Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

11 Days

Overview

The Upper Mustang Overland Jeep Tour is one of the most thrilling, adventurous, and comfortable Himalayan Odysseys in the highly restricted area of Nepal. Also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal that did not allow foreigners until 1990 AD, the Upper Mustang is located in the country’s remote northern region in isolation in comparison to most of the highly traversed trekking trails such as Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, and several others.

This 4WD Jeep Safari Tour takes visitors and travellers through arid landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan Plateau, where the culture, terrain, and architecture show an uncanny influence of Tibetan Buddhism, perfect for individuals seeking a smoother experience without having to involve themselves in extensive trekking and hiking through high-altitude areas. Beginning with a drive from the lively capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, the journey winds through spectacular valleys, high cliffs, and traditional villages such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha, Chhuksang, Lo Manthang, and several others renowned for their off-road trails.

The ancient wall caves, Buddhist monasteries, traversing through the rugged roads, enjoying the everlasting views of snowcapped peaks along the Kali Gandaki River, and reaching the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang are some of the major highlights of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. One can even get to explore natural mines, stone fossils, and other hidden treasures of the Upper Mustang, adding much to the overland journey to be called a true Himalayan voyage for individuals seeking to relish themselves in the unique beauty and adventure of the untouched Himalayas of Nepal in a seamless manner!

Trip Highlights

Scenically enriching drive or flight to Pokhara and vice versa.
Drive along the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki, marvel at the magnificent barren landscapes, caves dating back centuries, ancient monasteries, and several archaeological sites to reach the Himal Pari ko Gaon, or “village across the mountains.”
Stroll around the beautiful valleys of Nepal, including Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni.
Drive through the bumpy terrains of the Upper Mustang, also known as “Mini Tibet” of Nepal.
Experience the unspoiled Himalayan culture of Tibetan people and their lifestyle, especially in Lo Manthang, who still cherishes their king despite the end of monarchy on May 28, 2008.
Discover the mystery of the valleys hidden behind the gigantic mountain peaks, especially that of Lo Manthang, the ancient capital city of the kingdom of Lo.
Witness the sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas such as Annapurna, Machhapuchare, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and Bhrikurti.
A comfortable jeep tour to the remote part of the Nepalese Himalayas in the Mustang Trekking Region of Nepal, and many more.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival and Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Day02: Make Mustang permit and Kathmandu sightseeing tour and Evening fly to Pokhara (Elevation 850 m)

Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Marpha. 6-7 hours’ drive (2,650m)

Day 04: Drive Jomsom-Dhumba Lake-Muktinath-Kagbeni and Chhuksang (2,980 meters)

Day 05: Chhuksang to Lomanthang, (3,760m) visit the Jhong Cave

Day 06: Lomanthang to Tsarang, Visit the Lo Ghekar Monastery and Luri Gumba

Day 07: Drive to Syangbochen-visit Chungsi Cave and drive further to Samar (3,490m)

Day 08: Drive Samar to Tatopani (1,190 m)

Day 09: Drive Tatopani to Pokhara

Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu by fly or drive

Day 11: Departure

Costs Included

Airport Pickup and Drop by private transport
4WD Jeep transportation for the trip from Pokhara to Pokhara.
3 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
2 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel with breakfast in Pokhara
5 nights 6 days with lodge during the tour, lodges are simple and clean enough)
All the meal during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Special permit for Mustang
Annapurna national park permit with TIMS card
An experience trekking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism)
Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
Insurance for Guide and driver
Farewell Dinner with Nepali cultural dance in kathmandu
Trekking achievement certificate
Adventure Himalayan T-shirt

Costs Excluded

Personal bar bill, travel insurance/International airfare
Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu from Pokhara by flight (USD 220) per person
Items of personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, tips etc.
Nepal entry visa fee US$ 50 (duration 30 days from date of issue)- Available at Royal Nepalese Embassies and Royal Nepalese Consulates abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu and Pokhara

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Trip Information

The best time for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

The Himalayan journey to the Upper Mustang in Nepal is achievable throughout the year regardless of the season you are traversing, including for a Jeep tour. As a trans-Himalayan region, it is exceptionally one of the best monsoon alternative destinations in the Nepalese Himalayas, when the rest of the Himalayan route might have been suffering from slips and mud due to frequent rainfalls.

Though travelers might want to skip the winter voyage as it tends to get colder and extremely crispy in the Upper Himalayas, the views are often clear, and mountain ranges are covered in snow; hence, if packed appropriately, winter from December to February is also one of the best times to visit the Upper Mustang.

However, suppose you want to avoid the possible problems. In that case, Autumn from September to November and Spring from March to May are the most preferred seasons and months to journey the Upper Mustang when the weather is generally stable, the temperature moderates and the roads are also in their best condition. There are crystal clear skies with unobstructed views of the surrounding hills and Himalayas, which you can enjoy to the fullest while you drive along the Kali Gandaki River in a Jeep.

Permits required for the trip

Designated as one of the highly restricted Himalayan lands of Nepal to protect the region’s unique culture, history, and fragile trans-Himalayan ecosystem along with its proximity, you must obtain a special restricted area permit called the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) beside the primary Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

It is good to know that the price of RAP may vary from one season to another and can slightly cost more in what is taken as the peak trekking seasons of Nepal, autumn and spring, than in summer and winter, where leading and reputable locally based trekking, travel, and tour operators like Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks take care of essential permits, logistics, and other arrangements as per your request on choosing this package for a more enhanced experience.

Travel insurance

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is a must to purchase for any Himalayan journey you are ready to set for in Nepal in comparatively unfamiliar terrains and routes you have never been before, including during the Overland Jeep Tour to Mustang. Travel insurance provides you coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, delays, and loss or theft of personal goods and belongings so you are financially secure and make the most of the journey.

Therefore, make sure you are well acquainted with reliable travel insurance that has high altitude coverage from your local agents, along with the accompanying of local guides from the Nepalese Himalayas for a more unforgettable, polished experience as they take care of your day-to-day essential logistics navigating the trails effectively, keeping aware of what to do and what not to do in the culturally, historically, and naturally sensitive Himalayas of Nepal.