Facts for Jeep Tour in Upper Mustang

• Location: Mustang District, Nepal
• Region: Restricted Area
• Permit Required: Restricted Permit and ACAP Permit
• Transportation: Four-wheel vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruisers and Mahendra
• Scorpios
• Road Condition: Partially Dard Road and topped road
• Start: Actual 4x4 wheel drive starts from Pokhara
• End: Actual 4x4 wheel drive end at Pokhara
• Trip Days: 7-18 Days
• Highest Elevation: 4230 Meters
• Difficulty: Medium
• Tour Guide: Local Tibetan and English Speaking Recommended

Highlights of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

• Scenic drive to Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki River with stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
• Explore the picturesque Kagbeni village, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
• Cultural immersion Lo Manthang, ancient walled city.
• Witness mysterious sky caves, which are used for meditation and burial.
• Blessings from centuries-old Buddhist monasteries.
• Kali Gandaki Gorge—Drive through one of the world’s deepest gorges.
• Experience the mesmerizing landscape of Mustang.
• Attend the vibrant Tiji Festival of Upper Mustang.
• An alternative way of exploring Upper Mustang other than trekking.

Distance covered by road trip in Upper Mustang

• The Pokhara-Beni road trip distance is 85 kilometers.
• The Beni-Tatopani road trip distance is 21 kilometers.
• The distance of the Tatopani to Marpha road trip is 44 kilometers.
• The Marpha to Jomsom Road Trip distance is 14 kilometers.
• The Jomsom to Kagbeni road trip distance is 11 kilometers.
• The Kagbeni to Lo Manthang road trip distance is 61 kilometers.

Upper Mustang Road Trip Route

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts with a flight or tourist coach from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will drive in a 4x4 jeep, depending on your budget. The road from Pokhara to Beni is 85 kilometers in distance, which takes 3 hours by driving. Along the way, you will stop at some viewpoints to witness the vistas of the Annapurna Ranges. From Beni to Jomsom, the road drive distance is 79 kilometers, which takes 5 hours. Between Beni and Jomsom, you will drive along the Karli Gandaki river, where the landscape is lush greenery in the beginning and later ends up with barren, desert-like landscapes at Jomsom. From Jomsom, you will drive to Kagbeni, the official entry point to Upper Mustang, where your guide needs to register all the required permits. From Kagbeni, the real off-road starts, but your 4x4 WD will expertly navigate the terrain, and you do not need to worry at all. You can visit multiple villages and monasteries en route to Lo Manthang. After conquering a road trip to Lo Manthang, you can explore the nearby places such as Namgyal Gompa, the caves of Chosar, and even further to the eastern Upper Mustang of Yara, Ghara, and Tange.

Upper Mustang 4x4WD Tour day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Welcome assistance from a Himalayan Wander Walkers representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel; rest at the hotel and receive a briefing about the trip.
Overnight at 3-Star Accommodation.
Meal: (Breakfast)

Day 2: Morning Kathmandu sightseeing and fly to Pokhara (800m).
After your breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide and driver for sightseeing in Kathmandu. Explore the unique art and architecture, culture and tradition, and unparalleled features of the landscape of Nepal, which are UNESCO-listed, famous sites of Kathmandu Durbar, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath Stupa. After the sightseeing, you will be dropped at Kathmandu domestic airport for departure to Pokhara. The flight duration between Kathmandu and Pokhara is 25 minutes. Check in at the hotel, and your guide will take you for an evening walk along the Phewa Lake.
Overnight at 3-Star Accommodation.
Meal: (Breakfast)

Day 3: Drive by private Jeep from Pokhara to Marpha (2650m)
You will embark on your awaited 4x4 wheel adventurous journey to Upper Mustang from today onward. The scenic drive from Pokhara to Beni through Nau Danda (nine hills) makes a perfect road trip. By covering 85, you will reach Beni, the headquarters of Myagdi district. The roadpasses through the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, presenting spectacular mountain views of several famous peaks within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri area from both sides. On the way, you will take a few breaks for lunch and toilets. Finally, reach Marpha for a stopover. Take a short and easy walk through the streets of Marpha and the monastery to witness the mind-blowing view.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 4: Drive from Marpha to Chhuksang via Kagbeni (2850m).
Today, you will enter the region of Upper Mustang. After your breakfast, you will drive to Kagbeni, and your guide will register your permits and then take you on a short walk through the narrow underpassing street of Kagbeni. You will also visit the monastery and see local monks. Then continue your road trip to Chhusang. After your lunch, you will have a side trip to Gompa Gang and Tetang, where you will encounter the ruins of abandoned typical houses.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5: Drive from Chhusang to Ghami via Sangbochen and Chungshi Cave Monastery.
After a great two days of acclimatization, you will drive towards Syangboche (3,800m) through Samar village. Many trekkers used to like the old trekking trail between Chele and Samar. Now, the old salt trading route is destroyed due to a newly constructed road above it. From the road, you will witness the great view of Nilgiri and other Annapurna ranges in the southern skyline. Though the driving distance is not so far, you will stop at multiple viewpoints to see thesurrounding nature. Later, you will have lunch at Sangbochen and take a side trip to Chungshi Rangjung Cave Monastery (sacred cave monastery). The well-known Buddhist Tantric master Padmasambhava meditated here centuries ago. Inside the cave monastery, you will see spontaneous stone statues of Avalokiteshvara (Chenresig), Tara, and prayer beads. Finally, you will drive to Ghami with a short visit to Gelling Village.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6: Ghami to Lo Manthang Via Dhakmar and Lo Gyakar Monastery.
From Ghami, the road crosses the Ghami River and heads to Dhakmar via the longest stoned Mani Wall in Mustang. You will stop there to explore the Mani Wall and the old Chortens that lie nearby. Then you will drive to Dhakmar, the village of Red Cliff. Locals believe that the formation of the red cliff is from the demon’s blood, which split over the cliff during the assassination of the demon by Guru Rinpoche. After a short break at Dhakmar, you will continue your drive to Mui La (4179m). From here, Lo Gyakar Gompa (Ghar Gompa) is a few minutes' drive. This monastery is considered the oldest Mahayana Buddhist monastery, which was built 6 centuries ago. Then continue to drive to Marang village for lunch. From Marang, you will drive through Samduk Chorten and the army barracks. Finally, you will reach Dalo La, from where you will see Lo Manthang and its surrounding villages. After a short drive from there, you will reach your hotel in Lo Manthang.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7: Visit Monasteries and Caves of Chosar and Visit Konchokling Landscape
Today, you will explore around Chosar. At first, you will drive to Konchokling and then to visit old Jomsom, and on the way, you will visit the Muktinath Temple. The spiritual connection between Kali Gandaki and Muktinath Temple plays an important role for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims in Mustang. You visit the main temple after lunch and tour its surroundings. You will also admire the 108 water spouts before paying a visit to a Buddhist monastery nearby. In the early afternoon, you will continue to drive to Tatopani. On the way, you will visit Marpha village with a monastery and stop for photos of the Kali Gandaki Valley, including a stop at Rupse Waterfall. In the early evening, arrive at Tatopani and, if not too late, visit Hot springs (most likely leave hot springs the next morning if you don’t have enough time).
Overnight at the Hotel.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 8: Visit Yak Herders and Monasteries of Lo Manthang
Today you will drive to Yak Nomadic place to experience the lifestyle of Upper Mustang Nomads. You will also spot herds of goats and sheep milking and grazing in the mountain. Then you will return to the lodge for breakfast. After your breakfast we will visit the Namgyal Monastery, located at Namgyal village. The afternoon will be time to visit three main Monasteries of Lo Manthang; Thupchen, Jampa, and Choede.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 9: Drive to Ghara and Visit Luri Gompa
Today is a day to say goodbye to Lo-Manthang and the beginning of the eastern Mustang journey. The jeep road retraces to Charang and then descends to Kali Gandaki River. You will enjoy the beautiful canyon and rock formations that surround the road. When you reach the bridge just before the Dhee village the valley widens up and sees Surkhang village on your right side. The views are more rewarding and interesting than the western part of the mustang. After a few minutes of the gentle climb, you will reach Yara. Yara is warmer in terms of temperature compared with other villages of Upper Mustang. From Yara the road is uphill but a short drive. After the delicious lunch at Ghara you will visit Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabung Chorten in the Afternoon. Locals believe that there are 108 Kabung (Stupa) and only a few of them are discovered.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 10: Drive to Charang and Visit Tange
Today you will explore Tange village, an isolated village which was used as a refuge by Tibetan guerrilla groups between 1959 to 1965. You leave Ghara and Yara along a high winding path, retracing the dirt road till Dechang Khola and then climbing in the south direction to Tange. This road offers breathtaking views during the drive. Finally, you reach the Tangye village hidden behind the deep valley surrounded by beautiful Chortens here. After your lunch you will drive to Charang village. Tsarang or Charang is a historical village inside the Upper Mustang which isnadorned by a maze of fields and willow trees. One of the oldest monasteries and palaces here in Tsarang is also the main attraction of this trip. In the evening you will take a walk within the village and explore.
Overnight at Local Lodge/Guest House.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 11: Drive to Tatopani and Visit Muktinath
Today after your breakfast you will drive to Jomsom and on the way, you will visit Muktinath Temple. The spiritual connection between Kali Gandaki and Muktinath Temple plays an important role for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims in Mustang. You visit the main temple after lunch and tour its surroundings. You will also admire the 108 water spouts before paying a visit to a Buddhist monastery nearby. In the early afternoon, you will continue to drive to Tatopani on the way, visiting Marpha village with a monastery and stopping for photos of Kali Gandaki valley including a stop at Rupse Waterfall. Early evening arrival at Tatopani and if not too late visit Hot springs (most likely leave hot springs the next morning if you don’t have enough time).
Overnight at the Hotel.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 12: Drive to Pokhara Via Baglung, Kali Gandaki Golden Bridge
Early morning visit to Tatopani Hot springs (if no time on the previous day). In the late morning, drive to Pokhara, stopping on the way at Galeshwor Hindu temple, Golden Gandaki Suspension bridge at Baglung, and at the end with a visit to The Cliff Kushma Suspension bridge park with at least 1 hour free time for optional activities. Drive to Pokhara and check in.
Overnight at 3 Star Accommodation.
Meal: (Breakfast)

Day 13: Pokhara Sightseeing and Evening Flight to Kathmandu
Early morning visit to Sarangkot for sunrise view by cable car and return to hotel for breakfast. Visit the International Mountain Museum and Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple and drop to Airport for departure to Kathmandu. After arrival in Kathmandu transfer to a hotel and invite for a farewell dinner.
Overnight at 3 Star Accommodation.
Meal: (Breakfast)

Day 14: Final Departure
We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander Walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Meal: (Breakfast)

If you are Interested in booking this Tour, Overland Upper Mustang Tour

Why Choose a Road Trip to the Upper Mustang?

It is obvious for everyone to have questions regarding how worthwhile the road trip to Upper Mustang is. Here's a breakdown of the major reasons to choose the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour.

1. Difficult Terrain
   The landscape of Upper Mustang is rocky, rugged, and dusty off-roads with steep descents and ascents. So, 4WD vehicles are the best option to tackle these challenges.
   
   
2. Physically Demanding
   Driving to Upper Mustang is much easier in terms of physical movement than trekking, which requires a physically good level of fitness due to the high altitude of 3500 to 4200 meters and the multi-day trek.
   
   
3. Convenient and Faster
   Generally it takes 10-14 days to complete the Upper Mustang classic circuit trek route, but a Jeep tour can cover all these places in 4-6 days with acclimatization. This makes a perfect alternative choice for travellers with limited time, accessible to all villages.
   
   
4. Harsh Weather
   The Upper Mustang region has intense sunlight and strong wind due to its dry and high elevation. Touring a Mustang by 4x4 WD offers protection against harsh weather while still allowing you to explore and enjoy the trip with minimum exposure to wind and sun.
   
   
5. Flexible Itinerary
   During your Jeep tour in Upper Mustang, you will have a private vehicle, allowing you to customize your trip itinerary as per your choice. This benefits travelers with the option to stop at any place wherever they like to explore, such as villages, caves, viewpoints, and monasteries.
   
   
6. Suitable for All Age Travelers
   A Jeep tour to Upper Mustang is ideal for all age groups. From childhood to old age, people can easily do this tour without being physically fit enough for trekking and hiking in Nepal.
   
   
7. Contingency plan
   Due to remoteness and high elevation, emergencies can occur to any travelers during the travel period, especially in the terrain landscape. Precaution is vital for safety and effective response in all kinds of tours. In case of any emergencies such as altitude sickness, 4x4 wheels provide faster access to medical help centers and lower altitude.

A 4x4 Jeep tour to Upper Mustang offers the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion. If you want to explore the Upper Mustang’s every nook and corner comfortably and efficiently, a jeep tour is the way to go!

Customised Jeep Tour Itinerary

 Himalayan Wander Walkers not only offer reasonable prices to our customers but also evaluate the maximum opportunity for choices and flexibility by offering customized holiday trips. Himalayan Wander Walkers is purely based on experience, and our team is always updated with the latest information regarding organizing any trip in Nepal. We are passionate about working with you to plan treks and tours of your dream trip. What truly differentiates us from other companies is our attention to detail, interest, and the passion for building perfection in every trip that we organize. Customize Your Trip

Best time for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

The season for visiting the Upper Mustang is different from popular regions such as Annapurna and the Everest Region. During the last week of November, December, January, February, and mid-March of every year, the hotels in Upper Mustang are closed due to the harsh winter, with negative temperatures making the roads difficult to drive and even the vehicle taking longer to start the engine. The rest of the months are considered the season for touring and trekking in the Upper Mustang.

If you are interested in Tibetan culture and festivals, then May could be the best time to travel to the Upper Mustang because the vibrant Tiji Festival happens during the month of May every year.

The best time to visit Upper Mustang is during the July and August months, when the surrounding fields of every village turn into colorful landscapes filled with buckwheat, pea, and mustard plant flowers. The temperature is normal, and days are longer to cover more places in a day's time. But the transportation in the lower part of the Mustang (Beni-Jomsom Road) might be an issue due to the monsoon season. During this time the road is often blocked by landslides and floods, and even the domestic flights of the Pokhara-Jomsom sector don’t operate.

May, October, and November are the peak seasons in Upper Mustang, where all the hotels are fully booked in advance. If you are planning your tour in these three months, then you must book your tour in advance to have better accommodation during your visit to Upper Mustang.

FAQs for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Do I need special permits for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
Yes, you need a Restricted Area Permit and an ACAP Permit to enter Upper Mustang, which can be easily obtained from a government-licensed company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. These permits are required to ensure safety and preserve the region’s unique culture and environment. Read more about trekking permits and their cost in the Mustang Region.

Is the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour physically demanding?
The tour is less physically demanding than trekking, but the rugged terrain and high altitudes may still pose a challenge. The journey is suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed adventure without the strenuous effort of hiking.

What kind of vehicles are used for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
We use a 4X4 Toyota Land Cruiser or a 4X4 Mahindra Scorpio for our Upper Mustang Jeep tour, specifically designed to handle the rough terrain. These vehicles provide a safe and comfortable ride through Upper Mustang’s rugged roads. Our drivers are highly experienced in off-road driving, and they have maintained a 100% safety record to date.

Is it safe to travel to the Upper Mustang in a Jeep?
Yes, traveling by Jeep is safe when guided by experienced drivers. The vehicles are built for off-road conditions, and drivers are skilled in navigating the challenging terrain of Upper Mustang.

What about altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
Altitude sickness can occur in regions above 2,500 meters, and the Upper Mustang tour takes you to elevations over 4,200 meters. Although traveling by Jeep reduces physical strain compared to trekking, acclimatization is still important. The tour is designed with rest days to help you adjust. Staying hydrated, avoiding exertion, and listening to your body are essential. If symptoms of altitude sickness occur, your guide will assist in descending to a lower altitude for recovery.

How much does a road trip to Mustang cost?
The cost of the Upper Mustang Jeep tour depends on the services you prefer. This varies among our itineraries due to the different offerings from various trekking companies. Himalayan Wander Walkers offers prices ranging from $2,100 to $2,800 per person. Additionally, the cost of the Upper Mustang Jeep tour depends on the number of days, the number of trekkers, and the category of hotels in Kathmandu, the Mustang Region, and Pokhara city.

Can I hire a local guide for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
Yes, we will supply you with an experienced and informed local guide. They will lead you as they are familiar with every location in this area. They can also serve as a mediator between you and other individuals because they speak English fluently. They will also provide you with the information you need regarding the history, culture, religion, and customs of the area. Since they have had basic first aid training, they will respond to any accidents or incidents right away.

How many villages are covered by the Jeep Tour of Upper Mustang
The Jeep Tour of Upper Mustang typically covers 7 to 10 villages, including key destinations such as Lo Manthang, Chhusang, Kagbeni, Samar, Geling, Ghami, Dhakmar, and Charang. If you have enough time, additional important villages can be included. However, if you're limited on time, the tour will focus on the most famous and significant villages of Mustang.

Final Thoughts:

A 4x4 Jeep tour to Upper Mustang is an exceptional way to experience one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. Upper Mustang is a land frozen in time, featuring unique desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, charming villages, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a photography enthusiast, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.

So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for an adventure that will take you deep into the heart of Nepal’s hidden gem—Upper Mustang.

Himalayan Wander Walkers ranks as the #1 trekking and tour operator in Upper Mustang, offering the best quality travel services at healthy prices, along with warm hospitality for its guests and other adventure tourism activities. The owner hails from this mystical land of Upper Mustang and possesses profound knowledge of organizing all kinds of tours in the Mustang Region.

Reviews From Our Clients

Great experience in MUSTANG

I had a wonderful single trip (Jeep tour) through the Mustang Valley (Upper Mustang) organized by the great agency of DAWA—Himalayan Wander Walkers. It started in Kathmandu (interesting visits of the three main temples) and went on to Pokhara in a very comfortable tourist bus (6—very bad roads). I was accompanied by “Babu,” my guide for 14 days, a young, very interesting fellow full of talents and spontaneity. From there on we changed to a Jeep and met our first driver. The tour to Lo Mantang and back to Pokhara was full of adventure, which Ratnan (our second great driver) and Bobu could easily master. Babo was very helpful in meeting special people as well as showing more than what is written in the itinerary. With these two guys on my side, I never had any feeling of fear, even though the roads were extremely bad and risky. DAWA organized everything (hotels, guesthouses, and tours) extremely well, and my 3 weeks went very well. For my last three days, I stayed in the Chitwan National Park to watch crocodiles and rhinoceros and a lot of other animals. I easily can recommend this agency and Babu from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for the great Nepal (Mustang!) experience in my life.

Date of experience: July 2023
Romon G wein

An amazing and memorable medical Mission to Lo Manthang
We are a group of traditional Chinese medicine doctors, and 13 volunteers went to a monastery at Upper Mustang to give free medical treatment to villagers and monastic people.
Honestly, the journey there was very challenging for us: raining, muddy, rocky roads. With the good care of the guide, Mr. Dawa T. Gurung, and his teams of experienced drivers, we have safely ascended to carry out our tasks smoothly. Mr. Dawa even covers the duty of registration of patients and details down their issues, which makes the physician's job much easier.
When descending to Kathmandu, a few team members had some health issues, and it was not advisable to go by road trip; Mr. Dawa assisted in arranging a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. During our free days in Kathmandu, he ensured our shopping needs and safety around the crowded areas.
Mr. Dawa and his team are always attentive to the team and resolve any issues that arise.

Date of experience: July 2023
Shelen T

Read similar useful blogs regarding travel to Upper Mustang from the below lists:

• Best Treks in Upper Mustang 
• When is the next Tiji Festival of Lo Manthang?
• What is the Tiji Festival?
• Villages of Upper Mustangs
• Three Major Monasteries of Lo Manthang.
• Must-See places of Upper Mustang
• Reasons to visit Upper Mustang