Embark on an unforgettable journey to Upper Mustang, the hidden “Last Forbidden Kingdom” of Nepal with First Camp Trek. This off-the-beaten-path adventure takes you through stunning desert-like landscapes, ancient Tibetan monasteries, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Nestled in the rain-shadow of the Himalayas, Upper Mustang offers breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, along with a rich Buddhist heritage untouched by modernity. Whether you’re drawn by its mystical caves, unique culture, or the famous Tiji Festival, this tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your adventure today at First Camp Trek!
Trip Facts
Duration
11 Days
Max. Altitude:
4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
Group size
2-30
Best Time for Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Activity
Tours
Meals
B&B , B/L/D
DIFFICULTY
Beginner
LOCATION
Upper Mustang, Nepal
Trip Starts
Kathmandu
Trip Ends
Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- Lakeside Pokhara: Vibrant town with nightlife, music, and scenic walks
- Rupse Waterfalls (310m): A stunning natural waterfall en route
- Marpha Village: Famous for apple orchards and traditional culture
- Dhumba Lake: A serene alpine lake near Jomsom
- Muktinath Temple: Sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus & Buddhists (108 water sprouts & holy ponds)
- Kagbeni: Ancient town and gateway to Upper Mustang
- Ghami Monastery & Royal Family Connection
- Luri Gompa: Ancient cave monastery with mysterious tunnels
- Lomanthang: Former capital of Mustang with royal palace & ancient monasteries
- Shija Jhong Cave (Choser): A five-story cave with 40 rooms
- Lo Gekar Monastery (Ghar Gompa): One of the oldest monasteries (8th century)
- Chungsi Cave: Guru Rinpoche’s meditation site
- Tatopani: Natural hot springs for relaxation
- Pokhara Sightseeing: Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Stupa, Mountaineering Museum
Overview
Upper Mustang Tour – Explore Nepal’s Hidden Kingdom
Upper Mustang is a remote and restricted region of Nepal, often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” This unique destination lies beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, offering a rare blend of Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and centuries-old monasteries. With its dramatic desert-like terrain, colorful rock formations, and deep canyons, Upper Mustang provides an experience unlike any other in Nepal. The journey takes you to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom, where ancient traditions and Buddhist heritage remain well preserved.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, history, and culture. Along the way, you will pass through traditional Tibetan villages, visit historic caves, and explore centuries-old monasteries adorned with Buddhist murals. The region is known for its unique architecture, with whitewashed houses, chortens, and prayer flags lining the trails. One of the highlights of the tour is the Tiji Festival, a vibrant annual celebration featuring masked dances and rituals that symbolize the victory of good over evil.
The trek begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, followed by a trek through Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. As you progress, you will visit various settlements, including Samar, Ghami, and Tsarang, before reaching Lo Manthang. The return journey follows a different route, allowing you to explore more of this unique landscape before flying back from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Upper Mustang is located in a rain-shadow area, making it one of the few trekking destinations in Nepal that can be visited even during the monsoon season. The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is clear and the views are at their best.
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey with First Camp Trek and explore the hidden wonders of Upper Mustang. Contact us today for more details and a customized itinerary. Find out more about the Jomsom Muktinath Cultural Tour HERE.
Upper Mustang Tour Itinerary:
Altitude Gain
1,400 meters
Accommodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- After breakfast, embark on the road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara via the winding Prithvi Highway.
- Along the way, stop for snacks and lunch, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Trishuli River valley.
- Arrive in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel, and check-in.
- Note: Stay in the Lakeside area, a lively town with beautiful footpaths, rock and roll music, Nepali dance, and more.
Altitude Gain
2,680 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Marpha
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Enjoy breakfast, then begin the jeep journey towards Marpha, passing through picturesque villages and mesmerizing landscapes.
- First, drive to Beni and then follow the Kali Gandaki River, with a stop at Rupse Waterfalls (310 meters) for a photo opportunity.
- Continue through Ghasa, entering the Mustang border area, where you will check-in for permits.
- On the way, pass through the villages of Lete, Kobang, Tukuche, and reach Marpha, a village famous for its apple orchards.
- Overnight stay in Marpha.
Altitude Gain
3,710 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Kagbeni
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Spend the morning exploring Marpha’s charming town and surroundings, dominated by apple orchards, traditional houses, and monasteries.
- Drive to Jomsom, the district center of Mustang, with its banks, ATMs, bakeries, and hotels.
- Proceed to Dhumba Lake near Mt. Nilgiri for some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Visit Kagbeni, an ancient town at the junction of two rivers, and explore Muktinath, a sacred spiritual center for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Overnight stay in Kagbeni.
Altitude Gain
3,520 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Ghami
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Enjoy a morning walk in Kagbeni before starting your drive to the beautiful settlement of Ghami.
- Visit the Ghami Monastery and explore this ancient town, which once hosted the Royal family.
- Overnight at Ghami.
Altitude Gain
3,850 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Lomanthang
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- After breakfast, drive towards Tsarang and then visit the Luri Gompa, a monastery at the top of a hill with stunning cave frescoes.
- Continue to Tsarang and explore the town’s impressive monasteries.
- Drive towards Lomanthang, once a kingdom, and explore the rich history of the region.
- Overnight at Lomanthang.
Altitude Gain
3,850 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Lomanthang
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Visit the Sky Cave at Choser, a five-storied cave with 40 rooms.
- Explore Lomanthang Palace, the ancient royal residence, and visit three impressive monasteries: Chode Gompa, Jampa Monastery, and Thupchen Gompa.
- Overnight at Lomanthang.
Altitude Gain
3,850 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Chaile
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drive towards Lo Gekar Monastery, the oldest monastery in the world, followed by a visit to the Chungsi Cave, linked to Guru Rinpoche’s meditation.
- Overnight at Chaile.
Altitude Gain
1,190 meters
Accommodation
Lodge in Tatopani
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drive downhill through Chhusang, Jomsom, Marpha, and Lete, arriving at Tatopani (hot springs).
- Overnight at Tatopani.
Altitude Gain
827 meters
Accommodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meal
Bed and Breakfast
- Continue your journey back to Pokhara, enjoying views of Mt. Dhaulagiri along the way.
- Explore the local market in Lakeside in the evening.
- Overnight at Pokhara.
Accommodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Visit some of Pokhara’s major attractions, including David Falls, Gupteshor Cave, International Mountaineering Museum, Peace Stupa, and Phewa Lake.
- Optional activities: Bungy jumping, paragliding, or a hot air balloon ride.
- Enjoy a cultural dinner at Lakeside.
- Overnight at Pokhara.
Accommodation
Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu.
- Optionally, visit the Siddha Cave along the way.
- Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel for the final night.
- Overnight at Kathmandu.
Package Includes
- 4WD Jeep transportation for the trip from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
- Three meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the Mustang tour, bed and breakfast in Pokhara.
- Lodge-based accommodation in the mountains (clean room with attached bathroom), but do not seek luxury.
- Upper Mustang Special Permit ($500 per person).
- Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit.
- English-speaking guide, including salary, food, insurance, and accommodation.
- Required paperwork.
Package Excludes
- Personal expenses and travel insurance.
- Chocolates and energy bars.
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara.
- Mineral water (provided in the jeep for free, but chargeable if taken in hotels/restaurants).
- Any alcoholic drinks and energy drinks.
- Tips for the team.
- Extra Activities not included in the itinerary.
FAQ
Upper Mustang is a restricted region in Nepal known for its Tibetan-influenced culture, unique landscapes, and the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. It offers a rare glimpse into an untouched Himalayan kingdom with dramatic desert-like terrain and centuries-old monasteries.
Yes, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required, which costs $500 per person for 10 days. Additionally, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required. Our tour package includes the cost of both.
The best time to visit is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The monsoon season (June–August) is also suitable since Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
The journey starts with a 4WD Jeep ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a jeep ride to Lo Manthang through Jomsom and Kagbeni. Flights are also an option from Pokhara to Jomsom.
No, the tour is moderately easy as most of the travel is done by jeep. However, the altitude (up to 3,840m in Lo Manthang) can be challenging for some travelers.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended, especially one that covers high-altitude travel and emergency evacuations.
Tips are highly appreciated. A small tip for your guide and driver is a good way to show gratitude.
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