How To Get To Upper Mustang?

Facts About Upper Mustang, Nepal

Let us first look at some interesting facts about Upper Mustang.

• It was an independent kingdom with its ruling dynasty until it was integrated into Nepal in 2008.
• The Lo people, who have their language and distinctive culture, live in the area. As a result, it is also called the "Kingdom of Lo."
• With an average elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level, Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert. Deep gorges, bleak, rocky terrain, and colorful cliffs are the main characteristics of the region.
• The region was opened to foreign visitors in 1992 and still requires a special permit.
• Tibetan Buddhism has a significant impact on the region's culture. The area has numerous monasteries, Chortens (stupas), and other religious structures.
• The capital of Upper Mustang is Lo Manthang, a walled city once the kingdom's seat. 
• It is home to the Thubchen Gompa, one of the largest and oldest monasteries in the region. It was built in the 15th century.
• Most of the population is of Tibetan ancestry, and they have a distinctive culture and language from the rest of Nepal.
• The most famous festival is the Tiji Festival, which celebrates good over evil through a colorful dance and ritual.

How to Get To Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang is a wonderful location with stunning landscapes and distinctive cultural experiences. Depending on your interests, financial situation, and schedule, you can pick from various transportation options to go to this isolated and inaccessible area of Nepal.

Here are some of the ways to get to there: 
 

1st phase: Kathmandu To Pokhara

Your journey to Upper Mustang will start from Kathmandu. You would then proceed to Pokhara City after arriving in Kathmandu. The airway is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Kathmandu, it will just take 25 minutes to get to Pokhara. 

The best thing about taking a flight is witnessing the birds-eye view of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and other mountain ranges on the horizon. Similarly, from Kathmandu, you can also travel by road to Pokhara. Depending on the road's condition and the vehicle you're using, the trip takes between 6 and 8 hours. The route goes alongside the Trishuli river bed and the Prithvi Highway. Furthermore, you can travel by public transportation, tour bus, or private vehicle.

Among these options, boarding a public vehicle that frequently leaves Kathmandu is the cheapest way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Although taking a local public bus is the cheapest alternative, we don't recommend it because the vehicles are loud, unreliable, and overcrowded with passengers and luggage. Therefore, using a tourist bus is the most effective means of transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

2nd Phase: Pokhara To Jomsom

Traveling from Pokhara to Jomsom is thrilling because you can see Nepal's stunning landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty. You have the following choices for getting from Pokhara to Jomsom:

Flight: Taking a flight is the shortest and most practical way from Pokhara to Jomsom. Numerous airlines run frequent flights from Pokhara to Jomsom, including Tara Air, Summit Air, and Yeti Airlines. You can see breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges throughout the 20 to 25 minutes flight.

Jeep/Car: Another choice is to go from Pokhara to Jomsom by jeep or car. The trip takes about 8 to 9 hours, and most of the road is unpaved and occasionally rough. However, you get to see Nepal's stunning scenery and rustic way of life. You can hire a private jeep from the Pokhara Bus Park or board a shared jeep.

By Bus: You may go from Pokhara to Jomsom by bus as well. The buses often leave early, taking about 10 to 12 hours. Be prepared for a bumpy ride because the road conditions might be difficult, especially during the rainy season.

Trekking: From Pokhara to Jomsom, trekking is a fantastic alternative for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. It usually takes 5 to 7 days to complete the trek. Along the route, you can explore a variety of towns and natural settings. The Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Jomsom Muktinath Trek are the most popular trek routes.
 

Phase 3: Jomsom to Upper Mustang

You have two options for getting from Jomsom to Upper Mustang in Nepal: trekking or hiring a jeep.

Trekking: 

Trekking is the method used most frequently to reach the Upper Mustang. You can hike from Jomsom to Kagbeni. It would be best to have a special permit to enter there from Kagbeni. Depending on your itinerary and degree of fitness, the hike from Kagbeni to Upper Mustang takes about 5-7 days.

The walk will take you through the breathtaking scenery of the Mustang region, including the Kali Gandaki Valley, the red cliffs of Mustang, and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang. 

Hiring a Jeep:
To go to Upper Mustang, you can also hire a jeep. You may rent a jeep in Jomsom and travel there. Kagbeni is around 30 kilometers away from Jomsom. Depending on the state of the roads, the jeep journey from Jomsom to Kagbeni takes between two and three hours. The jeep ride could be rough, particularly during the monsoon season when the roads get slippery and muddy. 

Similarly, the journey from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang takes two to three days, including overnight stops in Chuksang and Ghiling. The entire drive takes about 12 hours. However, making it 2-3 days to enjoy and see the landscape and little towns and prevent altitude sickness is recommended.
 

Is a Permit Needed To Enter the Upper Mustang In Nepal?

You must obtain a special permit from the Nepalese government before accessing Upper Mustang. You can only obtain this permit from recognized trekking companies. Additionally, you must always have a guide by your side. Organizing your trip in advance and working with a trustworthy trekking service is always advisable to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip.

Conclusion

Upper Mustang is an exciting region with stunning landscapes and distinctive cultural experiences. Depending on your tastes, finances, and timetable, various transportation options are available to get you to this isolated and inaccessible part of Nepal.

Taking a flight to Pokhara is the most preferred method of transportation from Kathmandu to the Upper Mustang. You can then take another flight to Jomsom, a small town in the Mustang region. Jomsom is the gateway to Upper Mustang and the starting point for most treks.

Alternatively, if you'd want to go by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you can take a bus or rent a private vehicle. The 6-7-hour drive to the destination gives some breathtaking views of the Nepali countryside. You can then take a jeep or a local bus from Pokhara to Jomsom. Remember that the road is the unpaved, occasionally bumpy, and dusty route leading to Jomsom.

Moreover, you can also walk to Upper Mustang if you are a seasoned hiker. You can choose from several trekking routes that pass through the Annapurna region and eventually go there. A popular trekking way is the Annapurna Circuit. During the walk, you can see some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.

After arriving at Jomsom, you can continue by foot, hire a vehicle, or hire a horse to get you to Upper Mustang. It is advised to hire a local guide or a porter to help you during the journey because the road is complex, with steep slopes and rugged terrain.

In conclusion, there are various routes to get there, each offering a special and fascinating experience. Plan your journey and be ready for the area's tough conditions, whether by flight, car or on foot.