Upper Mustang Jeep Tour - 13 Days

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  • Duration 13 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal

The Upper Mustang jeep tour allows you to explore this beautiful region without strenuous walking. It is an easy tour and suitable for travelers of all ages. If you are in search of a trekking alternative in the Himalayas of Nepal, then the Upper Mustang jeep tour is the only option you have.

Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the Upper Mustang is a semi-arid region. It is a trans-Himalayan region with a dry climate, canyons, high cliffs, and deserts. The journey is adventurous, scenic, and quite thrilling. The jeep tour takes less than two weeks.

You will witness mountains like Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,406 ft), and many other mountains. Lo Manthang is the main destination of this tour. It is known as the last-forbidden kingdom and the Walled City.

Highlights

  • Embark on an adventurous journey to Upper Mustang, the rainshadow area in Nepal
  • An easy jeep tour suitable for all ages of travelers
  • No long hours of walking, so it is ideal for everyone
  • Enjoy stunning mountain views, high cliffs, unique rocks, canyons, and semi-desert
  • Witness trans-Himalayan landscapes
  • Explore the last forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang
  • Come across the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge
  • Explore ancient monasteries such as Ghar Gompa, Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Monastery, Chode Monastery, and BonPo Gompa
  • Discover the millions of years old sky caves
  • Explore one of the pilgrimage sites in Nepal, Muktinath Temple
  • Enjoy the tranquility of Phewa Lake and the bustle of Lakeside Market in Pokhara

What to expect during the Upper Mustang jeep tour from Kathmandu?

The Upper Mustang jeep tour from Kathmandu starts with a scenic ride to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will fly to Jomsom and meet with your driver and car there. The journey starts from Jomsom. Drive through Tangbe and follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge to ascend Chhuksang.

From here, the ride continues along the high cliffs and barren valleys to Tsarang. Pass by small villages like Tsaile, Samar, Syangbochen, Ghiling, Ghami, and Dhakmaar. From Tsarang onwards, you will cross Lo La Pass and descend to Lo Manthang.

Spend two nights in Lo Manthang and explore all the ancient monasteries and sky caves. Further, the trail descends to Tangye and goes along a river. You will drive past villages like Tsarang and Chhusang and cross the Gyu La pass.

From here, the route descends to Muktinath Temple. The final drive to Jomsom goes via Lupra village, where you will visit a BonPo Gompa. From Jomsom, take a short flight to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu the following day.

You can also start the Upper Mustang jeep tour from Pokhara. Contact us if you want to start the tour from Pokhara.

Attractions of Upper Mustang

  • Drive through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge, between Jomsom and Chhuksang.
  • Visit ancient Ghar Gompa on the way to Tsarang.
  • Explore Jampa Lhakhang (Jampa Monastery), Thubchen Monastery, and Chode Monastery in Lo Manthang. Likewise, hike to Chhoaser Cave, aka the sky caves, and also explore the Tingkar village. It is the last settlement in the Upper Mustang.
  • Cross Lo La (3,840 m) and Gyu La (4,077 m) passes.
  • Explore Muktinath Temple, one of the significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
  • Get to explore a BonPo Gompa in Lupra village while traveling from Muktinath to Jomsom.

Why explore the Upper Mustang in a jeep?

Traveling in a jeep allows you to explore the hidden corners of the region that trekkers usually miss. Long hours of jeep riding may not be extremely comfortable, but you will save a lot of energy. Likewise, it allows you to complete the journey in just 13 days.

The road to Upper Mustang is mostly paved, but there are a few bumpy sections. Overall, the ride will be comfortable. Likewise, compared to famous trekking routes in Nepal, the elevation gain on the Upper Mustang trip is relatively low. Therefore, you do not have to worry about altitude sickness.

The best thing is that you do not need previous experience or strong fitness. With us, you can join the Upper Mustang jeep tour for 13 days, even at the last minute. If this is your first time traveling in the Himalayas, then this program will be a perfect introduction. You will learn a lot about the mountain lifestyle.

We have a range of sturdy jeeps for the Upper Mustang tour. Our package includes a standard Jeep. However, you can upgrade the vehicle to a more luxurious one by paying extra money. Likewise, one of our expert drivers will accompany you on the jeep tour. He will drive carefully and ensure the ride is comfortable.

Tips for Upper Mustang jeep tour 2024/2025

  • If we do not include traveling to/from Kathmandu and Pokhara, the Upper Mustang jeep tour distance is around 200 kilometers. The ride is long, so make sure you do not suffer from bad motion sickness. We highly recommend getting some motion sickness medicines and carrying gums, cold beverages, chocolates, and other snacks to keep yourself calm.
  • Pack comfortable shoes and socks for the journey. Pack all the essentials in your day pack.
  • Bring a lightweight blanket to cover yourself in case you get cold during the ride.
  • We highly recommend getting a back pillow, neck pillow, etc.
  • The drive can get quite dusty, so make sure to pack ace masks, head covers, glasses, etc.
  • Do not forget your SPFs and moisturizers.

Why do the Upper Mustang jeep tour with us?

Our service and Upper Mustang jeep tour cost make us one of the top travel partners for foreigners. We regularly maintain our vehicles, so they are in good condition.

Likewise, we provide drivers who are deeply knowledgeable about the Upper Mustang route and have driven on the Upper Mustang route many times.

During the jeep tour, we will help you with everything from obtaining the permit to buying/renting essentials. Our team will be there for you all the time to ensure you are safe.

For a hassle-free Upper Mustang jeep tour, we highly recommend joining us. You can also customize the Upper Mustang Jeep tour itinerary as per your requirements. All of our prices and policies are 100% transparent.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Our team will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport on your landing day. They will transfer you to the hotel and help you with check-in. Freshen up and later meet us for the trek briefing. Get all the missing essentials for the trek today.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will leave Kathmandu and drive to Pokhara. The highway is scenic and offers beautiful views of hills, rivers, waterfalls, terraced fields, and mountains. The remaining day is free in Pokhara. Explore Phewa Lake and Lakeside Market.

Mountain views: Fishtail and Annapurna.

  • Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 6/7 hours
  • Distance: 201 km/125 miles

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom early in the morning, enjoying a stunning aerial panorama of the snow-capped mountains. After landing in Jomsom, load your luggage onto the jeep and drive to Chhuksang. Drive through Tangbe and follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

Mountain views: Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna North, Nilgiri, HIunchuli, Annapurna South, Fishtail, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,920 m/9,580 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 20 minutes flight & 3-4 hours ride

From Chhuksang, you will drive along the high cliffs and barren valleys to Tsarang. You will pass by small villages like Tsaile, Samar, Syangbochen, Ghiling, Ghami, and Dhakmaar on the way. During the ride, you will enjoy stunning views of unique rocks, canyons, hills, and the Kali Gandaki riverbed. While in Tsarang, you will visit the ancient white palace and Ghar Gompa.

Mountain views: Annapurna North, Nilgiri, etc

  • Max Altitude: 3,250 m/10,662 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3-4 hours

Today, you will reach Lo Manthang. From Tasarang, the ride continues to various mountain passes, including Lo La. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views on the way. It will be a short ride to Lo Manthang, so you will spend the rest of the day resting and exploring this town. Visit the three ancient monasteries- Jampa Lhakhang (Jampa Monastery), Thubchen Monastery, and Chode Monastery.

Mountain views: Damodar Himal, Bhrikuti Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,780 m/12,401 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 2-3 hours

You will spend one more day in Lo Manthang, exploring the town and its surrounding area. Explore the palace where the royal family still resides. Likewise, drive to Chhosar Caves, also known as the Sky Caves. You can also visit Tingkar, the last settlement in the Upper Mustang. Likewise, enjoy time with locals and see their daily lifestyle.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

While driving from Lo Manthang to Tangye, you will ascend to a glacial valley that offers breathtaking scenery. Likewise, during the ride, you will see views of farmlands. Stop at Dhi Gaon for lunch and continue driving to Yara, crossing a river. From here, you will drive along the high-winding route to Tangye.

Mountain views: Damodar Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna North, Dhaulagiri, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,320 m/10,892 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3 hours

On this day, you will leave the Upper Mustang and enter the Lower Mustang. Drive along a river and gradually descend to Tsarang and then to Chhusang. You will then cross the Gyu La pass (4,077 m) and descend to Muktinath Temple. It is an important pilgrimage site in Nepal. Discover hundreds of years old fossils here.

Mountain views: Damodar Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna North, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak, Tilicho Peak, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,700 m/12,139 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

Early in the morning, get blessings at the Muktinath Temple. After a delicious breakfast, start driving to Lupra village. Here, you will take a short break to explore a BonPon gompa. The ride then continues to Jomsom village. Enjoy semi-arid landscapes during the drive.

Mountain views: Damodar Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna North, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,700 m/8,858 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3 hours

Start your day early with a warm breakfast. Then, get ready to leave Jomsom. Take a short but thrilling flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The mountain views are heavenly during the flight. You have the remaining day free in the city.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 20 minutes flight

Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu following the same highway. Enjoy beautiful scenery on the way. Upon reaching Kathmandu, the guide will drop you at the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day in the city as you wish.

  • Max Altitude: 1,499 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 6/7 hours
  • Distance: 201 km/125 miles

You have one full day in Kathmandu. Explore tourist sites and local markets. Similarly, you can take spa treatments, get massages, and try local food. Do not forget to buy souvenirs; this is your last day in the city.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will leave Kathmandu and fly to your next destination. Our team will help you with check-out and drop you off at the international airport on time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Add-ons and Options
  • Upgrade your accommodation to a 5-star hotel: If you want to enjoy the finest amenities and luxury accommodations, upgrade your accommodation to a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Upgrade to a luxury vehicle: For a much better and comfortable ride, upgrade the vehicle.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.
  • Paragliding in Pokhara: Experience the thrill of paragliding in the safe hands of a professional paraglider. Sarangkot in Pokhara is the perfect spot for this adventure.
  • Everest Experience Flight: It is a one-hour commercial flight across the eastern Himalayan range of Nepal. You can see Mt. Everest and many other mountains. Window seat guaranteed.

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We will strictly follow the proposed Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary. However, there could be changes if the weather gets poor or unforeseen circumstances arise. Be flexible and open to changes. If you want to customize the trip, feel free to contact us to customize the itinerary. You can design the itinerary as per your wish and budget.

Essential Info

Upper Mustang jeep tour difficulty

It is the easiest and quickest way to explore the Upper Mustang. There is no difficulty on this jeep tour. The roads are in good condition, so you will enjoy a smooth ride.

Some parts are bumpy, but it will not affect your journey. Only light walking is required in villages. You do not need previous experience or strong fitness to do an Upper Mustang Jeep tour.

Altitude Sickness

The altitude sickness risk is nominal during the Upper Mustang jeep tour. From Kathmandu at 1,400 meters (4,593 ft), you will travel to Lo Manthang at 3,840 meters (12,598 ft).

The elevation increase is not that drastic, and you will reach this altitude within three days of traveling. You will have ample time to acclimatize as you ascend. If you feel any discomfort, inform your guide.

Be aware of persistent headaches, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. These are some early signs of altitude sickness.

To avoid altitude sickness, you can do the following things:

  • Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
  • Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks. You have to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Do not ascend quickly.
  • Get ample rest.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory to do the Upper Mustang jeep tour. Foreigners cannot travel to Upper Mustang without travel insurance covering medical bills and helicopter evacuation.

You have to buy travel insurance in your country. Not available in Nepal. It is needed in case any medical or unforeseen situation arises that requires immediate helicopter rescue.

Upper Mustang permits

The following permits are required for the Upper Mustang jeep tour:

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Permit cost: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per day after that
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit cost: USD 30 per person

The best time to do the Upper Mustang jeep tour

The Upper Mustang Jeep tour is possible throughout the year. This area has no rainfall, so the road remains in good condition. Note that the road condition may not be good for a lower Mustang.

For the best views and climate, travel between spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring and autumn have stable weather, clear skies, mild climate, and less chance of precipitation.

There is no risk of landslides along the highways, and the mountain views are phenomenal. In winter (December to February), the extreme cold results in the closing of some tea houses on the upper part of the trail.

Accommodation & food during the tour

During the jeep tour, you will stay in normal tea houses. You will spend nights in villages along the trail. All the accommodation will be pre-booked. Twin-shred rooms are included in our package cost.

If you want a single room, an extra charge will be applied, and you must inform us during booking. Western toilets are available in many parts of the route, but you may have to use square toilets in some places.

Charging, WiFi, and hot showers cost a few extra bucks, so carry Nepali cash with you. Likewise, meals during the tour are provided according to the tea house menu, which usually has Nepali and Tibetan dishes with some other options.

Dal bhat, Tibetan break, thukpa, momo, and porridge are common foods. Likewise, you will also get fried rice, sew, curries, pasta, soups, noodles, French fries, etc. If you have any allergies, let us know in advance.

You can get boiled water to drink in the tea houses. It is much cheaper than buying bottled water.

FAQs

The road to Upper Mustang is quite good. There are a few bumpy sections occasionally, but overall, the road condition is decent.

Upper Mustang has a border with Tibet, which is one of the main reasons for restricting foreigners to the area. Another big reason is to protect and preserve the ancient cultural heritage of the locals.

Upper Mustang is a trans-Himalayan region, so it is a semi-desert. There are barley, wheat, buckwheat fields, meadows, canyons, unique rocks, mud houses, and desert fields.

You can visit the Upper Mustang throughout the year. This region does not have an issue with rainfall because it is located in the rain shadows of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Winter sees extreme cold and snowfall, so make sure you can bear it. Spring and autumn are also top traveling times for Upper Mustang.

You can embark on a jeep or bike ride from Kathmandu to Upper Mustang. Another option is to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek from there.

Muktinath is located in the lower Mustang. It is not a restricted area.

Yes, snow falls in Upper Mustang between January and February. The temperature drops as low as -25°C, and many locals move to lower altitudes to spend the winter.

The distance between Pokhara and Upper Mustang is around 220 kilometers. You can reach Upper Mustang in 6 to 7 hours of driving from Pokhara.

WiFi is available in some villages in Upper Mustang. However, the network becomes unstable as the elevation increases.

This festival is celebrated according to the Tibetan calendar. In 2025, the Tiji festival will be celebrated on May 24th, 25th, and 26th.

The Tiji Festival trek is considered moderate/difficult because of the offbeat terrain. If you have good fitness, beginner trekkers can do this trek. However, the daily 6 to 7 hours of walking and the region's remoteness make it challenging.

Yes, it is safe to do the Mustang Tiji festival trek. You will trek with an experienced and reliable guide who will ensure your safety during the trek. Likewise, the locals are also welcoming, and trekkers are not harmed.

Yes, you can talk to the locals during the festival. Most locals understand English a little bit and can communicate in broken English.

No, you cannot use your credit cards from Jomsom onwards. There is no ATM on the Upper Mustang trek route. Likewise, the locals also do not accept payments via credit cards. You have to carry cash for personal express.

The network and internet facility along the Upper Mustang trail is okay. You will get a good network and paid WiFi service in the villages at the lower elevation. However, once the elevation rises, these services get limited.

During the Tiji festival trek, the climate is hot in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Once you start trekking, you will experience warm weather during the daytime and cold mornings and nights.

Be respectful to the locals, do not touch anything without asking, and participate in the rituals if the locals allow you. If you have any questions, ask your guide.

Yes, you can customize the Tiji festival trek to the Tiji festival jeep tour. Contact us to curate the package.

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