Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 7 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Trip Start and End: Pokhara
  • Trip Area: Upper Mustang
  • Trip Style: Active/ Scenic Drive
  • Age Group: 7+
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 3700m
  • Best Season: All Year Round
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf
  • Discover Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Muktinath's charm. Marvel at the Kaligandaki gorge, the world's deepest, while exploring the Annapurna Conservation Area and Upper Mustang's Restricted Zone.
  • Engage in diverse landscapes, from rhododendron, oak, and pine forests to unique habitats of exotic animals. Stroll amidst breathtaking scenery, gazing at towering peaks like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna I for an immersive nature experience.
  • Delve into the rich Nepali-Tibetan Buddhist culture, and experience spiritual ambiance at Muktinath temple, uncovering unique traditions.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is an epic adventure where rugged landscapes meet ancient cultures in the mystical land of Mustang. The Upper Mustang 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) Jeep Tour is a more efficient way to experience the stunning Annapurna Conservation Area and the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang, surrounded by mountains and natural beauty.

Booking the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour with us means choosing the most rewarding and well-planned itinerary. We are the only tour operator with a circuit-type itinerary where you will pass through a new location at every stop, even during the return trip. This way, you will receive the best out of the Mustang Restricted Area Permit. Hence, this is effectively a Mustang Circuit Tour via Jeep.

Starting in the picturesque village of Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki River, the tour unfolds comfortably in a private vehicle. The primary highlight of the tour is the ancient city of Lo with its capital in Lo Manthang, a walled city housing the king’s palace.

While trekking to Lo Manthang takes up to 3 weeks, the Upper Mustang Driving Tour by Jeep takes only 6 days altogether. With increasing road access in the upper regions, most travelers now visit the region via jeep. Hence, the 4WD Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang is the easiest and fastest way into the region. The widely favored choices for Upper Mustang tours are the Scorpio Jeep, Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Nissan Patrol, known for their popularity.

Throughout Mustang's high hills and peaks, you will encounter various Buddhist artifacts, Chhortens, and ancient monasteries, offering a glimpse into a culture that has endured for thousands of years. Don't miss the famous Sky Caves, housing ancient mummies, paintings, and scriptures.

A noteworthy stop is Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here, the Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands as a symbol of religious harmony. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the 108 water sprouts surrounding the temple brings salvation.

This insightful journey is adorned with views of rivers, streams, monasteries, forests, old stone houses, caves, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Upper Mustang, part of the Tibetan Plateau, also evokes a sense of traveling to Tibet, with its rich and unique culture, the Bon religion, hence adding to the overall allure. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour also immerses you in the isolated and captivating culture of the Thakali, Gurung, and Tibetan people.

Compared to other challenging trips, the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour reaches altitudes of only around three thousand meters. Thus, the Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang is suitable for any time of the year and individuals of all ages and physical strengths.

View from Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Gallery

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1:Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni via JomsomAltitude: 2,804 m (9,199 ft)
  • Day 2:Drive from Kagbeni to Charang (Tsarang), Hike to Ghar GompaAltitude: 3,570 m (11,710 ft)
  • Day 3:Scenic Drive to Lo ManthangAltitude: 3,840 m (12,600 ft)
  • Day 5:Lo-Manthang to TetangAltitude: 3,035 m (9,957 ft.)
  • Day 6:Tetang to Muktinath, Drive to Tatopani Hot SpringAltitude: 1,190m (3,904 ft.)
  • Day 7:Drive from Tatopani to PokharaAltitude: 822 m (2,697 ft)

Day 1:Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom

  • Max Altitude2,804 m (9,199 ft)
  • AccommodationTeahouse/ Lodge
  • MealsLunch and Dinner

After having breakfast in Pokhara, you will start your Mustang Jeep Tour Journey. The drive from Pokhara to the beautiful Jomsom village takes about 9 hours, and Kagbeni is only a few minutes from there. First, you will drive to the west to Beni. Then, you will continue your ride to the Kali Gandaki River.

The gorge on the way is the deepest in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, carved by the rivers flowing from the Dhawalagiri and Annapurna mountains. You will also pass through Kalopani village which offers scenic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other mountains.

You will end the day's journey at Kagbeni. While Jomsom is a more popular stop, ending the trip at Kagbeni introduces you to a less-commercialized and more authentic image of the region.

Day 2:Drive from Kagbeni to Charang (Tsarang), Hike to Ghar Gompa

  • Max Altitude3,570 m (11,710 ft)
  • AccommodationTeahouse/ Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the second day of the 4WD Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you will head towards Tsarang. Tsarang is one of the historical villages in Upper Mustang. You still follow the Kaligandaki River while driving upstream.

You will pass through the villages of Tukuche and Marpha. You will register the permit for the restricted area and move further. After a few hours of drive, you will reach Tsarang village. Along the way, you will visit Chungse Cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated.

You'll also set out on a short hike to Ghar Gompa while enjoying the view of the farmlands and pastures. This gompa is said to be the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery established by Guru Rinpoche.

Day 3:Scenic Drive to Lo Manthang

  • Max Altitude3,840 m (12,600 ft)
  • AccommodationTeahouse/ Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will have breakfast early in the morning and have a short hike to Ghar Gompa while enjoying the view of the farmlands and pastures. This gompa is said to be the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery established by Guru Rinpoche.

You can explore rare paintings and sculptures in this monastery. After spending a few moments there, you will ride to Lo Manthang and check into your hotel. Later in the evening, you will set out to explore the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang.

Day 5:Lo-Manthang to Tetang

  • Max Altitude3,035 m (9,957 ft.)
  • AccommodationTeahouse/ Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Having explored Lo Manthang, you will drive down to Tetang today. Today's highlight is the Tetang Citadel, a sleepy village with tall, crumbling mud walls, and a view that makes one ponder about its history.

Furthermore, the famous rock caves of Mustang are not just in one area. Indeed, Tetang also has numerous rock caves to visit.

Day 6:Tetang to Muktinath, Drive to Tatopani Hot Spring

  • Max Altitude1,190m (3,904 ft.)
  • AccommodationTeahouse/ Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will embark on a few hours of ride to Mustang full of scenic vistas of rocky mountains and deep valleys. It is one of the most sacred places for Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that you will get Moksha (salvation) after visiting this temple and bathing in the 108 sacred water sprouts.

After lunch and a few hours of more exploration, you will descend to the natural hot springs of Myagdi. This is the perfect opportunity to dip in, decompress, and de-stress your body from days of traveling in a jeep. After almost a week of exploring the mystical land of Mustang, it is now time to celebrate along the shores of the Kali Gandaki River with a beer or two.

Day 7:Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara

  • Max Altitude822 m (2,697 ft)

After breakfast, you will get on a scenic drive back to Pokhara. This marks the end of your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Our crew will drop you off at your hotel in Pokhara for more epic adventures in Nepal.

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Cost Details

Included

  • Lodge accommodation for 5 nights
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trip
  • Four-wheel jeep drive for the entire trip
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • All entrance fees for ACAP, monuments, and museum
  • Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Upper Mustang permit fee: US$ 500 per person

Excluded

  • Travel Insurance
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including drinking water
  • Miscellaneous expenses
  • Tipping for guide and driver
  • Personal donation and souvenir shopping
  • Nepal entry visa fee

Trip Essential Information

Best Time to Visit Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is one of the handful of places in Nepal you can visit all year round. Nonetheless, the best time to visit Upper Mustang in Nepal is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is relatively stable, and the conditions favor exploration.

Furthermore, if you visit Upper Mustang in late May, you can also observe the popular Tiji Festival.

Upper Mustang is situated in a rain shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri zones, so it experiences very little rainfall even during monsoon. You can also embark on a 4WD Jeep Tour to Mustang in winter if you prepare well for the cold.

Best time to visit Upper Mustang

Necessary Fees and Permits for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

To explore the Upper Mustang, travelers must secure three essential permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, the Special Permit for the Upper Mustang Restricted Region, and the Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card.

For foreigners, the Special Permit for Upper Mustang alone costs $500 per person, with an additional fee of $50 per day for any extra days beyond the initial 10-day limit. Meanwhile, foreign nationals are required to pay Nepali Rupees 3,000 per person for the ACAP permit. Similarly, you can get the TIMS card for Nepali Rupees 1,000 per person.

Notably, the Upper Mustang permit requires a minimum of two people, and solo travelers can join existing groups to fulfill this requirement. The Department of Immigration issues these permits and the police conduct a thorough check of permits in Kagbeni, marking the official entry point into this mesmerizing region.

If you're traveling with us, we take care of all your permit work. Our representative cooperates with the government bodies to obtain the permits. You won't have to pay for it separately - the booking price includes the cost of these permits and fees.

Accommodation for the 4WD Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

As you reach Tsarang in the Upper Mustang region, you will stay at locally operated teahouses and guesthouses. These lodgings are modest and well-maintained, providing clean spaces furnished with comfortable mattresses and blankets. Accommodation options include both single rooms and shared rooms designed for two occupants.

Meanwhile, in Pokhara, you can choose from resort hotels with scenic views, lakeside accommodations, luxury boutique hotels, teahouses, and a mix of mid-range and budget options.

FAQs

  • All teahouses and lodges in Mustang have well-maintained restrooms/toilets with some even offering attached bathrooms in their rooms.

  • Yes, all guesthouses have electricity or solar power and offer charging services at a nominal fee. Remember to carry a power bank and an adapter.

  • There are no serious physical requirements for the jeep tour. You can book this trip as long as you are comfortable getting on a jeep and visiting rugged landscapes.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Reviews

5.0based on 1 reviews
  • Larry Cochran
    Larry CochranMay 17, 2018
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    Trip to Mustang

    It was an extraordinary experience for someone like me who has never been to Nepal before. Though many people choose to trek to Mustang, I chose to go there on a vehicle because I want my trip to be less about pain of walking many hours but about exploring the beauty of nature without thinking about anything else. Even if you aren't trekking, it is not an easy ride so, be careful and go there only with reliable people. I completed my Mustang overland tour with Sublime Trails and I can assure you they are one of the best company in Nepal providing these services for many years.

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