The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is one of Nepal's most remarkable cultural and scenic journeys, taking you deep into the ancient Kingdom of Mustang. Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang offers dramatic desert landscapes, centuries-old monasteries, cave dwellings, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang.
This overland adventure is ideal for travelers who wish to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without long trekking days. Traveling by private 4WD jeep allows you to explore remote villages, ancient monasteries, colorful canyons, and breathtaking mountain panoramas while enjoying comfortable lodge accommodations.
| Duration | 11 Days |
|---|---|
| Destination | Upper Mustang, Nepal |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,840 m / 12,598 ft |
| Transportation | Private 4WD Jeep |
| Accommodation | Hotel & Teahouse/Lodge |
| Best Season | March–May & September–November |
| Permit Required | Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit & ACAP |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour with Hiking Friends Travel Nepal offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, history, and Himalayan scenery in Nepal's last forbidden kingdom.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Hiking Friends Travel Nepal will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets of Thamel. Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Distance: 200 km Driving Time: 7–8 Hours Enjoy a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway following the Trishuli River. Pass through charming towns, terraced hillsides, and beautiful countryside before reaching the lakeside city of Pokhara. Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Distance: 165 km Driving Time: 8–9 Hours Your Himalayan adventure begins as you drive through Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, and Jomsom. Witness dramatic changes in landscape from lush valleys to the arid terrain of Mustang. Explore the ancient village of Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang. Accommodation: Lodge in Kagbeni
Driving Time: 6–7 Hours After permit verification, enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang. Drive through: Tangbe Chhusang Chele Samar Syangboche Visit traditional villages, colorful cliffs, and ancient Buddhist chortens before reaching Ghami. Accommodation: Lodge in Ghami
Driving Time: 5–6 Hours Travel through spectacular Mustang landscapes via: Ghami La Pass Tsarang Village Tsarang Monastery Arrive at the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. Accommodation: Lodge in Lo Manthang
A full day exploring the cultural treasures of Upper Mustang. Visit: Royal Palace of Lo Manthang Jampa Monastery Thubchen Monastery Chode Monastery Chhoser Cave Monastery Ancient Sky Caves Learn about the unique Tibetan Buddhist heritage and centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive in Mustang. Accommodation: Lodge in Lo Manthang
Driving Time: 7–8 Hours Retrace your route through Upper Mustang before heading toward Muktinath, one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage destinations. Visit: Muktinath Temple 108 Water Spouts Eternal Flame Temple Accommodation: Lodge in Muktinath
Distance: 165 km Driving Time: 8–9 Hours Enjoy a scenic descent through Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, and Beni. Return to Pokhara and spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake. Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Explore Pokhara's major attractions: Davis Falls Gupteshwor Cave Bindhyabasini Temple Phewa Lake Tal Barahi Temple World Peace Pagoda International Mountain Museum Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Return to Kathmandu through scenic countryside and river valleys. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural performances. Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. Your unforgettable Upper Mustang Jeep Tour concludes with wonderful memories of Nepal's last forbidden kingdom.
Tip: Upper Mustang is dry, windy, and dusty. A buff, scarf, or face mask is highly recommended for jeep travel on unpaved mountain roads.