Explore The Hidden Tibetan Culture in Mustang Trip

By Philip Woolman | Mar 29th 2025

Mustang Trip is the best way to explore the unique part of Nepal beyond the Himalayas, as if Indiana Jones would love to go for. Doesn’t matter whether you have 7 or 15 days, we can personalise the journey to Mustang in Nepal, as per your choices.  

What to do here, is well-known with our first-hand expertise of this majestic location hidden to the world once and now camouflaged into the muddy-looking hills.  

Explore with our expert guides, carefully selected hotels of remote lands, and the blessings of the Tibetan Gods, an exclusive retreat in Mustang in Nepal with our small group journeys or your selected dates.  

Thini Village

What on Earth is Mustang beyond the cars? 

Mustang—the name might remind you of a classic Ford, but in the world of exploration, Mustang in Nepal is a masterpiece of its own. Hidden beyond the Himalayas, this ancient kingdom is not in Tibet but within Nepal’s borders. Isolated until 1992, its rich culture and traditions remained untouched for centuries. To preserve its authenticity while limiting mass tourism, the Nepalese government declared it a restricted region. Entry is only possible through registered travel agencies, with a permit fee of USD 500 for the first 10 days per person. 

Some wonder why a Mustang trip costs more than a visit to Bhutan. But this is not a journey to compare. Travelers often describe Bhutan as a place where they feel "reborn." Mustang in Nepal, however, offers something different—it takes you back in time.  

How to get to Mustang? 

Helicopter Flight In Nepal
Arrive in style in a helicopter

Located in the Western region, Mustang in Nepal is now more accessible than ever, whether by road or air. But if you're seeking the ultimate experience, we recommend a helicopter landing at Shinta Mani Mustang's private helipad or a scenic twin-otter flight from Pokhara, followed by a comfortable SUV ride with a driver who knows every hidden turn of this legendary land. 

For a seamless journey, we suggest starting in Kathmandu to prepare the necessary permits while exploring the city's cultural gems. From there, a short domestic flight—operating almost every two hours—takes you to Pokhara, a vibrant lakeside city with stunning views of the Annapurna range. 
Prefer to travel by road? Our private SUV awaits in Pokhara, offering a smooth 5-6 hour drive to Marpha, a picturesque village that provides the perfect introduction to the region’s culture. Just 20 minutes further, you'll arrive at Shinta Mani Mustang, our handpicked luxury retreat, and in 25 more minutes, the timeless village of Kagbeni. 

With multiple ways to reach Mustang, you can choose the experience that suits you best. And while the roads can be rugged, our premium vehicles ensure a comfortable ride—just note that at higher altitudes, air conditioning may be limited due to lower oxygen levels. 

Why should you go for a Mustang Trip in Nepal 2025? 

An Ancient Jhong Monastery In Mustang
Explore the hidden timeless culture of Tibetan Buddhism

At Everest Luxury Holidays, travel is about experience. Mustang in Nepal is one of those rare places that feel untouched by time, an off-the-beaten region where history and culture remain intact. As mentioned before, even Indiana Jones would be drawn to its ancient charm. 

Villages here still look as they did centuries ago, built from mud, the only material available in the region. Even modern structures, including our carefully selected hotels, follow traditional designs. Though made of concrete, their architecture pays tribute to history. No house here feels like it belongs to the present, making every moment a journey into the past. 

Festivals in Mustang carry deep meaning and leave a lasting impact. Tiji is more than just a celebration; it is a symbolic event representing good triumphing over evil. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, it reminds people to face their inner demons and emerge victorious, just as the ancient gods once did.

Yartong, on the other hand, is a horse racing festival. While the name Mustang might make some think of speeding cars on dirt tracks, here, horses take center stage. They have always been a crucial part of life in this region, and Yartong honors their role, strengthening the bond between humans and animals in a race that is as much about tradition as it is about speed. 

Lubra: To explore Bon Buddhism 

Lubra Village A Bon Buddhist Village

Buddhism has different forms. One ancient form of it, the Bon Buddhism, is still intact in 2 places in Nepal and 2 to 3 in Tibet itself. There is one of the last Bon Buddhist communities in Lubra. It is one of our signature parts of the region that we always tell our travellers to explore. A short drive and a hike of 20-30 minutes will take you to the region in the lower part while you stay in Shinta Mani Mustang.  

The whole region follows Buddhism, but this difference is what makes Lubra, a must place to visit. 

These are just a few reasons for you to visit and explore more by enrolling in our Mustang Tour in Nepal. 

Everest Luxury’s Ultimate Mustang Trip 

Everest Luxury Signature Mustang Trip

Everest Luxury’s Trip to Mustang is a part of our signature trips. We always love going there and showing culture back in time to our explorers. This 12-day journey starts and ends in Kathmandu. 

Explore iconic villages like Thini, Marpha, Kagbeni, and Lo Manthang. Go for privately guided hiking and tours to amazing locations like Chhyama and Dhumba Lakes. Enroll in the amazing Tibetan-style wellness journeys at Shinta Mani. 

Be ready to stay in a basic-style lodge in Ghami village. Additionally, a regular lodge in Lo Manthang stays for 2 nights. 

Ideally, the location where Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated according to the Tibetan Buddhism folklore and according to Hinduism, the place of salvation, Muktinath, is one of the major parts of the journeys here. 

You will have free days in Kathmandu and Pokhara to explore these vibrant cities, too. 

Our trips are all-inclusive. You will just need to bring your clothes. For day hiking, we will provide you with daypacks and hiking poles. 

Foods are catered as per your need. Complimentary wine and select spirits are available at places. While in Shinta Mani, a wellness-based meal plan is made, which is a great part of the journey. 

Best Time for a Mustang Trip in Nepal 

Dhakmar In Summer
Vibrancy is in choosing the right season

Basically, the region is a rain shadow area, experiencing one of the least rainfall in the area. However, we suggest the best times as Spring and Autumn. The seasons are clear with weather, stable, and superb views. 

If you are looking for greenery, expect it less, but our suggestion would be September. The rain in the rest of the world in Nepal would have already been less, easier to travel. And here? Well, it glows with green and little flowers, feeling like a grassland. 

Insider Tip: Our small group journeys are in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Choose them at the end.

What if you want to do a complete road trip to Mustang? 

Mustang In Jeep
We got you covered with SUVs

You mean, no flight? Possible. But like mentioned before, choose the right season, either fall or spring. Both of them have very much stable weather. You can meet more locals in both the times, which justifies our idea of experiential travel, too. 

We will provide an SUV to ride throughout Mustang with a driver and, of course, the guide. For small group journeys as well, we can easily adjust you with the group starting to join in Jomsom, directly. Be prepared for the bumpy ride from the beginning, but not everywhere. 

How Much Does the Mustang Trip Cost? 

Muktinath Buddha Garden In Mustang Nepal

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. For our all-inclusive small group journeys of Mustang Trip, cost starts from USD 9110 per person in twin-sharing rooms differentiated as per the dates.  

If you are looking for helicopter flights to Jomsom, the private option is the only available option with a charge of USD 7000.  Helicopters in Nepal can accommodate up to 5 people, excluding the pilot. But we always suggest hopping on with 4, as in our guided journeys, we always accommodate a guide that helps you have a seamless exclusive service from us. 

How To Book the Mustang Trip? 

Well, we know you are ready to go for it. Here are our small group journey dates for the Mustang Trip. Send us an inquiry for the particular date and we will guide you through everything you need to make sure you have the best trip in Nepal. 

Dates Slots Available Inquiry Link
October 3, 2025- October 14, 2025  Sold Out Inquire Now
October 15, 2025- October 26, 2025  9 out of 16 Inquire Now
November 3, 2025- November 14, 2025  10 out of 16 Inquire Now
March 21, 2026- May 1, 2026  12 out of 16 Inquire Now
May 11, 2026- May 22, 2026 7 out of 16 Inquire Now
Philip Woolman
Philip WoolmanMar 29th 2025
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