Trip Overview

The Mustang Trek via Jeep is a 10-day adventure that takes you through the mystical and remote Mustang region of Nepal. Known for its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan Buddhist culture, this trek offers a comfortable and accessible way to explore the beauty of Upper Mustang, where trekking on foot can be more challenging due to the harsh terrain. By traveling by jeep, you can enjoy the incredible scenery without the strenuous effort of traditional trekking.

The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you’ll spend a day acclimatizing and preparing for the trip. From Pokhara, you’ll travel by jeep to Jomsom, passing through picturesque villages, lush valleys, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The jeep ride offers a unique perspective of the Mustang landscape, characterized by barren hills, high-desert terrain, and ancient cliffside caves.

Once in Jomsom, the jeep will take you deeper into the Mustang region, where you’ll visit the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. In Lo Manthang, you’ll explore ancient monasteries, palaces, and Tibetan-influenced villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Mustang people. The jeep ride allows access to more remote areas that are otherwise difficult to reach by foot.

Throughout the 10-day journey, you’ll also visit places like Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Marpha, each with its unique cultural and historical significance. The jeep ride allows for more relaxed travel, giving you more time to explore and interact with the local communities, whose culture has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The trip concludes with a return jeep ride to Pokhara, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu. The Mustang Trek via Jeep provides an unforgettable experience of one of Nepal’s most culturally and geographically fascinating regions, all while enjoying a comfortable and less physically demanding journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

• Transfer to your hotel and rest after your journey.

• Briefing session about the trek and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hours)

• After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

• Enjoy the picturesque landscapes, including views of rivers, hills, and villages along the way.

• Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 3: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom & Jeep Ride to Kagbeni (3-4 hours)

• Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, a gateway to the Mustang region.

• Once in Jomsom, take a jeep ride to Kagbeni, a beautiful village known for its traditional Tibetan culture and architecture.

• Explore Kagbeni and enjoy views of the Kali Gandaki River.

• Overnight stay in Kagbeni.

Day 4: Jeep Ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3-4 hours)

• After breakfast, drive to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

• Visit the Muktinath temple and its 108 water spouts, considered sacred by devotees.

• Explore the nearby Jwala Mai Temple and the monastery.

• Return to Muktinath for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Jeep Ride from Muktinath to Lo Manthang (5-6 hours)

• Travel further north by jeep, heading to Lo Manthang, the medieval walled city and the capital of Upper Mustang.

• Enjoy the stunning views of the desert-like terrain and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges along the way.

• Explore Lo Manthang’s historical sites, including the palace, monasteries, and Tibetan settlements.

• Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang (Rest Day)

• Spend the day exploring Lo Manthang and its surroundings.

• Visit Chosar Monastery, Jhong Cave, and the caves of the Mustang region, which are famous for their ancient Buddhist murals and artifacts.

• Enjoy the unique Tibetan culture and architecture of the region.

• Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

Day 7: Jeep Ride from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (5-6 hours)

• After breakfast, take a jeep ride to Dhakmar, a small village known for its cliffside views and ancient monasteries.

• The journey will pass through dry, barren landscapes, offering glimpses of the true Mustang wilderness.

• Overnight stay in Dhakmar.

Day 8: Jeep Ride from Dhakmar to Jomsom (5-6 hours)

• Return from Dhakmar to Jomsom by jeep, following the same scenic route.

• Enjoy the views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks as you head back towards the lower altitudes.

• Explore the town of Jomsom and relax after the long journey.

• Overnight stay in Jomsom.

Day 9: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara

• Fly from Jomsom back to Pokhara, where you can enjoy a relaxing day by Phewa Lake.

• Optional activities in Pokhara include visiting Sarangkot for a panoramic view of the Himalayas or exploring Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave.

• Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

• After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu (6-7 hours).

• Arrive in Kathmandu and spend the evening at your leisure, shopping or exploring the city.

• Transfer to the airport for your departure, or enjoy an extra night in Kathmandu if you prefer.

Includes & Excludes

Inclusions:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private car.

• Round-trip flight Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu.

• Jeep transportation from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and back.

• 3-star hotel accommodation (2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast).

• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• Fresh fruit after dinner.

• Tea house accommodation during the trek.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card.

• English-speaking, government-licensed guide.

• Staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance.

• One Sherpa helper and one porter (for 2 clients).

• Trekking first aid kit and water purification tablets.

• Helicopter service (covered by travel insurance in case of emergency).

• All government taxes and official expenses.

• Trekking equipment: sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and trekking poles (returnable).

• Oximeter for AMS monitoring.

• Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.

• Trip certificates.

Exclusions:

• International airfare tickets.

• Nepal entry visa fee (obtained upon arrival).

• Extra accommodation, food, drinks, and laundry in Kathmandu.

• Personal medical and travel insurance.

• Desserts, sweet items, and extra drinks during the trek.

• Excess baggage (10-15 kg limit).

• Charges for hot showers, mobile charging, and Wi-Fi during the trek.

• Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees ($30 USD per person).

• Tips for guide and porter.

Trip Information

Best Time for Mustang Trek via Jeep

• Spring (March to May):

  • Ideal for clear skies and spectacular views of the Himalayas.

  • Rhododendrons in full bloom in lower altitudes, creating a vibrant landscape.

  • Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C in the lower altitudes.

  • Nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C to -10°C at higher elevations.

• Autumn (September to November):

  • Drier climate with warm, sunny days.

  • Stable weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C.

  • Night temperatures at higher altitudes can drop to -5°C to -10°C.

  • Ideal trekking weather with clear skies and great visibility.

• Winter (December to February):

  • Clear days with bright sunshine, but colder mornings and nights.

  • Nights can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes, but days are still manageable for trekking.

  • Mornings in Lo Manthang and other higher regions can be very cold.

• Summer (June to August):

  • Avoid this period due to heavy rainfall, which can make roads slippery and difficult to navigate.

  • Possible flooding, swollen rivers, and increased presence of mosquitoes and leeches.

Elevation and Distance

• Total Trek Distance: Approximately 120-130 km round trip by jeep.

• Highest Elevation: 4,000 m (Lo Manthang).

• Pokhara to Mustang Region Distance:

  • 160 km from Pokhara to Jomsom by jeep.

  • 170 km from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then by jeep into the Mustang region.

Jeep Ride Duration

• Average Daily Drive: 4-6 hours, depending on road conditions.

• Longest Ride Day: Up to 7 hours from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang, depending on road conditions and stops.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

• Difficulty Level: Moderate; jeep travel eliminates the strenuous trekking aspects.

• No Trekking Skills Required: Jeep ride offers a comfortable way to explore Mustang's remote areas.

• Acclimatization: The gradual ascent minimizes the risk of altitude sickness, but proper hydration and rest are essential.

Can a Beginner Do It?

• Yes, suitable for people with minimal hiking experience.

• The use of jeeps means no physically demanding trekking.

• Comfortable accommodations along the route.

Preparation and Training

• General Fitness: No extreme fitness levels required; moderate fitness is recommended.

• Suggested Exercises: Cardiovascular activities like walking, running, and strength training can enhance stamina and endurance.

Alternate Routes

• Jeep Route Through Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Lo Manthang: The most common route used for this journey.

• Off-the-beaten-path options may involve detours to remote villages, but they can be more challenging due to road conditions.

Altitude Sickness

• Less Likely to Occur: Gradual ascent with proper acclimatization makes altitude sickness less of a concern.

• Symptoms: Mild fatigue or headaches may occur. Rest and hydration can help prevent it.

• Prevention: Diamox can be used to ease symptoms if they occur.

Transportation, Accommodation, Meals, and Drinks

• Transportation:

  • Private car pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.

  • Flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

  • Jeep transportation from Pokhara to Jomsom, Lo Manthang, and back.

• Accommodation:

  • Comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  • Lodges and guesthouses during the jeep tour, offering basic facilities.

• Meals:

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included during the journey.

  • A variety of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes are available.

• Drinks:

  • Bottled or boiled water available during the trek. Tea and coffee are widely available in lodges.

Communication, Charging, and Internet

• Mobile Coverage:

  • NCELL works in most areas, including Jomsom and Lo Manthang.

  • 4G service is available in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

• Charging:

  • Charging is available in most lodges for a fee (around $2-3). Power banks are recommended for use at higher altitudes.

• Wi-Fi:

  • Free Wi-Fi in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  • Chargeable Wi-Fi available in some villages for approximately $3-$4 per hour.

Permits

• Required Permits:

  • TIMS Permit (Trekkers’ Information Management System).

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (special permit required for Mustang).

  • ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

  • All permits are typically arranged by the trekking agency.

    Thank you