- Details
Detailed itinerary
Itinerary- Tour Includes/Excludes
- Useful Info
- FAQ
Trip overview
For people who love a thrilling road adventure, Upper Mustang Jeep Tour can be the best option in Nepal. You will drive through the Himalayan desert to reach Muktinath and visit the archeological sites and monasteries. You will spend some time in beautiful villages like Marpha and Kagbeni. You can see the beautiful and most popular apple orchids in Marpha.Off-road jeep tour beside the rumbling Kali Gandaki driver is a lifetime experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
The tour is a 10-day tour. In these ten days, you will get to view different landscapes of Nepal along with a thrilling ride. The tour starts from Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, you will prepare for the trip before heading to Pokhara. You can either drive or fly to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you can see beautiful mountains like Machhapuchhrevery close to you. You can also view Mt.Annapurna and Mt.Dhaulagiri from Pokhara.
From Pokhara, you will drive to Beni. The road till Beni is blacktopped. From Beni, the real adventure starts. You drive to Tatopani on a bumpy off-road. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Kali Gandaki River on the way. You will cross some beautiful bridges over the Kali Gandaki River. You drive through Kagbeni and Ghami villages.
Despite the bumpy off-road journey, you will get to enjoy the view of the mighty Dhaulagiri. You get to interact with the locals and understand their culture. You drive on broad plains of sand and stones. You drive back to Pokhara by the same route and return to Kathmandu.
Since it is too cold and there is a high chance of snowfall during December-February, most people usually travel to Mustang during March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn). During these months, you get a clear view of the Himalayan range.
At Golden Himalayan Zone, we provide you with the best accommodation and transportation services. Our experienced and trained drivers will make sure you reach Mustang and back safely. You can also shorten or lengthen the trip as per your preference.
Trip Highlights
- Drive through bumpy roads alongsidethe Kali Gandaki River.
- Explore the historically significant town of Kagbeni.
- Visit the religiously famous Muktinath temple.
- Visit famous monasteries of Upper Mustang like Tsarang Monastery, Jampa Monastery, Thubchen Monastery, Ghar Gompa, and LuriGompa.
Itinerary
Staff from our company will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel where you can refresh and relax. You will meet your guide who will provide you necessary information about the trip in the evening.
In the morning, you will head to the bus park or the airport to catch the first bus or flight according to your choice. The flight is usually 30 minutes long. You can see different mountains like Annapurna, Nilgiri, Mount Everest, Dhaulagiri, and others while flying to Pokhara. If you drive to Pokhara, it is a 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu. Drive through the Prithivi highway along the Trishuli River as you enjoy the views of lush green hills. You can choose to either drive to Pokhara or fly there. You will spend the night there.
After an early breakfast in Pokhara, we start our trip as we embark on a jeep and start driving over the blacktopped road to Beni. Beni is a beautiful town in the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. From Beni, the off-road ride starts. The drive from Pokhara to Tatopani is about 6-7 hours. We drive to Tatopani on a bumpy road with the view of beautiful hills covered with green forests and the Kali Gandaki flowing. There is a hot water spring in Tatopani. You can enjoy a relaxing hot bath in Tatopani. Overnight at Tatopani.
Today, we drive from Tatopani to Kagbeni(2,900m). Kagbeni is a historically significant town in Nepal. You will visit monasteries and temples that are almost 800 years old. Kag Chode Gompa in Kagbeni is one of them. From Kagbeni, we leave to visit Muktinath Temple(3,800m). Muktinath temple is one of the most famous temples for Hindus and Buddhists all around the world. You can see 108 taps dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a natural gas burning.
The road from Kagbeni to Muktinath is blacktopped. You can stop at various places to take photographs of the beautiful location. Return to Kagbeni for the overnight stay.
As you have your breakfast, the guides will manage the permits, and we drive to Ghami village(3,520m). We drive beneath the panoramic view of mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.We stop to take photographs in different places along the way. We cross villages like Chella Village, Samar Village, Syangboche village, Bhina, Ghiling, and arrive at Ghami village.You visit the Padmasambhava monastery in Ghami. Overnight at Ghami village.
Lo-Manthang is a picturesque village with many monasteries.Among them, Jampa Gompa isthe oldest monasterybuilt in the early 15th century. You visitThubchen monastery, local yak farms, and caravans. You get to taste local yak cheese known as “Churpi” in Nepali.You will also visit Chosar village, which has been a place of interest for archeologists. The funeral practices in these places are considered to be weird. The people feed the dead body to vultures. If lucky, you get to see one. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.
Today, you will drive all the way to Jomsom. Enjoy the long drive with beautiful scenes of monasteries, mountains, caravans, and the Kali Gandaki River. In Jomsom, you will get to taste the local brandy made from local apples. You will wander through the local market in the evening and try local foods.Overnight in Jomsom.
After breakfast, we start our journey to Pokhara from Jomsom. It's a long drive. On the way back, you will see the villages and otherthings you missed while driving to Jomsom. You can also see the world-famous apple orchids of Marpha. You will spend the night in Pokhara.
While returning, you will drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can enjoy the view of the Trishuli River and green forests on the way to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can head to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today is your last day in Nepal. This is where our journey with you ends. Our staff will make sure that you reach the airport on time. We hope you had a good time with us.
Included
- Private Jeep for the tour
- Experienced driver
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and Upper Mustang Permit
- Accommodation during the tour (basic lodges or teahouses)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu (if included in the itinerary)
- Airport transfers
Excluded
- International and domestic airfare
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, snacks, and souvenirs
- Tips for the driver and guides (if applicable)
- Extra expenses incurred due to flight delays or cancellations, natural disasters, or political unrest
Useful Info
- Upper Mustang is a restricted region, and a special permit is required to enter the area. The permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, and the permit fees are relatively high compared to other trekking permits in Nepal.
- The roads in Upper Mustang are rough and bumpy, and the journey can be challenging. It's important to choose a reliable tour operator with experienced drivers to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
- The region is located in a rain shadow area, and the climate is dry and arid. The best time to do the tour is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and dry.
- The accommodation during the tour is basic, and the facilities can be limited. It's important to be prepared for the basic living conditions and carry the necessary supplies, such as warm clothing and personal hygiene items.
- The tour includes visits to several ancient monasteries and cultural sites, and it's important to respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering religious sites.
- The Upper Mustang region is located at high altitude, and it's important to be aware of the risks of altitude sickness. It's recommended to acclimatize properly and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude-related problems.
- The tour provides an opportunity to witness the unique landscape, culture, and lifestyle of the Upper Mustang region. Take the time to enjoy the scenery and learn about the local culture and history.
- It's recommended to book the tour with a reputable and reliable tour operator to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Research the tour operator, read reviews, and clarify any questions or concerns before booking the tour.
FAQs
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Do I need a special permit to enter Upper Mustang?
Yes, a special permit is required to enter Upper Mustang. The permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, and the permit fees are relatively high compared to other trekking permits in Nepal.
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Is the road to Upper Mustang safe for Jeep tours?
The road to Upper Mustang is rough and bumpy, and the journey can be challenging. However, it's safe for Jeep tours if you choose a reliable tour operator with experienced drivers who are familiar with the roads.
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What is the best time of year to do the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
The best time to do the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months when the weather is mild and dry.
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What is the highest altitude reached during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
The highest altitude reached during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is Lo Manthang, which is at an altitude of 3,810 meters (12,500 feet).
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The accommodation during the tour is basic, and the facilities can be limited. You will stay in basic lodges or teahouses with shared bathroom facilities.
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What kind of food can I expect during the tour?
The tour package includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour. You can expect to have a variety of Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, such as momos, thukpa, and dal bhat.
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Is it possible to customize the itinerary of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
Yes, it's possible to customize the itinerary of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour according to your preferences and time constraints. However, it's recommended to discuss the itinerary changes with the tour operator before booking the tour.
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What kind of clothing should I pack for the tour?
It's important to pack warm clothing, especially during the spring and autumn months when the temperatures can drop at night. Pack warm layers, waterproof jackets, comfortable shoes, and a hat and gloves.
