5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara

Overview

The forbidden Kingdom of Lo at an unhurried pace. Our 5 Days Upper Mustang Tour from Pokhara (4 nights / 5 days) travels by jeep from the lakes of Pokhara up the Kali Gandaki – the deepest gorge on earth – to the Hindu-Buddhist temple of Muktinath and on into the high desert of Upper Mustang, where the 15th-century walled city of Lo Manthang still keeps the culture of old Tibet alive. Compared with our four-day trip, the extra night at Kalopani breaks the return journey and gives you time to enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri and the Tatopani hot springs.

Day one climbs past Beni, Rupse Falls and the apple village of Marpha to Jomsom and Kagbeni, with a visit to Muktinath to bathe under its 108 holy spouts and see the eternal flame of Jwala Mai. On day two you enter the restricted area and drive through canyons of red and ochre cliffs, cave villages and long mani walls to Lo Manthang. Day three explores the five-storey Jhong Cave at Chhoser, the windswept border pass of Kora La (4,660 m) and the painted halls of Thubchen and Jampa monasteries, with free time to wander the lanes of the walled city.

The descent passes sacred Dhumba Lake and the colourful badlands of Mustang to Kalopani, facing Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Nilgiri. On the final day you soak in the hot springs of Tatopani, stop at the Kalika Temple of Baglung and the Kushma suspension bridge, and return to Pokhara.

Why choose this tour?

A more comfortable pace, with the long return drive split at Kalopani.
Restricted-area permit, private guide and full board included.
Muktinath, Lo Manthang, cave dwellings and Kora La in one trip.
Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow – a rare Himalayan destination you can visit even in the monsoon.

Who is it for?

Culture lovers, photographers, adventurous families and pilgrims who want to see the hidden kingdom without trekking. Minimum two travellers. Sightseeing is easy, but you travel at high altitude on rough mountain roads.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-NP-
Duration: 5 Days
Program Type: Sight Seeing
Maximum Altitude: 4000m
Minimum Pax: 2
Mode of Travel: Drive
Start Trip: Pokhara
End Trip: Pokhara
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Drive Pokhara – Beni – Jomsom – Kagbeni (8–9 hours) and visit Muktinath Temple
Day 02: Drive Kagbeni – Chele – Chhusang – Lo Manthang (5–6 hours) – the walled city of Lo
Day 03: Lo Manthang – Chhoser caves, Kora La on the Tibet border and the monasteries of Lo
Day 04: Drive Lo Manthang – Dhumba Lake – Kalopani (7–8 hours)
Day 05: Drive Kalopani – Tatopani – Baglung – Kushma – Pokhara (about 130 km, 6–7 hours)

Trip Highlights

Muktinath Temple – 108 holy spouts and the Jwala Mai flame
Kali Gandaki gorge, Marpha village and Jomsom
Two nights in Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo
Jhong Cave at Chhoser and the border pass of Kora La (4,660 m)
Thubchen and Jampa monasteries and the Royal Palace of Lo
Night at Kalopani facing Dhaulagiri, Tatopani hot springs and Kushma Bridge

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Drive Pokhara – Beni – Jomsom – Kagbeni (8–9 hours) and visit Muktinath Temple
Drive: about 175 km / 8–9 hours plus the Muktinath excursion | Altitude: 2,810 m | Overnight: Kagbeni (full board)

Leave Pokhara early and drive via Beni into the Kali Gandaki gorge, stopping at Rupse Falls and the white-washed Thakali village of Marpha on the way to Jomsom and Kagbeni. In the afternoon drive up to Muktinath: Muktinath Temple (3,710 m) is one of the most sacred places in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus worship Lord Vishnu here as Muktinath, the "Lord of Liberation", and it is one of the 108 Divya Desam shrines of Vaishnavism; for Buddhists it is Chumig Gyatsa, the "Hundred Waters", where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Pilgrims bathe under the 108 bull-headed water spouts and in the two sacred kunds in front of the pagoda temple, then visit the Jwala Mai temple, where a natural gas flame burns above flowing water – earth, fire and water together. Return to Kagbeni, whose mud-brick houses and red monastery guard the entrance to Upper Mustang.
- OvernightKagbeni
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointMuktinath Temple
- Altitude3,762m / 12,343ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 175 km / 8 hr / 30 min · Drive: 24 km / 1 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedBeni, Rupse Falls, Marpha Village, Jomsom, Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 02Drive Kagbeni – Chele – Chhusang – Lo Manthang (5–6 hours) – the walled city of Lo
Drive: 5–6 hours | Altitude: about 3,800 m | Overnight: Lo Manthang (full board)

Beyond Kagbeni you enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang, the former Kingdom of Lo – a high, dry land of wind-eroded red and ochre cliffs, cave-riddled canyons, barley fields and whitewashed chortens, culturally closer to Tibet than to the rest of Nepal. The jeep road passes the cliff caves of Chhusang, the villages of Chele, Syangboche and Ghami, and the long mani walls and red gompa of Tsarang, before the 15th-century walls of Lo Manthang (about 3,800 m) appear on the plain.
- Main experience: the first sight of the walls of Lo Manthang.
- OvernightLo Manthang
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointLo Manthang
- Altitude3,840m / 12,598ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 85 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedChhusang, Lo Manthang
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03Lo Manthang – Chhoser caves, Kora La on the Tibet border and the monasteries of Lo
Excursion by jeep and free afternoon | Highest point: Kora La 4,660 m | Overnight: Lo Manthang (full board)

After breakfast drive north to Chhoser, where cliffs are honeycombed with ancient dwellings. The Jhong Cave is a five-storey complex of more than 40 rooms linked by tunnels and ladders, used for centuries as homes, meditation cells and storerooms; the Garphu and Nyphu cave monasteries are nearby. Continue (optional, permits permitting) to Kora La (4,660 m) on the border with Tibet. Back in Lo Manthang, explore the lanes of the walled city with your guide: the 15th-century Thubchen assembly hall and Jampa (Champa) Lhakhang, with some of the finest Buddhist murals in the Himalaya, the Chhoede monastery and the four-storey Royal Palace of the kings of Lo.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the walled city on your own.
- OvernightLo Manthang
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointKora La
- Altitude4,660m / 15,289ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 60 km / 4 hr
- Places VisitedJhong Cave (Chhoser), Kora La, Thubchen Monastery, Jampa Monastery, Lo Manthang
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04Drive Lo Manthang – Dhumba Lake – Kalopani (7–8 hours)
Drive: about 7–8 hours | Altitude: 2,530 m | Overnight: Kalopani (full board)

Descend through the colourful badlands of Mustang – eroded pinnacles in shades of red, grey and gold – to Kagbeni and Jomsom, and stop at sacred Dhumba Lake, which reflects the peak of Nilgiri. Continue to Kalopani, a Thakali village where Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Nilgiri tower directly above your lodge.
- OvernightKalopani
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 150 km / 7 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedDhumba Lake, Kalopani
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05Drive Kalopani – Tatopani – Baglung – Kushma – Pokhara (about 130 km, 6–7 hours)
Drive: about 130 km / 6–7 hours | End of tour in Pokhara

Drive down to Tatopani for a soak in its riverside hot springs, then continue via Beni to the Kalika Bhagawati Temple of Baglung and the Kushma–Gyadi suspension bridge, home of one of the world's highest bungee jumps. Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon.
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 130 km / 6 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedTatopani, Kalika Temple Baglung, Kushma Bridge
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch

Altitude Chart of 5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara

Total Driving Time: 13h Total Travel Distance: 235 km

Driving distance & time shown here are approximate — for city tours the exact distance/duration can vary and isn't always measurable.

Highest point: 15,289 ft / 4,660 m — Day 03 · Lo Manthang – Chhoser caves, Kora La on the Tibet border and the monasteries of Lo

Services Included

Pokhara –Upper Mustang-Pokhara by jeep.
Accommodation on twin/triple sharing using tourist standard hotels.
Daily Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Private guide for foreigner
Necessary permits for foreigner

Services Excluded

Beverages (Cold drinks/Bottled water)
Personal expenses, tips, laundry etc
Travel insurance
Tatopani and Kushma Bridge entry ticket Rs 570
Overstay due to any natural calamities/strikes etc

Trip Notes

Notes for this tour

Pace and grade: Easy sightseeing at high altitude: Lo Manthang is at about 3,800 m and Kora La at 4,660 m. Ascend slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day and tell your guide about any headache, nausea or breathlessness. Not recommended for people with heart or lung conditions.
Road travel: Travel is by jeep on mountain roads that are rough, dusty and in places unpaved; the return is split with a night at Kalopani. Hill roads are winding and travel times can vary with traffic, road works and weather – we stop regularly for tea, toilets and photographs. Please tell us if you suffer from motion sickness.
Permits: Upper Mustang is a restricted area; foreign visitors need a special permit (included) and must travel with a licensed guide. Please send a passport copy at the time of booking.
Clothing: days can be warm when there is no wind, but late mornings and afternoons are very windy and nights are cold – bring layers, a down jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen and good walking shoes for rocky, uneven paths.
Not included: Tatopani and Kushma Bridge entry (about NPR 570).
Flexibility: the order of sightseeing may be changed to suit festivals, temple closing times, flight schedules or road conditions, without missing any included visits.

Days are relatively warm; especially when there is no wind in the late morning. The appropriate clothing as per the travel period (temperature) and a good walking shoes for rocky and uneven paths are highly recommended. Walking stick would help for those who need support. We suggest you to take normal warm clothes. Light warm jacket, woolen sweater, warm T-Shirts, comfortable shoes, trousers and cotton pants are enough for this trip. We recommended you to bring down jacket for the winter.

Climate
Muktinath and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The climate and landscape here are similar to those of the Tibetan Plateau since it is situated in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas. The changes in climate from warm to cold take you to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in Mustang district. Flowing through the region from north to south and forming deep gorges is the Kali Gandaki river. The temperature in summer (March to August) hover between Maximum of 16 to 18 degree Celsius and Minimum 6 to 8 Degree Celsius. In the beginning of winter (September to November) the temperature fluctuates between 14 to 16 degree Celsius and 0 to 4 degree Celsius. In the winter (December and Janaury ) the maximum temperature will be 4 to 6 degree Celsius and minimum 0 to -8 degree Celsius. After February and before of November the temperature will be good

FAQ

5 days. It starts in Pokhara and ends there. Overnight stops: Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, Kalopani. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

March to November is best; Mustang lies in a rain shadow, so it is also a good monsoon destination. Winter (December–February) is very cold and the roads can be affected by snow.

The grade is easy, with a maximum altitude of about 4,000 m. Most healthy travellers manage well, but please take care at high altitude and consult your doctor if you have heart or breathing problems. Children and seniors are welcome with sensible precautions.

Yes. Pokhara is Nepal's adventure capital – tandem paragliding from Sarangkot, the zip-flyer, ultralight flights, bungee jumping, the Annapurna cable car and boating can all be added to your free time. Tell us in advance and we will reserve the best time slot.

Muktinath is at 3,710 m (Lo Manthang about 3,800 m). Most visitors manage well, but you should walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and tell your guide at once about headache, nausea or breathlessness. People with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before travelling.

Bring a towel, a change of clothes, slippers and a plastic bag for wet clothes. The water from the 108 spouts is ice-cold, so many pilgrims bathe quickly in the late morning sun.

Yes. Upper Mustang is a restricted area: foreign visitors need a special permit (currently USD 500 per person for 10 days) and must travel with a licensed guide. We arrange the permit – please send a passport copy at the time of booking. Nepali and Indian citizens have different rules; ask us for details.

Pokhara –Upper Mustang-Pokhara by jeep; Accommodation on twin/triple sharing using tourist standard hotels; Daily Breakfast, Lunch and dinner; Sightseeing as per itinerary; Private guide for foreigner; Necessary permits for foreigner.

Beverages (Cold drinks/Bottled water); Personal expenses, tips, laundry etc; Travel insurance; Tatopani and Kushma Bridge entry ticket Rs 570; Overstay due to any natural calamities/strikes etc.

This package includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation. You can enquire through this page, email pigeontravel@gmail.com or contact us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm availability and send a booking confirmation.

If cancel 7 Days before , 100 % will be refund. If cancel 72 hour before, 75 % will be refund. If cancel 48 hour before, 50 % will be refund. If cancel in less than 48 hour before, no refund. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours. Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed). 5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel. Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate. An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.

Cancellation Policy

If cancel 7 Days before , 100 % will be refund
If cancel 72 hour before, 75 % will be refund
If cancel 48 hour before, 50 % will be refund
If cancel in less than 48 hour before, no refund

Booking Policy

Booking your Nepal tour with Pigeon Travel & Tours is easy:

Book online with the Book Now button when it is active, or send us the enquiry form / email with your dates, number of travellers and hotel preference.
A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Domestic flight tickets, permits and other non-refundable items included in the package are paid at the time of confirmation.
Please send a copy of your passport and your arrival/departure flight details so that we can arrange pick-up, hotels and tickets.
Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation.

Child Policy

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours.

Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed).
5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel.
Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate.
An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.
Children under 10 years receive a free (gratis) Nepal tourist visa on arrival.

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Based on 30 reviews

Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

Maite Sanchez

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Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

Jay Luboff

Wonderful tour with brilliant and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Frances Wingate

Min is very trustworthy and very easy to speak to. Tour guide and drivers are great and finally arrangement for Everest flight and Nagarkot Mountain View stay didn’t disappoint and we had wonderful time

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It was a well organised trip. The guides were very hospitable and cooperative.Overall it was a wonderful and memorable trip.

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It was a memorable trip to Nepal. Thanks to pigeon travels. The hospitality is great and they took good care of us. I would highly recommend this to my mates.

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5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara

Overview

Why choose this tour?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

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5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara

Overview

Why choose this tour?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

FAQ

1. How long is the 5 Days Upper Mustang Tour From Pokhara and where does it start and end?

2. When is the best time to do this tour?

3. How difficult is it, and is it suitable for children or seniors?

4. Can I add paragliding or other adventure activities in Pokhara?

5. Is altitude a problem at Muktinath and in Mustang?

6. What should I bring for the Muktinath holy bath?

7. Do I need a special permit for Upper Mustang?

8. What is included in the price?

9. What is not included?

10. Which meals are included?

11. Is this a private tour? Can I customise it?

12. How do I book, and what is the payment policy?

13. What is the cancellation policy?

14. Do you offer child discounts?

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

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