Luxury Upper Mustang Jeep Tour – 11 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your luxury hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. After check-in, you can rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, you'll have a detailed tour briefing with your guide, complete any final preparations, and enjoy a welcome drink.

After breakfast, our team will begin processing your special Upper Mustang permits. While your documentation is being handled, embark on a guided half-day cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), an ancient hilltop Buddhist site with panoramic views; Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most revered Hindu temple; and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and center of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal. In the afternoon, transfer to the domestic airport for a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara, a tranquil lakeside city nestled beneath the Annapurna range. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury hotel near Phewa Lake for overnight.

After breakfast at your Pokhara hotel, begin your scenic overland journey toward the Mustang region. The drive takes you along the Kali Gandaki River, through lush valleys, traditional villages, and terraced farmlands. First, drive from Pokhara to Beni, a small town that marks the gateway to the Annapurna and Mustang regions. Continue driving toward Tatopani, a quiet village known for its natural hot springs and mountainous surroundings. As you travel further north, the scenery shifts dramatically—lush greenery gives way to the arid, high-Himalayan landscape. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable lodge. You may have time to soak in the therapeutic hot springs (optional) or enjoy a peaceful walk around the village.

After breakfast, continue your overland journey deeper into the trans-Himalayan landscape. Today's route follows the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, with the snow-capped Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges towering above. Drive through Ghasa, Marpha (famous for its apple orchards), and Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang. Reach the windswept village of Kagbeni, a picturesque medieval settlement with stone houses and narrow alleys—the true gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, take a side trip to the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m), a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex features eternal flames, 108 water spouts, and incredible mountain views. After the excursion, return to Kagbeni and explore the village or rest at your lodge.

Today we officially enter the restricted Upper Mustang area after permit checks at Kagbeni. The trail winds through dramatic landscapes of red cliffs, eroded canyons, and whitewashed villages. We cross the high Syangboche Pass at 4,200m, the highest point of the tour, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak. Continue through the village of Chhusang and Chele before arriving at Ghami, one of the larger villages in the region, passing a long mani wall and chortens. Overnight in a comfortable lodge.

After breakfast, we continue toward the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang. The route passes through Tsarang, a fascinating village with a large, five-story white dzong (fortress) and a red gompa perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge. Visit the Tsarang Monastery with its exquisite Buddhist murals. From Tsarang, we make our final approach to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. The first view of the walled city and its surrounding hills from the Lo La pass is truly magical. We descend into the plain and enter Lo Manthang through its southern gate. Overnight in a comfortable lodge.

A full day to immerse in the history and culture of Lo Manthang. In the morning, explore the city's two main monasteries, Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa, both dating back to the 15th century and containing exquisite Buddhist murals. Wander through the narrow alleys, visit the King's Palace (with permission), and observe daily life within the city walls. In the afternoon, take an optional excursion by jeep or horse to the Chhosar Caves, a remarkable location with towering red cliffs and caves inhabited as far back as 2,500 years ago. Visit Nyphu Gompa tucked into a cliff face. Return to Lo Manthang for overnight.

We leave Lo Manthang via a different route, heading towards Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar), said to be one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, predating Buddhism in Tibet and associated with Guru Rinpoche. The trail passes through Dhakmar, set in a stunning area of red, black, and yellow striped cliffs—perfect for photography at golden hour. We continue to Chhusang, a village nestled amidst dramatic eroded cliffs, where the river has carved tunnels through massive red conglomerate rock. Overnight in a comfortable lodge.

Our final day of overland travel takes us back along the Kali Gandaki. We pass through Kagbeni and follow the river all the way to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. The drive offers final stunning views of the unique Mustang landscape. Upon arrival in Jomsom, check into a comfortable lodge. You may have time to explore the Jomsom market or take a short walk to Marpha village, famous for its apple orchards and apple brandy. Overnight in Jomsom.

We take an early morning 20-minute flight back to Pokhara, retracing our spectacular aerial route over the Himalayas. The flight offers final breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we begin our scenic drive back to Kathmandu (6-7 hours) via the Prithvi Highway. Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural entertainment to celebrate your journey.

Your unforgettable Luxury Upper Mustang Jeep Tour ends today. Our team will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. You'll leave Nepal with profound memories of a forbidden kingdom, ancient monasteries, dramatic desert landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Loba people. If your flight is the following day, we can arrange an extra night's accommodation.