Overview

Upper Mustang Tour Package from Kathmandu- 5 Nights 6 Days in 2024

This Upper Mustang Tour Package from Kathmandu- 5 Nights 6 Days in 2024 includes scenic drive to Lomanthang with Jomsom & Muktinath on the way.

In this Upper Mustang Tour Package from Kathmandu trip one can enjoy cultural city and also capital of Himalayan country Nepal with taste of trekking in high land in the rain shadow area similar to Tibetan land. Mustang was remote and forbidden until 1991. The trek into the kingdom of Mustang is an unforgettable experience, lying behind the main mountain in the rain shadow area. Mustang just out into the plateau, north of Jomsom and Pokhara. In the capital of Lomanthang an old walled town, undisturbed and untouched civilization life goes on as it has for centuries. The numerous Gompas and prayers flags performing their eternal ritual. A trip into Mustang is bound to be one of self-realization inspired by the all-encompassing teaching of Tibetan Buddhism.

Trip Details

In the north of Nepal- hidden behind the famous Himalayan peaks Annapurna and Dhaulagiri – there is the small kingdom of Mustang. For centuries it was an important transfer spot for the trade between Tibet and India, until in the 1950`s this came to an end due to the political conditions. Mustang became a restricted area, and only since 1992 foreigners are allowed to enter the region again. This was one of the reasons why Mustang kept its origin.

In spite of the fact that Mustang is politically a district of Nepal, it is because of its geographical position in the Trans Himalayan as well as its cultural background of its inhabitants, who practice Tibetan Buddhism, much more related to Tibet. One finds hardly an area in Asia with such varieties as the highlands of Mustang: many different forms and structures due to erosion alternate with colorful rock formations along the deepest valley on earth, bizarre minerals and breathtaking gorges accompany us along the trail. In addition we find fairy-tail hamlets with its characteristic Tschorten (shrines) and reddish painted monasteries, fortresses in all states of decay, shining green or yellow crop fields like oasis, and as one highlight Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang – more than 600 years old and protected by a medieval city wall. All these impressions are topped with the huge white glacier peaks of the Himalayas.

Pokhara is a resort city of remarkable beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificent summit of Machhapuchhre rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant caravan route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakalis are other major communities here.

Jomsom  (North of Pokhara) Nepal’s spectacular diversity appears at its finest. The deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. Annapurna Nepal region is most popular trekking region in Nepal with plenty of trekking places, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30.000 annually). It’s also among the tamest areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes.

Lo-Manthang’s culture is deep rooted in the religious sentiments of its people. The township abound with many chhortens, mani-walls and monasteries. Prayer flags flutter above all the houses-conveying mantras to all corners of the world. The Lobas are exclusively Buddhists and conform to the Sakya-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Bon prevailed before Buddhism, which was later replaced by Ningma Pa Sect (Dhakar-Kayu subsect) and subsequently by Sakya Pa Sect (Sakyapa, Ngorpa subsects) of Buddhism.

Of the three Gompas in Lo-Manthang, the Jhampa Gompa is the oldest. It was built in 1387 AD during the reign of the famous king Anguin Sangbo and is believed to be a replica of Ghangtse Jhampa Gompa of Tibet, which still exists in Ghangtse.

Muktinath:: The temple and the religious shrines of Muktinath are about 90m in elevation above Ranipauwa. There are no hotels and the temple committee does not allow camping. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The holy shrines at Muktinath are in a grove of trees and include a Buddhist gompa and the pagode-style temple of Vishnu Mandir, containing an image of Vishnu. Around the temple is a wall from which 108 waterspouts, cast in the shape of cows’ heads, pour forth sacred water. Even more sacred is the water that issues from a rock inside the ancient Tibetan-style Jwala Mai temple, a short distance below the pagoda. Inside this gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jets that produce a perpetual holy flame alongside a spring that is the source of the sacred water. This auspicious combination of earth, fire and water is responsible for the religious importance of Muktinath. It is often possible to see Tibetan women with elaborate turquoise-embedded headdresses, engaged in devotions at these shrines. 

*Shaligram:*
Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success.

However, these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.

Kushma Bungee Jump is Nepal’s highest bungee and the world’s second-highest bungee Jump which scales the height of 228 Meters. Kushma Bungee jump spot is located on the border of Baglung and the Parbat district of Nepal. These two districts are connected by the 520 Meter suspension bridge in the George of Kaligandaki River. There are other two bungee jump spots in Nepal besides this, The Last Resort and High-ground Bungee Jump respectively of 160 Meters and 70 Meters.