Upper Mustang Jeep tour

Name: Upper Mustang Jeep tour
Brand: Adventure Hikers
Price: 1699 USD
Availability: InStock

Duration9 Days

Trip GradeModerate

CountryNepal

Maximum Altitude3840

StartsKathmandu

EndsKathmandu

ActivitiesTour, Sightseeing, Photography

Best TimeSpring and Autumn

Venture beyond the Annapurna trails on this 9-day Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, a rugged off-road adventure through Nepal's last forbidden kingdom. Riding in a 4WD jeep from Kathmandu through Tatopani, Kagbeni, and into the walled city of Lo Manthang, you'll cross high-altitude desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, and dramatic red cliffs that few travelers ever reach. Along the way, explore centuries-old gompas, the Chhoser sky caves, and the royal palace of the Kingdom of Lo before winding back through Muktinath and Pokhara.

For those who want to experience the magic of Mustang but don’t have the time or stamina for lengthy trekking days, this jeep safari offers a combination of culture, altitude and off-road excitement in one unforgettable adventure.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is 9 days jeep tour that takes you to the most remote part of Nepal. This is the land once known as the Kingdom of Lo, hidden behind the Himalayas for centuries. On this 9-day jeep safari, you will drive through dry desert valleys, deep gorges, and quiet villages that few outsiders ever see. It is a rare chance to explore a culture that has stayed almost unchanged for generations.

Unlike a regular trek, this Upper Mustang jeep tour lets you cover more ground in less time. You will travel by 4WD jeep from Kathmandu all the way to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the old kingdom. Along the way, you will pass through Kagbeni, Muktinath, and the Kaligandaki valley. Each stop brings something new, from ancient monasteries to sky caves carved into cliffs.

This Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary is for those people who love adventure but want comfort too. You get hot meals, comfortable places to sleep, and a professional guide with extensive knowledge of the area. The tour includes all necessary permits so you don’t have to worry about any paperwork or restricted area rules.

If you are searching for the right Upper Mustang jeep tour cost and value, this package has both of them. It is a trip of culture, landscape and adventure. If you want to see the Tiji Festival, the Lo Manthang palace, or just enjoy the thrill of off-road driving, this tour has all of it.

Ready to explore the forbidden kingdom of Mustang? Book your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour today and start planning your journey.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Highlights

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour takes you deep into Nepal's forbidden kingdom, a land of ancient monasteries, walled cities and dry Himalayan desert. You will visit places that have been closed to outsiders for decades, using a 4WD jeep. A mixture of culture, history and off-road adventure for an unforgettable journey.

Tour Highlights:

Discover Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo
Visit the Royal Palace & centuries-old Buddhist Monasteries.
Drive from Kagbeni to the historic entrance of Upper Mustang.
See the Chhoser sky caves carved in the cliffs.
Dhakmar and its striking red cliffs.
Experience the Tiji Festival with its colorful masked dances.
Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani
Drive through the beautiful Kaligandaki valley and Marpha village
Enjoy a comfortable ride in an off-road jeep with a professional guide.
Meals, permits and accommodation during the whole trip.

Why Choose This 9-Day Mustang Jeep Tour?

Reach remote Upper Mustang in just 9 days; no long trekking necessary
Travel in style in a private 4WD off-road jeep
Discover Restricted areas that have only recently opened up to travelers
Explore the ancient walled city of the Kingdom of Lo, Lo Manthang.
Experience rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and centuries-old Monasteries.
We take care of all permits for you, including restricted area permits and ACAP.
Stay in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and en route
All meals and drinking water provided during the trip
Travel with an experienced local guide who is registered.
Combine adventure, culture and stunning Himalayan scenery in one trip
Ideal for travellers who want the Mustang experience without a full trek

Why Book This Tour with Adventure Hikers

100 % customer satisfaction rate until now.
24*7 available for any inquiry or consultation.
Local Nepali team with real on-the-ground experience in the Mustang
We take care of all the permits, including the restricted area permit and ACAP.
Experienced, government-registered guides with knowledge of the culture and terrain
Private custom 4WD jeep tours, not group vehicles
Clear pricing, no additional hidden costs added later
Flexible options to suit your time and interests
Includes comfortable hotel stays in Kathmandu & Pokhara
All meals and potable water are provided throughout the whole trip
Quick and effortless booking process and straightforward communication.
Dedicated support before, during and after your trip
High altitude and off-road routes with a strong safety record
For adventure seekers looking for authentic Himalayan experiences

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour costs US$2,399 per person and includes an all-inclusive 9-day adventure to the remote Mustang region of Nepal. This price includes most of what you need for a comfortable and hassle-free trip, including permits, transport, meals and accommodation.

Upper Mustang is a restricted area so the cost also includes special permits, which allow you to travel legally through this protected part of the Himalayas. It may seem expensive compared to a regular trek, but it includes a private jeep, professional guide and all meals throughout the trip. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to what’s included and what’s not, so you can budget with confidence before booking this Mustang jeep tour.

Permits Required for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang is a restricted area so every traveler must have special permits to enter. The two main permits are the Restricted Area Permit and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). Both are compulsory and a licensed guide is required for the entire trip, as solo travel is not allowed. The excellent news is that all the permit fees are included in our Upper Mustang jeep tour package so that you don’t have to arrange or pay separately.

Necessary Documents:

Original passport (must be valid for minimum 6 months)
assport-size photo
Copy of Visa (Entry Visa to Nepal)
Basic travel details for permit processing

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Difficulty & Who is this Tour For?

One of the easiest ways to see the Himalayas is the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, with little to no walking. Most of the distance is covered comfortably inside a 4WD jeep, so unlike a trek, you don’t have to worry about long hours on your feet or heavy physical strain. The principal difficulty of this trip is the rough and dusty road and the effects of high altitude, especially around Lo Manthang. As the altitude gain happens gradually through the drive, the danger of altitude sickness is much less than on a trekking trip.

This tour is perfect for families, older travelers or anyone who wants to experience Upper Mustang without the rigors of trekking. Most of the exploring is done by short walks around villages and monasteries, not long trekking days, so even those with limited fitness or mobility can enjoy this trip. That said, some basic fitness is still helpful, since you will spend many hours on rough mountain roads and the accommodation in remote areas remains simple. Overall, if you are looking for an accessible way to explore Nepal's forbidden kingdom, this Mustang jeep tour is one of the best options available.

Vehicle and Group Size for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

For this Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, we use comfortable 4WD vehicles for rough mountain roads, like Land Cruiser, Scorpio or similar off-road jeeps. The vehicles chosen are those that are strong and reliable because the roads in Upper Mustang are often rocky, narrow and unpaved.

The jeep has enough space for 3-4 passengers, in addition to the driver, so everyone can enjoy the long drives. If you are traveling in a larger group, we simply arrange a few jeeps so no one feels cramped and everyone can enjoy the journey in comfort.

Your bags are safely stowed in the vehicle and your driver knows his way around the twists, dust and bumps that come with this Mustang jeep tour. If you are traveling with your couple, your family or a group of friends our jeep setup ensures a smooth, safe and enjoyable ride from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang.

Accommodation and Meals on the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Accommodation on the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a mix of comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and basic guesthouses and lodges as you head into the mountains. You’ll be staying in well-maintained hotels with private rooms and attached bathrooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The lodges become more basic as the jeep climbs higher into Upper Mustang but remain clean and welcoming.

Rooms are generally basic with warm blankets, as most guesthouses in this high-altitude desert do not have central heating. Lo Manthang has a few better facilities than the small villages on the way, with more reliable hot showers and charging points.

Meals on this Mustang jeep tour. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the trip. Expect to enjoy a mix of local Nepali food such as dal bhat and Tibetan food such as Thukpa and Momo popular in Mustang. Marpha village is famous for apple products and it is a nice treat to try apple pie or apple juice here.

There are many vegetarian options and your guide will assist you with arranging appropriate meals if you have dietary preferences. You will not have to worry about dehydration issues at higher altitudes on this Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, as drinking water is provided throughout the trip.

What to Pack for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Warm jacket for cold mornings and nights at elevation
Layer of fleece or wool for fluctuations in temperature during the day
The outer layer of the drive is wind- and dustproof.
Trousers in the jeep: comfortable, easy to move
Sun hat or cap to protect from the intense Mustang sun
Warm hat and gloves for the early morning cold
UV-protection sunglasses, glare, dust
Dust mask or scarf for face protection on dusty roads
Comfortable walking shoes for short walks and sight-seeing
High-altitude sun exposure High SPF sunscreen
Balm for the lips to prevent chapping from dry desert air
Moisturizer for protection against wind and dryness
Reusable Water bottle to keep hydrated throughout the trip
Medications and a small first-aid kit
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer for hygiene on the road
Charging gadgets in faraway places. Power bank
Additional storage on your camera or phone for photos
Nepalese rupees for personal expenses and tips
Basic toiletries, as some lodges run out of supplies
Travel insurance documents and a copy of your passport

Travel Insurance for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Travel insurance is highly recommended and, in most cases, required before joining the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you are often asked to prove you have travel insurance before the permit officials will hand over your documents. A good policy will protect you if your trip is cancelled or delayed, your luggage is lost or you have unexpected medical problems while you are travelling.

Some sections of this tour are above 3,800 meters so it is important that your insurance covers high-altitude travel and emergency evacuation if required. The health risks of a jeep tour are lower than those of a trek but the rough roads and remote locations mean that medical help is not always at hand.

Choosing a plan with helicopter evacuation is an added security blanket, especially in areas where weather can affect access by road. It is the responsibility of each traveler to arrange their own policy prior to the start of the Mustang jeep tour. Our team can offer advice on appropriate insurance options. You can consult us during the booking process as well.

Adventure Hikers Travel Tips

Book your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to reserve permits and hotel availability.
Discuss with our travel consultants the best time to travel for your trip, considering weather, festivals and your own comfort levels.
Spring is the time to travel for the Tiji Festival and autumn for the best mountain views.
Purchase travel insurance early. Often it’s a requirement to process permits.
Dress in layers. Temperatures can change quickly between day and night in Upper Mustang.
Take plenty of Nepali cash, as ATMs are limited outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Remember to stay hydrated and take it easy, considering that the journey is a jeep tour, not a trek.
Group Departure Dates To keep costs down and travel with a fixed group, ask about group departure dates.
Be sure your permit paperwork and passport copies are checked with our team before the trip begins
Keep your itinerary flexible, as the road conditions in the mountains may cause minor changes occasionally.
Do not hesitate to reach out to our team anytime for tips on packing, fitness or altitude expectations.
Arriving a day early in Kathmandu to unwind before the tour begins.

Itinerary

Trip PlanExpand all

Day01Arrival Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Our team will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and will drive you to your hotel by private vehicle. After you’ve settled in, there will be a short rest before you meet for a pre-trip briefing session with your guide.

This briefing will cover the itinerary, the permits required for the Upper Mustang jeep tour, packing tips and what to expect while driving into the restricted area. This is a good time to ask questions and get to know your travel team. If you have time, you can quickly walk around Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist area, to get anything you need. You will spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu, well-rested and ready to embark on your Mustang jeep tour the next morning.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Accommodation: 3 star hotelMode of Travel: Private

Day02Drive from Kathmandu to Tatopani (1,190 m)

On the second day of your Upper Mustang Jeep tour, you will depart Kathmandu early in the morning and begin the long drive to Tatopani. The highway snakes through green hills, terraced farmland and small roadside towns before branching off the Prithvi Highway to take the Beni-Baglung road. It is about 220 km and takes about 8 to 9 hours depending on the road conditions.

Here you will see for the first time the landscape change from green hills to narrower mountain roads. Tatopani, which in Nepali means ‘hot water,' is famous for its natural hot springs, a perfect way to relax after a day of travel. Before dinner there is a hot spring you can dip into to relax your muscles. You will spend the night at a guesthouse in Tatopani and this will be the real beginning of your Mustang jeep tour adventure to the mountains.

Max Altitude: 1190 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea houseMode of Travel: JeepDuration: 8-9 hrs drive

Day03Drive to Kagbeni (2804 m)

Today you drive north through the valley of the Kaligandaki river, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The drive is about 85 km and takes about 6 to 7 hours as the road climbs gradually in altitude. En route you will pass through Ghasa, Lete and the beautiful apple-growing village of Marpha with its stone-paved streets and traditional Thakali houses.

You will also pass Jomsom, the administrative headquarter of the Mustang region, before reaching Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang and the official point where your restricted area permit will be checked. This small village is full of narrow alleyways, an old monastery and mud-brick houses showing centuries of Tibetan influence. You will spend the night in Kagbeni, which serves as the entry point to the hidden kingdom that you are about to explore.

Max Altitude: 2804 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea houseMode of Travel: JeepDuration: 6-7 hrs drive

Day04Drive to Lo Manthang (3,840 m)

Today is one of the most exciting days of your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour as you finally drive into the restricted area to Lo Manthang. The distance is around 60 km, but the drive takes close to 7 to 8 hours because the road is rough, narrow, and winds through high desert terrain. Leaving Kagbeni, the landscape changes almost instantly.

Green fields give way to dry cliffs, canyons, and wide open valleys that look more like a moonscape than the Himalayas. You will pass tiny settlements such as Chele, Samar and Ghami, each offering a window into daily life in this remote part of Nepal. En route you may also stop at Ghar Gumba also known as Lo Gekar Monastery, said to be one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, built even before the famous Samye monastery in Tibet.

The higher the road goes the closer you get to Lo Manthang, and the strong winds and thin air are a reminder of how remote this place really is. By late afternoon you will reach Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the old Kingdom of Lo. This old town, encircled by high white-washed walls, feels as if it has been caught in time. Check into your guesthouse and rest the evening, knowing you have arrived at the heart of your Mustang jeep tour journey.

Max Altitude: 3840 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea houseMode of Travel: JeepDuration: 7-8 hrs drive

Day05Discover Upper Mustang

There are no long drives involved today; you have a full day to explore Lo Manthang and its surrounding area. This is one of the highlights of the entire Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, giving you time to slow down and take in the culture of this ancient walled city. You will visit the Royal Palace, known as Lo Gyalpo Khar, a four-story building that once housed the kings of Mustang.

From there, you can walk through the narrow lanes of Lo Manthang to see Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa, two of the town's oldest monasteries, both famous for their detailed murals and centuries-old statues. If your visit lines up with spring, you may even witness part of the Tiji Festival, a three-day celebration filled with masked dances that tell the story of good triumphing over evil.

Later in the day, you can take a short excursion outside the city walls to Chhoser, home to the famous sky caves carved directly into the cliffs, believed to be thousands of years old. The dramatic Dhakmar red cliffs are also nearby and provide some of the best photo opportunities on the entire Mustang jeep tour. By evening you will be back at your guesthouse in Lo Manthang, having explored one of the most culturally rich places in the Himalaya.

Meals: BreakfastMode of Travel: jeepDuration: Full day

Day06Drive to Muktinath (3,800 m)

On the sixth day of your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you will now head South towards Muktinath. The drive is approximately 90 km and will take about 7 to 8 hours with a slightly different route than you took on the way up. This is an opportunity to catch up on villages and scenery you could have missed earlier.

You will pass through Dhakmar again, with its bright red cliffs, and continue through Ghami and Chele before arriving in the small town of Kagbeni. From there the road climbs to Muktinath, one of the holiest places in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Along the way, the terrain will slowly change again, from dry desert hills back to greener valleys. The Muktinath temple itself is renowned for its 108 water spouts and eternal flame, drawing pilgrims from all over Nepal and India.

This stop is a particularly peaceful one for many travelers on this Mustang jeep tour after days of exploring the remote high desert. You will spend the night in the Muktinath area to head for Pokhara the following day.

Max Altitude: 3800 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea houseMode of Travel: JeepDuration: 7-8 hrs drive

Day07Drive to Pokhara (822 m)

Today you will leave the high-altitude desert and descend to Pokhara. This is one of the longer drives of the trip, around 220 km and taking around 8 to 9 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The trail goes through Jomsom and returns through the Kaligandaki valley past familiar places such as Marpha and Tatopani and further south. As you descend, the scenery changes rapidly—from dry mountain terrain to lush green hills and forests.

With each passing hour the air becomes warmer and heavier, a relief after days at altitude. Pokhara itself sits beside Phewa Lake, with views of the Annapurna range on a clear day. After the rough roads of Upper Mustang, arriving in Pokhara is like stepping into a whole new world. Following the long stretch of travel on this Mustang jeep tour, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax, walk along the lakeside or just enjoy a good meal.

Max Altitude: 822 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 3 star HotelMode of Travel: JeepDuration: 8-9 hrs drive

Day08Pokhara Exploration Day

During the eighth day, you will have the opportunity to explore Pokhara at your own leisure. After the long drives of the past week, this is a chance to unwind in one of Nepal's most scenic cities. You can start the morning with a walk or boat ride on Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range reflecting on the water when skies are clear. If you like sightseeing, you can visit the World Peace Pagoda, which is on a hill above the lake and city. You can also visit the Davis Falls and the nearby Gupteshwor cave.

If you want a little more culture, the International Mountain Museum gives you a taste of the history of Himalayan climbing and the people who live in the mountains. The lakeside area is also full of cafes, shops and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing afternoon after days of traveling through Upper Mustang. A day to rest, take stock of your journey so far, and enjoy the relative ease of Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu. Rested and ready for the last part of your Mustang jeep tour, another night in your hotel in Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 822 m Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: 3 star hotelMode of Travel: Jeep

Day09Drive to Kathmandu (1400 m)

On the last day of your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you will drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which will take approx. 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of around 200 km. The route is along the Prithvi Highway, the same scenic road you traveled on Day 2, and gives you one last look at the hills, rivers, and villages of central Nepal.

Along the way there are also views of the Trishuli River, which is particularly lively with rafters when the season is right. As you get closer to Kathmandu, the roads become busier and the city gradually comes into view. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for a rest or for some last-minute shopping around Thamel.

Depending on your flight schedule, you might also have time for a farewell dinner with your Guide and Team, a nice way to look back on everything you experienced during this Mustang jeep tour. That's the end of your journey to Upper Mustang, from the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang to the serene lakeside of Pokhara, and back to where it all started.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 3 star hotelMode of Travel: JeepDuration: 6-7 hrs drive

Cost Details

Includes

Airport pickup and drop-off service

2 nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Daali Hotel and Apartment or Marriott)
2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara (Hotel Hidden Kingdom)
Hotel accommodation during the tour
All required official documentation for the tour
Restricted area entrance and special permit
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
Private 4WD jeep throughout the tour
Professional and registered guide
All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Drinking water throughout the trip
First aid kit.
Pokhara valley sightseeing

Excludes

Personal expenses
Tips for the guide and driver
Any drinks other than water
All things that are not included in the cost include the section

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FAQs

Q1.How many days do I need for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?

This Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is designed as a 9-day trip, starting and ending in Kathmandu. It includes travel time, exploration in Lo Manthang and a stopover in Pokhara. Depending on your schedule and interest shorter or longer versions can be arranged.

Q2.How much does the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour cost?

The Upper Mustang jeep tour cost for this package is US$2,399 per person. This includes permits, jeep transport, a guide, all meals and hotel accommodation for the duration of the trip. Prices may vary slightly depending on group size and season.

Q3.What permits are required for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?

You need a Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang and an ACAP permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area. Both are organized for you as part of your package by our team, so you do not need to do any paperwork yourself.