Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Activity: Upon landing, you will be greeted by your team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel.

Preparation: Your guide will brief you on the tour and collect your original passport to process the Special Restricted Area Permit for Mustang.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Morning: Guided tour of UNESCO Heritage Sites. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for city views and Boudhanath Stupa, the spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu, which sets the mood for your upcoming trip.

Afternoon: Fly to Pokhara (25 mins). The flight offers stunning left-side views of the Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges.

Evening: Relax by Phewa Lake.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.

Drive Duration: 6–7 hours

The Journey:

• Start on the paved winding road to Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi.
• From Beni, the off-road adventure begins. The road follows the Kali Gandaki River upstream.
• You will pass the deep Rupse Waterfall (a great photo stop).
• Note on Altitude: While the famous hot springs are at Tatopani (1,190m), most jeep tours push further up to Kalopani or Lete (2,530m) for the overnight. This places you right at the base of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I for incredible morning views and helps with acclimatization.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Kalopani/Lete area.

Drive Duration: 5–6 hours

The Journey:

• Drive through the pine forests to Marpha, famous for its apple orchards and whitewashed houses.
• Pass Jomsom, the administrative headquarters, known for its strong afternoon winds.
• Muktinath Visit: Instead of stopping, drive straight up to Muktinath (3,800m). This is a sacred spot for Hindus and Buddhists. Walk the temple grounds, see the Eternal Flame, and witness pilgrims bathing in the 108 stone water spouts.
• Descent: Drive back down to the medieval village of Kagbeni. This is the official gateway to Upper Mustang.

Highlights: Walk the narrow alleyways of Kagbeni, see the "Red Monastery," and view the Golden Gate where the restricted area begins.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Kagbeni.

Drive Duration: 5–6 hours

The Journey:

• Permit Check: Show your restricted area permits at the Kagbeni checkpoint.
• Drive along the riverbed to Chhusang, passing spectacular organ-pipe rock formations.
• Cross the Kali Gandaki and begin the steep climb to Chele, where the culture shifts distinctly to Tibetan.
• The Passes: Cross the Taklam La (3,624m) and the Syangboche La (4,200m). The views here are panoramic.
• Lunch: Stop at Syangboche or Ghiling.
• Descend to Ghami, a beautiful village nestled under red cliffs. It is home to the longest Mani wall in Mustang.

Overnight: Teahouse in Ghami.

Drive Duration: 3–4 hours

The Journey:

• Drive past the Ghami Mani wall and climb the Choya La Pass (3,870m).
• Stop at Tsarang (Charang): Visit the massive white Dzong (fortress) and the red Gompa. This was the ancient capital before Lo-Manthang.
• Continue across the "Plain of Aspiration." As you cross the final pass, Lo La (3,950m), you will get your first view of the walled city of Lo-Manthang sitting in the valley below.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Lo-Manthang.

Morning: Drive north towards the Tibet border (Kora La) to reach Chhosar.

• Jhong Cave: Explore this incredible 5-story sky cave carved into a cliff face. It has over 40 rooms and was used as a shelter during wars and a meditation retreat.
• Visit Niphu and Garphu monasteries built into the rock.

Afternoon: Return to Lo-Manthang for lunch.

• Explore the walled city on foot. Visit the three major Gompas: Jampa Lhakhang (House of the Giant Maitreya Buddha), Thubchen Gompa (Assembly Hall), and Chodey Gompa.
• View the King's Palace (exterior only) and wander the maze-like streets.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Lo-Manthang.

Drive Duration: 6–7 hours

The Journey:

• Today is a long drive retracing your path south.
• You may take a slight detour to visit Ghar Gompa in Lo-Gekar if you missed it on the way up. It is the oldest monastery in Mustang, known for its rock paintings and the legend of Guru Rinpoche slaying a demon here.
• Drive past the red cliffs of Dhakmar, back through Kagbeni, and finally rest in Jomsom.

Evening: Celebrate your last night in the mountains with local apple brandy (Marpha).

Overnight: Hotel/Lodge in Jomsom.

Drive Duration: 7–8 hours

The Journey:

• Descend from the high altitude back to the lush green hills.
• The road from Jomsom to Beni can be bumpy, but once you hit the paved road near Beni, it’s a smooth cruise to Pokhara.
• Arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara (Lakeside).

Option A (Drive): Board a tourist bus or private vehicle for a scenic 6-7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River.

Option B (Flight): Take a 25-minute flight in the morning (usually an extra cost unless specified).

Evening: Farewell dinner with a cultural show in Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Free time until your flight. Transfer to the airport 3 hours before departure.