Highlights
Moderate, 3810m
Hotel/ Guest Hosue
Domestic Flight/ Local Transport
April-Sept
- Explore the mythical, ancient capital of the "Last Forbidden Kingdom
- The sacred 14th-century Buddhist monasteries and the iconic 1,200-year-old Ghar Gompa founded by Guru Rinpoche.
- Cliff-side meditation caves sitting at 14,000 feet, featuring prehistoric Buddhist frescoes and shrines.
- Drive through high-altitude desert filled canyons, unique wind-carved red cliffs.
- Ancient Bon spiritual traditions, and hospitality of the mountain people.
- Giant 8,000-meter peaks including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tilicho.
Upper Mustang Trek Overview
The Upper Mustang trek (Jeep Tour) offers an extraordinary way to explore the rugged, high-desert wilderness of Nepal without the physical demands of long-distance walking. It is Situated northwest of Pokhara behind the colossal walls of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri, this spectacular region forms the upper valley of the holy Kali Gandaki River. "The Last Forbidden Kingdom," Upper Mustang serves as a living museum of ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Travelers can now smoothly ride through this striking landscape of wind-sculpted canyons and barren red ridges. Because the entire territory sits securely within the Himalayan rain shadow, it is one of the very few destinations in Nepal where you can enjoy clear tracks and dry weather during the summer monsoon season (June to September).
From exploring multi-story sky caves used by ancient meditators to witnessing the vibrant traditions of local villages, this overland tour is rich with history. At Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition, we use our three decades of experience to arrange flawless logistics, top-tier 4WD vehicles, licensed expert guides, and all restricted permits so you can experience this forbidden kingdom in total comfort.
Accommodation & meal in Upper Mustang trek:
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are fully included during your tour in the mountains. Local tea houses provide a wonderful menu consisting of traditional Nepali Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), Tibetan noodle soups, dumplings (Momos), pasta, eggs, and porridge. Clean, hot drinking water and tea/coffee are readily available.
- AccommodationIn Cities: We will accommodate you at 3 star standard hotel on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis.
• Upper Mustang: You will stay in local, cozy mountain tea houses or guest houses on a twin-sharing basis.
Upper Mustang Trek: Permit Information:
A journey to the remote and restricted area of Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni) requires a special trekking permit, which we can help you secure.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit:
- Cost: USD $50 per person per day.
- Regulation: Permits must be applied for through a registered Nepali trekking company.
- Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition. will handle the entire permit application process on your behalf.
- Required Documents: We will need a clear copy of your passport and a recent digital photograph/ Nepal visa number.
- Additional Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for this trek.
Best Time to Upper Mustang Trek
- Spring & Autumn (March to May & October to November): These are the peak seasons offering exceptionally clear mountain views, bright sunny days (around 20°C), and perfect road conditions. Nights are crisp and cold, dipping to 0°C.
- Monsoon / Summer (June to September): Because Upper Mustang is protected by the Himalayan rain shadow, it does not experience the heavy rains felt across the rest of Nepal. This makes summer an incredible, crowd-free time to take a jeep tour.
- The Tiji Festival: This famous 3-day vibrant masked-dance festival is held annually in Lo Manthang (usually in May). It is a major highlight; contact us in advance to align your tour dates with this celebration!
Outline Itinerary
- Arrival in Kathmandu | Private Airport Transfer & Trip Registration
- Guided Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing Tour & Official Briefing
- Scenic Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara | Rest by the Lakeside
- Scenic 4WD Jeep Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni [2,858m / 9,375ft] (7-8 hours)
- Overland Jeep Drive from Kagbeni to the Walled City of Lo Manthang [3,700m / 12,136ft] (5-6 hours)
- Full Exploration Day in Lo Manthang (Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar, & The King's Palace)
- Excursion to Drakmar [3,810m / 12,500ft] via the historic 1,200-year-old Ghar Gompa (6-7 hours)
- Drive from Drakmar back to Jomsom via Kagbeni | Farewell Evening with local crew (6-7 hours)
- Scenic Drive from Jomsom back to Pokhara | Lakeside Relaxation (7-8 hours)
- Free Leisure & Relaxation Day in Pokhara
- Drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu via Deluxe Tourist Bus | Transfer to Hotel
- Cushion / Contingency Day in Kathmandu (For road delays or optional valley sightseeing)
- Final Departure | Transfer to International Airport for Flight Home
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Our company representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Later, visit our office to complete registration formalities. Enjoy a relaxing evening walking around downtown.
Overnight at the hotel.
Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing Tour & Tour Briefing
After breakfast, embark on a private driving tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites with an expert guide. You will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the massive Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the historic Patan Durbar Square. Return to the office for a comprehensive route briefing and to meet your road crew.
Overnight at the hotel. (BB)
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Enjoy an early breakfast before catching a short, incredibly scenic flight to the lake city of Pokhara. On a clear day, you can view the entire Annapurna range from your window. After checking into your hotel, spend a peaceful afternoon boating on Phewa Lake or exploring the lakeside cafés.
Overnight at the hotel. (BB)
Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni [2,858m / 9,375ft] (7-8 hours)
Your overland expedition officially begins! Board your private 4WD jeep and drive along the winding highways into the Kali Gandaki river valley. As the green hills turn into rugged rock terrain, you will pass through traditional villages like Marpha and Jomsom before arriving at Kagbeni, the gateway checkpoint to restricted Upper Mustang.
Overnight at a guest house. (B, L, D)
Drive to the Walled City of Lo Manthang [3,700m / 12,136ft] (5-6 hours)
Show your special restricted area permit at the Kagbeni control point. From here, the road snakes through mesmerizing landscapes, crossing high mountain ridges, fields of buckwheat, and striking canyon walls. By afternoon, the grand medieval walls of Lo Manthang will appear in the distance against the Tibetan border mountains.
Overnight at a guest house. (B, L, D)
Exploration Day in Lo Manthang
Spend a full day exploring the hidden jewels of this historic capital. We visit the grand Namgyal Gompa, the traditional village of Tingkhar, the four-story ancient King's Palace, and the magnificent local shrines (Champa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa) to soak in the deep spiritual culture.
Overnight at a guest house. (B, L, D)
Explore from Lo Manthang to Drakmar [3,810m / 12,500ft] via Ghar Gompa (6-7 hours)
We take a slightly different route out of Lo Manthang to explore the mystical village of Drakmar, famous for its towering red cliffs. Along the drive, we stop to tour the ancient Ghar Gompa. Dating back over 1,200 years, it was built by Guru Rinpoche and is highly renowned for its vibrant, preservation-worthy rock paintings.
Overnight at a guest house. (B, L, D)
Drive to Jomsom via Kagbeni | Farewell Celebration (7-8 hours)
We drive back down through the stunning desert valleys, signing out of the restricted zone at Kagbeni. We continue our drive to the bustling mountain town of Jomsom. In the evening, we host a celebratory farewell dinner to thank our wonderful drivers, guides, and crew.
Overnight at a guest house. (B, L, D)
Drive back to Pokhara | Free Lakeside Evening (7-8 hours)
Leaving the high Himalayas behind, our jeep traces the path back down to the lush subtropical valleys, arriving in Pokhara by late afternoon. Check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
Overnight at the hotel. (BB)
Free Day in Pokhara
A completely open day to relax and recharge in Nepal's finest vacation town. You can visit the Mountain Museum, view the World Peace Pagoda, try paragliding, or simply enjoy coffee and food beside the peaceful lake. Overnight at the hotel. (BB)
Fly back to Kathmandu
Cushion/Contingency Day in Kathmandu
This extra day is safely built into the itinerary to protect against unexpected road closures, weather delays, or land barriers. If your journey finishes seamlessly on time, you can use this day for shopping in Thamel or an optional tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Overnight at the hotel. (BB)
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- 4 night hotel in Kathmandu on BB twin sharing
- Two night hotel in Pokhara on BB twin sharing
- Lodge/ guest house accommodation in trekking on twin sharing
Meals
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) whilst on a trek form lodge/ guest house.
Transportation
- Airport transfers (by private car, van or bus as per group size)
- All land transfers as per itinerary to trek.
- Domestic flights and departure taxes as per itinerary.
Other
- Applicable trekking fees. (Special permit requires to trek to Upper Mustang)
- Porters (one porter per two persons is provided to carry the clients personal effects)
- Trekking equipment (duffle Bag for your gear, sleeping bag)
- Trekking staff (guide with government license holder and other assistant guides where applicable).
- Insurance for the trekking staff. (insurance as per state law)
- First aid medical kit
- All the government tax and our (AATE) service charges.
- Upon final payment AATE will provide pre-departure file including the detailed agreed itinerary, hotels and transport booked and introduce you to your trekking guide.
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- Personal trekking equipment
- Extra accommodation and meal than itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in the city
- International flights, visa and departure taxes
- Your travel insurance (for travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss of life, theft of or damage to personal effects).
- Tips and gratuities (crew frequently receives some recognition for good service)
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of AATE.
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral water, monuments entrance fees, postage, laundry, video, camera, phone, etc.
- The single supplements payable on all bookings where only one person is traveling.
- All other services not included in the "cost included" section above.
Travel Infos
Electricity, Internet, and Showers
Most mountain lodges now have access to stable electricity and solar grid systems. You can charge your phones and cameras easily (sometimes for a minor fee). Wi-Fi networks and hot showers are available at almost all stops, though connections can occasionally fluctuate due to mountain weather.
Road Conditions & Vehicle Comfort
While the tracks to Lo Manthang are now fully connected, the terrain is still a high-altitude dirt road that can occasionally be rocky, dusty, and bumpy. We exclusively use sturdy, high-clearance 4WD Scorpio or Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps driven by highly experienced mountain drivers to ensure a smooth, safe ride.
Restricted Area Permit Rules
Because Upper Mustang is a protected cultural border zone, independent or solo tourism is strictly illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The restricted area permit is issued for precise, unchangeable dates by immigration officials. If a true emergency happens on the highway, our agency will coordinate directly with local authorities to request updates, though changes are subject to strict official approval.
Since a jeep drives faster than a walker, our itinerary is carefully paced to prevent rapid ascents. Lo Manthang sits comfortably at 3,700m, which is manageable for most people. Our licensed guides are fully certified in first aid and altitude safety, and our jeeps carry medical equipment. Staying hydrated is highly recommended.
You can book as a solo traveler, but you cannot enter the region without a guide, and the government will not issue a permit for one single person. Alpine Asian Treks will easily arrange to combine your passport paperwork with another client to meet the mandatory 2-person group rule.
Yes, significantly. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is ideal for families, senior citizens, or travelers who want to skip grueling 6-hour daily walks. You still get to experience the exact same altitude, scenery, culture, and monasteries, but with the comfort of a 4WD vehicle.
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