to climb higher in this Upper Mustang Overland Tour, you will enter a realm that only a few have traveled. The dramatic, high-altitude desert defies the familiar vistas of the Himalayas. Here, the landscape is stay yet mesmerizing.
You will find the jagged cliffs, wind-sculpted canyons and bone-dry plateaus stretching beneath the wide horizon and synching with the wild beauty of the Tibetan plateau. The road is not always a road in the conventional sense. It waves across the loose gravel, boulder-strewn routes and narrow cliff-hanging trails.
One of the most exhilarating moments of this overland tour of Upper Mustang is crossing the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Towered over by the massive Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, this gorge slices the landscape with staggering force. An enchanting marvel carved by ages of glacial flow and tectonic might.
Along the drive, you will also cross the rickety bridges, something fording shallow streams. And you will feel the pulse of raw natural beauty with every ascent and descent. The drive to Upper Mustang is as much about the thrill of the movement through a wild yet hauntingly beautiful world as it is about destinations.
For those who venture into this dusty and windswept route across the heart of the central Himalayas, the experience will leave you forever changed.
Accommodation and Food
Despite the remoteness of the region, comfort is never out of reach during your Upper Mustang Overland Tour. The lodges and guesthouses that dot the driving route are simple yet surprisingly welcoming. They offer travelers with comfortable bed, clean sheets and warm hospitality that lingers long after the journey ends.
In the traditional villages of Ghami, Muktinath and Lo Manthang, you will find stone and wood structures that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Rooms are basic but cozy and often are heated with traditional stoves.
The solar powered electricity provides lighting and occasional hot showers. You shouldn’t expect luxury, but you can expect a genuine sense of warmth and home. As for the meal options, they are heartening and grounding. Healthy and filled with nutritional value, they are ideal for long days on the road.
Dal Bhat, the Nepali staple dish of rice, lentils, vegetables and pickles, is served everywhere. You can also try popular local delicacies like apple pies, dried apple chips and apple brandy at the villages like Marpha.
In addition, teahouses serve Tibetan-style bread, noodles, soup, tsampa porridge, yak cheese, pancakes, thukpa, dhindo, yak meat, momo chomein, etc. At the lower trail, the influence of the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be seen in the diversity of menus at the teahouse.
But, in the higher and remote villages, the teahouses are more grounded with local delicacies. Sharing meals here is more than just for sustenance; it is a cultural exchange as well. A quiet immersion into the rhythm of the former forbidden Himalayan kingdom.
Permits and Entry Regulations
Doing the Upper Mustang Overland Tour means you are venturing into a protected world, which comes with requirements. Due to its restricted status, you will need to get an additional set of permits to explore it. For this overland journey, you will need permits like:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The most important permit for this overland tour of Upper Mustang is the RAP, which costs about US$ 500 per person for the first 10 days. After 10 days, an additional US$ 50 is charged per day. This permit helps to preserve the region’s delicate culture and limited-access heritage.
Another permit necessary for the tour, the ACAP is a more common requirement for the trek and tours within the Annapurna region. The permits required for the Upper Mustang Tour should be processed through a registered trekking/touring agency. You have to travel with a licensed guide since traveling alone is not permitted in this restricted area. It also means that traveling with an experienced guide will enhance the overall experience of your trip. They will offer language support, local insights and logistical ease so you can focus on just the adventure.
Also, don’t forget that when traveling by jeep road permits for the vehicle are also essential. These permits are usually handled by the agency but it is also important to confirm they are included in your package.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Overland
While doing the Upper Mustang Overland Tour, timing is everything, as it is a road-based adventure. Even if the Mustang lies in the trans-Himalayan rain-shadow region (meaning it is shielded from monsoon rain), the experience changes drastically with the seasons.
- Spring (March to May): This is perhaps the most ideal time for doing the Upper Mustang overland tour. The skies are clear, wildflowers are in full bloom and the daytime temperatures are pleasant. Similarly, the roads are dry and stable, the light is golden and the visibility of the landscape is at its best. If you are keen to witness the Tiji Festival, May of the spring season is your month.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another peak season for this overland tour. The post-monsoon skies turn crystal clear and the crisp air carried the scent of the harvest. During this fall season, the terrain is dry and crowds are fewer compared to spring. It is also an excellent period for photography as the landscape adapts to rich contrasts and clean light.
- Monsoon/Summer (June to August): While most part of Nepal is drenched in rain, Upper Mustang remains dry. Thanks to its rain-shadow location behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it receives very little rainfall. So, with the right planning, the Upper Mustang overland tour is still feasible. However, there are high chances of flights to Jomsom being delayed or cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
- Winter (December to February): Upper Mustang in winter turns into a landscape of silence and snow. While some Overland tours still run, the temperatures drop sharply and the roads can be blocked by snow. Likewise, the lodge may close and the overall environment is only suitable for the rugged adventurers who don’t mind the cold and are well-prepared.
Tips for a Smooth Overland Experience- Preparing for the Journey
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour isn’t your average road trip, it's a high-altitude adventure across one of the last and truly remote sections of the Himalayas. A little preparation for this trip goes a long way in ensuring a safe, comfortable and enriching experience.
What to Pack?
The trans Himalayan weather can be greatly unpredictable. Days can be warm and sunny and evenings can turn cold. Thus, proper packing is crucial for this adventure.
You need to bring:
- Layered clothing includes base layers, fleece jacket, insulated jacket and windproof outer shell
- Sunblock cream and sunglasses
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Comfortable sports shoes or trekking boots
- Reusable water bottle and purification tablets
- A face mask or a scarf for dusty roads
- Altitude medication (consult your doctor first)
- Your favorite snacks, energy bars, nuts and dried fruits for long drives
- Small first aid kit with general medicines
Altitude Awareness and Hydration
Even though you are not trekking, you will reach the maximum point of 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) at Lo Manthang. It means that altitude sickness is a concern in this Upper Mustang overland tour if proper precautionary methods are not taken.
Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness
- Ascend gradually when possible don’t climb to higher points too fast
- Stay hydrated throughout the trip (at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day)
- Avoid alcohol and smoking during ascent
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Keep yourself warm at the higher altitudes
- Learn about the general symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, etc
- Notify your guide immediately if you start showing any symptoms
Cultural Respect
The Upper Mustang region is more than a destination, it is a living embodiment and museum of Tibetan-Buddhist culture. So, there are some cultural etiquette you have to follow during the Upper Mustang Overland Tour.
- Remove your shoes before entering sacred spaces
- Ask for permission before taking photographs, especially of people and rituals
- While circling the stupas and monasteries, do it in a clockwise order
- Dress modestly for the tour, wear long sleeves and pants to show respect
- Speak softly in the monasteries
- Avoid giving handouts. If you want, you can support local schools or community initiatives
- Be careful about delicate ecosystems and leave no trace
Be Road Ready
The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is scenic but rugged. You should expect dust, bumps and narrow passes carved into the cliffs while driving to the heart of the ancient kingdom. But it's all part of the charm.
Embrace the slow pace, keep a flexible attitude and trust your drive. A good neck pillow will also make the experience more comforting. Also, space in the jeep is limited. So, instead of hard suitcases, you should bring soft duffel bags.
