Upper Mustang Jeep Tour | Upper Mustang Family Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang Jeep tour is an adventurous trip for explorers; who want to experience the Upper Mustang region within a short period. Exploration and travel should never stop for anyone, travelling is a time to discover great wonders around and Jeep Safari to Upper Mustang is one of the more accessible and easy ways to do this. If you are short on time, you can still enjoy the same spectacular views with the help of a four-wheeler.  The magnificent barren landscapes is almost unreal, giving you a glimpse of history, rich ancient caves, monasteries and archaeological sites, Like Lo-Manthang a medieval reminder of what lived before us.

The safari is the easy way to experience the beauty and remoteness that lies in many parts of Nepal. In short while you get to take in historical sites and towering views.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1370m), Welcome dinner
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (750m/210kms/6hrs)
Day 03: Drive Pokhara to Kalopani (2400m/130Km/5hrs)
Day 04: Drive Kalopani to a Muktinath (3600m) (Ghami 3520m/125Km/3hrs)
Day 05: Drive Ghami to Lo-Manthang (3700m/30kms/3hrs)
Day 06: Sightseeing around Lo-Manthang
Day 07: Drive Lo-Manthang to Samar (3475m/65kms/5hrs)
Day 08: Drive Samar to Tatopani via Kagbeni (1200m/96kms/4hrs)
Day 09: Drive Tatopani to Pokhara (115Km/4hrs)
Day 10: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (210kms/6hrs)
Day 11: Final departure

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu

Upon arrival meet the representative who waits with name board at the airport and transfer to the Hotel. Guest will be welcomed with the welcome drink at the hotel and the rooms will be assigned.

18:00 Hrs: A short briefing about the tour will be carried out at the hotel lobby. Later proceed for a welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant. Bhojan Griha is located in Dilli Bazar is an authentic Nepali Restaurant. It is an old Nepali Building which is more than 100 years old; it is historical & artistic building of former royal priest. Where is serves Nepali as well as foreign drinks and cocktails. Snack menu of momo-cha (meat dumplings), fried or boiled wild boar meat, fried potato Nepali style with masala, dried and marinated venison meat, grilled chicken/mutton/duck, etc., are featured in the menu. Also, there is a one hour Nepali folk dance program. The main meal (dinner or lunch) is served with a choice of either table sitting or Nepali style floor sitting.
After the dinner, board the waiting vehicle and drive to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
After breakfast, meet at the lobby and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath Stupa. The Stupa – one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim’s progress to Swayambhunath holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps. The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues of Buddha adorn the four corners of the stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery) and innumerable Chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal for viewing the entire valley spread out below. Rests of the day is free to enjoy the lunch one can do the last minute shopping for the commencing trek.

Overnight at the Hotel

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (827 M)
After breakfast drive to Pokhara is approximately 210 Kilometers. Pokhara stands at 827 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and its bustling but quaint lake side bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. From here most of the treks starts for the western region and is a haven for people who wants to relax in this serene mountain beauty. The Annapurna mountain range is impressive by any standard and looming ahead to take the center stage is Machapucchre (6997 M) or “Fish Tail Mountain”, which gets its name from the shape of its summit and flanking it from either side are the great mountains of the range including Annapurna I (8091 m), the first 8000 m + peak to be scaled in 1950. The range continues to meet the Lamjung Himal in the east while to its west looms the massive dome of Dhaulagiri (8161 m).
Upon arrival at Pokhara check in to the hotel and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the lake bazaar.

Overnight at Hotel (Drive Duration 6 ½ to 7 Hours)

Day 04: Drive Pokhara to Tatopani (1,190 m, 105 KM)
After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and drive towards Beni (70 KM) on the Baglung Highway. This section of the drive provides fantastic mountain vistas, picturesque terraced farmlands and an opportunity to walk on one of Nepal’s famous suspension bridges. At Mal Dhunga, leave the main highway by taking the right trail and follow a dusty graveled path all the way to Beni, It is located on the confluence of Kali Ghandaki and Myagdi rivers at an altitude of 799 M. From here, the road is unpaved and dusty with potholes in several places. Unpaved, graveled rough road poses a real challenge for drives and makes it more difficult with the occasional river crossings. Ascend gradually through the Kali Gandiki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. There is a continuous change in the topography with every twist and turn until at Tatopani. “Tato” means ‘hot’ and “Pani” means ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs and is a popular place for traveler to relax and dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs.
Upon arrival at Tatopani check in to the Lodge. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the village and take a relaxing dip in the Hot Springs located nearby. 

Day 05: Drive Tatopani to Muktinath (3710m) (approx. 71 Kilometers)
After an early breakfast, set out on the trail by following the Kali Gandaki River and passing the Thakali and Magar Villages to Dana ( 1446 m.) famous for its beautiful flowing waterfall. Steeply ascend to Ghasa (2012m) and continue on a dusty and difficult road towards Jomsom (2713M) via the Tukuche and Kalopani. There are fantastic views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche (6920m), and Nilgiri (7061m). As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna mountain range. Continue the drive graveled road passing settlements and apple orchards. This day’s journey is tough but rewarded with scenic views of the rugged landscape, beautiful cascading waterfalls, apple orchards, scattered roadside villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries which makes it ‘One Hell of a Ride”. Jomsom is a convenient place for lunch. From here continue drive through the village, on the east bank of the Kali Ghandaki River. Arrive at Ekklaibhatti there are two trails we follows toward Muktinath. Upon arrival at Muktinath we check in to the guest house. Late PM: If Time Permits Visit Muktinath Temple. The Temple is a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists, is located at an altitude of 3,710 M at the foot of the Thorong La (5416 m Pass).
The Hindus call this sacred place Mukti Kshetra, which literally means “Place of Salvation”. This temple is considered to be the 105thamong the available 108 Divya Desam. The ancient name of this place, before the Buddhist origin was known as Thiru Saligramam. For Tibetan Buddhists, Muktinath (Chumig Gyatsa) is a place of Dakinis (goddess known as Sky Dancers). It is of great importance for Buddhists as Chumig Gyatsa is one of the 24 Tantric places. After the sightseeing tour of Muktinath Temple descend down to the Ranipauwa Bazaar explore around the town.

Overnight at the Guest House

Day 06: Drive Muktinath to Geling (3,510 m) (approx. 44 Km)
After breakfast drive back Kagbeni and then turn northeast and ride to Chhuksang Village, the entry point of the restricted Upper Mustang region. Restricted area permits are checked here at the Police Check post. After completing the permits work we continue to Geling. As we pass Kagbeni village we will be driving on the bank of Kali Gandaki River, the water of river is block color. As we drive on we will come to the settlement knows as Tangbe and Chele. In Chele we will be able to see the river tunnels and there is a Steel foot bridge. The bridge is quite small and it is normally used by the villagers and the trekkers. We will cross the river under the bridge through the running river and drive to Samar, at Samar we rest for a while and take lunch. On the way we can see some caves on the west bank of the river. After lunch continue drive to Geling. At Geling check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the village. Overnight at Guest House

Day 07: Drive Geling to Lo- Manthang (3,730 m) (approx. 31 Km)
After breakfast continue the drive to Lo-Manthang via Ghami. As soon as we leave Ghami we have to take right to get to Tsarang. Upon arrival at Tsarang continue the adventure drive to Lo-Manthang via Big Chorten and Lo Dry La River.

Lo-Manthang is a medieval walled city on the Tibetan Plateau north of the main Himalayas range. Lo-Manthang served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, which survives as the Kingdom of Lo or “Upper Mustang”. Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, who oversaw construction of the city wall and many of the still-standing structures in the early 15th century. The monarchy officially ceased to exist on October 7, 2008 by Nepali Government order. The last king (raja or gyelpo) is JigmeDorjePalbarBista (born c. 1933), in the direct line of the historic monarchy dating back 25 generations to 1380. The King’s palace is a 4 – storey building in the center of the city. It is the home of the present king – Jigme Parbal Bista. The Honorary title “Bist – a high caste title in Nepali” was conferred by the King of Nepal. Though his duties are largely ceremonial. At Lo-Manthang check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

Overnight at the Guest House

Day 08: Sightseen around Lo-Manthang
The major Temples inside the walls are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. statue of Maitreva, the future Buddha, The red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara and Maitreya, and the Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya sect which has several monks in residence and is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu festival in many which is referred as ‘tegi’ in Lomanthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy.

After a leisurely breakfast, we get ready for the days adventure. Today we are going to visit one of the most interesting sites of the pre human settlement in this unexplored valley and famously known Caves of Chhoser and magnificent landscape and Nymphu monastery built on the cliffs. On our way back we can also visit the Namgyal village and monastery. As you approach the Chhoser village, you could see numerous caves in the front of the cliff that once use to be the home of the pre historic Loba’s and the monks.
After the sightseeing tour, we back to the city of Lo, for hot lunch.

Rest of the day at leisure or free to explore the walled village. Overnight at Guest House

Day 09: Drive back to Chele (2840 m) (approx. 60 Km)
After breakfast we drive back track to Kagbeni following the same trail. Lunch is at on the way. Kagbeni at an altitude of 2840 meters is a famous village of Baarah Gaun (Lit: twelve villages) region in Mustang district that also lies in popular Annapurna Circuit Trek route and a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. Though the village has a very medieval looks but has all the modern amenities that a travelers require. This village also boasts of a Monastery. The monks here are of the yellow hat or the Gelup Sect and are only recently opened to the visitors with a legitimate entrance fee of Rs 100, which they collect for the maintenance of school.
Upon arrival at Kagbeni we check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around Kagbeni Village.
Overnight at Guest House

Day 10: Drive to Kalopani via Kagbeni and Marpha (2530 m) (approx. 36 Km)
After breakfast drive back the same trail. Kagbeni at an altitude of 2840 meters is a famous village of Baarah Gaun (Lit: twelve villages) region in Mustang district that also lies in popular Annapurna Circuit Trek route and a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. After Kagbeni continue to Jomsom. Jomsom is approximately 11 kilometers from Kagbeni. Upon arrival at Jomsom we complete the paper works and Lunch in good restaurant. Later continue further 25 kilometers, about 1 ½ hour slow ride to Kalopani via Marpha Village.
Sightseeing tour of Marpha village. It is at an elevation of 2670 meters. Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and apple products. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. Dominating the village is the Nyingma monastery from which there are good views of the village and the Gandaki River valley. Above the monastery is a chorten painted onto the cliff face and a number of small stone chortens on the ledges below. After the sightseeing tours of Marpha take lunch at nearby restaurant or lodge. At Kalopani we check in to the guest house and free to relax or explore around the village.

Overnight at the Guest House

Day 11: Drive Kalopani to Pokhara (approx. 126 Kilometers).
It is a pleasant relief to be able to tackle the roughest section of the journey in the early morning. Descend to Tatopani (21 kilometers) and then continue back to the settlement of Jaleswor located close to the river and then continue on to beni. After a quick stop for a quick, set out following the trail along the river and the after about an hour meet the main highway at Maldhunga and then continue of the road to Pokhara which is reached in about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at Pokhara we check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the Lakeside Bazaar. Overnight at the Hotel

DAY 12: Drive Pokhara to KATHMANDU
After a leisurely breakfast, walk up to the bust stop board the vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu. Lunch en route at a convenient place. We arrive at Kathmandu transfer to Hotel. Free to walk around City for shopping. Evening 6:30 PM, farewell dinner in tourist categories restaurant where our guest experience relaxing atmosphere, peace of mind and to enjoy the diverse and delicious cuisine. Extensive choices are s side and main dishes as well as nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Overnight at the hotel (Drive duration: 05 to 05 ½ Hrs. approximately)

Day 13: Final Departure
Free until the flight time and later will be dropped till the airport for the final departure.

*** End of arrangements ***