Upper Mustang, lying in the Northern area of Mustang District is one of the most accepted travel destinations for the people from worldwide who would want to explore the ancient Monastery, diversified societies, more than thousand years of hundreds ruined cave and Himalayan Mountain desert with local ribs sphere of influence with Tibetan culture. Mustang, formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo is the rain shadowed area of Nepal. Mustangi Raja (state king of the Mustang) only one state king of Nepal, vestige on the river bank is one more charisma in the trek. Mustang region was also known as the ‘Forbidden Kingdom’ where the trekking started from 1992 only. The capital of Mustang Region is Lo Manthang. Mustang region is famous for its landscape and nature and is popular amongst the travelers as Upper Mustang is also called mini-Tibet of Nepal. We can explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture along with the thousands of years ancient monasteries, cave dwelling high up on the cliffs, traditional villages of Mustang’s people and the walled city of Lo Manthang with beautiful architecture and palace of King. Upper Mustang is enriching for Trans Himalayan climate and Lower Mustang is enrich in natural beauty, different culture and amazing landscapes.
Upper Mustang tour of Nepal is a 12 days Buddhist tour where travellers can explore the beauty of Mustang region as well as the Tibetan Buddhism culture. The tour begins from Kathmandu to Pokhara (city of mountains) with a flight of 25 minutes. After spending night in beautiful city of Nepal, Pokhara we fly to Jomsom in the early morning. It takes around 25 minutes to reach Jomsom via flight. It is one of the adventurous flights and if weather is clear then we can see beautiful range of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri during this flight. After reaching Jomsom, we explore around and drive to the Dhumba Lake of Jomsom. Then after we drive to Muktinath (holy sacred temple of Hindu) and pray there and visit Jharkot and return to Kagbeni. Jharkot is beautiful village with the ancient houses and monasteries. The next day we drive towards Geling via Chele. We visit the monastery and amazed by the landscape of Upper Mustang during the tour. The other day we drive to Lo Manthag from Geling. On the way we will explore around in Ghami village, Charang village and then Lo Manthang. Next day will be the day of exploration around Lo Manthang (Chhoser cave, wall city and so on). After exploring in Lo Manthang we will drive back through the same way to Ghami village and Jomsom and then return by flight to Pokhara & Kathmandu.
Upper Mustang tour is very admired destination by the travellers from worldwide and it is the great chance to explore the Buddhist culture in Nepal. The tour is suitable for all age group and also for the one who do not want to trek. There is full facility of road throughout the Mustang tour. On the way to Kagbeni, road from Tatopani to Ghasa village is quite challenging other than that rest of the road is fine Himalayan Road. In case the travelers want to trek in Mustang region of Nepal, they can check out the site
here.
HISTORY OF MUSTANG
Mustang Region was an ancient last forbidden kingdom bordered by Tibetan Plateau and surrounded by the world’s tallest Himalayas: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Trekking and travelling in Upper Mustang was restricted until 1992 because of its relative isolation from the other world. The Mustang region was independent Kingdom whose language and culture is influenced from Tibetan culture. Lo Manthang is a Tibetan word, where “Lo” means local people - Tibetans, “man” means heart and “thang” means land. The local people of Lo Manthang are called Lopa people who used to live in mud-brick homes like: Tibetan homes which are whitewashed outside and decorated inside. The first King of Mustang, King Amae Pal was from Tibetan who came to Mustang and built his dynasty in around 15th century. The walls of Lo Manthang were built in 1380 AD by the first king where the walled city stands for the cultural heritage and prosperity of Lo Manthang. The key attractions of Mustang region are the Thupcchen monastery, Chhoden monastery, Thupcheen monastery and Jhyampal monastery built in 15th century.
PERMITS REQUIRED FOR UPPER MUSTANG
Upper Mustang is restricted area of Nepal where travelers can travel or trek in Mustang Region (from Kagbeni - Kagbeni) after they issue Special Restricted Area Permit as directed by Government of Nepal (GON) issued by Department of Immigration. Also, it is not possible to issue the permit for solo travelers, there shall be at least 2 people to issue the restricted area permit. It costs USD 500 per person per 10 days to issue the Special Restricted Area Permit. It takes a whole working day to issue this special permit and passport must be presented while making this permit in Immigration. With that travelers also need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) which costs NPR. 3,000 (USD 30) per person. The travelers cannot enter the restricted Area of Mustang without the permit as well as trekking guide given licensed by GON. For this, travelers must go through the travel company registered in Nepal to conduct trekking and travels in Nepal.
Note: At least 2 person are required to issue Special Restricted Area Permit.
BEST SEASON FOR UPPER MUSTANG TOUR
Upper Mustang – the Buddhist Kingdom Mustang, Nepal is the best destination in the whole world which is enrich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and history. The Mustang region lying in the rain shadowed of the Himalayan region is the mysterious home of desert beauty and cliff-faced landscapes. Upper Mustang is suitable for trekking and tour the whole season (12 months).
Spring season (March – April), the weather is perfect to travel Upper Mustang in spring. The weather is mild as well as we can see beautiful habitants during Spring. The temperature varies from 13 degree to 22 degree Celsius in Spring during day and might drop down to minus in nigh time.
Summer Season (May – June), the weather is hot during summer season and it is possible to travel in summer season as well. Normally, there are chances of rain in month of June, as Mustang is rain shaded area there is high chances of no rain which makes it feasible to travel in summer. Likewise in Spring, temperature varies from 13 degree to 22 degree Celsius in Spring during day and might drop down to minus in nigh time. May is the best season to travel in Mustang region as the famous celebrated festive of Mustang people, “Tiji” falls in May season. Anyone who wants to celebrate as well as observe the Tiji festival can visit Mustang in month of May. It is suggested to book the trip earlier to get the rooms in lodges and hotels of Mustang.
Monsoon season (July – August), we can observe rain in the different regions of Nepal, however there is less chance of rain in Mustang Region. However, there might be less chance of flight from Jomsom – Pokhara – Jomsom during rainy season. But it will be possible to travel through jeep from Pokhara and throughout the trek in monsoon season as well. The temperature can range from 20 to 20 degree Celsius during day and 0 to -3 degree Celsius at the night time.
Autumn Season (September – November), this season is perfect for travelling in Nepal. We can also see many travellers in Mustang region during autumn season. Autumn being the peak season, the weather will be perfect also we can see beautiful views of mountains during Autumn season. However, there may be crowd of foreign as well as domestic tourists in Autumn. The temperature can range from 11 to 20 degree Celsius during day and -2 to -7 degree Celsius at the night time.
Winter Season (November – December), this season is cold and we can see snow while we are travelling. Also, there are chances of no flight from (Jomsom – Pokhara – Jomsom) in winter. But it is always possible to travel via road in winter. The only problem could be cold otherwise it is possible to trek and tour in winter season as well. The temperature can range around 0 degree Celsius during day and -20 to -25 degree Celsius at the night time.
UPPER MUSTANG TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Chance to visit one of the hidden treasure of Nepal, Upper Mustang
- Chance to explore around the city of mountains and lakes, Pokhara city
- Chance to visit mini-Tibet of Nepal, Mustang Region
- Dhumba lake and Headquarter of Mustang, Jomsom
- Beautiful and ancient village of Kagbeni along with the ancient red monastery
- Chance to visit the holy and sacred temple of Hindu, Muktinath
- Chance to take bath in 108 taps of Muktinath where it is belived that person will be relieved form the bad deeds and get salvation (Mukti) after dipping in the pond of Muktinath
- The deepest Gorge of the world, Kaligandaki River Gorge
- The 4000 years old ancient monastery of Charang village
- Explore the mysterious landscapes of Upper Mustang
- Visit the Kingdom of Lo and city of walls, Lomanthang
- Chhoser cave of Chhoser, Lomanthang
- Luri Monastery filled with the artifacts, chortens and Buddhist Frescos
NOTE: Inquire us for the booking or customized booking of Nepal Buddhist tour and get the chance to explore the Buddhist culture along with the scenic tour to Nepal.
Detail Itinerary for Upper Mustang Tour - (Fly In Fly Out)
Day 01: Kathmandu (1350 m)
Arrival
at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel.
(At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal
stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich
cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the traveler to medieval times on
their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that
represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu
After breakfast we will get visit the different
places which are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath today. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Kathmandu
Durbar Square: (World Heritage Site): Kathmandu
Durbar square is one of the popular place which is liked by many visitors due
to its exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment. It consists of Huge
Royal Palace with different temples dating back from the 15th to the
18th century. The house of the living goddess, the ferocious Kal
Bhairav, the red monkey god, the Hanumandhokha palace, the Ashok Binayak
temple, Kasthamandap, the Temple Taleju and hundreds of erotic carvings are
some few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and
architecture in this area are exceptionally fine.
Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhunath is one
of the most glorious Buddhist stupa. It is said to be 2000 years old.
Swoyambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in
Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and its
worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks and Brahman Priests to
lay Buddhist and Hindus. Swoyambhunath provides an excellent view of the
Kathmandu valley.
Bouddhanth:
Boudhhanath stupa is one of the
largest Buddhist stupa in the world. The Stupa 100 meters in diameter, was
built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels by the Lichchivi King Mana
Deva in the 15th century. The pinnacle of this stupa represent the
stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana.
There are many myths about the origins of the Stupa. Early morning and evening
are the times to visit Bouddha to join the local residents in Kora. There is an
enclosure with several monasteries of the different schools of Tibetan
Buddhism.
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred temples in
Nepal. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed pagoda of brass and
gilt gold; the gateway is plated with silver. There are linga images of Shiva along
with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the temple
complex. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South
Asia offering worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Entrance to the temple
precinct is permitted to the Hindus only. However, visitors can clearly see the
temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the vantage
point across the bank of the Bagmati River.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (820m)
After breakfast transfer
to airport. Early morning fly to Pokhara by flight in 25 minutes. We can
visit some famous places and landmarks such as (Gupteshore cave,
David fall, Seti gorge, Pokhara International Mountaineering Museum,
Bindubasini Temple and Tibeten Refuse Camp). Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Pokhara – Jomsom (2710 m) – Muktinath (3800 m) - Kagbeni (2800m)
After breakfast we take
20 minutes flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom we will drive for about 2/3 hours to
reach Muktinath. In Muktinath there are 108 taps where it is believed to purify
the soul of human beings. This is one of the most important pilgrimage
sights for Hindus, it is also home for many ethnics Tibetans and holy
Buddhists. On returning back, on 15 minutes visit we reach Jharkot Gompa. We
can explore the ancient Buddhist monastery and old houses of people living
there. Then after in about 1 hour ride we reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is famous amongst
Hindu pilgrims. In the evening we will
visit Kagchode Thubten Sampheling Gompa which lies there since 1429 and enjoy
beautiful landscapes of Kagbeni village. Stay overnight at hotel / lodge.
Day 05: Kagbeni – Chele (3050m) - Geling (3570m)
After breakfast we head
towards Geling (20 km) which takes about 3/4 hours drive. On the way to Geling
we will pass through Tangbe village (3060 m) and then Chusang (2980 m). By
passing the Kali Gandaki River we will reach Chele (3050 m). We will stop at
Chele village and visit the monastery there. We will be mesmerized by the view
of Kali Gandaki Gorge on the way. Then we will head towards Geling. In the
evening we will visist the Geling Monastery. Stay overnight at hotel
/ lodge.
Day 06: Geling – Ghami (3520 m) - Charang (3560 m) - Lo Manthang (3810 m)
After breakfast we head
towards Lo Manthang (23 km) which takes about 3/4 hours’ drive. On the way
there we can see the wonderful treeless barren landscapes and the view of
mountains. At first, we will visit Ghami village and explore the monastery
around there. Then we head towards Charang village. There we can visit the
settlement of people and Buddhist school and monastery which is there since
last 2000 years. We will have lunch in Charang and head towards Lo Manthang
which takes about 1 hour drive. Lo Manthang is popular for the tall whitewashed
mud-brick walls, Royal palace and Gompas built 600 years ago. In evening, we
will explore the Buddhist art school, King Palace, and Lo Manthang village. Stay overnight at
hotel / lodge.
Day 07: Lo - Manthang (Exploration day)
This
day we will visit the nearby places of Lo Manthang and enjoy our stay there. We
will drive towards Chhoser where we will visit Sija Jhong Gompa (Chhoser Cave),
Lo Garphu Gompa, Lo Niphu Gompa and Chempa Koncholing Cave. Also we will also
visit nearby Chhoser: Garphu, Namgyal and Thinggar Gompa. After the visit we
drive back to Lo Manthang. Stay overnight at hotel / lodge.
Day 08: Lo - Manthang - Ghami (3520 m)
After
breakfast we drive by passing the Buddhist settlement of
Dhigaun (3420m), Surkhang village, Yara and Ghara village. If we get time, we
will explore the Luri Cave Monastery also known as “Luri
Ghang Gompa” situated inside the cave with numerous delicate
frescoes. It is situated at an altitude of 4005 m. The cave
is surrounded by an outstanding landscape. The network of caves has made it
unique and is one of the most important place of worship in the kingdom. The
monastery representing the Dhukpa Kagyu sect of the Tibetan Buddhism date
back to 14th /15th century. And is enshrouded
with much of Mustang’s tantalizing mysteries.
And
we will return back to Ghami which takes about 3/ 4 hours. Stay overnight at hotel
/ lodge.
Day 09: Ghami – Jomsom
This day we will drive
for 4/5 hours through the sideways of the Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom. We
can see the beautiful view of mountain from Jomsom. Stay overnight at hotel
/ lodge.
Day 10: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Early morning after
breakfast we fly Jomsom Kathmandu via Pokhara and transfer to hotel. After
arrival in Kathmandu you will have a free day for shopping and other
activities. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Kathmandu
After
breakfast we will visit the UNESCO listed world Heritage Sites like: Patan
Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan.
Patan Durbar Square: (World Heritage Site) Patan Durbar Square boasts
of many famous sites and unique architectures. The major attractions of Patan
Durbar Square are the stone temple of Lord Krishna, the Royal Bath with many
carvings on stone, Viswanath temple and temple of Bhimsen with a magnificent
golden balcony overlooking the square. Many more temple dedicated to Ganesh,
the elephant-headed god, Shiva, Narsingh, Taleju and other are situated in the
Patan Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur
Durbar Square is one of the most charming Architectural showpieces of the
valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The Square contains innumerable
temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of
King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the palaces of 55
windows, the Batsala temple and the bell of barking dog etc.
Changunarayan: The temple of Changunarayan is richly decorated with
sculptures and carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in the
valley. The temple, built around the 3rd century, is decorated by
some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal craft in the valley. The
courtyard has many other temples such as that of Kiloswar Shiva, Chhinnmasta
Devi and other figures like Garuda, Vishnu and other deities.
Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu
Enjoy your last day on Kathmandu before
departure. At your mentioned departure time our correspondent will pick you up
from hotel and transfer to airport and depart you with warm hearts.
