The Upper Mustang Overland Jeep Tour is one of the most thrilling, adventurous, and comfortable Himalayan Odysseys in the highly restricted area of Nepal. Also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal that did not allow foreigners until 1990 AD, the Upper Mustang is located in the country’s remote northern region in isolation in comparison to most of the highly traversed trekking trails such as Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, and several others.
This 4WD Jeep Safari Tour takes visitors and travelers through arid landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan Plateau, where the culture, terrain, and architecture show an uncanny influence of Tibetan Buddhism, perfect for individuals seeking a smoother experience without having to involve themselves in extensive trekking and hiking through high-altitude areas. Beginning with a drive from the lively capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, the journey winds through spectacular valleys, high cliffs, and traditional villages such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha, Chhuksang, Lo Manthang, and several others renowned for their off-road trails.
The ancient wall caves, Buddhist monasteries, traversing through the rugged roads, enjoying the everlasting views of snowcapped peaks along the Kali Gandaki River, and reaching the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang are some of the major highlights of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. One can even get to explore natural mines, stone fossils, and other hidden treasures of the Upper Mustang, adding much to the overland journey to be called a true Himalayan voyage for individuals seeking to relish themselves in the unique beauty and adventure of the untouched Himalayas of Nepal in a seamless manner!
What makes the Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang special?
In short, the Upper Mustang Overland Jeep Tour is a rare opportunity to dive into the ancient cultural and spiritual heritages and unspoiled nature of a restricted Himalayan kingdom in the arid western regions of the Annapurna region noted for Tibetan-Buddhist customs and traditions.
The region is largely untouched by modern eccentrics preserving the true essence of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and stunning landscapes characterized by its several temples, gompas, mani walls, and chortens in the trans-Himalayan desert landscape, crafting an unforgettable experience of a lifetime as you engage yourself in interaction with local communities to expect:
Access to the remote and restricted Himalayan regions of Nepal
Located approximately 380 km/236 miles away from the capital city of the Himalayan country of Nepal, Upper Mustang lies in the north-central part of the nation within the Mustang District of the Dhaulagiri Zone in the Gandaki Province, remarked for Jomsom and Muktinath to the south of the lower region and Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs to the east and west.
Though this trans-Himalayan region of Nepal is well connected by airways and roadways, the mountainous terrains and road conditions in the desert-like landscapes in the remote countryside make the journey to here, Upper Mustang, take quite a longer time than one’s expectation, especially on foot.
Further, the land is highly restricted, allowing only a handful of foreigners, not more than 1,000 per year, due to the Upper Mustang's proximity to the Tibetan Border, along with an initiative of the government of Nepal itself to conserve the region’s unique cultural and natural heritages, often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.”
Therefore, the Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang is a sublime Himalayan journey that lets you access this culturally, historically, and naturally abundant remote area without several days of high Himalayan trekking. While the overland tour caters to the interest of everyone who wants to marvel at the mysterious land hidden behind the snow-clad sky -towering peaks, it is best suited for adventurous people with limited stays in Nepal who want to skip physical demands and seize all Upper Mustang has to offer.
Marvelous landscapes along the bank of the Kali Gandaki Gorge
The Upper Mustang Tour progresses through dramatic landscapes mostly arid, desert-like terrain, deep gorges, and cliffs, in striking contrast to the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. En route, you will witness some glorious views of several Himalayan ranges, such as Annapurna, Fishtail (Machhapuchhare), Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and others.
The valleys in the lower altitudes are lush and slowly transit into more barren and rugged terrain, along with mountain views in the distance that come with eroded canyons and windswept valleys appearing like a hidden paradise mostly along the banks of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
Kali Gandaki River is the only place where one can find Shaligarm stones revered by Hindus as the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, renowned for their unique appearances, usually in a golden black color with fossilized space inside. Therefore, it would be gratifying to travel along the Kali Gandaki Gorge that cuts through barren hills, ancient villages, and lush green terraces as you experience the terrain change from subtropical forests at the lower elevation to a desert-like landscape denoting your closeness to the Upper Mustang, providing a profound sense of timeless beauty and isolation.
Rich cultural tapestry of the Himalayan locals
The locals from the Upper Mustang are often also referred to as Lobas, the people of Lo bearing distinctive Tibetan customs, rituals, attires, and festivals such as Tiji. In contrast, the lower regions such as Jomsom and Marpha are predominated by the Thakali community with a small population of Gurung and Magar ethics.
The majority of these Himalayan locals are active farmers who are still dependent on agriculture, cultivating apples, barley, potatoes, and buckwheat; some are involved in trade, and many are in the hospitality industry, operating lodges, tea houses, and guest houses and are known for their genuine hospitality and often smiling and warming nature.
As you meander around the Buddhist monasteries such as Lo Ghekar Monastery and Luri Gompa, ancient caves like Jhong and Chungsi, and traditional mud house villages representing rich Tibetan culture and history, you will also get to be treated like honored guests, reflecting deep-rooted values of the Himalayan community and kindness, making the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour an extremely cultural experience.
The last and ancient forbidden kingdom Lo Manthang
Located approximately 3,800 m above sea level, Lo Manthang, established around the 15th century, was once the capital of the former kingdom of Mustang and still features royal palaces, mudbrick houses, and monasteries as a testament to the region's medieval past. Lying at the Nepal-Tibet border, the walled city opened its gate for visitors and travelers only in the year 1992 and allowed only a countable number of foreigners till today; hence, it is also known as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, miles away from modern massive tourism in isolation that was an independent kingdom until the mid-20th century.
Though now part of the Mustang district, officially integrated into Nepal in 1950, the direct descendants of royal families still hold ceremonial importance in the daily lives of locals, noted for their conservation and preservation of cultural and political distinctiveness. The town is also home to some of the oldest gompas of the region called Jampa, Thubchen, and Chode, along with ancient paintings, monuments, stone arts, and manuscripts standing at an edge as an ideal destination for tourists keen on history and culture, added much by other sacred sites nearby such as Lo Ghekar Monastery.
Built in the 8th century, before the Samya Monastery of Tibet, which is believed to be the oldest in the world, Lo Ghekar Monastery is a Buddhist pilgrimage destination for all the pilgrimage around the world that is connected with the arrival of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Similarly located near Lo Mantang, particularly Chhoser village, is Jhong Cave. The five stored caves with 40 rooms inside the cave reflect the ancient lifestyle and practices of the people who once inhabited the area. Approximately 2,500 years old, this cave is also one of the key highlights of the overland Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang, which enhances the overall journey greatly.
Embark on a Himalayan journey by road and end with a relaxing bath in a natural hot spring
For those who may not be able to trek for days or someone looking for a more comfortable journey to the Himalayas without several days of hiking through steep, rugged, and high-altitude trails, the Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang is just the right option. The Himalayan voyage is convenient yet adventurous without missing any famous attractions of the mystical and isolated landscapes of the Mustang Himalayas.
Further, as you complete exploring the barren lands, dessert-like terrains, high cliffs, and medieval villages, some with the utmost cultural and historical significance, it would be an otherworldly experience to unwind in the Tatopani Village and soak in a natural hot spring-rich in minerals that is climbed to have therapeutic properties to cure even skin ailments nestled in the heart of the Himalayas with unparalleled views of the green valleys and roaring rivers below.
Why 11-day itinerary the best route for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?
The 11-day Jeep tour itinerary to Upper Mustang begins with a visually spectacular flyover to Pokhara from Kathmandu that slowly approaches one of the hidden gems of Nepal. The Jeep tour is unlike the traditional treks that save you from several days of exhausting long hikes such as the Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, or the Himalayan Odyssey to Upper Mustang itself, without any compromise in astonishing Trans-Himalayan desert landscapes and centuries-old Tibetan culture.
This striking balance between adventure, acclimatization, and cultural immersion as you gradually ascent to the higher altitude, visiting key destinations of the Mustang region such as Jomsom and Kagbeni, also called the gateway to Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang, historic palaces, ancient monasteries, and caves used by monks to perform daily rites and rituals, including meditation, grants travelers a deep sense of connection to the ancient world, untouched from hazardous urbanization, and delving into the Tibetan Buddhist culture and the customary life of the Lobas is unmatchable in just 11 days.
Further, traveling by Jeep instead of having to walk for numerous days makes it accessible to a wide range of adventurers, including those with time constraints or physical limitations; hence, it is considered the best route for the Upper Mustang Tour.
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost for 2024/2025
Although the exact cost for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour in 2024/2025 can vary significantly based on the type of tour operator (local or international), the number of travelers in a group, services included and excluded, the season, or your visit, and your preferences at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we excel at the best affordable packages for all sorts of travelers, be it private, group, or family.
We offer group discounts on any trip you do with us, such as Langtang Valley, Chitwan National Park Jungle Safaris, or others, including the overland Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang Cost, which, as of now, is priced as below:
- USD 1,775 for 2-3 pax
- USD 1,675 for 4-6 pax
- USD 1,575 for 7-10 pax
