Short Upper Mustang Jeep Tour: Kingdom of Lo
Experience the mystical, ancient Kingdom of Mustang on a thrilling, comfortable 6-day overland journey. This trip is the ideal short adventure for travelers seeking authentic Tibetan culture and breathtaking Himalayan desert landscapes without the long trekking days.
Trip Highlights
Ancient Walled City of Lo Manthang: Explore the former capital of Mustang, a living museum of Tibetan culture with royal palaces, ancient monasteries, and centuries-old alleyways.
Muktinath Temple (3,800m): Visit one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, renowned for its 108 purifying water spouts beneath the Annapurna range.
Trans-Himalayan Desert Landscapes: Drive through Nepal’s only high-altitude desert—a dramatic terrain of wind-carved cliffs, colorful canyons, and the deepest gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki).
Historical Wonders: Discover the 15century Jampa Lhakhang (God House) with its extensive Mandala murals and the mysterious 800 BC Chhoser Sky Caves, ancient dwellings carved high into the cliffs.
Comfort & Convenience: Travel in a private 4WD Jeep with an experienced guide and driver, staying in comfortable lodges and guesthouses.
Trip Facts
Detail/ Information
Duration 6 Days
Grade Moderate
Maximum Altitude 3,800 m (Muktinath)
Activity Driving Tour
Starts / Ends Pokhara / Pokhara
Best Time All Year Around
Detail -Information
Duration – 6 Days
Grade -Moderate
Maximum Altitude-3,800 m (Muktinath)
Activity-Driving Tour
Starts / Ends-Pokhara / Pokhara
Best Time-All Year Around
Why Choose the Jeep Tour?
The Short Upper Mustang Jeep Tour offers a unique combination of adventure, culture, and comfort. It’s the most time-efficient and scenic way to explore this once-forbidden land. You get to witness the spectacular contrast of the dry, ancient Tibetan world against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, all while enjoying the convenience of private transportation.
Short Upper Mustang Jeep Tour: The Ultimate 6-Day Adventure
Discover the hidden Tibetan kingdom of Upper Mustang comfortably and quickly on this all-inclusive 6-day private Jeep tour. This adventure blends thrilling off-road Himalayan driving with deep cultural immersion, making it the perfect choice for time-conscious travelers and families.
Tour Highlights & Cultural Gems
Feature Description
Lo Manthang Explore the ancient Walled City, the former capital of the Mustang Kingdom, visiting centuries-old monasteries like Jampa, Thubchen, and Chode Gompas.
Chhoser Sky Caves Venture into the mysterious, multi-story 800 BC man-made caves carved into the cliffs near Lo Manthang, revealing a 2,000-year-old civilization.
Muktinath Temple Visit the sacred pilgrimage site 3,800 m where 108 water spouts flow, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for purification and liberation.
Red Cliffs of Dhakmar Witness the surreal natural wonder of iron-oxide-rich red and orange cliffs, a highly photographed and legendary landmark.
Trans-Himalayan Desert Drive through Nepal’s unique rain-shadow region—a dramatic landscape of wind-carved canyons, arid valleys, and spectacular mountain views.
Tiji Festival (Seasonal) A rare chance to witness Mustang’s most vibrant cultural festival (May/Early June), featuring sacred masked dances (Cham) in the royal palace courtyard.
Itinerary Outline (6 Days)
Day Route Max Altitude Key Activity / Highlight
Day 01- Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom 2,800 m Scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge; arrival at the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Day 02- Kagbeni to Ghami 3,520 m Enter the restricted region; pass through Chele; witness the Longest Mani Wall; view the Red Cliffs of Dhakmar.
Day 03 -Ghami to Lo Manthang 3,840 m Cross Nyi La and Tsaile La passes; visit Jampa Lhakhang (Mandala murals); arrive at the Walled City.
Day 04 -Explore Lo Manthang 3,840 m Cultural exploration of monasteries and the Chhoser Sky Caves complex.
Day 05- Lo Manthang to Muktinath 3,800 m Drive back toward the south; visit the sacred temple and its 108 water spouts.
Day 06 -Muktinath to Pokhara 830 m Stop at tranquil Dhumba Lake; scenic drive back, changing from desert to lush valleys.
Essential Information & Safety
Altitude & Safety
Maximum Altitude: 3,840m (Lo Manthang).
The tour’s gradual elevation gain minimizes the risk of altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Altitude Tips: Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water), avoid alcohol, and inform your guide immediately of any symptoms. Your expert guide is trained in altitude safety.
Location Average Elevation
Pokhara 820 m
Jomsom 2,720 m
Lo Manthang 3,840 m
Muktinath 3,800m
Best Time to Visit
Season Description Why Visit?
Spring (Mar–May) Warm days, clear skies, pleasant temperatures 16C to 22 C. Ideal weather, Tiji Festival in May/June.
Autumn (Sep–Nov) Crisp air, crystal-clear skies, stunning mountain views. Best for photography and clearest visibility.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug) Rain-shadow region remains mostly dry and accessible. Quieter trails, dramatic landscapes.
Permits Required
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, requiring special permits, which are all handled by the tour operator:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Mandatory for Upper Mustang USD 500$ for 10 days).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for entry into the conservation area NPR 3,000
Local Municipal Fee: Paid at Kagbeni checkpoint (replaces the older TIMS card).
Comfort & Logistics
Transportation: All travel is conducted in a private 4WD Jeep with an experienced, licensed local driver, ensuring maximum safety and comfort on rugged mountain roads.
Accommodation & Meals: Enjoy comfortable local lodges/teahouses on a twin-sharing basis. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included during the tour, featuring hygienic Nepali and Tibetan-style dishes.
Guiding: A professional, English-speaking guide manages all logistics, permits, and provides deep insights into Mustang’s rich history and Buddhist culture.
