Nepal > Nepal Tour

Upper Mustang (Lo Kingdom)

Trip Length: 11 Days

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The Lo Kingdom, located in the remote region of Upper Mustang in northern Nepal, is one of the last preserved Tibetan-influenced kingdoms in the world. Once a restricted and isolated region, it has retained its ancient culture, traditions, and unique desert-like landscape. The capital, Lo Manthang, is a walled city that dates back to the 14th century and showcases traditional mud-brick houses, monasteries, and royal palaces.

Historically ruled by the Mustang king until Nepal became a republic, the Lo Kingdom reflects a deep connection to Tibetan Buddhism. The region is characterized by dramatic cliffs, arid valleys, and centuries-old cave dwellings carved into rock faces. It offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Trip Facts

Max Altitude 3840
Difficulty Easy
Best Season All Year
Accommodation Hotels

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a Sherpa Adventure representative will be waiting in the arrival hall to warmly welcome you. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in and some time to rest after the journey. 

Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 2

Kathmandu Heritage and Spiritual Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley and explore one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist sites. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where ancient palaces, museums, temples, and traditional courtyards reveal the rich roots of Hinduism and Newari culture. Later, visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal. In the evening, proceed to Pashupatinath Temple to witness the sacred Aarati ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River and receive blessings for the journey ahead.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

DAY 3

Helicopter Flight to Jomsom, Marpha and Kagbeni

After breakfast, take a scenic helicopter flight to Jomsom, enjoying spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as you enter the dramatic trans-Himalayan landscape of Mustang. Upon arrival, continue by jeep to Marpha, a beautiful Thakali village known for its whitewashed houses, stone-paved lanes, apple orchards, and traditional architecture. Explore the village before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, drive to Kagbeni and take a guided walk through its ancient settlement, narrow alleys, traditional mud-brick houses, and Tibetan-influenced surroundings. Visit the historic monastery before checking in at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kagbeni.

DAY 4

Hike & Drive to Muktinath

After breakfast, begin a scenic hike to Jharkot, passing through traditional Mustang villages, dry mountain landscapes, and peaceful rural surroundings. The walk takes approximately three to four hours and offers beautiful views across the lower Mustang region. Upon arrival in Jharkot, enjoy lunch and take in the impressive scenery from the elevated viewpoints. After lunch, continue by private vehicle to Muktinath, where you will check in at the hotel and rest after the day’s journey.

Overnight stay in Muktinath.

DAY 5

Muktinath Spiritual Experience

Begin the day with a visit to the main Muktinath Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas for both Hindus and Buddhists. Continue to the Guru Rinpoche Monastery, an important Buddhist site associated with Padmasambhava and the spiritual traditions of the region. During the visit, experience the sacred ritual bath beneath the 108 holy water taps, traditionally believed to cleanse past sins and negative karma. Later in the day, enjoy a gentle yoga session followed by a relaxing sauna to support rest and recovery after the journey.

Overnight stay in Muktinath.

DAY 6

Drive to Samar

After breakfast, visit Chhusang Cave, known for its historical connection to the period when local deities were relocated during the Khampa conflict. From Chhusang, begin a scenic hike to Tetang, a traditional Mustang village set high above the valley and surrounded by striking trans-Himalayan landscapes. Explore the old Tetang Monastery and enjoy lunch at a scenic campsite amid the open mountain surroundings. After lunch, continue by private vehicle to Samar, a drive of approximately one and a half hours. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and relax.

Overnight stay in Samar.

DAY 7

Samar to Tsarang via Chhungsi Cave

Begin the day with morning pooja and a gentle yoga session at the monastery in Samar, followed by breakfast. Afterwards, drive for approximately one and a half hours to Chhungsi Cave, an important spiritual site hidden within the dramatic cliffs of Upper Mustang. Spend time meditating inside the cave and exploring its sacred chambers and surrounding landscape. After lunch, visit a traditional Mani wall, regarded as one of the longest in Upper Mustang, and learn about its religious significance. Continue with a scenic drive of approximately two and a half hours to Tsarang, where you will check in and rest for the evening.

Overnight stay in Tsarang.

DAY 8

Tsarang to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gompa

Begin the day with morning pooja at the monastery in Tsarang, followed by a visit to the historic Tsarang Palace, where you can explore the region’s royal heritage and traditional architecture. Afterwards, drive for approximately two hours to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Upper Mustang, and take part in a pooja ceremony. Continue by road to Lo Manthang, a journey of about one and a half hours. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the ancient walled city, exploring its historic monasteries, narrow lanes, traditional settlements, and distinctive Tibetan-influenced culture.

Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

DAY 9

Cave Exploration and Hot Spring Experience

After breakfast, set out for a full day of cave exploration in the remote surroundings of Upper Mustang. Visit the Sun and Moon Caves, known for their striking vertical cliff formations and unique setting within the rugged landscape. Continue to Zhong Cave, a remarkable multi-level cave system believed to have served as a refuge, meditation centre, and lookout point, offering a fascinating glimpse into the hidden world carved inside the cliffs. After completing the cave visits, continue to the natural hot springs at Tatopani for a relaxing soak before returning to Lo Manthang.

Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

DAY 10

Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu via Annapurna Base Camp

After breakfast, board a helicopter in Upper Mustang for a spectacular flight toward Annapurna Base Camp. The journey offers close aerial views of the dramatic Himalayan landscape, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, deep valleys, glaciers, and remote mountain settlements. After experiencing the remarkable scenery around Annapurna Base Camp, continue by helicopter to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

DAY 11

International Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. Later, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, bringing your spiritual and cultural journey through Kathmandu, Lower Mustang, and Upper Mustang to a memorable conclusion.

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Included

  • Accommodation (teahouse/lodge during trek, hotel in Kathmandu)
  • Meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Transportation (airport transfers, domestic flights/jeep as per itinerary)
  • Trekking permits and restricted area fees for Upper Mustang
  • Licensed guide and necessary support staff
  • Basic first aid and trekking arrangements
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Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fees and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (drinks, Wi-Fi, laundry, tips)
  • Extra meals in Kathmandu
  • Emergency evacuation costs (if required)
  • Any services not mentioned in the itinerary