The Upper Mustang jeep tour takes you by 4WD to Lo Manthang (3,840 m), the medieval walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, known as the "Forbidden Kingdom" of Nepal. From Pokhara the route follows the Kali Gandaki through Jomsom and Kagbeni into a desert landscape of red cliffs, ancient sky caves, whitewashed chortens and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries such as Thubchen and Jampa Gompa.
It's the easiest way to see Upper Mustang without trekking, it suits travellers short on time or fitness, and it visits Muktinath temple on the way back. The tour runs April–November, including the Tiji festival in May. The Upper Mustang restricted area permit, ACAP, private jeep, guide, lodges and meals in Mustang are included.
Quick answer: an Upper Mustang jeep tour to Lo Manthang takes about 9 days from Kathmandu, costs from US$1,690 per person including the restricted area permit (US$500 for 10 days at the time of writing), and needs no trekking. The road from Jomsom to Lo Manthang is rough but drivable from April to November.
Upper Mustang lay closed to outsiders until 1992 and preserves one of the purest Tibetan cultures anywhere. Lo Manthang's 15th-century walls enclose the royal palace and monasteries with some of the finest Buddhist wall paintings in the Himalaya, restored by international conservation teams. Beyond the town, cliffs are honeycombed with thousands of man-made caves, some over 2,000 years old.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 days from Kathmandu |
| Destination | Lo Manthang, 3,840 m |
| Route | Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni – Chele – Ghami – Lo Manthang – Muktinath |
| Grade | Easy to moderate (rough roads, altitude) |
| Transport | Private 4WD jeep with driver |
| Permits | Upper Mustang restricted area permit and ACAP |
| Best time | April–November |
| Cost | From US$1,690 per person |
| Cost item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full package (this trip) | From US$1,690 per person, based on a shared jeep |
| Restricted area permit | About US$500 per person for 10 days (included) |
| ACAP permit | About NPR 3,000 (included) |
| Private jeep | Included for 2–6 travellers |
The trek takes about 14 days and lets you explore villages slowly on foot; the jeep tour reaches Lo Manthang in two days from Jomsom, so it suits older travellers, photographers and anyone short of time.
Tiji is a three-day masked dance festival in Lo Manthang in May, celebrating the victory of good over evil. We run special departures timed for the festival; book early as lodges fill up.
Lo Manthang is at 3,840 m and the road crosses passes around 4,000 m. The route climbs gradually, but take it easy, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any symptoms.
The road is unpaved, dusty and bumpy, with river crossings. Travel days are 5–7 hours. Landslides can cause delays in the monsoon.
Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow, so it can be visited during the monsoon. Afternoons are windy and dusty; nights are cold, especially from October.
The restricted area permit costs about US$500 per person for 10 days and requires at least two travellers with a licensed guide. We arrange it; send us your passport copy in advance.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
Yes. A road now reaches Lo Manthang from Jomsom, and 4WD jeep tours run from April to November.
About 9 days from Kathmandu, including flights to Pokhara and Jomsom.
From US$1,690 per person, including the restricted area permit, jeep, guide and lodges with meals in Mustang.
About US$500 per person for 10 days, plus US$50 per extra day, at the time of writing.
It was a semi-independent kingdom closed to foreigners until 1992.
April–November. Because it is in a rain shadow, it is also good in the monsoon.
It is rough but used daily by local jeeps; our drivers are experienced on the route.
Yes, on our May departures timed for Tiji.
Yes. The permit requires a licensed guide and at least two travellers.
Lo Manthang is at 3,840 m; the gradual approach helps, but mild symptoms are possible.
Yes, Muktinath is included on the way back.
The jeep tour is faster and easier; the trek is slower and more immersive.
