Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper mustang jeep tour
Mustang jeep tour
Upper mustang jeep safari
Customize Trip
Upper Mustang, Lomanthang
At a Glance
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude3,840m
Group Size2-25 pax
StartsPokhara
EndsPokhara
Travel StyleDrive
Best TimeEntire Year

Highlights

  • Kickstart the journey exploring the two mega cities of Nepal- Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Explore the Himalayas in Nepal in the comfort of a four-wheeler
  • Travel from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang in a comfortable jeep
  • Witness stunning snow-capped mountains up close and enjoy diverse landscapes, including trans-Himalayan sceneries
  • A perfect tour package for travelers who love adventurous off-road driving
  • An easy, short, and comfortable alternative to trekking
  • Witness the natural, cultural, architectural, and archeological magnificence of Upper Mustang
  • Get to explore unique rocks, high cliffs, canyons, and sand deserts
  • An incredible lifetime voyage far away from the bustle of the modern world
  • Spend nights in picturesque remote villages and experience the simple mountain Himalayan lifestyle
  • Get to see the rich Buddhist cultural heritage of the locals and visit many ancient monasteries
  • Explore the infamous sky caves, the King's Palace, Amchi Museum and School, etc

Explore the very untouched and special part of the great Himalayas in the comfort of a four-wheeler during the Upper Mustang jeep tour. Travel from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang in a jeep. Witness stunning snow-capped mountains up close and explore beautiful villages and ancient monasteries. The Upper Mustang jeep tour presents the adventure of off-road driving in Nepal. 

If you have heard about the Upper Mustang trek, then the Upper Mustang jeep tour is a similar trip. The only difference is the mode of transportation & not to mention the comfort that comes with driving instead of walking 6 hours a day. Trekking is one of the most common ways to explore the Himalayas in Nepal, however if you are looking for a better, easy, short, and comfortable alternative, then our Upper Mustang jeep tour 12 days is the perfect package.   

Upper Mustang is a well-preserved and protected area in Nepal. The natural, cultural, architectural, and archeological magnificence of Upper Mustang makes it an exclusive area in Nepal. Traveling here is a privilege that only a handful of travelers get, and that also comes at a high cost. Known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Upper Mustang presents a magical journey in a trans-Himalayan region. 

Where is Upper Mustang?

Lo Manthang is the capital of Upper Mustang. From the very early days, Upper Mustang always stood as a separate kingdom within Nepal with its own king and regulations. Even after Nepal was declared a secular federal state in 2008, Upper Mustang practiced its monarchical system.

Likewise, entering this region was long prohibited and only opened in 1992. Hence, Upper Mustang is famously known as the last forbidden kingdom in Nepal. Located close to the Nepal-Tibet border, Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal & requires a special permit to enter.

Unlike the popular Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley, or Annapurna Base Camp, the Upper Mustang is totally different in terms of terrain, climate, landscapes, and vegetation. In Upper Mustang, you will get to see the Himalayan desert. Instead of forests, valleys, and lush vegetation, you will see high cliffs, canyons, and sand deserts.

What to expect during the Upper Mustang jeep tour 12 days?

The upper Mustang jeep tour is an incredible lifetime voyage. On this trip, you will travel far away from the bustle of the modern world and embark on a rejuvenating journey. Explore the picturesque villages and get to see diverse landscapes. Experience the rich Buddhist cultural heritage and get to see the unique lifestyle of the mountain people.

You will see mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,406 ft), Bhrikuti Peak (6,476 m/21,246 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), and many others. On the way, cross many mountain passes under 4,000 meters. Stop at monasteries, stupas, and rock carvings.

Colorful prayer flags add a splash of color to the rustic and barren surroundings. During your overnight stays in tea houses along the route, enjoy the heartwarming welcome of the locals. Locals along the Upper Mustang route are friendly and kind. You will love interacting with them. Our guide will bridge any communication gap.

In Lo Manthang, you will spend two nights. You will explore many monasteries here and also visit the last settlement in the area called Tingkhar. Explore Chodey Gompa, Jmapa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, Namgyal Gompa, Kings Palace, Amchi Museum and School, Gyakar Monastery, Ghar Gompa, etc.

Similarly, explore the sky caves of Chhoser. Still, many of these caves remain unexplored because of their unstable structure. As per the beliefs, humans used to live in these caves. These caves are truly magnificent and unbelievable to see.

Is this trip in the Himalayas suitable for you?

The Upper Mustang jeep tour is the only package in Nepal that one can join to explore the Himalayas by car. It is the easiest way to explore the Himalayas. All ages can do this jeep tour. No previous experience or strong fitness is needed. If you wish to go beyond trekking in Nepal, then try the Upper Mustang jeep tour.

You will begin the Upper Mustang jeep tour from Kathmandu. We can also customize the package if you want to start the Upper Mustang jeep tour from Pokhara. Follow a scenic highway to Pokhara. From here, drive west to Jomsom and enter the Upper Mustang via Kagbeni. The road is 80% smooth, therefore, you will fully enjoy the ride.

You will travel in a sturdy vehicle, which is made to withstand the alpine environment and terrain. Our Upper Mustang jeep tour package has a great entry-level jeep. However, you can upgrade to a luxury four-wheeler if you wish (additional cost applies). We have a range of fleets available with us that tourists can pick for their adventures in Nepal.

Upper Mustang jeep tour difficulty

The Upper Mustang jeep tour is an easy adventure program. As it says, the participants travel in a jeep for the tour duration. Most of the Upper Mustang roadways are well-made, so you will have a smooth ride.

However, there are a handful of bumpy sections as well. Only light walking is involved in the tour. Unlike trekking, travelers do not have to be extremely fit or possess previous experience to do the Upper Mustang jeep tour.

If you are thinking of doing the Upper Mustang jeep tour, make sure you are fine with riding in a jeep for 5 to 7 hours a day. The main challenges of the Upper Mustang jeep tour are high altitude, limited tourist infrastructure, and motion sickness.

If you get car sick, then you should consider taking medicine. Likewise, you should also consider the weather and climate of Upper Mustang as it is different from other parts of the Himalayas.

How much does the Upper Mustang Jeep tour cost?

The Upper Mustang jeep tour cost starts at USD 1,950 per person. Things like the services included in the package cost, time of the year, group size, and itinerary can make a difference in the Upper Mustang jeep tour price. Nevertheless, we have the most affordable and genuine cost in the market.

Number of participants

Cost per head

Booking link

1

USD 1,950 per person

Book here

2-4

USD 1,900 per person

Book here

5-8

USD 1,850 per person

Book here

8+

USD 1,800 per person

Book here

Local guide for Upper Mustang jeep tour

On the Upper Mustang jeep tour, you will be accompanied by a well-trained driver and a licensed guide. Our drivers are well known for the Upper Mustang terrain and the route. They will drive carefully and smoothly. You can trust their driving skills as they have been driving to and from Upper Mustang for numerous years.

Likewise, the guide will be there to introduce you to the region and the locals. Our guests are well-trained in remote survival and first aid. They are very important for a satisfying journey. With our guides, you will not have a communication barrier. They will make the jeep tour fun, exciting, and gratifying with their presence.

Benefits of Upper Mustang jeep tour with Regal Nepal Tours and Travel

At Regal Nepal Tours and Travel, we share the passion of traveling and exploring the Himalayas. We have established this company to provide comprehensive travel services to foreigners visiting Nepal. Our team of professional mountain guides, porters, and travel consultants makes any journey seamless and a lifetime experience.

We believe a satisfying journey is a much bigger aspect of traveling than reaching the destination. Join us on our Upper Mustang jeep tour 2024 departures, or book any trip with us. With transparent pricing, an easy booking system, a reliable team, and top-notch service, you will not regret your time with us. 

Contact us if you have any questions.

Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and jeep tour preparation
Day 03
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (by private jeep)
Day 04
Drive from Pokhara to Tatopani to Kalapani to Marpha
Day 05
Drive from Marpha to Jomsom to Kagbeni to Tangbe to Chele
Day 06
Drive from Chele to Chhusang to Syangboche to Ghami (via Syagboche La - Chunggar - Nyi La)
Day 07
Drive from Ghami to Lo-Manthang via the Lo La pass (3,950 m/ ft)
Day 08
Acclimatization day in Lo-Manthang
Day 09
Drive from Lo Manthang to Chusang to Tetang to Kagbeni to Muktinath
Day 10
Drive from Muktinath to Marpha to Tatopani to Pokhara
Day 11
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 12
Final departure from Kathmandu
Tour Plan
Day 01

The representatives from our company will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on your arrival day. You do not have to worry about getting a cab and finding your way to the hotel. Our team will take care of that. Once you settle in the hotel, take your time to rest and unwind. In the late evening, we will catch up on a welcome dinner.

Day 02

Today, you will go on a guided sightseeing tour in the morning. Our tour guide will take you to tourist sites like Monkey Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The tour will present you with a quick glimpse of Nepali culture, art, and architecture.

In the late afternoon or early evening, we will meet for a trek briefing. Your mountain guide will explain the tour. You will obtain permits and do any last-minute shopping. You can freely ask any question during the briefing.

Day 03

The Upper Mustang jeep tour begins with a ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The route winds along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers and follows a well-made highway. The scenery is fantastic on the way. You also get to see distant views of snow-capped mountains.

Upon reaching Pokhara, you have the remaining day free. Relax and enjoy the laid-back environment of this beautiful city. Explore the tranquil Phewa Lake and butling Lakeside Market. Get plenty of rest and buy anything that you forget in Kathmandu.

Day 04

Leaving Pokhara, you will drive to Marpha. Once you leave the city, you will drive, enjoying the countryside views. The highway goes west to Beni, following the Kali Gandaki riverside. The views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are excellent along the way.

In Tatopani, you can take a break to relax in natural hot springs. From here, drive to Kalapani and see views of apple orchards on the way to Marpha.

Day 05

Continue driving from Marpha to Jomsom. The ride will be a bit bumpy as you will follow rugged hillsides. Jomsom is a big town with an airstrip and many modern services. From here, drive to Kagbeni village, enjoying the arid view on the way.

From Kangbeni, you will drive to Chele via Tangbe village and officially enter the Upper Mustang region. On the way, you can see fields of barley and wheat and cross bridges.

Day 06

The drive continues from Chele to Ghami settlement. First, you will drive to the Chhusang settlement and continue to Syangboche. The route offers excellent views of Damodar Danda, Tilicho Peak, and Yakawa Kang. After Syangboche, the road ascends to Nyi La pass. It is the highest point you touch on this tour. From here, descend to Ghami village to spend the night.

Day 07

From Ghami, you will drive to Lo Manthang, the walled city. Cross the Ghami river and drive past small stupas and mani walls. You will reach Tsarang, and from here, the road ascends to Lo La pass. The view from the top of the pass is stunning.

Further, you will drive to Lo Manthang, the highlight of this trip. Enjoy beautiful views of mountains like Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Bhrikuti Peak, etc along the way.

Day 08

You will spend one more day in Lo Manthang. It will help you acclimatize and allow you to explore places like Chodey Gompa, Jmapa Gompa, Ghar Gompa, and Thubchen Gompa. Likewise, you will also drive to Chhoser, where you will explore the sky caves. On the remaining day, rest and see the daily lives of the locals of Lo Manthang.

Day 09

Today, you will drive from Lo Manthang to Muktinath. It is a long descent. The route is the same as before. You will drive past Tsarang and Ghami. The route then goes through villages like Chusang, Syanboche, and Chele. Spend the evening in Muktinath, resting and exploring. It is a significant pilgrimage site in Nepal, so you will see many devotees here.

Day 10

In the morning, visit the Muktinath temple and get blessings. After that, start driving from Muktinath to Pokhara. Follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Gradually descends to Marpha and continues to Tatopani. From here, you will drive to Pokhara.

Day 11

Leave Pokhara and follow the same highway back to Kathmandu. The ride will be scenic and comfortable. In Kathmandu, the hotel will be ready to welcome you again. Spend the remaining day in the city as you wish. Today is your last day, so buy souvenirs and join us for a farewell dinner in the late evening.

Day 12

You will fly back to your home on this day. Our airport team will drop you at the international airport a few hours before your flight departure time.

Cost Details
Included
  • Transportation: The tour generally includes a private 4x4 jeep for the entire trip, including pick-up and drop-off services from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Permits: Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so the cost usually includes the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) .
  • Accommodation: Lodging in guesthouses or tea houses along the route is often included.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are sometimes part of the package, depending on the operator.
  • Guide: A professional, English-speaking guide with local knowledge is typically included.
  • Driver and fuel: Experienced driver services, fuel, and other vehicle-related expenses are part of the package.
Excluded
  • Personal expenses: Snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and any other personal purchases.
  • Travel insurance: Insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, or evacuation is not included and must be arranged separately.
  • Tips for guide and driver: Tips are expected but not included in the package cost.
  • Extra activities: Additional charges may apply for activities like horseback riding or special cultural experiences.
Additional Info

Permits needed for Upper Mustang jeep tour

The Upper Mustang jeep tour requires two permits- the restricted area permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Traveling without these two permits is illegal. Our Upper Mustang jeep tour cost includes these permit fees. You have to be available in Kathmandu to obtain the restricted area permit. 

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

Altitude sickness during the jeep tour to Upper Mustang

During the Upper Mustang jeep tour from Kathmandu, you will begin the journey at 1,400 meters (4,593 ft). While the Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,598 ft) is the highest settlement, the tour will take you up to Nyi La pass at 3,950 meters (12,959 ft). 

For most of the travelers, this gain in elevation is very high because they usually come from sea level. Therefore, altitude sickness is a potential risk on this jeep tour. The good news is that it is avoidable if you properly acclimatize and follow some basic rules of high-altitude travel. 

Your Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary matters a lot. If it is well curated (which ours is), you will get ample time to adjust to elevation during the tour and avoid altitude sickness. 

Follow the below guidelines to avoid altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang jeep tour:

Go on a hike to high altitude during acclimatization day and return to the same village to spend the night. Trekking high and sleeping low will help you get used to the altitude. 
Drink plenty of water and other fluids during the tour. By keeping yourself hydrated, you can avoid altitude sickness. 
Adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Make sure you get ample rest and recovery time every day. Eat lots of food and get ample sleep. 
If you see the symptoms of altitude sickness, take medicine and rest. If it does not seem to get away, descend. 
Inform your guide immediately in case you feel any discomfort. 

Is travel insurance necessary for an Upper Mustang jeep tour 12 days?

Yes, tourists have to get travel insurance for the Upper Mustang jeep tour in Nepal. The restricted area regulation makes travel insurance with helicopter evacuation and medical bills mandatory for foreign travelers. 

It helps travelers to receive immediate rescue in case of any emergency during the tour. Traveling in a remote area like the Upper Mustang involves unseen risks of injuries, altitude sickness, calamities, etc. 

Without travel insurance coverage, helicopter evacuation may get quite a hassle. There is not even a 1% chance of any mishap during the tour, however we recommend our guests get well-covered travel insurance for that below 1% chance. 

The best time to do the Upper Mustang jeep tour

Like trekking, the best time to do the Upper Mustang jeep tour is the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons have stable weather and mild climates. The road is not damaged or blocked because of perception. 

You will witness stunning mountain views while driving. The daylight hours are long, with bright skies and fresh air.  You can also do this jeep tour in summer/monsoon (June to August) because Upper Mustang is a rainshadow area. Unlike other parts of the Himalayas, there is no rainfall in Upper Mustang. 

However, you will see heavy rainfall until you enter the upper part of the Mustang region. Once you are in the Upper Mustang, you can enjoy the tour without any weather disturbance. The extreme cold of winter (December to January) makes the Upper Mustang jeep tour less popular at this time of the year. 

But, if you can manage the cold, then winter can be an excellent time to explore the beauty of the Upper Mustang. Some tea houses may get closed in the higher elevations, so you should travel with a company like us who have a fantastic network of locals and can organize a hassle-free tour. 

Accommodation and Meals

On the Upper Mustang jeep tour, you will spend nights in remote mountain villages. There are tea houses available in the villages for trekkers and other travelers visiting the region. The tea house accommodations are simple and shared. Rooms are twin-shared, and washrooms are common. 

Spring and autumn seasons are the top times for Upper Mustang travel, so most of the accommodations are pre-booked. Getting single rooms is a bit difficult and costs extra money. In villages like Jomsom and Kagbeni, you can indulge in luxury accommodation. Let us know if you want to upgrade your accommodation. 

Rooms are small in the tea houses. You will get a clean bed and blanket, but a sleeping bag is recommended for extra comfort. Pack all the essentials like toilet paper, wet tissues, soap, lotion, etc. Do not forget to carry an adapter for your chargers and a power bank. 

Services like hot showers, WiFi, and charging may cost you extra money in the tea houses, so carry some alternative options and Nepali cash. There is no ATM along the Upper Mustang route. Also, pack ample snacks for the journey. Everything costs high in the Himalayas and only gets expensive with the increase in elevation. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided in a day. You can buy extra food on your own. The food option is excellent. The menu includes dal bhat, chapati, dhido, Tibetan bread, thukpa, thenduk, momo, noodles, stew curries, eggs, meat, porridge, soups, burgers, sandwiches, pancakes, pies, toast, oatmeals, etc. 

Guide for Upper Mustang jeep tour

On the Upper Mustang jeep tour, you will be accompanied by a well-trained driver and a licensed guide. Our drivers are well known for the Upper Mustang terrain and the route. They will drive carefully and smoothly. You can trust their driving skills as they have been driving to and from Upper Mustang for numerous years. 

Likewise, the guide will be there to introduce you to the region and the locals. Our guests are well-trained in remote survival and first aid. They are very important for a satisfying journey. With our guides, you will not have a communication barrier. They will make the jeep tour fun, exciting, and gratifying with their presence. 

FAQs

There are many ways to travel to the Upper Mustang from Kathmandu. Trekking, jeep tours, and biking are the most famous ways. From Kathmandu, first, you have to travel to Pokhara. From here, you can drive to Jomsom via Tatopani, Kalapani, and Marpha. Jomsom onwards, you have to drive to Kagbeni and enter the Upper Mustang.

From Kathmandu, Upper Mustang is situated 462 kilometers (287 miles) away. Upper Mustang is located in the north central part of Nepa and borders Tibet.

 

The Upper Mustang jeep tour usually starts at USD 1,950 per person and can go up to USD 3,500 per person. The per-head cost varies because of group size, itinerary, vehicle type, services included in the package, and season. Because of the expensive restricted area permit, exploring Upper Mustang stays on the costly side for foreigners.

In spring and autumn seasons, the temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C. However, morning and night are colder than the daytime. As the elevation increases, you will see a further rise in temperature during the daytime and a drop in climate in the mornings and nights.

Yes, you can go to Upper Mustang by car. In fact, it is the only part of the Himalayas in Nepal that can be explored in a four-wheeler. Make sure the vehicle you use to drive to Upper Mustang is sturdy enough to withstand the Himalayan climate and terrain.

The Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal because it is located close to the Nepal-Tibet border. To maintain border security, the Nepal government has made this area a restricted zone for foreign travelers. Not only that, but Upper Mustang also has cultural, historical, architectural, and natural importance and is worth protecting.

Upper Mustang is a trans-Himalayan rain shadow area. It is semi-desert with high cliffs, huge rocks, canyons, and rocky gorges. The terrain of Upper Mustang is similar to the Tibetan plateau.

No, it doesn't rain in Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is situated under the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Because of that, rain doesn't fall in Upper Mustang.

You can travel to Upper Mustang in these months- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Traveling in December, January, and February is also possible, but the climate is very cold in these months because the temperature drops below the freezing point.

The Upper Mustang jeep tour starts from Kathmandu. You can also start the tour from Pokhara. Let us know where you want to start the tour. We will customize the trip as per that.

The local language spoken in Upper Mustang is called Loke. Because of the high influence of Tibet in Upper Mustang, the language also, so some similarities with the Tibetan dialect. Many locals understand English and Nepali to some extent. Our guide will bridge the communication gap.

You will get a decent WiFi connection in the villages at lower elevations along the Upper Mustang route. The WiFi and the network, in general, get unreliable once you begin to gain elevation. Buy a Nepali tourist sim in Thamel for a better chance of staying connected with your loved ones during the tour.