Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Name: Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
Brand: Sherkha
SKU: UPJRA12D
Availability: InStock

US$ per person

Includes all taxes and fees.

a jeep driving down a dirt road in the desert

Winding through a rugged mountain pass with dramatic cliffs and valleys © Sherkha

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour: Your 12-Day Itinerary Guide

Trip ID: UPJRA12D

Duration: 12 Days

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Max. Altitude: 3840 m

Best For: Adventure seekers, scenic explorers, and diving enthusiasts

Imagine cruising through Nepal’s Upper Mustang, a hidden Himalayan kingdom where ancient monasteries perch on cliffs and the wind carries whispers of a forbidden past. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is your 12-day ticket to epic landscapes and rich Tibetan culture—all from the comfy seat of a 4WD jeep. Topping out at 3,840m, it’s less about hardcore trekking and more about soaking in the ride. Ready to roll? Let’s hit the trail!

Trip Length

12 Days

Difficulty Level

Difficult

Max. Elevation

3840 m

Review

(/5)

Background

Your Gateway to the Forbidden Kingdom

Your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal’s buzzing capital, where chaos meets charm. From there, you’ll swing west to Pokhara, a chill lakeside haven under the Annapurna range, before plunging into the wild Mustang Valley.

This overland adventure winds through dusty trails, past Marpha’s apple orchards, and into Upper Mustang’s heart—think arid deserts, jagged canyons, and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang.

Key stops like Chele, Ghami, and Muktinath dot the route, serving up Himalayan vistas and ancient caves. It’s a driving tour that swaps hiking boots for horsepower, perfect for exploring the Upper Mustang Valley with zero sweat.

Why Choose Us

Why pick us for your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour? Easy—we deliver the right info, tailor the perfect trip package, and lean on trusted Nepali partners who know the Himalayan kingdom of Mustang like their backyard.

Our local travel partners, bring authenticity and safety to every mile, sharing tales of Mustang’s Tibetan roots. This trip’s a fit for ages 18-70 with moderate fitness—no trekking, just a thirst for adventure.

Spring (March-May) shines with the Mustang Tiji Festival; autumn (September-November) offers crisp, clear skies. We handle everything—smoothly, so you can focus on the ride. With us, it’s not just a trip—it’s Mustang done right.

Trip Highlights

The key highlights of Upper Mustang Jeep Tour are:

✔️ Cruising the Upper Mustang Valley: Bounce along rugged trails in a 4WD jeep, flanked by barren cliffs and snow-dusted peaks. This high-altitude desert—aka “Mini Tibet”—feels like another world.

✔️ Lo Manthang’s Walled Wonders: Step into this medieval capital, where whitewashed walls guard ancient monasteries and a royal palace. Buddhist chants fill the air, and if you time it for May 2025, the Mustang Tiji Festival’s vibrant dances might steal the show.

✔️ Muktinath’s Sacred Stop: Pull up to this holy site at 3,710m, where 108 water spouts and an eternal flame draw Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Pair that with Himalayan panoramas, and it’s a spiritual pitstop that hits all the feels

✔️ Sky Caves and Ancient Mysteries: Gaze at cliffside caves, some 2,000 years old, once home to monks and warriors. Scattered along the route, these eerie relics whisper Upper Mustang’s wild history—perfect for curious explorers.

✔️ Off-Road Thrills with Himalayan Views: Feel the rush as your jeep tackles bumpy trails, framed by giants like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It’s an overland tour blending adventure travel with nature’s best—ideal for thrill-seekers and shutterbugs alike.

an aerial view of a village in the mountains

Remote village in a barren valley with rugged hills in Upper Mustang © Sherkha

Tibetan prayer flags on the steps of a cave in upper mustang

Itinerary

Tour Duration: About 180 km
Starting and Ending Point: Start in Kathmandu, end in Kathmandu (via Pokhara).
Key Experience: The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour uniquely combines the ancient Kingdom of Lo, Tibetan plateau vistas, and cave monasteries.

This 12-day Upper Mustang Jeep Tour launches in Kathmandu, where you’ll soak up the chaotic charm before heading west. Next stop: Pokhara, a lakeside gem with Annapurna views, setting the stage for Mustang’s wilds. The real adventure kicks in as you drive from Marpha—think apple orchards and Himalayan vibes—to Chele, your gateway to Upper Mustang’s rugged beauty.

You’ll roll on to Ghami, surrounded by red cliffs, then hit Lo Manthang, a medieval walled city dripping with Tibetan culture. Side trips to Muktinath’s sacred temple and Tatopani’s hot springs add spiritual and relaxing detours. It’s an easygoing yet epic ride through Himalayan trails, blending off-road thrills, ancient history, and jaw-dropping nature.

After looping back through Pokhara, you’ll land in Kathmandu, buzzing from a journey that’s equal parts adventure and soul. With our trusted Nepal partners, it’s the perfect Upper Mustang driving tour—low effort, high reward.

Route map of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour © Sherkha

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,593ft)

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing (1,300m / 4,593ft)

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft)

Day 4: Drive to Marpha (2,670m / 8,760ft)

Day 5: Drive to Chele (3,050m / 10,006ft)

Day 6: Drive to Ghami (3,520m / 11,548ft)

Day 7: Drive to Lo Manthang (3,840m / 12,598ft)

Day 8: Explore Lo Manthang (3,840m / 12,598ft)

Day 9: Drive to Muktinath (3,710m / 12,172ft)

Day 10: Drive back to Tatopani (1,190m / 3,904ft)

Day 11: Return to Pokhara and Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,593ft)

Day 12: Departure (1,300m / 4,593ft)

What is Included

✔️ Travel Services

- Airport pick-up/drop-off and Kathmandu city tour transport

- Full-day guided Kathmandu city tour.

- 4WD Jeep transportation (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lo-Manthang-Kathmandu) with experienced driver and tools.

✔️ Accommodation and Meals

- 3 nights in a tourist-standard hotel (twin-sharing) in Kathmandu with breakfast.

- 1 nights in a tourist-standard hotel (twin-sharing) in Pokhara with breakfast.

- 7 nights in teahouses (twin-sharing) with Nepali breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.

- Welcome or farewell dinner with cultural dance in Kathmandu.

- Lunch during the day tour in Kathmandu.

✔️ Guide & Support

- Airport greeting with flowers and a water bottle.

- Experienced tour guide (intermediate English proficiency), specializing in city tours.

- Experienced trip guide (intermediate English proficiency), specializing in Upper Mustang trips.

✔️ Additional Essentials

- Upper Mustang restricted area permit and all other permits and entry fees.

- T-shirt, emergency contact card, and trip map.

- Duffle bag and walking pole provided.

- Group First Aid Kit.

- Insurance for guides and drivers, including phone/internet costs.

- A gift and trip completion certificate.

What is not Included

✖️ International flights to Kathmandu.

✖️ Nepal visa.

✖️ Nepal travel insurance (mandatory).

✖️ Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, showers, charging, drinks).

✖️ Guide/porter tips.

✖️ Anything not specified in the trip package.

Snow-capped peaks tower over autumnal trees in Upper Mustang © Sherkha

Essential Information

Planning & Safety

Your safety’s our top gig. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is meticulously planned with experienced guides who’ve tackled these rugged Himalayan roads a million times.

Our 4WD jeeps come loaded with safety gear—first-aid kits, tow ropes, fire extinguishers, emergency lights. Guides know the drill, so stick to their tips, respect the wild Mustang trails, and we’ll all roll out safe and smiling. It’s adventure with a safety net—our Nepali partners have your back.

Vehicle Information

We roll in tough-as-nails 4x4s—think Toyota Land Cruisers or Mahindra Scorpios—built for Upper Mustang’s mountain mayhem. These jeeps handle rocky, muddy, off-road paths like champs, with killer views out the window and a smooth-ish ride inside.

Before we hit the road, every rig’s checked—brakes, tires, engine, suspension—all dialed in. You’re cruising the Himalayan kingdom of Mustang in style and confidence.

Accommodations

After bumpy days, crash in cozy guesthouses and lodges along the route. They’re simple but warm—twin beds, thick blankets, shared baths—with a mix of Nepali grub (dal bhat, momos) and familiar bites. Marpha’s apple treats might sneak in too.

Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara up the ante with hot showers and Wi-Fi. It’s the perfect recharge spot to swap stories and prep for the next Upper Mustang driving tour leg.

Route Planning

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour route’s a masterpiece—crafted for 4WD glory. Expect a wild mix: off-road dust, rocky climbs, hilly twists, muddy patches, and some paved stretches.

We’ve mapped stops for epic landmarks (think Lo Manthang), rest breaks, and fuel-ups, so the journey flows. It’s a 12-day dance through the Upper Mustang Valley, balancing thrills with chill, all tailored by our trusted Nepali crew.

Experienced Driver and/or Guide

Your driver’s a pro—years of navigating Mustang’s long, tricky roads under their belt. Paired with a guide (often Sherpa-trained), they’ll steer you safe through the Himalayan chaos, dishing out local lore along the way.

They’ve got the skills for tough terrain and the smarts for emergencies. With us, you’re not just riding—you’re rolling with the best for your Upper Mustang by jeep adventure.

Health Prep

No trekking here, but altitude’s still a player—maxing at 3,840m. Sip water like it’s your job, take it slow, and ping your guide if you’re woozy—they’re first-aid ready.

Travel insurance with evac coverage is a no-brainer; we’ll point you to solid options. Our local partners keep logistics tight, so you can focus on soaking in the Mustang Tiji Festival vibes or those sky caves.

Ready to Conquer Upper Mustang?

Don’t miss your chance to explore the Last Forbidden Kingdom with Nepal’s top travel experts. From rugged trails to Himalayan peaks and ancient cultural wonders, we’ll connect you with the perfect travel partner—experienced, dependable, and enthusiastic—for an unforgettable adventure. Book now or contact us today to start your journey!