The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a highly sought-after, brief, effortless, and convenient method to explore the exceptionally well-preserved culture, natural wonders, and historical ancient Lo-Kingdom, renowned worldwide. This experience is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring for individuals with a penchant for venturing into the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayan desert. The Himalayan Trekking Path has dedicated its efforts to researching and developing this distinctive approach, allowing travelers to witness and immerse themselves in the pure Tibetan Bon tradition and the enigmatic Himalayan region that lies beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, within the borders of Nepal. There are multiple options available to explore Upper Mustang, depending on your preferred itinerary and package. These include trekking, motor tours, the Damodar Kunda Trek, horseback ride tours, jeep tours, and more. If you decide to join the Himalayan Trekking Path Company, you can select the option that suits you best. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is particularly remarkable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the region for a shorter duration and with ease.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
- Initiate the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour from Kathmandu and conclude in the same city
- Enjoy a guided Kathmandu Sightseeing tour with a focus on cultural highlights using a private vehicle
- Embark on a scenic Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Explore Pokhara's attractions before heading towards the Upper Mustang region
- Traverse the rugged terrains of Marpha-Jomsom-Kagbeni en route to Lo Manthan
- Immerse yourself in the Bon culture, often referred to as mini-Tanzania, experiencing Tibetan people, culture, and lifestyles
- Visit picturesque areas featuring barren landscapes, ancient caves, century-old monasteries, and various archaeological sites
- Admire the Himalayan views from the region's scenic backdrop
- Discover ancient cultural villages, palaces, caves, monasteries, stupas, and more
- Indulge in tasting renowned local apples, apple pie, and apple wine (Marpha) in Jomsom, along with a visit to the important pilgrimage site of Muktinath for Hindus and Buddhists.
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts in Kathmandu following a sightseeing tour, then departs from Kathmandu with a picturesque drive to Pokhara. The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is 200km; however, the journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. Throughout the drive, you will experience local life, rice terraces, local markets, and stunning mountain views. Along the way, there will be a lunch stop by the Trishuli River where you can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisine.
Before embarking on your journey to Upper Mustang, you can take advantage of the chance to discover the stunning city of Pokhara, which includes attractions such as the Peace Stupa, International Mountain Museum, David's Fall, Cave, and Phewa Lake. This day serves as perfect preparation before embarking on the rugged Jeep ride to Mustang.
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour begins in Pokhara, where you will embark on a picturesque journey along the Beni Baglung Road. As you continue towards Tatopani, a renowned hot spring destination, you will be captivated by the diverse experiences offered by its lush green valleys, rivers, towns, rice terraces, and breathtaking scenery. The drive from Tatopani to Jomsom will take you through enchanting dense forests, offering magnificent mountain views and a glimpse of the Kaligandaki River bed. Upon reaching Jomsom, you will be greeted by the powerful Himalayan winds and treated to awe-inspiring mountain vistas, as well as the unique cultural village of Thakali.
After departing from Jomsom, we proceeded to Kagbeni, situated at the base of Muktinath Village and its revered temple. Visitors have the opportunity to explore Muktinath Temple before continuing to Lo-Manthang. Kagbeni serves as the gateway to the Upper Mustang region. Upon entering this special area, you will encounter numerous Tibetan cultural villages, such as Chhusang, Chele, Samar, Syangmochen, Ghiling, Ghami, Charang, Lo-Manthang, and Gharpu. The journey will take you through arid red rocks, breathtaking cliffs, enchanting monasteries adorned in red and white, caves, and stunning mountain vistas. Upon completing the tour, return to Pokhara via the same route with a Jeep safari.
What should I expect during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
Embark on the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour and begin your journey with a captivating day tour of Kathmandu. Accompanied by a knowledgeable cultural guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the enchanting sights of Kathmandu for approximately 6 to 7 hours. This immersive experience includes visits to Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath, with all entrance fees conveniently covered. Discover the enchanting kingdom of Lo-Mustang through the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, an ideal way to explore this secluded region. The adventure commences with a scenic drive from Pokhara, spanning 200km, and takes around 6-7 hours in a VIP tourist bus, ensuring utmost comfort and convenience. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Among the notable peaks are Annapurna South, Fishtail, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and others. During your free day in Pokhara, our expert guides will accompany you to explore Peace Stupa, Phewa Lake, the International Mountain Museum, David's Fall, caves, and more, creating a truly memorable experience.
Embark on an enchanting Upper Mustang Jeep Expedition starting from Pokhara and heading towards Tatopani in the luxury of a private 4W Jeep. Travel along the scenic Beni Baglung Road, meandering through a verdant valley and providing stunning views of the majestic Kali Gandaki River. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty that envelops you. After an exhilarating 104-kilometer journey lasting around 6 to 7 hours, you will reach Tatopani. Here, relax and pamper yourself in the comforting warmth of the natural hot spring, an ideal sanctuary for unwinding and revitalizing. Continue your Upper Mustang Jeep adventure from Tatopani to Kagbeni, passing through Kalopani, Marpha, and Jomsom. En route, be captivated by the charming green valleys, the grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Ranges, and the stunning apple orchards. Upon reaching Jomsom, be prepared to be amazed by the majestic Himalayan landscape, the sandy Kaligandaki riverbed, and the dramatic cliffs. Upon arrival in Kagbeni, do not miss the opportunity to explore the revered Muktinath Temple, a sacred place revered by Hindus and Buddhists
Kagbeni serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang, where a special permit is required before continuing to Chhusang, Chele, Samar, Syangmochen, Ghiling, Ghami, Charang, Lo-Manthang, and Gharpu. The journey from Kagbeni to Lo-Manthang spans a distance of 65 km and typically takes 2 days to complete. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to explore ancient Tibetan villages, palaces, stupas, caves, cliffs, mountain vistas, colorful rock formations, small, lush green valleys, and arid landscapes. Your guide will lead you to significant sites and can make stops based on your preferences. After visiting Lo-Manthang, you can also explore Chhosar and the Tibetan Border, enjoying the highlights of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Once the tour is finished, you will return to Pokhara and then take a comfortable flight back to Kathmandu. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour covers a total round-trip distance of 140 kilometers between the Tibetan border and Kagbeni. The distance from Jomsom to Pokhara is 160 kilometers. The entire Upper Mustang journey lasts for 13 days from arrival to departure. This tour includes sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a 4-wheel-drive Jeep drive to Lo-Manthang through the world's deepest gorge, diverse climates, windy and sandy roads, captivating Tibetan villages, monasteries, and palaces, as well as an immersive experience of the ancient Bon religion. The return trip is from Pokhara to Kathmandu by comfortable flight.
The Upper Mustang Permit and Cost
A special permit is required for the Upper Mustang tour, as well as a mandatory conservation area permit. The permit fee is $500 for 10 days. Once the initial permit expires, the governing body charges an additional $50 per day. It is important to note that the permit is valid for 10 days, starting and ending in Kagbeni. The Upper Mustang region is a restricted zone, and entry without a permit is strictly prohibited. Before 1992, foreigners were not allowed to enter this region. Furthermore, certain parts of Mustang are under the jurisdiction of ACAP, which requires a permit from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). It is worth mentioning that a restricted area permit can only be obtained if at least two people are traveling together. Individual travelers are not eligible to obtain the permit.
The Special Cost for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour for 2024-2025
The Upper Mustang region in the Annapurna Region is a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. Often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, a journey to Upper Mustang promises a unique and unforgettable adventure. This enchanting destination has garnered attention from various publications, newspapers, and travelers, particularly those from the USA, so most visitors are from the USA. Situated in the rain shadow, Upper Mustang is an ideal choice for travel during the rainy season. However, travelers must obtain restricted permits to access this region, which can be costly. The permits are priced at USD 500 for 10 days, with an additional USD 50 for each extra day. Fortunately, Himalaya Trekking Path offers all-inclusive packages at competitive rates, covering the necessary permits and services detailed in the Upper Mustang Jeep tour itinerary. The cost of the Mustang Jeep tour varies based on group size and service level, but our company ensures top-quality service at affordable prices.
- The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost is USD 2300 per person for groups of 2 trekkers
- The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost is USD 2000 per person for groups of 3 to 6 trekkers
- The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost is USD 1800 per person for groups of 7 to 10 trekkers
