Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a leisurely alternative to discovering the ancient forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang on a jeep in a limited time. The 8-day Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts from Kathmandu and goes northwest to Lo Manthang, the capital city of Upper Mustang.
Since being opened to visitors in 1992, it has become a popular trekking destination. It is a popular overland tour spot due to recent road improvements and vehicle accessibility.
Upper Mustang has spectacular scenery like no other, with high cliffs and rock formations surrounding the valley in the rain shadow area. The white-washed homes spread across the Kali Gandaki river valley appear to be stuck in time as you approach the upper region of Mustang.
The overland journey visits several Chortens, Gompas, mani walls, and temples associated with Tibetan Buddhism. Another pleasure of the tour is meeting the ethnic Bon and Lhopa people. The Annapurna Massif and surrounding mountain range will be seen throughout the tour.
The trip begins with a lovely flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara town in the West Nepal, from where you will take a flight to Jomsom, the capital of the Mustang region. The overland jeep journey from Jomsom passes through many different villages before reaching in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang’s main city.
After spending the day discovering the historic city and learning about its history, traditions, and way of life, the drive continues to Muktinath temple, another highlight of the trip. After a short stop for visiting and puja in the temple, the drive continues to Jomsom for a flight back to Pokhara then to Kathmandu.
This Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is considered to be the easiest and shortest Upper Mustang itinerary. You can enjoy the beauty of the mystical place without having to stress yourself with a long drive. The trip is ideal for individuals or families with limited time, physical fitness, and enough budget to spend on luxury trip.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
- Discover forbidden ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang
- Witness the centuries-old cliffs and spires, witnesses to the human civilization
- Aerial views of the Annapurna Massif, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges on the way to and from Jomsom
- Interact with the Bon and Loba ethnic groups of Upper Mustang to learn about their traditions and way of life
- Visit the Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lhakang and Tsechen Shedrubling Monastery School to understand the Tibetan Buddhism
- Visit the five-story white-washed King’s Palace; the oldest structure in Lo Manthang
- Walk through different villages of the Kali Gandaki valley in the arid landscape
- Enjoy a walk along the Fewa lakeside and the nightlife of Pokhara
After breakfast at the hotel you will pick up from hotel and begin drive to Pokhara. En route, we will view more of Nepal’s landscape, offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms, and breathtaking mountain scenery. (Alternatively, we can take a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara).
Pokhara offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the Annapurna five peaks, and other peaks. Pokhara is a lake city with several gorgeous lakes. During the late afternoon, we can visit the most accessible and beautiful lake, Fewa Lake, and enjoy boating. Discover, relax, and dine by the tranquil Fewa lake. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, we leave for Upper Mustang. We first take the black top road west to Beni and then follow the Kali Gandaki River. The road after Beni is unpaved.
The Kali Gandaki Valley is the world’s deepest gorge, stretching between the Himalayas of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). Tatopani is a small village where you can indulge in natural hot spearing as well. Overnight at guesthouse.
Today, after breakfast you will drive via the local villages of Kalopani and Ghasa, as well as the apple farming of Marpha Village and the local market in Jomsom. Trip leads you to the lovely settlement of Kagbeni on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The road is not in good condition today, and this 60-kilometer journey may take 6-8 hours with stops for tea, lunch, and other breaks.
Here’s what to expect, Andha Galchi (world deepest gorges), located between Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m), Rupse waterfall, the delightful apple capitals of Tukuche and Marpha and Kagbeni’s monasteries and forts. Overnight at guesthouse.
After breakfast, you will visit the Kagbeni Monastery and Buddhist School. Your guide will check in your special Upper Mustang permit before you leave Kagbeni and begin the drive to Upper Mustang. You will cross Kaligandaki river near Chhusang village by Jeep and ascend to Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Ghiling villages and arrive at Ghami village.
Today’s scenery will be spectacular from Synagboche and other areas. This is your private tour, so you can stop your Jeep wherever you like and take pictures. During the day, you will also see local farmer houses with Yak and homes caravan, Tibetan culture, and local activities. Overnight at guesthouse.
Today, you will visit the Mustang Monastery. Visit Lo Gager Ghar Gompa, which is a very important monastery in Mustang, Charang monastery, Lo-mangthang city, “Jampa Gompa,” the oldest monastery, built in the early 15th century and also known as the “God house,” “Thubchen Gompa,” a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century, “Chodey Gompa,” now the main city gompa and Monastic Museum.
You will also see domestic Yaks and cattle caravans, breathtaking mountain views and landscape from the passes, a Buddhist school, arts, the King Palace, and local activities in Lo-manthang. Overnight at guesthouse.
Today, after breakfast, you will discover Namgyal Gompa, the Chhoser Sky Caves, and the Mustang SHIJA JHONG cave, which dates back over 3,000 years and has been discovered by archaeologists from all over the world. There are various caves near Chhoser that have been used for burial, meditation, and living.
Also, SKY BURIAL is still used in Upper Mustang, which is in Chhoser and around villages. After you have finished sightseeing in the surrounding places, you will be drive back to the guesthouse.
Today, you will drive all the way to Jomsom, passing through various local villages, the Kaligandaki River, Buddhist stupas, and monasteries along the way. You will have time in the evening to explore Jomsom’s local market.
Driving hours: Approx. 7 hours – 158 KM.
We are nearing the end of our Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. We head back toward Kathmandu today – about 200 kilometers (Pokhara to Kathmandu flight: 25 minutes). Journey into the winding mountain road. The journey would take for about 6 – 7 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.
We will have a farewell dinner / lunch in a typical Nepalese restaurant.
Today is rest and relax throughout the day or say goodbye to Nepal. Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu with a city stroll or souvenir shopping.
Our representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to catch your return flight. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you will be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again.
