How to Reach Upper Mustang Nepal

Tiji Festival Trek

There are many ways you have to get to Mustang which is geographically divided as Upper Mustang and the Lower Mustang. Whichever medium of travel you choose, all you get is the magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes and lifestyles of the locals.

The Mustang region of Nepal was once an isolated and independent Tibetan kingdom. Now a part of Nepal, it still holds a rugged and mystical reputation. Foreigners had the access of Mustang only since 1992. Ever since it is one of the famous trekking destinations in Nepal.

These different parts of Mustang offer different attractions for the visitor in terms of accessibility and landscape etc.

Lower Mustang is famous among Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Thousand of devotees from Nepal and India visit the Muktinath shrine which lies in this region.

While Upper Mustang is famous among foreigners for trekking into the forbidden kingdom of Lo. The popular way to get to the Upper Mustang is from Pokhara. From there, either you can book a 20-minute flight or take the road to reach Jomsom.

Then 2-3 hours of walk from Jomsom will take you to Kagbeni, where you show the permits. Then you will walk through beautiful villages like Chele, Zhaite, Ghaymi, and Charang until you reach Lo Manthang, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lo.

Lo Manthang is the major attraction of the trek and lies at the height of 3840 m, which is the highest point you take during the tour. You can further explore the place by visiting other villages like Yara, Tangge, Chuksang.

Besides, you trek to Muktinath at an altitude of 3,800 meters, where you get a tour of the sacred Muktinath temple. Again, from Muktinath, you walk to Jomsom to catch a flight to Pokhara. Finally, the Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary ends in Pokhara.

It takes around 2 to 3 weeks to travel to Upper Mustang. However, you can always customize the itinerary according to the number of days of your vacation.

There are two ways of getting to Upper Mustang.

Trek to Lo Manthang

Trekking to Lo Manthang or getting by foot is an adventurous tour most popular among avid trekkers. It is the best way to experience the landscape, Tibetan Buddist communities, cultures, and traditions. You can customize any given itinerary according to your liking, budget, and time in your hands.

However, a standard itinerary suggests that it takes around five days to trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang. The route passes by the village of Kagbeni, which is 4 hours away from Jomsom. From there, passing by the Kali Gandaki River basin, the trail reaches Chele and Syangbochen. Passing by the caves and the huge rock formations, the trail reaches Tsarang, then Lo Manthang at the elevation of 3,730m/12,235ft.

By Road to Upper Mustang

Getting to Lo Manthang by road is also another popular option as the road conditions have become pleasant in recent days. It is easier, quicker, and lets you experience the natural beauty of the Tibetan plateaus at the vehicle’s comfort. A private 6 to 7 seaters jeep is popular for the road to Upper Mustang.

The fascinating Upper Mustang Jeep Tour ultimately takes you to Lo Manthang. You will have enough time to explore the diverse culture and topography of Upper Mustang  by jeep safari. The decent is made through the same route.

The trip can be spread out to 2 or 3 days to reach Lo Manthang while taking pictures and making stops along the way. For a two-day trip, you can make a stopover at Ghami, which is about 5 to 6 hours away from Jomsom. You need to consider the rise in altitude and avoid potential altitude sickness as you reach Lo Manthang in a short duration, unlike the longer trek.

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