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Travelling to Mustang is to step out of the current century and into a hidden parallel universe, where time itself seems to hold its breath. Indulge in himalayan comfort with 4 nights at Michelin key awarded Shinta Mani Mustang designed by Bill Bensley and Ranked #1 among the World’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels by Robb Report.
Locked away from the modern world until 1992, this ancient kingdom is split between the accessible lower reaches and the mystical, restricted north which reveals a raw, wind-sculpted landscape of rain-shadow deserts and soaring peaks. Here, amidst the deep, enduring pulse of Tibetan Buddhist culture, you don’t just observe the tradition; you find yourself untethered from the familiar while you are transformed by a land that has remained beautifully, definitely apart.
Kathmandu greets you first through Thamel’s narrow lanes — prayer flags strung between guesthouse rooftops, shopfronts stacked with down jackets and trekking gear, and the easy buzz of travelers swapping stories over their first plate of momos.
Two extraordinary squares and a stupa in a single day — medieval palaces framing courtyards where sadhus sit beneath carved temple struts, the scent of incense curls past pagoda rooftops, and artisans still shape wood, stone, and bronze in workshops their guilds have run for a thousand years. Monkeys reign over hilltop shrines, and the valley’s spiritual pulse is palpable at every turn.
Phewa Lake & City Sightseeing
A short flight west delivers you to Nepal’s most beautiful lakeside city. Pokhara sits at the foot of the Annapurna range ; Machapuchare, the “Fishtail” peak, rising with impossible elegance above Phewa Lake, its reflection trembling on the surface. A morning on the water by rowboat, then a gentle afternoon along the Lakeside promenade ; the calm before the desert kingdom ahead.
Upon arrival in Jomsom, our BENSLEY Adventure Butler will escort you to Shinta Mani Mustang. At 2,800m/9186ft, the resort is among the few places in Nepal where giant Himalayan peaks can be admired at such close proximity. About 500 feet below the resort is the Kali Gandaki River which flows downstream to form the deepest gorge in the world. You will be warmly welcomed to the resort, where you can check in and settle into your suite. After your journey to Mustang, take some time to unwind and rejuvenate by pampering in the resort’s spa treatments, leaving you refreshed and ready for your adventures ahead. For traditional healing practices, explore wellness sessions offered by Amchi, the Tibetan and Himalayan medicine practitioners. The resort’s serene surroundings offer the perfect opportunity to take a leisurely walk, enjoying the magnificent views and discovering the facilities the resort has to offer. As the day unfolds, begin your hike to Thini Village, known for its off-beaten hiking trails, providing a glimpse into the local lifestyle and culture while surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain landscapes. As the sun sets, return to the resort and relish a delightful dinner, savoring the tranquil ambiance and perhaps engaging in any entertainment activities available, making your first day at Shinta Mani Mustang truly unforgettable.
Begin your journey from the resort after breakfast with a leisurely 1-hour drive to the historical gem of Jharkot, famous for its notable gompa. Revel in the tranquility and beauty of this Tibetan village, seemingly untouched by time. From Jharkot, embark on a serene hike into the valley, through ancient orchards, crossing suspension bridges and ascending the opposite side to ancient Jhong village. Tour a traditional home and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by the Shinta Mani culinary team at the monastery, set against the backdrop of 360-degree breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and majestic mountains.
After the meal, choose between an exhilarating mountain biking adventure down a less traveled trail or a comfortable jeep ride towards Kagbeni village, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Here, visit the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, an important Buddhist site, attracting visitors interested in Buddhism and its teachings. This tour is a blend of history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty, providing an immersive experience of the Nepal countryside.
For those seeking an even more enriching cultural experience, we offer an optional tour of the revered Muktinath Hindu pilgrimage site. By departing from the resort two hours earlier, you can visit this sacred location nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. Muktinath is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists from around the world, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the spiritual traditions of Nepal.
The highlight of the Muktinath visit is the sacred 108 fountains, also known as Mukti Dhara. According to Hindu belief, bathing in these fountains washes away one’s sins and brings salvation. Hence, we recommend bringing your bathing suit to partake in this unique spiritual ritual. This optional tour adds an additional layer of depth to your Nepalese journey, combining the thrill of adventure with profound spiritual experiences.
The road north from Jomsom crosses into a different world within minutes. Past Kagbeni ; the medieval gateway village where the last green fades ; the valley walls turn from grey to ochre to blood red and the landscape becomes lunar, stripped, and magnificent. Ancient sky caves carved into cliff faces hundreds of feet above the valley floor, eroded badlands, painted chortens, and the occasional herd of Tibetan wild ass moving unhurried through it all. Upper Mustang has been a restricted area since 1992; a special permit is required, and the sense of entering something genuinely apart from the modern world is immediate.
Drive distance
~56 miles Jomsom to Lo Manthang · 4–6 hrs by 4WD
Kagbeni
9,383 ft · medieval gateway; confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jharkot rivers
En route stops
Chele · sky caves · red-cliff badlands · Ghami mani wall
Permit
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit · arranged by Compasskin
The medieval walled city ; its ochre and white walls rising from a high plateau with Himalayan peaks behind. It has barely changed since the 14th century. Inside the walls: four active monasteries whose thangkas and murals are among the finest surviving Tibetan Buddhist art in existence; the palace of the Raja of Mustang, whose lineage ruled this kingdom for 600 years; and narrow lanes where monks, women spinning wool, and children running between stone doorways form a tableau that belongs to another century entirely.
The return drive south through the Kali Gandaki valley offers the landscape in reverse ; familiar and yet different each time, the red cliffs and mani walls and windswept plateau now carrying the weight of what has been seen.
Bon, one of Mustang’s hidden treasures, is a Tibet-born culture that flourished alongside Buddhism and primarily practiced shamanism. As a result, its adherents have been persecuted and sometimes forced to convert to Buddhism. The culture, known for rituals such as the Sky Burial, has never completely vanished from the Himalayas.
Lubra, which is thought to have been founded in the late 12th century in Lower Mustang, is one of Nepal’s few fully Bon villages. Situated almost an hour’s drive from Shinta Mani Mustang, you can visit a well-kept ancient Bon monastery, “Yungdung Phuntsok Ling” and a small bon temple, “Gon Phuk” on the mountainside above the village that leads to the ancient meditation caves on the village’s rock cliffs.
Guests will drive to the Bon Village Valley and trek the last kilometer to the village after crossing a bog suspension bridge. Will meet local guide from the village who will take the guests on a village tour including the old gompa. After visiting the gompa guests will trek up the mountain to the cave monastery to learn about the 800-year history of the Bon Village and Monastery. Guests will then trek back to the village for a local Bon lunch in a local teashop. After lunch guests will trek to the fortress ruins and lookout spot for amazing views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Stop at the village Apple Orchard to drink fresh apple juice.
Guests can then drive or ride mountain bikes back to the village
Drive
~56 miles · 4–6 hrs by 4WD
Afternoon
SoRig Spa · Amchi wellness session · resort dinner
Embark on a trek in the Jomsom Valley, journeying through carefully selected sites based on conditions for an optimal outdoor experience. Traverse rugged landscapes, cross streams, and navigate forests, while marveling at the breathtaking views of the snowcapped Himalaya and lush surroundings. Stop at vantage points to capture the panoramic views and take memorable photographs. Midway through the trek, pause for a mountaineer-inspired picnic to rest and refuel amidst the valley’s beauty. Enjoy high-energy foods, a glass of chilled Rosé and the unique experience of dining in the wilderness. Continue your exploration post-lunch, appreciating the serenity and solitude of untouched areas. Conclude your trek back at the starting point, carrying with you a sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories.
Absolutely, one of the key aspects of our trekking programs is its flexibility. We understand that every guest is unique in terms of skill, experience, and fitness level. Therefore, all our treks can be customized to match the capabilities and requirements of our guests. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking a challenging route or a novice trekker preferring a more relaxed pace, we can adjust the itinerary, length, and difficulty of the trek to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We place great emphasis on safety and enjoyment, so rest assured, your trek will be tailored to suit your individual needs, making your journey through Mustang not only memorable but also within your comfort zone.
One last view of the Mustang valley before the aircraft banks south and the desert kingdom recedes behind the ridgeline. A brief transit through Pokhara ; perhaps a final lakeside lunch ; then a short flight back to Kathmandu in time for the evening.
Jomsom → Pokhara
~20-min flight or ~94-mile drive (~6 hrs)
Pokhara → Kathmandu
~25-min flight · hotel check-in
Bhaktapur ; the best-preserved medieval city in Nepal ; greets you with terracotta tile rooftops, ancient woodcarvers’ workshops, and the 55-Window Palace. A Newari lunch follows, then a costume photoshoot in traditional dress against the square’s centuries-old backdrop. At dusk, Boudhanath Stupa ; one of the largest in the world ; is luminous with a thousand butter lamps, monks circling the dome in a living mandala. A fitting farewell to Nepal.
A free day to absorb the last of Kathmandu ; its thangka galleries, spice bazaars, rooftop cafés, and the comfortable anonymity of a city that has hosted wanderers for centuries. The evening takes you to Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati, where the Aarati ceremony unfolds at dusk: oil lamps tracing arcs in the dark, sadhus chanting, the sacred river carrying embers downstream.
The mountains stay with you ; not just in photographs but in the body’s memory of thin air, the sound of prayer flags snapping in the wind, and the particular silence of a Himalayan dawn. A Compasskin representative escorts you to the airport. Until next time.
No. Mustang is explored by private 4WD vehicle, with guided walks through villages, monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang. It suits travelers who want the remote Himalaya without multi-day trekking.
The walled capital of the old Kingdom of Lo, founded in the 14th century. Inside the walls are the royal palace and centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries with remarkable murals, including Thubchen, Jampa, Chodhe and Namgyal Gompas. Upper Mustang’s high desert landscape, walled settlements and Tibetan-influenced culture are what set it apart. Photography is often not allowed inside the monasteries, and your guide will let you know where.
Yes, we arrange it for you, and the process is the same for U.S. and other foreign travelers. The fee is set by the Government of Nepal and charged per day spent in the restricted zone.
Light to moderate fitness. The walks are short, but some are at altitude and on uneven ground.
The highest point is Lo Manthang at 12,598 ft (3,840 m). You spend two nights at Shinta Mani Mustang in Jomsom (9,383 ft) before heading higher, so your body can adjust before the climb to the high plateau. Altitude sickness is still a consideration. Drink plenty of water, tell your guide about any symptoms right away, and follow their advice. Your guide monitors everyone throughout.
From Kathmandu you continue to Pokhara, then reach Jomsom by a 20-minute flight. Flights run in the morning only, because strong winds build in the Kali Gandaki valley later in the day. If flights are grounded, we drive instead (about 6 hours). Both options are included.
Rough, dusty and dramatic. From Jomsom you travel north by private 4WD through Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki valley to Lo Manthang, about 56 miles. Expect stops around the red-cliff landscapes, sky caves and Ghami. The drive takes 4 to 6 hours each way. This is a journey through a remote Himalayan region, not a conventional road trip. Bring a buff for the dust and a good layer for the wind.
Kathmandu and Pokhara: Nomad Hotel or comparables.
Mustang: Shinta Mani Mustang in Jomsom, designed by Bill Bensley.
Lo manthang (Upper Mustang): Royal Mustang Resort
Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow: dry, bright and windy, with cold nights at any time of year. Spring and fall generally offer the most favorable mountain conditions, while winter can be cold and difficult at higher elevations.
Tiji is a three-day masked-dance festival held in Lo Manthang in late spring, on dates set by the lunar calendar. We offer a special departure timed to the festival each year. Contact us for dates, as places fill early.
