Upper Mustang Overland Tour

Upper Mustang Overland Tour is a fast track trip to the ancient Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang. This ten days ultimate Jeep drive takes you through the mystical land of Mustang offering the best of the ancient traditions, cultures and the most dramatic landscape.

The Upper Mustang, often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” is a treasure trove of unique culture, ancient Tibetan Buddhist shrines, and stunning high-altitude landscapes. An overland tour to this region provides an opportunity to delve into its mysteries without the demanding trek that it’s traditionally associated with.

The Upper Mustang Overland Tour from Kathmandu is a most considerate trip offering a breif exploration of an ancient city of Lho and its capital Manthang. The city is surrounded by walls and it has its own monarch till this day. The Kingdom of Upper Mustang lies dramatically between Mount Dhaulagiri (8,156meters) and Annapurna I (8,090 meters). It is part of the Tibetan Platue, a little Tibet inside Nepal.  Situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, it has a barren, desert-like appearance.Cultural Significance: A melting pot of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures.

The Upper Mustang Overland Tour by Jeep showcases the raw beauty of the barren landscapes of the Tibetan plateau and provides a fascinating glimpse into a region steeped in ancient traditions, rituals, and a way of life unchanged for centuries.

Our journey to the Upper Mustang starts from the capital city, Kathmandu. We drive west on the scenic Prithvi Highway to reach the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. Nestled beside the tranquil Phewa Lake and guarded by the majestic Annapurna range, this city serves as a prelude to the mysteries awaiting in Upper Mustang. From Pokhara we drive to Tatopani. This segment of the journey involves a challenging yet scenic drive through winding mountain roads, and beautiful villages. Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, is known for its strong winds and remarkable views of the Nilgiri mountains.

As you drive further towards Kagbeni, you’ll witness the stark transformation of landscapes from greenery to arid deserts. Kagbeni, situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, is the gateway to Upper Mustang. Its medieval architecture and the iconic Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery are a treat for history and culture enthusiasts.

The walled city of Lo-Manthang, the capital of the old Kingdom of Lo and home to the Mustang Royal Palace. The city, with its whitewashed walls, gompas, and chortens, is the epitome of Tibetan culture. While this route marks the end of the primary Overland Tour, many travelers opt to explore the ancient caves of Chhoser or the monastic treasures of Namgyal and Tingkhar while in Lo-Manthang.

After an unforgatable Jeep drive to Upper Mustang, We can trace our route back to Sarangkot, but with a newfound appreciation for the landscapes and a deeper connection to the mystique of the Upper Mustang. This route is not just about the destination but also about the journey, the heritage, and the stories that the land whispers to its travelers.

Due to its relative isolation and limited exposure to the outside world, Upper Mustang has managed to preserve much of its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and traditions. Today, Upper Mustang stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and culture, drawing trekkers and history enthusiasts from around the world. The region offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era of Tibetan culture, almost frozen in time.

Historical Background of The Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with Tibetan culture, ancient trade routes, and its unique geopolitical location. The history of Upper Mustang traces back thousands of years, with early inhabitants likely migrating from Tibet. Archaeological sites, including the ancient cave complexes in the region, suggest that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Upper Mustang was once part of the Kingdom of Lo, an independent Tibetan kingdom. The walled city of Lo-Manthang served as the kingdom’s capital. The dynasty was founded in the 1380s by Ame Pal, a warrior and noble from western Tibet. Under his reign, many of the region’s monasteries and other cultural landmarks were established. Mustang’s location made it a key player in the trans-Himalayan salt trade. Traders from Nepal would exchange salt from the Tibetan plateau for grain from the lowlands.

Tibetan Buddhism deeply influenced Upper Mustang’s culture, with the region home to many ancient monasteries, chortens, and religious festivals. Rituals, festivals, and religious teachings remain crucial to the area’s cultural identity. For much of its history, Mustang was isolated from the outside world due to its remote location and the policies of its rulers.It was only in 1992 that the Nepalese government opened Upper Mustang to foreign tourists.

In the late 18th century, the Kingdom of Gorkha (which would later become Nepal) annexed Mustang. However, the region retained a degree of autonomy, with its own king (or raja) recognized and respected. This autonomy lasted until 2008 when Nepal became a republic, and the local monarchy was officially abolished. The last King, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, passed away in 2016. Even then, access was limited, with visitors required to obtain special permits.

Best Time to Visit Upper Mustang Overland Tour

Upper Mustang, situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, offers a different climatic experience compared to other regions of Nepal. The best times to visit this region largely revolve around its unique weather patterns and cultural events.

Monsoon Season (June to September)

While most parts of Nepal receive heavy monsoon rains, Upper Mustang remains relatively dry due to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. This makes the monsoon season an ideal time to visit, with greener landscapes and clearer paths as compared to other trekking routes in Nepal.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is another popular time for visiting Upper Mustang. The temperatures are moderately warm, and the visibility is good. Wildflowers bloom, adding color to the otherwise barren landscapes.

Tiji Festival: Usually falling in May, the Tiji Festival is a three-day annual event that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It’s a significant cultural highlight in Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. Timing your visit around this festival offers a unique cultural immersion.

Autumn (October to November)

Post-monsoon, the skies clear up, offering some of the best mountain views. Temperatures start to drop but remain comfortable for travel. It’s one of the favored times for trekkers and tourists, so you can expect more crowd during this period.

Winter (December to February)

Upper Mustang gets very cold during the winter months, with heavy snowfall often blocking paths and passes. Many locals migrate to lower altitudes, and services for tourists can be limited.

While Upper Mustang can be visited during the monsoon, spring, and autumn, the ultimate best time largely depends on individual preferences. If you seek cultural immersion, aligning your visit with the Tiji Festival is ideal. For clearer mountain views and pleasant trekking conditions, spring and autumn are preferable.

Permits for Upper Mustang Overland Tour

Traveling to Upper Mustang Overland Tour requires several permits due to its location near the Nepal-Tibet border and its designation as a restricted area.

Restricted Area Permit: Since Upper Mustang is a restricted area, you’ll need this permit to travel there. This permit has a duration that is generally for a minimum of 10 days. If you’re planning to stay more than 10 days, you’ll be charged an additional daily fee for each extra day. It’s essential to note that you must be in a group of at least two foreigners and be accompanied by a registered Nepali guide to obtain this permit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP): Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you’ll need this permit.The ACAP permit is required for conservation and maintenance purposes.

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card: While traditionally required for many treks in Nepal, those obtaining a Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang typically do not need a separate TIMS card. However, regulations can change, so it’s always wise to double-check current requirements before your trip.

The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is not merely a journey across the terrains of one of Nepal’s most enigmatic regions but a deep dive into an ancient world that time almost forgot. Nestled in the rain shadow of the imposing Himalayas, Upper Mustang offers a stark contrast to the lush greenery commonly associated with Nepal. With its martian landscapes, labyrinthine monasteries, the walled city of Lo-Manthang, and a culture deeply rooted in Tibetan traditions, the region is an anthropologist’s dream and an adventurer’s paradise.

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