Upper Mustang Jeep Tour 10 Days

Upper Mustang 10-Days Jeep Tour is yet another Cordial exclusive and a must go trip planned into one of the most admired & restricted areas of Nepal. The trip allows the travelers to explore ethnic Tibetan culture in one of the most rural areas of the Himalayas. Moreover, the Upper Mustang jeep tour offers its travelers a unique and exhilarating way to explore a remote and culturally rich region of the Himalayas. Unlike traditional trekking, this option also allows you to cover more ground while still immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes and captivating culture. However, it requires a special permit from the Government of Nepal for all kinds of tours and trekking expeditions.

Upper Mustang

Also known as the Mountain Desert, Upper Mustang is a highly preserved area where only a limited number of visitors are allowed per year. For being one of the very few communities in Nepal that have remained untouched with the outside world, the life in Upper Mustang revolves mostly around tourism, animal husbandry and trade. The tour thus offers the visitor to experience the ancestral culture, traditions, lifestyle, hospitality and warmth of local Tibetan Buddhists.

Formerly known as Kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang also comprises multiple settlements bordering the autonomous region of Tibet. Furthermore, it features a very windy and dry valley that is characterized by windswept canyons and colorful stratified rock formations. The journey thus provides its visitor with a view of unique landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, prayers wall, caves, ancient Tibetan villages, rare medieval art and architecture alongside scenic trails of the Himalayas. Additionally, the trip features a pass through barren Himalayan desert, Tibetan plateaus and eroded canyons. It also provides a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains including Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri as well.

Lo Manthang

The main attraction of this trip will be the final destination of Lo Manthang. It is a rural municipality in Mustang district that borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and Dalome rural municipality of Mustang in the south. Moreover, Lo is the northern two-thirds of Mustang district and is culturally and linguistically influenced by Tibet. Furthermore, the southern third is called Thak, the homeland of Thakali people. They speak a different language and have a synthesis of Tibetan and Nepalese culture.

Recently a series of at least twelve caves were discovered north of Annapurna and near the village. It is decorated with ancient Buddhist paintings and set in sheer cliffs at an elevation of 14,000 feet (4,300 m). The paintings show Newari influence, dating to approximately the 13th century. The caves also contain Tibetan scripts executed in ink, silver and gold and pre-Christian era pottery shards.

Why Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang?

This 10-Days Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang offers several advantages over traditional trekking. They include:

Efficient management of your precious time:

Covering the vast and rugged terrain of Upper Mustang by jeep saves significant time, allowing you to explore more in a shorter period.

Physical comfort:

Jeep travel is less strenuous than trekking, making it suitable for people with limited physical abilities or those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Accessibility:

Jeep tours provide access to remote areas that would be challenging to reach on foot, offering a unique perspective of the region.

Scenic drive:

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the arid landscapes from the comfort of your jeep.

Cultural immersion:

While not as immersive as trekking, jeep tours still offer opportunities to interact with locals and experience the region’s rich culture. In essence, the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is an excellent option for travelers who desire a blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural exploration.

Tour Map

Upper Mustang

Additional information on Upper Mustang Jeep Tour:

Booking your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Mustang region as well for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 200 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1599 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 10 Days Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 10/11. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences. However please note that the list includes some items for trekking which you may exclude. They include trekking poles, crampons and duffle bags.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us so that we can provide you with a complimentary airport pickup as well. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. They will also be holding our official name Cordial Trek and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can also arrange an accommodation for extra nights with add-on tours for additional cost.

Tour starting and ending days:

As the Upper Mustang Tour requires a special permit to visit the region, we will therefore need your original passport after your arrival & one full day to apply for the same. Day 2 has thus been allocated as a Full Day Kathmandu Tour for the travelers while we process the necessary permits. You’ll thus begin your tour from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Lo Manthang and back with overnight stays in Kagbeni, Chele, Syanboche, Ghami, Tsarang, Dhakmar, Ghiling and Chhusang.

Each day’s tour will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon with frequent breaks to capture your memories. You’ll thus have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route. Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the tour begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara:

In Kathmandu & Pokhara, you’ll stay in 3 Star Category Hotels with twin/double sharing beds. Beside that, your accommodation options are mostly at Guest/Tea Houses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. Except for the day when you plan to leave for your trip early in the morning, you have an option to receive a packaged breakfast as well. Beside that, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your tour. It is because proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the remote trails.

Drinking water during the tour:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential. For the same, aim to drink more than 2 liters of water every day during your trip.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a tour to explore urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the Upper Mustang experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 200-250 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 100-150 for tipping your guide and driver. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Baggage and weight limit:

There are no strict restrictions regarding your luggage for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. However, if you have items you don’t need during the trip, you can leave them at Kathmandu/Pokhara hotel for storage at no extra cost. Also, please be advised to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it safe for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Availability of guide:

Every traveler will be provided with a comfortable jeep, a government licensed experienced guide and skillful driver. Additionally, both guide and driver will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of 10-Days Upper Mustang Jeep Tour:

1. Visit to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. It is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.

2. Spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges including Mt. Annapurna I-III, Mt. Nilgiri and Mt. Dhaulagiri among others.

3. Experience the ancestral and ethnic Tibetan Buddhist culture, religion and their lifestyle.

4. Visit to Ghar Gompa, the oldest Tibetan monastery, built c. 7th century.

5. Pass via restricted areas and Trans-Himalayan regions of Nepal.

6. Experience the thrill of off-road adventure through rugged terrains and crossing high mountain passes

7. Discover the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions of the Mustang people.

8. Witness the dramatic contrast between the arid desert-like environment and the towering Himalayan peaks.

9. Cover a larger area in a shorter time compared to trekking with this time-efficient exploration.

10. Enjoy the convenience of traveling in a comfortable jeep, especially for those seeking a less strenuous experience.