from $85500

Overland Upper Mustang

Trip Rating

Review

Days/ Duration

07 nights 08 days

Tour Style

Jeep Tours

Group Size

12 To 16 people

Season

Mar - May / Aug - Dec

Location

Nepal

Meeting Point

Pokhara

Skill Level

Physically & Mentally Fit

Accommodation

Hotels / Guesthouse

Weather

Moderate weather

Starting From Heart

$85500

Overview

Mustang is one of the most remote area on earth, hidden by the mighty Himalayas and the formidable Tibetan plateau it was unexplored by the outside world for a long time and only opened for tourism in the form of trekking in 1985.  till very recently a long trek through the high mountains was the only way to reach till here. Now new roads are being build and the area is gradually opening up with development of infrastructure.

Travel with us on a 4×4 adventure to experience the land beyond the Himalayas and discover its untouched century old socio- cultural practices, historically rich archeological sites and magnificent landscapes throughout the rain shadow region in the Overland tour to the pristine land of Mustang the
FORBIDDEN KINGDON

The Tour starts in Pokhara and covers –  Pokhara – Kalopani – Muktinath – Chhusang – Lo Mathang – Kagbeni – Tatopani – Pokhara

Highlight

•750 Kms drive from Pokhara to Pokhara
•Drive through the beautiful landscape of Nepal to Lo Manthan.
•Experience mini Tibet in Nepal.
•Visit the picturesque areas including magnificent barren landscapes ancient
caves, century old monasteries and many other archaeological sites.
•Experience the Himalaya views from its backyard.
•Visit the Hot water spring in Tatopani
•Visit Muktinath important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist.
•Journey through the Kaligandaki George, the world deepest.
•Take a tour in the beautiful city of Pokhara.

Altitude of place of stay

  • Pokhara – 882 Meters
  • Kalapani – 3600 Meters
  • Muktinath – 3800 Meters
  • Lo-Mangthang – 3840 Meters
  • Jomsom – 2743 Meters

Itinerary


Day 1 | Reach Pokhara
Arrival in Pokhara, day free for local leisure. In the evening catch up with the Team for trip briefings and question and answer session.
Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 | Pokhara to Kalopani (2480 m) (127 Km) 5Hrs.
After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and drive towards Beni (70 KM) on the Baglung Highway. This section of the drive provides fantastic mountain vistas, picturesque terraced farmlands and an opportunity to walk on one of Nepal’s famous suspension bridges. At Mal Dhunga, leave the main highway by taking the right trail and follow a dusty graveled path all the way to Beni, it is located on the confluence of Kali Ghandaki and Myagdi rivers at an altitude of 799 M. From here, the road is unpaved and dusty with potholes in several places. Unpaved, gravelled rough road poses a real challenge for drives and makes it more difficult with the occasional river crossings. Ascend gradually through the Kali Gandiki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. There is a continuous change in the topography with every twist and turn until at Tatopani and on to the villages to Dana, Ghasa, Tukuche and Kalopani
Overnight at Kalopani

Day 3 | Kalopani to Muktinath (3,750 m) (51 Km) 3Hrs
After an early breakfast, set out on the trail by following the Kali Gandaki River. Enroute, there are fantastic views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche (6920m), and Nilgiri (7061m). As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Mountain range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert. It takes gradual acclimatizing with the Surrounding. Continue the ride towards Jomsom through the dusty gravelled “off” road passing smaller settlements and apple orchards. This day’s journey is a tough one but the scenic views of the rugged landscape, beautiful cascading waterfalls, orange and apple orchards, scattered roadside villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries. From here continue ride passing through the village on the desert plateau brings us to Muktinath “Place of Salvation”. Upon arrival at Muktinath we check in to the guest house. In evening visit Muktinath Temple. A sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists and is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La (5416 m Pass).
Overnight at Muktinath

Day 4 | Muktinath to Lo-Manthang (3,840 m) (98 Km) 5Hrs.
After breakfast, drive all the way till the outskirts of Kagbeni and then turn northeast and ride to Chhuksang Village, the entry point of the restricted Upper Mustang region. Restricted area permits are checked here at the Police Check post. After completing the permits work, we continue our ride to Geling. As we pass Kagbeni village we will be riding on the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Kali Meals (Black) and the water of the river are black in colour. In Chele we will be able to see the river tunnels. Upon arrival at Samar, we rest for a while and take lunch. After lunch continue our drive to Lo Manthang. Lo-Manthang served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, which survives as the Kingdom of Lo or “Upper Mustang”. Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, who oversaw construction of the city wall and many of the still standing structures in the early 15th century. The monarchy officially ceased to exist on October 7, 2008 by Nepali Government order. The last king (raja or gyelpo) is Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (born c. 1933), in the direct line of the historic monarchy dating back 25 generations to 1380. The population includes ethnic Lhobas. Upon arrival at Lo-Manthang we check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

Day 5 | Drive around Lo-Manthang.
After a leisurely breakfast, we get ready for the days adventure. Today we are going to visit one of the most interesting sites of the pre human settlement in this unexplored valley and famously known Caves of Chhoser and magnificent landscape and Nymphu monastery built on the cliffs. On our way back we can also visit the Namgyal village and monastery. As you approach the Chhoser village, you could see numerous caves in the front of the cliff that once use to be the home of the pre historic Loba’s and the monks. After the sightseeing tour, we back to the city of Lo, for hot lunch. Rest of the day at leisure or free to explore the walled village.

Notes – The major Temples inside the walls are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. statue of Maitreva, the future Buddha, the red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara and Maitreya, and the Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya sect which has several monks in residence and is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu festival in many which is referred as ‘tegi’ in Lomanthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy.

Day 6 | Lo-Manthang to Jomsom (2,743 m) (92 Km) 5 Hrs
After breakfast we ride back track to Kagbeni following the same trail. We have Lunch at convent place on the way. Kagbeni at an altitude of 2840 meters is a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. Though the village has a very medieval looks but has all the modern amenities that travellers require. This village also boasts of a Monastery. The monks here are of the yellow hat or the Gelup Sect and are only recently opened to the visitors with a legitimate entrance fee of Rs 100, which they collect for the maintenance of school. From the Kagbeni village continue ride to Jomsom. Jomsom is approximately 11 kilometres from Kagbeni. Upon arrival at Jomsom we check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the Jomsom Bazar.

Upon arrival at Marpha we check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around Kagbeni Village.

Day 07 | Jomsom to Pokhara via Tatopani. (161 Km) 6Hrs
Early breakfast and continue drive further 55 kilometres, about 2 hours to Tatopani via Kalopani and Marpha Village. It is a pleasant relief to be able to tackle the roughest section of the journey in the early morning. Descend to Tatopani, There is a continuous change in the topography with every twist and turn until at Tatopani. “Tato” means ‘hot’ and “Pani” means ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs and is a popular place for traveller to relax and dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs. Upon arrival at Tatopani take a relaxing dip in the Hot Springs located nearby. ( Charges applicable** – collected by locals) After lunch continue ride for another 3 hours’ drive to Pokhara back to the settlement of Jaleswor located close to the river and then continue on to beni. After a quick stop for a quick, set out following the trail along the river and the after about an hour meet the main highway at Maldhunga and then continue of the metalled road to Pokhara which is reached in about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at Pokhara we check in to the hotel.

Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the Lakeside Bazaar.

Day 08 | End of Trip
Leave from Pokhara to Bhairawa/Sunauli border via Tansen and see off the group at the Sunauli border.

Thing to do extra


– Authentic Local Food

–  Wild Life Safari

–  Historical Temple Visit

–  Paragliding

–  Boating and Rafting

– Hiking in the mountains

– Meditation and yoga

– Visit local market

– Photography

– Off-road Trail Drive

Food and Meal


Meals Included in the Tour – Breakfast & Dinner

Breakfast – Our daily breakfast will be at the hotels where we stay.

Lunch – Lunch is not included in the tour package and will be on direct payment basis. For lunches we will stop at the best available food joints that are on our route.

Dinner – Our daily dinner will be at the hotels where we stay. Dinner in Pokhara is not included in the package as there are lots of good local restaurants in Pokhara where you can go out and enjoy a meal.

Type of Stay – Standard Tour 

Day 1 : Pokhara | Kugti Resort / Similar
Day 2 : Kalopani | Guesthouse
Day 3 : Muktinath | Guesthouse
Day 4 : Lo-Mangthang | Guesthouse
Day 5 : Lo-Mangthang | Guesthouse
Day 6 : Jomsom | Guesthouse
Day 7 : Pokhara | Kugti Resort / Similar

Type of Stay – Deluxe Tour 


Day 1 : Pokhara | Hotel Brahi / Hotel Landmark
Day 2 : Kalopani | Lodge / Guesthouse
Day 3 : Muktinath | Guesthouse
Day 4 : Lo-Mangthang | Hotel
Day 5 : Lo-Mangthang | Hotel
Day 6 : Jomsom | Guesthouse
Day 7 : Pokhara | Hotel Brahi / Hotel Landmark

Getting there


STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR

The Tour starts and ends in Pokhara in Nepal.

If you are not travelling in your own SUV. To reach Pokhara ( PKR ) you can take a flight from Kathmandu ( KTM ) , or take a cab from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Mustang is an High altitude area.

Good Physical fitness is required for this tour,

please see your physician before planning for the trip as.

Including the package cost

1. 07 Nights accommodation in Hotels / Guesthouses on twin / double share basis of rooms, or as per plan.
2. Breakfast & Dinner for duration of tour ( Except Dinner in Pokhara )
3. All entry fees as per itinerary.
4. All government and local taxes.
5. Accompanying team with backup vehicle from Pokhara to Pokhara  ( additional lead vehicle for large groups )
6. First Air with Medical backup with oxygen (O2) & AMS pack.
7. Accompanying Professional & Experienced Guide throughout the tour.
8. Guidance to best places for Meals at Pay N Eat ( if any).
9. Vehicle assistance / towing where ever required.
10. Accompanying Nepal Govt authorized Sherpa Guide including the cost for his meals, accommodations and daily allowances.

Not including the cost


  1. Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you )
  2. Flights to the destination.
  3. Lunches for duration of the trip.
  4. Dinner not at Pokhara 
  5. Extra food Like Starters /Lunch /Dinner all over Pay & Eat ( if Any outside the venue)
  6. Midway snacks.
  7. Extra luggage Jeep ( If any )
  8. Any damage/fine/ cost.
  9. Any damages /fine/ Insurance
  10. Toll Tax if any.
  11. Fuel for your vehicles.
  12. Custom duty for Vehicles entering Nepal from India.
  13. Nepal VISA for foreigners ( Indians do not need a VISA but must carry a valid identity proof in original with them )
  14. Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
  15. Extra guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
  16. Any activity apart from mentioned ones.
  17. Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
  18. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
  19. Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  20. Insurance for or against accidents, loss of life, theft etc.
  21. Special Permit to visit Upper Mustang fee of US $ 500.00 per person.(Subject to change without prior notice)
  22. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee of approx. US $ 30.00 per person.(Subject to change without prior notice)
  23. Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) fee of US $ 10.00 per person.(Subject to change without prior notice)

Costing

DELUXE TOUR – Stay in Hotels
COSTING PER PERSON
Applicable Cost with Own SUV Rs 85500 Per Pax on twin / Double share basis of room
Single Room Supplement Rs 44000 per Single Room
Seat In SUV Basis ( Team SUV ) Rs 115500 Per Pax on twin / Double share basis of room
Seat In Local 4×4 SUV in Nepal – Toyota / Mistibushi  / Nissan Rs 125500 Per Pax on twin / Double share basis of room
 
Note – Permits cost of USD 560 is not included in above charges and will be chargeable extra as per conversion rate at time of travel.

If you are planning to be driven around for the Upper Mustang tour your can choose from a variety of vehicles from the basic Mahindra Bolero to Mahindra Scorpio or old Toyota Land cruisers all of which are 4×4 vehicles and suitable for the drive to Mustang. The drivers are all locals and highly experienced for offroad driving in the mountainous terrain.

For Standard Tours the vehicle will be Mahindra Bolero – 04 pax in vehicle

For Deluxe Tours the vehicle will be – Toyota Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio or Nissan SUV – 03 Pax in vehicle

Things to carry – some esencials 

Clothing

1:   1 / 2 Jeans
2:   1 / 2 Cargo pant
3:   2 / 4 Full sleeve shirt
4:   3 / 4 T- Shirts
5:   1 / 2  Sweatshirt / Sweater / Fleece
6:   1 Warm Jacket
7:    Slippers / Sandals
8:    Night suit.( if u use )
9:    Raincoat / Poncho
10:  Cap / Hat / Warm Cap
11:  Warm Gloves
12:  Warm Muffler
13:  2 / 3 Cotton Socks and Warm Socks
14:  Towel  ( lightweight )

 

Miscellaneous / personal items

1:   Sunscreen Lotion
2:   Lip Guard / Care
3:   Body Lotion
4:   Paper Soap
5:   Face Wash / Soap / Shampoo / Oil / Deo / Comb etc.
6:  Sunglasses
7:  Toothpaste / Toothbrush
8: Binocular
9: Pocket/Swiss knife
10 : Reading materials
11 : Camera
12 : Small camping stove and gas with some sugar and coffee ( not mandatory )
13 : Personal Medicine
14 : Water Bottles

 

For Your 4X4 / SUV / MUV

Before riding check your 4X4/suv/muv            ( Very Important )
(engine oil, all cables, all nut and bolts,  tire-tube, Coolant, Brake, Belts,Headlights, complete services  if you need etc.)

1:  Extra Engine Oil  ( 2 Litre )
2:  Extra  Tire’s Tube
3:  Extra Bulb
4:  Jerry Cans 20 ltr  For Fuel
5:  Complete Tool Kit
6:  Feviquick / M-Seal
7:  Air Pump
8:  Jack
9:  Tow Strap / Tow Rope
10:  Fuel Siphon / Pipe
11:  Battery Jumper Cables
12: Tire Patch Kit
13: Duct tape
14: Trapal ( Use to make various shelters as needed to protect your camp from sun or rain )
16:  Vehicle Papers ( Registration /  Insurance  / Pollution )

http://planetwayround.com/offbeat-holidays-what-to-expect/

Offbeat Holidays What to expect PDF

Durations

07 Nights / 08 Days

Month

June
May
October
September

Tour's Location

Nepal

FAQs

How bad is Altitude Sickness in Mustang, and what can I do to avoid, or treat it?
Mustang is a high altitude area many visitors from low-altitude areas may suffer from altitude sickness. Most people suffer minor effects of altitude sickness only, which include headache, loss of appetite, and a tendency to have no energy until their bodies adjust to the high terrain. This adjustment can take anywhere from a few hours, and in rare cases, a few days. If visitors do some simple preparations before going to Tibet, most of the symptoms of altitude sickness can be avoided. Being healthy and in good shape before you arrive in Mustang will help greatly. It is also recommended that you talk to your local physician about AMS pills to help combat altitude sickness. Once arriving in Tibet, walk slowly and take deep breaths. Your tour guide will be there to offer help and suggestions.
Can you book a hotel for me?
Yes, sure we can book hotel stay for you for your pre and post tour days.
What is your cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/ unavoidable reasons we must be informed in written. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive mail in written and cancellation charges would be as follows:
• Once the booking is confirmed – 25% of the tour/service cost.
• 15 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
• 07 days prior to arrival – 75% of the tour/service cost.
• Less than 72 hours or no show – NO REFUNDS
Can you send us the final itinerary before we book the tour?
Yes we always send the tour program before you book.
Note - as we travel in the Himalayas at time if necessary we have to make changes in the itinerary due to snow fall / road closure or any other natural calamity that is beyond our control.
How do we communicate with other team mates when where is no mobile signal en-route
We provide walki-talki sets for communication to all travelling vehicles, so there we can have uninterrupted communication.
Is basis first aid available with the team
The accompanying team carries with it basis first aid, Oxygen for emergency use
Can I use ATM and credit cards during the trip?
ATM and credit card facilities can be used in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom. Above that, you need cash payments for various service you need.
What is the likely temperature and weather during the trip?
The weather in mountains cannot be predicted, generally in summers the temperature is in range of 10 to 20 degrees in the higher reached. In the plains of Nepal expect warm weather.

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