How To Get To Upper Mustang?
Upper Mustang lies in one of the most remote parts of Nepal. It is a restricted area that requires a special permit for foreigners. Likewise, the roadways to travel to Upper Mustang aren’t easy. It presents you with quite a challenge to visit Upper Mustang. However, Upper Mustang is renowned for its breathtaking views, unique landscape, and its rich Buddhist culture and traditions. Thousands of domestic and international tourists visit the charming village of Upper Mustang every year.
This article will discuss how to get to Upper Mustang in 2025. There are different modes of transportation you can opt for when visiting the Mustang region. You can take a bus/ jeep ride or fly to Jomsom and then drive to Upper Mustang. Moreover, the Upper Mustang Trek has also emerged as one of the popular options to visit the Himalayan desert. If you’re planning to visit the Mustang region of Nepal and don’t have any ideas on how to reach Mustang, we have listed all the methods of transportation below.
Route Breakdown on How to Get to Upper Mustang
First Leg: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Your trip to Upper Mustang begins immediately after you land at Kathmandu Airport. Kathmandu Airport generally serves as the entry point to Nepal. However, other international airports exist, such as Bhairahawa Airport or Pokhara Airport. To make your way to Upper Mustang, you should first get to the Tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara. There are two ways to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu, and both options have been discussed below.
By Air
Taking a domestic flight from Kathmandu is the fastest way to reach Pokhara. The flight time to reach Pokhara from Nepal’s capital is 30 minutes. There are generally multiple flights daily from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The cost of a flight ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu will cost you around $100-150, depending on the season you’re traveling in. You can book your tickets from the airline’s website or get them directly at the airline’s counters at the airport.
By Road
Another popular mode of transportation to Pokhara from Kathmandu is by bus. You will have multiple vehicle options, from normal buses to deluxe buses. The bus fare to Pokhara will cost around $15-40. The distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 200 km, and it takes you around 6-8 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. Also, you can travel to Pokhara on day or night buses. There will be plenty of vehicles traveling to Pokhara. You can get the tickets at the bus park or book them online using Nepali digital wallets such as Esewa, Imepay, Khalti, etc.
Second Leg: Pokhara to Jomsom
Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, serves as the gateway to many of the Annapurna region as well as the Mustang region treks. To reach the Kingdom of Lo Manthang, you will have two transportation options from Pokhara. You can either take a domestic flight or book a bus or a jeep to travel to Jomsom from Pokhara.
By Air
The fastest way to reach Jomsom is by taking a flight from Pokhara. The flight to Jomsom is just 30 minutes from Pokhara. This mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom passes through Kali Gandaki Gorge, which allows you to witness the majestic views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The flights to Jomsom are usually in the morning, as the weather in the Mustang district is unpredictable. The price of the flight ticket from Pokhara to Jomsom will cost you around $150-190, depending on the season you’re traveling in.
By Road
The total distance from Pokhara to Jomsom is around 155 kilometers. It takes you around 8-10 hours to reach Jomsom from Pokhara. The roadway to Mustang from Beni is an off-road, which might sometimes be uncomfortable. You can either take a jeep or a bus ride to reach Lower Mustang. If you’re on a budget, the roadway transportation to reach Jomsom is the best option for you. The price for the bus or Jeep to reach Jomsom will cost you around $20-30. You can get the tickets at Pokhara bus park or contact any travel agencies in Pokhara.
Third Leg: Jomsom to Upper Mustang
Jomsom is the headquarters of the Mustang district and serves as an administrative and commercial center for local people. Jomsom is the popular gateway for the Upper Mustang region treks. You will have two options to reach the Upper Mustang from Jomsom: either by opting for the trek to Upper Mustang or by taking a Jeep ride from Jomsom.
By Foot
The trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang is one of the popular treks in the the Mustang region. The total hiking distance to be covered during the Upper Mustang Trek is around 51 kilometers both ways. It takes you around 5 days to complete this trek. Your Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary will pass through Kagbeni, Chele, Zhaite, Charang, Lo Manthang, etc. You will require a few permits to trek in this region. Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permits, TIMS Card, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits are the three permits required for this trek.
By Road
The distance from Jomsom to Lo Manthang is around 90 km. It will take around 10 hours to reach Lo Manthang from Jomsom. The price for a Jeep ride to Upper Mustang from Pokhara will cost you around $25-40. Moreover, you will need a special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit to visit Mustang. The price for the permit will cost you $500 for the first 10 days. The Journey to Upper Mustang will be one of the most scenic journeys you will ever come across. Mustang Nepal is also known as the Himalayan Desert. The views the drive to Mustang offers are something that will remain in your eyes forever.
Fastest way to Travel to Upper Mustang
The fastest way to travel to Upper Mustang is by taking two flights to Jomsom and a privately booked jeep ride from Jomsom to Lo Manthang. You should first take a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu and then take a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. The flying distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Jomsom is 30 minutes each. Likewise, the private vehicle ride from Jomsom to the walled city of Lo Manthang will take you around 6-8 hours. Opting for these modes of transportation might be a little costly, but it is the fastest way to get to the Kingdom of Mustang.
Best Time to Visit to Upper Mustang in 2025
The months of significant time to travel to Upper Mustang are the months of spring and autumn. Moreover, it lies in the rain shadow area and can be visited during Summer. The seasonal weather overview of all four seasons is described below.
Autumn
Autumn is the peak time for visiting the Mustang region. The skies are clear, the temperature is moderate, and you will be witnessing the breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This region receives multiple visitors and trekkers during this time. The Autumn season is the festive season in Nepal. Many Hindu and Buddhist devotees visit the Muktinath temple during this time.
Spring
Spring is another peak time for trekking in Nepal. Likewise, the months of spring offer another ideal time to visit the Mustang region of Nepal. The pleasant temperatures, clear blue skies, and barren landscapes make spring the most beautiful time to visit Mustang. Moreover, the Mustang Tiji festival falls in May, which allows you to experience the unique Tibetan culture. However, this region might be windy if you plan to trek during spring.
Summer
Summer is one of the least crowded times for visiting the Mustang region of Nepal. Since it lies in the rain shadow area of Nepal, you can still trek in the Upper Mustang during the summer months. Summer is the warmest period in this region. During your Lower and Upper Mustang trip, you can witness stunning mountain views and warmer temperatures. However, the monsoon rain in the lower region can bring flooding and landslides, making it risky to visit during summer.
Winter
Winter is one of the less crowded times to visit the Upper Mustang. If you want to witness a real glimpse of snow-capped peaks, and experience snowfall, winter can be the best time to visit. However, winter is the coldest time to visit the Mustang and Upper Mustang region. The temperature drops significantly at this time. Also, there will be very few places for accommodations as the locals migrate to the lower regions during the winter months.
Conclusion
The Upper Mustang Tour or the Upper Mustang Trek offers you one of the most breathtaking views in the Himalayas. If you’re an adventure lover, traveling to the Mustang area by road is one of the most exciting journeys you will ever come across. This journey to Upper Mustang guarantees breathtaking views, unique cultural experiences, adventure, and much more. Moreover, the visit to the Upper Mustang area is something you will cherish forever. Mustang trip is not just about witnessing the natural beauty but also about the religious and historical clarity you will receive.
