Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days

Upper Mustang, often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” is one of Nepal’s most enchanting and culturally rich regions. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, this remote area offers a unique blend of breath-taking landscapes, ancient monasteries and a rich tapestry of Tibetan culture. The stark, arid landscapes are characterized by dramatic cliffs, colourful rock formations and vast stretches of desert-like terrain, providing a striking contrast to the lush greenery found in other parts of Nepal. The journey through Upper Mustang reveals hidden caves, deep canyons and high-altitude passes, offering trekkers awe-inspiring views at every turn.

Once a part of the Tibetan Kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang’s cultural heritage remains deeply rooted in Tibetan traditions. The walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, stands as a testament to the area’s rich history. Visitors can explore ancient monasteries adorned with intricate murals, traditional Tibetan homes and the royal palace, which still houses the king of Mustang.
The people of Upper Mustang are predominantly of Tibetan descent and their way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Known as Loba, the locals are renowned for their warm hospitality and deeply spiritual lifestyle. Festivals such as Tiji, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, are vibrant displays of traditional music, dance, and rituals.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel. Collect passports for Upper Mustang restricted area permit. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Trek briefing and tours of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 minutes) and transfer to your hotel in Pokhara. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride across Phewa Lake, followed by a hike up to the Peace Pagoda. Return to the hotel by taxi (c.3-4 hour tour). Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4: Drive Pokhara to Kagbeni, 2,800m (c.7-8 hours). You will stop for lunch along the way and take time to visit some interesting sites. Highlights include the highest bungee jump bridge over the Kaligandaki River at Kusma, the Rupse Jharana waterfall at Rupse, and the charming village of Marpha, famous for its apples. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 5: Drive to Muktinath temple then to Samar 3,660m.
Set out early in the morning for a scenic ascent to Muktinath Temple (3,760m), navigating through the towns of Jharkot and Ranipauwa while enjoying the expansive views. Muktinath, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists alike, is a place where spirituality merges seamlessly with the splendour of nature. On clear days, breath-taking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,060m) and other peaks can be seen from Muktinath. After visiting Muktinath, the route follows the Kali Gandaki corridor to the picturesque village of Samar in Upper Mustang. This path is lined with stunning landscapes and culturally rich villages like Tangbe, Chuksang, and Tsaile, known for their distinctive architecture with white-washed houses; narrow passageways and friendly inhabitants. The journey traverses rugged terrain, featuring steep cliffs, rocky gorges and quaint villages such as Chele and Ghyakar. These villages are notable for their historic monasteries, Tibetan-influenced culture, and ancient structures. Overnight in Samar.

Day 6: Drive to Tsarang (3,560m) via Chungsi cave and Dhakmar. After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic drive toward Tsarang. The journey will lead us past towering cliffs and expansive barren valleys dotted with small settlements. This historic route is believed to have been traversed by the renowned Indian saint Padmasambhava, who played a pivotal role in introducing Tibetan Buddhism to the region around 750-810 AD. From the comfort of your jeep, you’ll witness striking landscapes, including dramatic rock formations, canyons, rolling hills and the Kali Gandaki riverbed. You’ll stop along the way to appreciate the stunning views, particularly the vivid red cliffs to the west of Ghami. After navigating a pass through Ghami, you will reach Tsarang. From Tasarang, you’ll explore significant cultural sites, including the majestic White Palace and Ghar Gompa, both ancient monasteries renowned for their historical significance. Overnight in Tsarang.

Day 7: Drive to Lo Manthang (3,780m) and explore the walled kingdom. As you make your way from Tsarang towards Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, you will be accompanied by breath-taking views of majestic peaks like Tilicho, Mount Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Bhrikurti. Crossing the Lho Pass, you’ll be greeted by the vast and impressive Lo Manthang Valley. The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, featuring ancient monasteries, the Amchi school of Tibetan medicine, a royal palace and narrow streets that weave through its rich history and unique architecture. Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, this charming town offers a deep dive into its vibrant culture and history. During our visit, we’ll explore the historic monasteries, wander through the narrow alleyways and engage with the welcoming locals. Overnight in Lo Mantang.

Day 8: Morning drive to Chhoser 3,908m visiting caves and monasteries before returning to Lo Manthang. The journey from Lo Manthang to Chhoser winds through several villages, including Nenyul, Bharcha, Dhuk, Ghom, Gharphu, and Chhoser. On this Chhoser excursion, you have the chance to explore significant sites like the Jhong Cave, Niphu and Garphu Monasteries, as well as chortens and mani walls, all while enjoying views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This side trip also offers you the opportunity to engage with local residents, providing insights into their culture, traditions and everyday life. Overnight in Lo Manthang

Day 9: Drive to Luri Gumba and back down to Ghiling (3,570m)
After breakfast at the hotel you will drive from Lo Manthang to the villages of Yara and Ghara in Upper Mustang. This route offers the chance to explore notable sites such as Luri Gumba, Tashi Kabum, ancient monasteries and experience the Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle of the locals and villages. Overnight in Ghiling.

Day 10: Drive to Marpha (2,650m)
After breakfast you will journey back towards Marpha, tracing the route along the Kali Gandaki River Valley. Enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Overnight Marpha.

Day 11: Drive back to Pokhara and free evening (c. 6-7 hours).
After our final day on the road, you can enjoy a relaxed evening in Pokhara.

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu
Today you’ll fly back to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

Day 13: Depart from Nepal

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

This is a guideline only

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quest

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Drive to Koto via Besisahar, approx. 12 hours. We will leave early in the morning for the long drive to Koto in order to try and get ahead of the traffic, stopping for meals along the way. In Besisahar we will change vehicles to a local jeep as the roads from here on in are bumpy and unpaved. We will make a quick stop at Khudigoan checkpoint, and have a much-needed leg stretch and tea break at the waterfall in Chyamje before the final leg to Koto. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 4: Trek to Meta (4,204m) via Meta Pass (4,635m), approx. 8 hrs. On our first day of trekking, we’ll make an early start, waking up to views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Kangaru Himal if the skies are clear. After a short initial ascent, we then head down to cross a small glacial river, before a long, but gradual uphill walk taking us up to the Meta Pass (4,635m), the highest point of the day. To keep our spirits high on this long ascent we will be walking towards the mighty Annapurna II. What goes up must come down, and it’s a long descent from the top of the pass to the river, which we will cross on a small bridge before once again heading up to Meta, our home for the night. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 5: Trek to Phu (4,204M), approx. 9 hrs. Today is a long, but not so difficult day made up of ascents and descents as we make our way to Phu. After a hearty breakfast, we break out legs in with an easy, gradual walk with magnificent vies of Pisang Monastery, arriving at the Khampa settlement of Jhunum after about 1.5 hours. Due to its lower elevation, Jhunum is used as a winter settlement for the villagers of Nar. From here we continue to another Khampa settlement called Chayakhu. The path starts to ascend gradually from here, before heading down again to a small bridge allowing us to cross the river. It’s then back uphill for about 30 minutes to yet another Khampa settlement, Kyang, nestled in a valley between rugged stone mountains. Here we will stop for a well-deserved lunch. The path after lunch takes us to the Phu River and we carefully make our way along a trail carved out of the cliff face, with the river to our left until we meet a wooden bridge. Crossing the river we begin the last leg of our journey to Phu. After a short and steep uphill section, the gate to Phu Village will welcome us, and it is then only a further 30 minutes or so until we reach a suspension bridge and Phu Village proper. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 6: Trek to Loang (4,680m) via Phu Pass (5,200m), approx. 7-8 hrs. For those that wish, we can get up early for a pre-breakfast walk to Tashi Lakhang Monastery, about a 40 minute round trip. After breakfast we head off through Phu Village and then it’s a strenuous 1,000m+ ascent to a viewpoint above the village, which offers great views of Himlung, Bhrikuti, and Kangaru Himal. A further hour of moderate uphill brings us to Phu Pass at 5,200m. After crossing the pass, its downhill all the way to Loang, our home for the night. Accommodation: Camping

Day 7: Trek Checkhu (4,410m) via Nar Pass (5,400m), approx. 6-7 hrs. As we head to Nar Pass our views of Himlung and Kangaru Himal stay with us encouraging us on this long and at times, strenuous ascent. The long uphill is worth the effort as the top rewards us with 360-degree views of mountains, mountains, and more mountains, with Bhrikuti, Himlung, and Kangaru to the east and Chulu and the Annapurna range to the southwest. After a well-deserved rest to soak up the views and take as many photos as you are able, it’s almost a 1,000m down through some scree fields to Chekchu where we will camp for the night. Accommodation: Camping

Day 8: Trek to Nar Village (4,110m), approx. 5 hrs. Today is a slightly shorter day, involving a big descent to the river which we cross by a suspension bridge, before heading all the way back up to Nar Village. A beautiful village, it is nestled in a natural bowl, with many ancient terraced fields below it. Accommodation: Camping

Day 9: Trek to Kangla Phedi (4,620m), approx. 3 hrs. Today is an easy day, giving us time to both explore Nar Village and its immediate surroundings and make it to our next destination. Having spent the morning exploring, we head off after lunch for a nice, easy walk through the Pisang valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains to our home for the night, Kangla Phedi. Accommodation: Camping

Day 10: Trek to Ngawal (3,360m) via Kangla Pass (5,210m) approx. 10 hrs. Today sees us crossing our 4th pass, the Kangla Pass at 5,210m. We will start early in order to reach the top of the pass before the weather comes in and obscures the view. We start the day crossing a small glacial stream and then gradually ascend for about 4 hours to the top. If the weather is kind, we will have amazing views of the Annapurnas, Chulu range, and Lamjung Himal. We will descend down through scree fields to the village of Nagawl where you will be rewarded for all your hard work with a proper bed for the night and even the possibility of a shower. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 11: Rest day in Ngawal. Today is for you to rest your weary feet and legs. You can spend the day exploring the village, which has a population of only about 300 people or just soak up the views sitting in the sunshine. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 12: Trek to Manang (3,519m), approx. 4 hrs. A shorter day today to get your legs working again after a day of rest. Following the south side of the river, we will climb up and over a ridge, which passes through Upper Pisang before walking through pine forests and small farming villages surrounded by terraces. As we get closer to Manang, our destination for the night, you will notice the air becoming colder and drier. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 13: Trek to Letdar (4,250m), approx. 5-6 hrs. From Manang, we continue to steadily ascend as we head towards the last pass of the trek, Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs steadily leaving the Marshyangdi Valley and continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley until we reach Letdar, our destination for the night. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 14: Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,600m), approx. 5hrs. Today is all about gaining more altitude before the final big push over Thorong La pass, so it’s up, up, up all the way to Throng Phedi. Along the way, we will have wonderful views of Mt. Ghundang and Mt Syangang. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 15: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m), approx. 8-9 hrs. Today you take on your 5th and final pass on this trek, the mighty Thorong La at 5,416m, the highest elevation you will achieve on the trek. It is a big day with a long ascent all the way to the pass, followed by what feels like an even longer descent down to Muktinath. The pass itself, marked with prayer flags and a traditional chorten offers fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna range, as well as your first view of the mighty Kali Gandaki Valley, home to the deepest gorge in the world. After a quick tea and photo stop you will start your long descent to the beautiful, ancient pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 16: Trek to Jomson (2,710m), approx. 5 hrs. Today sees our last day of trekking as we make our way from Muktinath to Jomson. We start off descending into the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, flanked by mighty the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains – both over 8,000m. We will trek through fascinating ancient villages such as Jharkot and Kagbeni before reaching Marpha, renowned for its delicious apples, cider, apple brandy, apricot, and peach wine. Marpha’s narrow alleys also provide welcome shelter from the strong winds that whistle down the Kali Gandaki Gorge. From Marpha we continue on to Jomson for our last night in the mountains together. Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 17: Fly Jomson to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu. Today we leave the mountains, catching an early morning flight from Jomson to Pokhara and then an onwards flight to Kathmandu.

Trekking Gear List

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments which retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain and snow.    

THIS IS A GUIDELINE ONLY

UPPER BODY LAYERS

• T Shirts – walking 2  Merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic, wicking fabric.  No cotton
• T-shirt – sleeping 1  Can be cotton
• Base layers 1  Light weight or mid weight thermal long sleeved t-shirt
• Top insulating Layers 1  Mid weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
• Fleece Vest 1
• Rain jacket 1
• Down jacket 1

LOWER BODY LAYERS

• Underwear  Sufficient for trek (remember you can wash them)
• Thermal long underwear 1       
• Trekking Trousers  2  Lightweight quick dry trousers (no cotton). Zip-offs are good
• Hiking Shorts  1  If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
• Rain Pants  1

PACKS & BAGS

• Day pack  1  35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
• Sleeping bag & compression sack  1  Minimum 3 season

FOOTWEAR

• Hiking boots  1  Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
• Socks  3 or 4  
• Flip flops/Camp shoes  1  Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Water bottles  2  One litre each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
• Water purification drops  Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
• Sunscreen  We recommend SPF 30 or greater
• Lip Balm  With SPF factor
• Personal first aid kit  To include any prescribed medications
• Sunglasses
• Bandana/Buff
• Flash light /head torch  Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
• Travel towel  Lightweight and compact
• Wash kit  Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
• Hand Sanitizer   Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Trekking poles  Optional, but advised if you have dodgy knees
• Toilet paper & rubbish bag
• Trekking snacks  Good selection available in KTM
• Camera  With charger &/or extra batteries
• Book/journal
• Pack of cards/travel game  For evening entertainment
• Mosquito repellent
• Passport photos  Always useful and a must have if you want a local sim card
• Photocopies of all your important documents
• A great sense of humour & positive attitude  Essential – don’t come without it!! J

Much of the above equipment can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. You do not need to spend a fortune on gear.

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests