Upper Mustang Luxury Drive Tour 2025 – Forbidden Kingdom Exploration Tour

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The Upper Mustang Luxury Tour is an exclusive journey into Nepal's 'Forbidden Kingdom'. This 12-day tour blends luxury and comfort with breathtaking excursions. Enjoy 5-star accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as the best available luxury lodges and hotels throughout the Upper Mustang region. Additionally, you can also witness the dramatic arid landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan-influenced culture on this truly hassle-free high-altitude experience.

Duration
12 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
Group Size
Private Guided Tour / Small Group
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Best Time
Spring (March to May) | Autumn/Fall (September to November)

The Luxury Upper Mustang Drive Tour is an exclusive Himalayan journey that takes you to one of Nepal's most mystical destinations. Restricted to outsiders until 1992, this “Forbidden Kingdom” that still requires a special permit for entry has remained largely unchanged despite the global technological advancements. Travelers travel back in time, delving into the ancient cultures, extraordinary traditions, and breathtaking landscapes.

This 12-day Luxury Upper Mustang Tour is meticulously crafted by our travel expert and blends cultural immersion amid the dramatic Himalayan terrain with the utmost comfort and luxury. Your journey begins in Kathmandu, followed by a short scenic flight to Pokhara. In these urban destinations, you will enjoy luxurious 5-star hotel accommodations.

From Pokhara, the overland adventure begins into the Trans-Himalayan desert of Mustang. Along your journey, you will pass several ancient villages and get a glimpse into the unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture.

Our expert government-licensed guide will navigate you across the diverse terrain in a comfortable private vehicle. Throughout the tour, the guide ensures your safety and well-being, and at the same time allows you to soak in the awe-inspiring beauty and the rich heritage of Upper Mustang.

Experience the mystic of Upper Mustang on this 12-day Luxury Upper Mustang Tour. Contact our travel expert to book your trek today!

Why Go on the Upper Mustang Luxury Tour 2025?

The Upper Mustang Tour is a premium tour package suitable for travelers of all ages. The tour offers uncompromised comfort and luxury as you traverse the diverse terrain into the culturally rich “Forbidden Kingdom” on a 12-day journey. Apart from the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions, you can also soak in the breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Here are the top reasons to book this exclusive Luxury Upper Mustang Drive Tour

Experience the Unique Cultural and Traditional Practices: Upper Mustang remained prohibited to outsiders until a few decades back. Being isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, you will find that time has remained frozen in this Trans-Himalayan destination, allowing you to explore and discover numerous unique gems. Furthermore, in the remote village of Lo Manthang, you can experience the ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture and its distinct architecture.

Unique Geographical Features: The Upper Mustang Drive tour takes you across a mix of landscapes. In the lower regions, you will find lush green valleys and sub-tropical forests. As you gain altitude, the terrain transitions into arid desert-like landscapes. This tour introduces you to the amazing sights of the Himalayan peaks, deep canyons, and spectacular rock formations.

Rich Tibetan-Buddhist Culture: Upper Mustang Trek offers warm hospitality and rich traditions inspired by Tibetan culture. Throughout the region, you will find Tibetan-Buddhist-inspired monasteries adorned with hand-painted murals and statues. You can also experience intricate ceremonies, including the Tiji festival and the infamous sky-burial, while traversing through Upper Mustang.

Seamless Comfort: The 12-day Upper Mustang Drive Tour is crafted to provide effortless luxury and hospitality services. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in luxurious 5-star hotels. Whereas, in Upper Mustang, we provide accommodations in the best available teahouse/lodge. We ensure these establishments have proper access to modern amenities and services like attached bathrooms, hot showers, and comfortable bedding.

A Typical Day during the Luxury Upper Mustang Tour in Nepal

The Luxury Upper Mustang Drive Tour is a harmonious blend of Trans-Himalayan excursion, insightful cultural immersions, and uncompromised comfort. This trek aims at introducing you to the rich ancient cultures and landscapes of Upper Mustang as you traverse from one settlement to another.

Each day typically begins with a hearty breakfast at your luxury lodge. You can enjoy your meal soaking in the breathtaking mountain views amid the cool Himalayan breeze. After breakfast, you will board the private vehicle and navigate your way across the diverse terrains and ancient villages. You will stop at various vantage points where your guide will provide insights into the history, culture, and landscape along your way.

The tour breaks for lunch at a comfortable resthouse/lodge around midday. Lunch generally consists of Dal-Bhat (rice and lentil soup). This nutritious food helps you refuel for the rest of the day’s journey.

After lunch, the drive continues toward your overnight destinations with regular stops for photos, short walks, and excursions to significant monasteries, caves, and chortens. You will reach your overnight destination by early evening, where you will check in. Depending on your interest and availability of time, you can relax or explore the surroundings before heading back to the teahouse/lodge for dinner.

Nepal Upper Mustang Luxury Tour: Cost for Flight, Permits, Guides, and Porters

The 12-day Upper Mustang trek cost depends on several factors. Some of the most influential factors are the number of trekking days, preferred luxury, and your group size. At Himalayan Asia Tours and Travels, we provide a comprehensive Upper Mustang Tour package covering all essentials like transportation, flight, guide, and entry permit costs.

The Upper Mustang Luxury Tour on a private vehicle is more than just a standard tour. This is a premium investment that ensures uncompromised luxury even in the Himalayas. Experience superior services and luxury on this exclusive 12-day tour. Contact our travel expert today to book your slot!

12-Day Upper Mustang Luxury Tour Highlights

  • Luxury twin-sharing accommodation in five-star Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels
  • Premium lodge stays throughout Upper Mustang with attached bathrooms and hot showers, where available.
  • Exclusive drive exploration into the remote 'Forbidden Kingdom' of Mustang
  • Unique cultural immersion into ancient Tibetan Buddhist communities and vibrant local traditions
  • Breathtaking mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the dramatic arid landscapes of Mustang

Customized Upper Mustang Luxury Tour 2026-2027

The Upper Mustang Luxury Drive Trek is designed to blend the unique cultural experience, heritage, and adventure with uncompromised comfort and luxury. For an even enhanced experience, travelers can request a fully customized Upper Mustang Luxury tour to align the package per their preferences.

Himalayan Asia Tours and Travels expertly provides a comprehensive Upper Mustang Luxury Drive Tour according to your specific interests. Get in touch with our travel experts to discuss your requirements.

For more information, contact our travel experts today!

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Plan your perfect journey with Himalayan Asia Tours and Travels—expertly crafted adventures tailored to your interests, exploring the majestic Himalayas with trusted guides.

Cost Details

Includes

Accommodation

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in a five-star hotel for 4 nights in Kathmandu
  • Twin-sharing accommodation in a five-star hotel for 2 nights in Pokhara
  • Twin-sharing accommodation in the best available luxury lodges/hotels throughout the Upper Mustang tour

Meals & Drinking Water

  • All your standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the Upper Mustang tour section
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara (5-star hotels)
  • Filtered, purified, or boiled water is provided during the tour section
  • Transportation & Domestic Flight
  • Kathmandu Airport transfers in a private, comfortable vehicle
  • Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • All ground transport involved in the itinerary is by a comfortable private vehicle (Jeep/SUV)

Guide and Staff

  • Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking, and locally recruited tour guide from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff (guide and driver)

Permits

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang (USD 500 per person for 10 days, additional days will incur extra charges)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card fee (not applicable for Restricted Area Permit holders)

Benefits and Takeaways

  • Himalayan Asia Tours’ duffel/kit bag, trekking map
  • Trip completion certificate

Safety and Equipment

  • A comprehensive first aid kit
  • Mobile and electronic devices charging service (where available in lodges)

Administrative and Taxes

  • All administrative expenses and government taxes

Excludes

  • International flight fare and airport departure tax
  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for a 15-day visa, USD 50 for a 30-day visa, and USD 125 for a 90-day visa)
  • Travel insurance, along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (unless specified)
  • Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, and juices
  • Tips for tour staff and drivers
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Any expenses other than the Price Include section
  • Excess baggage for domestic flights (typically 15kg total, including hand luggage)

Essential Information

When is the best time for the Nepal Upper Mustang Luxury Drive Tour?

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times for the Upper Mustang Luxury Drive Tour. These months offer clear weather and moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing.

Spring is characterized by pleasant weather and clear skies. The temperatures are mild and ideal for trekking. As you drive across the lower regions, you will find vibrant blossoms of rhododendrons and wildflowers.

Autumn is the peak tourist season in the Upper Mustang region. You will find clear weather with less chance of rainfall during this time of the year. Also, the temperatures are moderate during the day, but prepare for the chilly evenings. Your journey to the Upper Mustang in autumn will introduce you to the diverse culture and traditions of the region. This is the time for festivities, including the fascinating Tiji Festival. Prepare to witness the vibrant cultural and traditional practices during these peak season months from September to November.

Different from the other Himalayan regions, Upper Mustang is accessible even in the monsoon (June to August) as it lies in a rain-shadow zone. However, watch out for the roadblocks caused by landslides and floods in the hilly regions during this season.

Upper Mustang Luxury Tour Permits Updates (2025 and 2026)

The following are the required permits for the 13-day Upper Mustang Luxury Tour in Nepal:

Permit TypeCost
Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper MustangUSD 500 (for 10 days, surcharge of USD 50/day after 10 days)
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) PermitNPR 3,000
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) CardNPR 1,000

*Note: All permits are handled and obtained by Himalayan Asia Tours and Travels to ensure a seamless experience.

How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Luxury Tour?

The Upper Mustang Luxury Drive Tour is an easy-to-moderate tour. Though the tour reaches a high altitude of 4,200 meters at the Syangboche Pass, the luxury private vehicle makes this journey manageable. However, travelers are still recommended to monitor their health and maintain good physical fitness for this journey to ensure a safe and memorable driving tour of Upper Mustang.

Preparing for Upper Mustang Luxury Tour in Nepal: What to Pack?

Below is a complete checklist of essential gear and equipment for the Upper Mustang Luxury Tour in Nepal:

Clothing and Accessories:

  • Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (several pairs).
  • Mid-Layers: Fleece jackets, down vests, or synthetic insulated jackets for warmth.
  • Outerwear: Waterproof and windproof shell jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar). A high-quality down jacket (800+ fill power) for extreme cold.
  • Trekking Trousers: Comfortable, durable, quick-drying trekking pants (2-3 pairs).
  • Headwear: Warm wool or fleece hat, wide-brimmed sun hat, balaclava, or neck gaiter.
  • Gloves: Thin liner gloves and warm, waterproof outer gloves or mittens.
  • Socks: Several pairs of wool or synthetic trekking socks (avoid cotton).
  • Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof, comfortable trekking boots (ankle support is crucial). Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
  • Sunglasses: High-quality, UV-protection sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
  • Gaiters: Recommended for snowy or dusty sections

Essentials:

  • Backpack: A comfortable daypack (25-35 liters) for daily essentials (water, snacks, camera, extra layers)
  • Sleeping Bag: While lodges provide bedding, a personal sleeping bag (rated to -10°C to -20°C) is highly recommended for added warmth and hygiene
  • Water Bottles/Hydration Bladder: At least 2 liters capacity
  • Headlamp: With extra batteries
  • Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for stability and reducing strain on knees.
  • Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen (50+), lip balm with SPF.
  • Toiletries: Travel-sized luxury skincare, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene items.
  • Personal First Aid Kit: Any personal medications, blister treatment, and pain relievers
  • Our team carries a comprehensive kit, but personal items are crucial
  • Portable Power Bank: For charging electronics (lodges may have charging, but it can be slow or limited)
  • Camera Gear: With extra batteries and memory cards
  • Snacks: Energy bars, chocolates, nuts (optional, but good for personal preferences)
  • Reading Material/Entertainment: A book, e-reader, or downloaded movies for downtime

Documents:

  • Passport: (with visa) and multiple photocopies
  • Flight Tickets: International and domestic
  • Travel Insurance Details: Crucial for high-altitude emergency evacuation
  • Nepali Rupees: Small denominations for tips and small purchases
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • Printed Itinerary: And emergency contact numbers

Himalayan Asia Tours Provides:

  • Duffel/kit bag (for porters)
  • Trekking map
  • Oximeter for daily checks
  • Filtered/purified water during the trek
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