How to Reach Upper Mustang

How to Get to the Upper Mustang Region?

People have many ways to get to Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is a rare privilege trekking trail in the Annapurna region. Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during the monsoon. It has a limited area with natural beauty, local people, and different cultures such as Nepalese and Tibetan culture.

Upper Mustang is known as "Little Tibet" because Mustang people are influenced by Tibetan culture. To reach Upper Mustang, one can use a mountain bike, helicopter, or trek. Mountain bike and bike tours are popular adventures in the Mustang region. It is also a path of discovery of culture, breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and much more.

The tour typically begins in Kathmandu, proceeding to Pokhara and Lower Mustang, Jomsom. The Upper Mustang Biking tour offers breathtaking scenery and the chance to experience the unique culture of the area. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the mountains, explore amazing landscapes and caves in Lo-Manthang, and visit Lower Mustang, Jomsom, Kagbeni valley, and the Muktinath temple. There are many options to reach Upper Mustang.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight and Drive

The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, one can drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 7 hours. From Pokhara, there is the option to hike the trail to Upper Mustang.

Pokhara to Jomsom by Flight or Drive

From Pokhara to Jomsom, one can travel by jeep or drive for 7 hours. A flight from Pokhara to Jomsom takes about 20 minutes.

Drive from Jomsom to Muktinath

From Jomsom to Muktinath, it takes about 1 hour by vehicle. Alternatively, one can walk from Jomsom to Muktinath, which takes 6 to 7 hours, and then continue trekking to Upper Mustang for around 10 days.

Jomsom to Upper Mustang

The journey from Jomsom to Upper Mustang by jeep takes around 8 hours. A trek to Lo Manthang from Jomsom takes approximately 6 days.

Overland Tour to Upper Mustang - By Jeep / Four Wheel Drive

The journey begins from Kathmandu Valley and continues to Upper Mustang. Driving from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang’s ancient kingdom, offers an adventurous experience. A jeep drive is an adventure trip through the Mustang trail, providing views of natural beauty, local culture, and traditions. The Upper Mustang tour by road takes 6 to 7 days from Kathmandu. An Upper Mustang Flight or Helicopter Tour offers a unique experience, including visiting old monasteries and crossing the Himalayas. The halfway road from Pokhara is a bumpy off-road drive to Lo Manthang. Flying over stunning landscapes and beautiful valleys makes the trip most enjoyable, even if trekking.

Walking / Trekking to Upper Mustang

The history of Upper Mustang makes it one of the most famous trekking routes in Nepal. The Upper Mustang walking tour takes around 12 days and brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom. Trekking in Mustang is a great option during the monsoon months as the region is in the rain shadow. Trekking to the restricted areas of Upper Mustang offers unexpected moments. The trails begin with sightseeing of beautiful temples and stupas in the Kathmandu valley. Trekking to Upper Mustang provides an experience of different lifestyles, cultures, flora, fauna, and more. Backpacking to Upper Mustang is a rewarding walking experience.

Flight to Upper Mustang - Either by Helicopter or Plane

The quickest way to reach Upper Mustang is by air, flying from Kathmandu or Pokhara. This option is time-saving. There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom, followed by a jeep drive or walk to Lo Manthang.

Helicopter to Upper Mustang

Similarly, a helicopter tour offers a luxurious journey to Upper Mustang. Combining trekking with a helicopter ride is one of the easiest ways to tour Upper Mustang. The helicopter tour is the fastest way to reach Mustang on the same day. The helicopter flight departs from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Lower and Upper Mustang. The flight offers views of the Himalayas and the natural beauty of the Upper Mustang region. The chartered helicopter flies over the Pokhara valley, providing stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Conclusion

The Upper Mustang trail is a well-known cultural trekking route in the Annapurna region. You can explore hidden beauties and Tibetan cultures during your Upper Mustang trail. There are various options for traveling to Upper Mustang, depending on your time and travel interests.