Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Private Trip

Destination

Nepal

Accomodation

Hotel/Guest House/ Lodge

Walking Distance

500 km

Duration

7 Nights 8 Days

Max. Elevation

3840 m / 12595 ft

Meals Included

Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

March to May and August to December

Grade

adventerous

Overview

Trekkings are usually physically demanding and only fit and healthy individuals can opt to do them. However, as an alternative to Trekking, the Jeep tour is the best option. In this safari, we explore the whole Mustang region in a Jeep. The scenery and views are the same except for we don't have to walk. Unlike Upper Mustang Trek, this tour doesn't need a high fitness level.

The Upper Mustang region is one of the renowned destinations among visitors for its ancient culture and barren landscapes. Moreover, the region is unspoiled and untouched by modernity so, we can peek at the ancient livelihood of the native people.

We get to see the famed Muktinath Temple, taste the local fresh apples, indulge in the Tibetan-influenced culture and have a spellbinding back view of the Annapurna range. Furthermore, this place lies in the rain shadow part of Nepal so, the place hardly expects any rainfall. Thus, it can be done throughout the year.

                                
                                HIGHLIGHTS
                            
                                A gorgeous back-view of the Himalayas like Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, etc.
Fantastic mouthwatering views of barren and desert-like landscapes.
Explore the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang with the unspoiled and untainted livelihood of Villagers.
Muktinath, a worldly famed religious temple for Hindus and other several Gompas and monasteries for Buddhist devotees.
Drive along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge.
Taste the apple-flavoured alcohol and wine as well as various food items originating from apples.

More About This Jeep Tour

Though the roads are bumpy and dusty, the thrill and joy experienced during this trip are the same as trekking. We traverse through barren hills, scattered settlements, religiously significant temples and gumbas and culturally enriched places.

We get to see a back-view of the Annapurna Range. Moreover, we can pay homage and offer our prayers in Muktinath Temple. The temple has 108 taps and 3 ponds where pilgrims take a bath.

It is believed that, after taking bath in those taps and ponds, one can be relieved from the diseases. Also, the centre of attraction of this whole safari is Lo-Manthang, an ancient kingdom still untouched by science and technology. The people of this place are heavily influenced by Tibetan culture. So, we get a peek at ancient culture and traditions.

This trip is also an excellent opportunity for Buddhists as we are encompassed with several monasteries and Gompas along the way. Furthermore, one can halt the Jeep and opt to take pictures in amazing places.

Trip Difficulty

This trip was designed so that all age groups can taste the feel of the high Himalayas. Even a disabled person can choose this trip. The only difficulty during this drive is the roads are bumpy and dusty. Also, this is not a high-altitude trek so, the probability of altitude sickness is almost zero.

Best Time For Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

This place hardly expects any rainfall so, the safari is accessible throughout the year except for the winter season. The people of this place descend to lower altitudes in order to cope with the extreme cold so, the homes are pretty much empty during the cold. Apart from that, Spring and Autumn are ought to be the best season for visiting Upper Mustang. The weathers are clear and the views of the Himalayas are not hampered during this time of the year.

Permits Required for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992 and no foreign visitors or tourists were allowed to enter. But, this place is accessible presently but with a special permit which cost US $ 500 per person for 10 days. If the stay is longer than 10 days, then we have to pay US $ 50 every day for each person.

A healthy reminder, the officials won’t hand over the permit for an individual. So, the number of foreign visitors should exceed one. Furthermore, we need to have an ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) which costs around US$ 30 per person. But don't worry, all the permit paperwork will be handled by the trekking agency.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary

For solo drives, we can modify the tour itinerary but the jeep tour is mostly carried out in groups so, the itinerary cannot be transformed according to the personal desire of a single person. However, if all the members of the group come to an understanding then it can be changed or additional days can be added to the itinerary. But, the expenses of extra days should be paid by every individual by themselves. Furthermore, all the lunch and dinner are included in a package and will be managed by the tour guide.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Photo

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary

day 1

Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

day 2

Fly or Drive to Pokhara

Driving Hours	8-9 hours

On our second day, we head towards Pokhara via tourist bus. During our travel, we get to see the fast-flowing river, mountains, forests, etc. We will have our lunch on the way. The drive usually takes around 6-7 hours but it depends on traffic.

An alternative to the bus is flying via aeroplane which takes just 25 minutes. We spend our night in a deluxe hotel.

Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

day 3

Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni (2900 m)

Driving Hours	5-6 hours
Highest Altitude	2900 m

After breakfast, we head towards Mustang early in the morning. The roads are pitched up to Beni but after that, we have to drive off-road along the Kali Gandaki river. The gorge of Kali Gandaki is the world’s deepest gorge. Moreover, we leave behind terraced farmlands, forests, farmlands and fast-flowing rivers finally reaching Tatopani. This place consists of a natural hot spring where one can take bath. It is believed that bathing in natural hot springs will cure our skin-related diseases.

We will leave behind some villages such as Ghasa, Kalopani etc and reach Marpha. This place is famed for apple orchards. After that, we explore the local markets of Jomsom and continue our journey to Kagbeni. Finally, we will stop for an overnight stay in Kagbeni.

Overnight stay in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

day 4

Drive to Ghami Village (3520 m) via Syangboche Pass (4200 m)

Driving Hours	3-4 hours
Highest Altitude	4200 m
Trek Distance	27 Km

On our sixth day, we drive further towards Ghami village but first, we explore the Kagbeni. We will visit the Kagbeni monastery and Buddhist school nearby. Similarly, we pass through several villages such as Chella Village, Samar Village, Syangboche village, Bhina, and Ghiling and finally reach Ghami village where our special permit for Upper Mustang will be checked.

This place grants spectacular landscapes so, you can halt the jeep and capture a couple of pictures for remembrance.

Overnight stay in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

day 5

Drive to Lo-Manthang ( 3840 m)

Driving Hours	4-5 hours
Highest Altitude	3840 m
Trek Distance	45 Km

We continue our drive early in the morning after breakfast and head towards Lo-Manthang. We will be granted a lifetime opportunity to glimpse at many monasteries such as Lo Gager Ghar Gompa, Charang monastery, Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa. Jampa Gompa is considered to be the oldest monastery in the town which was built around the 15th century.

Similarly, we can visit the monastic museum and experience the friendliness and hospitality of the natives of this place. Moreover, we will observe mesmerizing landscapes and mountains along with the yaks and cattle reared by the locals.

Overnight stay in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

day 6

Explore Lo-Manthang

Highest Altitude	3840 m

On this day, we will again explore more of Lo-Manthang but we will emphasize the natural caves of Chosser. Such as Shija Jong and the Sky cave of Mustang. These caves are estimated to be around 3000 years old so, many archaeologists all around the world travel to this place for excavation.

Overnight stay in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

day 7

Drive from Lo-Manthang to Muktinath

Driving Hours	6-7 hours
Trek Distance	50 Km

Now, we trace back to Jomsom through many villages, monasteries, schools, and the Kali Gandaki river along the route and spend our day in Muktinath. On this particular day, we get to offer our prayers in Muktinath temple. There are a total of 108 taps and if an individual took bath in all 108 taps then they can get relief from diseases.

However, it is a belief and not a fact. Also, this place offers grand breathtaking panoramas of various mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. If we have spare time, then we can explore the local markets and buy some souvenirs as a reminder of the Safari.

Overnight stay in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

day 8

Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara

Driving Hours	6-7 hours
Trek Distance	158 Km

After an early breakfast, we will head towards Pokhara. We will observe picturesque views on our way and stop at certain places to capture photos. Finally, we will drop you off at your hotel.

Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Upper Mustang Tour Map

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (Special Permit, ACAP permit, Local Area Permit, and TIMS)
All government and local taxes
An experienced English-speaking Tour Guide (Govt. registered)
Tour Guide and driver’s food and accommodation
Jeep and all the expenses related to the jeep.
Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the Tour.
Safe Drinking water
One-hour Trekker's Massage upon completion of the trek
A comprehensive medical kit
Company T-Shirt and Broacher
Trekking equipment, such as a down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural disasters, political disturbance, strikes, changes in government regulationsPersonal climbing guide, if requested

Deserts (cakes, bakes, and pies)
Any packed food and snacks
Additional Hot Drinks/Bottled drinks
Boiled/mineral water
Electronic device re-charge/Hot shower/Wi-Fi
Personal nature & Laundry expenses
Travel insurance and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
Tips and Gratitude to the trekking crew
Expenses incurred during extended days other than in the mentioned itinerary.
Anything that is not mentioned in the 'Cost Included' section

Frequently Asked Question

Yes, you can add extra days to your itinerary but this is possible if you are touring solo. Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is generally done in a group so, any modifications on your itinerary depend on the interest of all the members of the group. If all the members agree to add extra days then, we can modify the itinerary as per your needs. However, the package covers only the expenses of only mentioned days so, any expenses incurred during extra days must be paid by the visitors themselves.

Yes, we highly recommend you get travel insurance before the Jeep tour. Most importantly, we need travel insurance for the special permit to Upper Mustang as the officials won't provide permits if we don't have travel insurance.

No, the rooms are not heated instead they will heat our dinning area with the help of firewood or a metal heater.

Yes, this tour is accessible to all age groups.

Yes, you can access the internet in some places only but some extra sum may be charged by the internet provider.