Upper Mustang Jeep Tour-13 Day

Welcome to Nepal!

Upon your arrival at the International Terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal Spirit Adventure will be waiting to greet you with a Nepal Spirit Adventure signboard. Our staff will warmly welcome you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

There are no scheduled activities on the first day of your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, allowing you time to relax and recover from your journey. After checking into your hotel, you may choose to rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s popular tourist district, known for its colorful markets, souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants.

In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at one of the city's renowned restaurants. Depending on your international flight schedule and arrival time, you may also have the opportunity to explore more of Kathmandu at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Hotel Ramada Encore, your first meal in Nepal. After breakfast, our Kathmandu sightseeing team will pick you up from your hotel at 10:30 AM for a guided tour of four of Kathmandu Valley’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur, and the Kumari Temple)
3. Boudhanath Stupa
4. Pashupatinath Temple

These four remarkable heritage sites offer a fascinating introduction to Nepal’s rich history, culture, and religious traditions. While you enjoy your sightseeing tour, we will complete the necessary arrangements and obtain your Upper Mustang permits from the Government of Nepal.

Kathmandu Valley is home to several other historic attractions, including Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, both of which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites and can be visited on a separate excursion.

After the sightseeing tour, you will return to your hotel in the evening. We will then conduct a detailed briefing about your upcoming Upper Mustang Tour and introduce you to the guide who will accompany you throughout the journey.

Overnight stay at Hotel Ramada Encore or a similar category hotel in Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath Tempal City Tour of Kathmandu
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): City Tour of Kathmandu/Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Day 02

After breakfast, we will depart from Kathmandu at approximately 8:30 AM for a scenic drive to Pokhara, which takes around 6–7 hours. As you travel along the winding highways, you will enjoy refreshing countryside views featuring lush green hills, terraced farms, traditional villages, flowing rivers, and distant Himalayan peaks.

For those who prefer a quicker and more comfortable option, a scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is also available. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas and Nepal's diverse landscapes.

Pokhara, often referred to as Nepal's tourism capital, is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Nestled beside Phewa Lake, the city offers magnificent views of the Annapurna range, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have free time to explore the lakeside area. You may choose to stroll along the vibrant waterfront, relax at a café, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake while admiring the stunning mountain scenery.

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we will depart from Pokhara at approximately 9:00 AM and begin our scenic journey to Tatopani, located about 110 kilometers away. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers spectacular views of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.

The route initially follows a paved highway westward to the town of Beni. From there, the journey continues along the famous Kali Gandaki River Valley on a rugged mountain road. This remarkable valley is renowned as the world's deepest gorge, lying between the towering peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m).

Along the way, you will pass through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery while following the course of the Kali Gandaki River.

Upon arrival in Tatopani, a charming riverside village, you will have the opportunity to relax in the area's famous natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic and rejuvenating properties. You may also explore the local village and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the region.

Overnight stay in Tatopani.

After breakfast, we continue our journey northward through the picturesque villages of Ghasa and Kalopani, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Along the way, we pass through the charming village of Marpha,famous for its apple orchards, traditional stone houses, and locally produced apple products. We also stop in Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang region, where you can explore the local market and experience the unique culture of the area.

As we travel deeper into Mustang, the landscape gradually transforms from lush green hills and forests into the dramatic arid terrain for which the region is famous. The scenery becomes increasingly barren and desert-like, resembling the landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

Continuing our drive, we reach the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, one of the most important religious destinations for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here, you will visit the revered Muktinath Temple and its 108 sacred water spouts, where pilgrims perform ritual purification ceremonies. You will also explore the nearby Jwala Mai Temple, renowned for its eternal natural flame fueled by underground natural gas.

The journey also includes a visit to the historic village of Jharkot, home to an ancient Buddhist monastery and offering magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri,Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak.

After sightseeing in Muktinath and Jharkot, we descend to the beautiful village of Kagbeni, situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Known as the gateway to Upper Mustang, Kagbeni is a fascinating medieval settlement with narrow alleyways, traditional mud-brick houses, and a rich Tibetan-influenced culture.

Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Kagbeni.

Today marks the beginning of your exciting journey into the restricted region of Upper Mustang. After breakfast, your guide will complete the necessary permit verification and checkpoint formalities before we continue our adventure by 4WD jeep.

The route follows the Kali Gandaki River and passes through the traditional village of Chhusang before climbing toward the picturesque settlements of Chele, Samar, and Syangboche. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged Himalayan landscape, colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and dramatic desert valleys that make Upper Mustang so unique.

One of today's highlights is a visit to the historic Chungsi Cave, an important pilgrimage site associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). This sacred cave is believed to have been a place of meditation and remains an important spiritual destination for local Buddhists.

Continuing north, we reach Ghiling, a traditional Mustang village known for its ancient monastery, whitewashed houses, and beautiful agricultural fields. After exploring the village and enjoying lunch, we continue our scenic drive to Ghami, one of the largest and most picturesque villages in Upper Mustang.

Throughout the day, you will witness remarkable landscapes, traditional Tibetan-style villages, yak caravans, local farming communities, and the rich cultural heritage of the Lhopa people. The journey offers countless opportunities for photography and cultural encounters as your guide shares insights into the history, traditions, and daily life of the region.

Driving time is approximately 5–6 hours, including frequent stops for sightseeing, photography, and exploration.

Overnight stay in Ghami.

Today, you will journey toward the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, visiting some of Upper Mustang’s most significant cultural and religious sites along the way. One of the highlights is Ghar (Ghar/Gager) Gompa, also known as Mustang Lo Gager Gompa, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in the region.

The drive gradually ascends to an altitude of approximately 3,900 meters, offering spectacular views of Mustang’s dramatic landscapes. En route, you pass through Charang (Tsarang), a historic village renowned for its ancient stupas, monasteries, and impressive fortress, known locally as a Dzong. Here, you will visit Charang Monastery and explore the village’s rich cultural heritage, including beautifully preserved Buddhist artwork and ancient mandalas.

After a scenic drive, you arrive in Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. Upon arrival, you will visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including:

• Jampa Gompa, the oldest monastery in Lo Manthang, was built in the early 15th century and is often referred to as the “House of God.”
• Thubchen Gompa is a magnificent red-walled assembly hall dating back to the late 15th century.
• Chodey Gompa is the city's principal monastery and an important center of Buddhist learning.
• The Monastic Museum, which showcases the history, culture, and traditions of Mustang.

You will also have the opportunity to observe local life in Lo Manthang, including yak and cattle caravans, traditional Buddhist schools, local arts and crafts, and the historic King’s Palace. Throughout the day, enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and the unique high-desert landscapes that make Upper Mustang so remarkable.

Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

Today is one of the highlights of the Upper Mustang Tour, offering a fascinating exploration of the region’s rich history, culture, and ancient heritage.

Begin the day by discovering the treasures of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. The town is home to numerous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and preserves a strong connection to its Tibetan cultural heritage. Its whitewashed mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and traditional architecture create a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Visit some of Lo Manthang’s most important monasteries, including:

Jampa Gompa is a 15th-century monastery renowned for its impressive murals and religious significance.
Thubchen Gompa is a magnificent monastery featuring a grand assembly hall and remarkable traditional artwork.
Choprang (Chyodi/Chode) Gompa is an important center of Buddhist learning and local religious life.
Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop overlooking the valley, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Later, drive to Chhoser Village to explore the famous Chhoser Sky Caves, an extraordinary network of man-made cave dwellings carved into towering cliffs. Among them is the remarkable Shija Jhong Cave, believed to be more than 3,000 years old. These ancient caves have attracted the attention of archaeologists and researchers from around the world, providing valuable insights into the early civilizations that once inhabited the region.

There are also several other caves and historical sites around Chhoser that can be explored, offering a deeper understanding of Upper Mustang’s unique cultural and archaeological heritage.

After a day of exploration, return to Lo Manthang for an overnight stay.

After breakfast in Lo Manthang, begin your journey back toward the lower Mustang region, driving to the picturesque village of Marpha. The overland 4WD drive takes approximately 6–7 hours and descends to an altitude of around 2,650 meters. As you lose elevation, the climate gradually becomes milder and more comfortable, and the barren landscapes of Upper Mustang slowly give way to greener vegetation.

En route, enjoy changing scenery as you pass through deep valleys, winding roads, and traditional settlements. Upon arrival, you will reach Marpha, a charming Thakali village beautifully set against steep rocky hills.

Marpha is especially famous for its apple orchards and apple-based products, which are highly popular among travelers. You may take time to stroll through the village and visit local orchards, monasteries, and traditional stone-paved streets that give Marpha its unique character.

If time permits, there is also an optional opportunity to visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, located near Kagbeni. Although it lies slightly off the main Upper Mustang route, it can be included as a detour depending on road conditions and available time. An overnight stay in Marpha allows flexibility for such a visit.

Today, enjoy a scenic drive from Marpha to Pokhara, taking in beautiful views of mountains, river valleys, forests, and traditional villages along the way. The journey offers a gradual transition from the rugged landscapes of Mustang to the lush green hills of central Nepal.

The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

After breakfast in Pokhara, we begin our return journey to Kathmandu, retracing the scenic highway route through rivers, terraced hills, and small roadside settlements. Along the way, you can once again enjoy views of Nepal’s diverse landscapes and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the trip.

The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or personal activities, allowing you time to rest after the journey.

 Today is a buffer day in Kathmandu, allowing time for rest and flexibility in your itinerary. You may choose to relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace.

If you wish, you can also take optional guided tours to the historic cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their rich culture, ancient architecture, and traditional Newari heritage. These visits can be arranged based on your interest and available time.

Overnight in the hotel Ramada Encore | similar one.

Today marks the end of your journey in Nepal. A representative from Nepal Spirit Adventure will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. From here, you may continue your journey back home or travel to your next destination.

We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your trip and a great experience exploring Nepal with us. Safe travels!