5 Day Upper Mustang Tour by 4WD Jeep from Pokhara

5.0 (8 reviews) Pokhara, Nepal
Duration5 days
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Exclusive Access: Explore Upper Mustang, a restricted area that preserves its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. Our tour ensures you obtain the necessary permits and travel comfortably in a 4WD Jeep, accessing remote villages and monasteries that are off the beaten path.

Scenic Landscapes: Experience diverse landscapes ranging from the lush greenery of lower Mustang to the arid, desert-like terrain of Upper Mustang. Marvel at panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, dramatic cliffs, and deep river valleys as you traverse through this Himalayan region.

Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Upper Mustang. Visit ancient monasteries, such as Namgyal Gompa and Thubchen Gompa, where you can witness Buddhist rituals and learn about the spiritual practices of local monks. Interact with the friendly Thakali and Tibetan communities, gaining insights into their traditional way of life.

What's included

  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Upper Mustang Government Restricted Area Permit
  • Fuel and applicable vehicle expenses for the planned itinerary
  • Lower Mustang / applicable government or conservation-area permit
  • Private 4×4 Scorpio Jeep for the entire tour
  • Required guide/official arrangements for the restricted Upper Mustang route
  • Experienced and professional driver
  • Guide insurance
  • All meals (Available on purchase - Approx US$ 25 per person )
  • Gratitude (Optional)
  • All drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc.
  • Personal travel/medical insurance
  • Travel Insurance (Emergency evacuation expenses)
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under "Included"

What to expect

Day 1: POKHARA TO MUKTINATH – SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH THE KALI GANDAKI VALLEY
  1. Beni
    Pass by
    Your Upper Mustang adventure begins with an early morning departure from Pokhara in your private 4×4 Scorpio.
    The road follows the Kali Gandaki valley toward Beni, passing through beautiful mid-hill landscapes, rivers, waterfalls and traditional villages.
    Beni is the major gateway toward Mustang and the point where the road continues north along the Kali Gandaki River.
  2. Tatopani
    Pass by
    From Beni, continue north through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
    Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs and is a popular stopping point for travelers heading toward Mustang and the Annapurna region.
    The road then enters the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge, with increasingly dramatic mountain scenery.
  3. Marpha
    Pass by
    Continue through the beautiful Thakali settlements of Mustang.
    Marpha is one of the most picturesque villages in the region, known for its whitewashed stone houses, narrow paved lanes, traditional architecture and Thakali culture.
  4. Pass by
    Tukuche, another historic Thakali settlement, offers impressive views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
  5. Jomsom
    Pass by
    Continue toward Jomsom, the administrative and transportation center of Mustang.
    Jomsom sits beside the Kali Gandaki River and is surrounded by spectacular barren Himalayan terrain.
  6. Muktinath Temple
    3h
    Continue uphill to Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
    Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The area is famous for the Muktinath Temple, 108 sacred water spouts and Jwala Mai Temple, where a natural eternal flame is traditionally revered. The site lies at around 3,800 m.
Day 2: MUKTINATH TO GHAMI – INTO THE REMOTE LANDSCAPES OF UPPER MUSTANG
  1. Muktinath
    Pass by
    After breakfast, begin the real Upper Mustang off-road adventure.
  2. Kagbeni
    1h
    Drive back toward Kagbeni, enjoying views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges and the barren landscape of Mustang.
  3. 1h
    From Kagbeni, enter the restricted Upper Mustang region.

    Tangbe is a beautiful traditional village characterized by whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, agricultural fields, chortens and traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture.
  4. 1h
    Continue toward Chhusang, a dramatic settlement surrounded by red and orange cliffs.

    The road follows the Kali Gandaki and passes through some of the most striking rock formations in the region.
  5. 30m
    Chele marks the beginning of a more elevated and rugged section of the Upper Mustang route.

    The landscape becomes increasingly dry, rocky and distinctly Tibetan in appearance.
  6. 1h
    Drive through spectacular mountain terrain toward Samar.

    Samar is a traditional Mustang settlement surrounded by barren cliffs and mountains. It is an excellent location for photographs and a short break.
  7. Ghami
    2h
    Continue through the high mountain landscape toward Syangboche and then Ghami.

    Along this section, you cross high passes and encounter dramatic views of the Mustang plateau.

    Ghami is one of the largest and most attractive traditional villages of Upper Mustang. It is particularly famous for its long mani wall, made from carved prayer stones, and its Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage.
Day 3: GHAMI TO LO MANTHANG – EXPLORE THE ANCIENT KINGDOM
  1. Ghami
    Pass by
    Today is one of the most scenic and culturally important days of the journey.

    After breakfast, drive toward Dhakmar, a spectacular village famous for its distinctive red cliffs.
  2. 1h
    The contrasting red rock formations and barren Himalayan mountains create some of the most memorable scenery in Upper Mustang.
  3. 1h
    Continue toward Tsarang, historically an important settlement and former capital of the Kingdom of Lo.

    Tsarang is known for its ancient monastery, traditional houses, dramatic cliffs and expansive views across the Mustang landscape.
  4. 1h
    On the way toward Lo Manthang, visit Lo Gekar Monastery, also known as Ghar Gompa.

    It is considered one of the ancient Buddhist monasteries in the Mustang region and is associated with the early spread of Buddhism in the area.
  5. 3h
    Continue through the high-altitude desert landscape toward Lo Manthang, the legendary walled city of Upper Mustang.

    Lo Manthang is the historic former capital of the Kingdom of Lo and the cultural center of Upper Mustang.

    Inside and around the walled settlement are ancient monasteries, traditional mud-brick houses, royal structures and narrow streets reflecting centuries of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Nepal Tourism Board describes Lo Manthang as the old capital of Upper Mustang and notes its historic walled settlement and monastery.

    Depending on your arrival time, there will be an opportunity to explore the old town and surrounding area.
Day 4: LO MANTHANG TO MARPHA – DESCENT THROUGH THE SPECTACULAR MUSTANG LANDSCAPE
  1. Pass by
    Today is the longest driving day, as you leave the Upper Mustang plateau and gradually descend toward the Kali Gandaki Valley.

    After breakfast, begin your return journey.

    The drive provides another opportunity to appreciate the dramatic high-altitude scenery of Lo.
  2. Pass by
    If time permits, make a short stop around Tsarang for photographs and to appreciate its traditional architecture.
  3. Ghami
    Pass by
    Continue through the spectacular Mustang landscape toward Ghami.

    You will again encounter the impressive barren cliffs, deep valleys and colorful rock formations that characterize the region.
  4. Pass by
    Continue south through Samar and toward Chhusang.

    This section offers spectacular views of the Kali Gandaki valley and the surrounding Himalayan cliffs.
  5. Kagbeni
    Pass by
    Descend toward Kagbeni, where the landscape gradually becomes greener and the valley widens.

    Kagbeni is an excellent place for a short break and photographs.
  6. Jomsom
    1h
    Continue to Jomsom, the main town and transport hub of Mustang.
  7. Marpha
    3h
    Marpha is famous for its beautifully maintained whitewashed houses, stone-paved streets, traditional Thakali culture and surrounding apple orchards.

    After the long drive, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful mountain village.
Day 5: MARPHA TO POKHARA – SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH THE KALI GANDAKI VALLEY
  1. Marpha
    Pass by
    After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Pokhara.
  2. Tukuche
    Pass by
    Drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Tukuche.

    Tukuche is a historic Thakali village with impressive views toward Dhaulagiri and the surrounding mountains.
  3. Pass by
    Continue south through the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley toward Ghasa.

    The landscape gradually changes from the dry trans-Himalayan environment into greener mountain terrain.
  4. Tatopani Hot Spring
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Continue toward Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs.

    If time permits, you can take a short break here.
  5. Beni
    1h
    From Beni, follow the road back toward Pokhara, completing your 4 Nights / 5 Days Upper Mustang Jeep Adventure.
  6. Pokhara Lakeside
    Pass by
    Arrival in Pokhara: approximately late afternoon/evening, depending on road conditions and stops.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will pickup you from any hotel within this location with your name card.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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