Muktinath Upper and Lower Mustang 8 Day Tour Package by Jeep

Trip Glance

The Muktinath Upper and Lower Mustang tour package is an eight-day, seven-night jeep tour starting and ending in Pokhara. The jeep covers about 550-650 km on paved roads, gravel tracks, and rough mountain roads. On the first day, the route climbs from Pokhara (about 820 meters) to Jomsom (about 2,720 meters), then into Upper Mustang, where you sleep at about 3,500 meters in Ghami and about 3,800 meters in Lo Manthang, and visit Ghar Gompa and Muktinath at around 3,800 to 3,900 meters.

Some passes along the way are even higher. The return journey descends steadily from Marpha to Tatopani, about 1,190 meters. Two permits are required: the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit for the area north of Kagbeni and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit for the whole Mustang region. For more ideas on traveling Nepal by road, read our guide Explore Nepal Your Way.

Upper Mustang Permits Explained

Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and the rules are different from the rest of the Annapurna region. Understanding them in advance avoids surprises.

• Restricted Area Permit. All foreign visitors traveling north of Kagbeni need an Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, issued by the Department of Immigration. You cannot obtain it at the counter; a registered Nepali trekking or tour agency must apply on your behalf with a copy of your passport, photos, and your exact entry and exit dates. The fee covers a set number of days, with an additional daily fee beyond that; amounts change from time to time, so we confirm the current fee when you book.
• Licensed guide. A licensed Nepali guide must accompany visitors in the restricted area, whether traveling on foot or by jeep. This package includes an experienced licensed guide for the whole tour.
• Group size. Rules on the minimum number of travelers have recently been relaxed, so solo travelers can now obtain a permit. We confirm the current requirements for your dates.
• Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Required for everyone entering the conservation area, including Lower Mustang and Muktinath. You can obtain it in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and we can help arrange it.
• Permits are checked at the checkpoint just north of Kagbeni and may be checked again in Lo Manthang and at other points. Your guide carries the documents and handles the formalities.
• Nepali citizens and SAARC visitors. Nepali citizens do not need the Restricted Area Permit. Requirements for Indian and other SAARC visitors may differ, and we will confirm them for you.
• The Korala border. The area around the Korala pass on the Tibetan border has additional restrictions and is not included in this tour.

Allow at least a few working days for permit processing, and send passport details as early as possible, especially in the spring and autumn seasons.

Your Tour Guide: What to Expect

• Licensed and experienced. Our guides hold a government tour guide license and have traveled the Mustang road many times.
• English-speaking guides are standard; Hindi and other languages can be arranged with notice.
• History and culture. Your guide explains the history of the Kingdom of Lo, the art of the monasteries, the lives of the Loba and Thakali people, and the legends of Padmasambhava that run through the landscape.
• Pilgrim support. At Muktinath, the guide helps with rituals, offerings, and puja for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
• Altitude care. The guide watches for signs of altitude sickness, adjusts the pace, and knows when it is wiser to descend.
• Practical help. The guide handles permits, checkposts, lodge bookings, meals, monastery visits, and coordination with the driver.

Upper Mustang: The Former Kingdom of Lo

Upper Mustang covers the northern part of Mustang district, a high, dry land of about 2,000 square kilometers bordering Tibet. Most villages lie between about 2,800 and 3,900 meters along the Kali Gandaki and its side valleys. Ame Pal founded the Kingdom of Lo in the late fourteenth century, and for centuries it controlled trade in salt, wool, and grain between Tibet and Nepal’s lower hills. It later became part of Nepal, but the royal family of Lo kept a ceremonial role until the monarchy ended in the early twenty-first century.

The region opened to foreign visitors only in the early 1990s, and its culture remains strongly Tibetan, with Sakya and Nyingma monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags in every village.

The caves of Upper Mustang are among its greatest mysteries. Thousands of artificial caves are carved into the cliffs, some used as homes, others as meditation retreats, and others as burial chambers. Archaeologists have found ancient manuscripts and remarkable Buddhist paintings in some. The Chhoser caves near Lo Manthang and the cliff caves at Chhusang are the most accessible to visitors.

Lower Mustang and the Thakali Villages

Lower Mustang stretches from Ghasa and Lete in the south to Kagbeni in the north. Its villages belong mainly to the Thakali people, famous across Nepal for their hospitality and their dal bhat, and to the Bhotia communities of the upper valley. Marpha is known for its whitewashed houses, stone-paved streets and apple orchards. Tukuche was once a wealthy salt-trading town, and its large old houses recall that prosperity.

Jomsom is the district headquarters, with an airport, banks,s and shops. Kagbeni and Jharkot, near Muktinath, are medieval villages with old monasteries and forts. Near Jomsom, the village of Thini and the small sacred Dhumba Lake make for a pleasant short excursion, and the Bon village of Lupra preserves one of the Himalayas ‘ oldest religious traditions.

Route Overview

Pokhara to Beni (about 80 km). A paved road runs from Pokhara through Nayapul to Beni at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers.

Beni to Jomsom (about 80 to 100 km). The road up the Kali Gandaki gorge passes Tatopani, Ghasa, Lete, Kalopani, Tukuche and Marpha. Parts are paved or improved; other sections are rough, with river crossings, dust in the dry season, and mud and landslides in the monsoon.

Jomsom to Lo Manthang (about 70 to 80 km). From Jomsom, the road follows the Kali Gandaki to Kagbeni and Chhusang, then climbs over ridges and passes through Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Ghami, and Tsarang to Lo Manthang. Sections run along dry riverbeds and cliff edges, and some passes rise above 4,000 meters. Travel time usually spans two days to allow sightseeing and acclimatization.

Lo Manthang to Muktinath and back to Pokhara. The return follows the same road south to the Kali Gandaki valley, then climbs east to Muktinath before descending through Jomsom, Marpha and the gorge to Tatopani and Pokhara.

Altitude and Health

This tour reaches altitudes where altitude sickness is possible, so take it seriously. The itinerary is designed to help: you sleep at about 2,700 meters on the first night, about 3,500 meters on the second, and about 3,800 meters in Lo Manthang for two nights before descending. Symptoms of mild altitude sickness include headache, nausea, tiredness, and poor sleep. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, avoid alcohol, eat well, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.

If symptoms worsen, the most effective treatment is to descend, and the jeep can do that at any time. Travelers with heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions, pregnant travelers, and very elderly pilgrims should consult a doctor before booking. Read our notes on altitude sickness before you travel.

Road Condition and Safety

The Mustang road is the most demanding road on any of our tours. The paved section from Pokhara to Beni is straightforward, but beyond Beni the road shifts between paved, improved gravel, and rough dirt sections, with river crossings, steep climbs, hairpin bends, and drops above deep gorges. In Upper Mustang, parts of the route follow dry river beds that change after floods.

Dust is heavy in the dry seasons, and strong winds blow up the Kali Gandaki valley from late morning, which is why we travel the higher sections early in the day. In the monsoon, landslides are common in the lower gorge between Beni and Ghasa, even though Upper Mustang itself receives little rain. In winter, snow can block passes in Upper Mustang and the road to Muktinath.

For these reasons, we use only well-maintained 4WD jeeps and Scorpios with experienced mountain drivers who regularly drive the route. We check vehicles before every trip, with special attention to tires, brakes, and four-wheel drive. Seat belts are fitted; we avoid driving after dark, and the guide and driver will never take risks on a section that looks unsafe. Read more in our article on the importance of safe transportation during Nepal tours.

Vehicle Options for the Mustang Tour

4WD jeep or Scorpio (required). A Mahindra Scorpio or similar 4WD jeep is the only suitable vehicle for this route. Each jeep carries up to four or five passengers with luggage, plus the guide. Larger groups travel in a convoy of jeeps with experienced drivers, which is safer and more comfortable than overcrowding a single vehicle. See our jeep hire in Nepal page and our jeep rental for Muktinath tour guide.

Car, Hiace, Coaster and bus. We use these vehicles only for transfers between Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the tour. A private car suits small groups, a Toyota Hiace suits families and groups of up to twelve, and a Coaster or bus suits large pilgrim groups.

Luggage. Space is limited, and luggage is carried on the roof under a cover. Pack in soft duffel bags rather than hard suitcases, and keep valuables, documents and warm layers in a daypack inside the jeep. Our notes on Nepal vehicle rental with roof luggage space and jeep rental with camping equipment explain how to pack bags.

Service Options: Private, One-Day, Two-Way and Shared

Private hire. This package is a private hire. The jeep, driver, and guide are reserved for your group alone, which is essential for travel in the restricted area.

One-day hire. Single transfers, such as Pokhara to Jomsom, are possible for travelers visiting only Lower Mustang and Muktinath, using our Pokhara to Mustang jeep or Kathmandu to Mustang private jeep.

Two-way hire. A round trip with the same jeep, such as this tour from Pokhara to Lo Manthang and back.

Shared. Public buses and shared jeeps run between Pokhara, Jomsom and Muktinath, and local jeeps run in Upper Mustang, but foreign visitors in the restricted area must still travel with a licensed guide and a valid permit. Shared transport offers little flexibility for sightseeing.

For any of these options, send your dates and group size through our contact page.

Pickup and Drop Options

The tour starts and ends at your hotel in Pokhara. If you are coming from Kathmandu, we can arrange a transfer with our Kathmandu-to-Pokhara car or Kathmandu-to-Pokhara private Scorpio; guests flying into Pokhara can use our Pokhara airport transfer. At the end, the jeep can take you directly to Pokhara airport or the tourist bus park.

Useful Travel Information for Mustang

Money, ATMs and Cash

Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash for the whole trip before you leave Pokhara. Jomsom has banks and an ATM, but machines in the mountains can run out of cash or stop working, and Upper Mustang has no reliable ATMs. Lodges, tea houses, monasteries and small shops in Lo Manthang, Ghami and Tsarang accept cash only. Keep small notes for monastery donations, snacks and tips. Your guide can advise how much to carry based on your trip length and travel style. For a wider view of planning, read our article on private vehicle booking in Nepal.

Electricity, Charging and Mobile Network

Most lodges in Jomsom, Marpha, Muktinath and Lo Manthang have electricity, often supported by solar power, but supply can be limited in the evenings and in smaller villages. Dining rooms may offer charging, sometimes for a small fee. Bring a power bank, spare camera batteries, and a universal adapter. Mobile signal is available in Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath and much of Lower Mustang, and coverage has improved in Upper Mustang, but expect gaps between villages. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slow. Your guide carries a phone and stays in touch with our office.

Food and Drinking Water

Lodges serve dal bhat, Thakali sets, noodles, momos, Tibetan bread, thukpa, potatoes,s and simple Western dishes. Marpha is famous for apples, apple brandy, and dried fruit, and the Thakali kitchens of Tukuche, Kalopani, and Marpha serve some of Nepal’s best dal bhat. In Upper Mustang, menus are simpler, and vegetables are limited, so expect hearty, warming food. Buckwheat bread and tsampa are local staples. Drink only boiled, filtered,d or purified water; many lodges offer refill stations, which reduce plastic waste in this fragile region. Bring a reusable bottle and purification tablets.

Clothing and Cold

Mustang is cold for much of the year, especially at night. Even in the warmer months, temperatures in Lo Manthang can fall close to freezing after dark, and in late autumn and winter they fall well below. Bring a warm down jacket, fleece, thermal layers, a warm hat and gloves. Days can be sunny and bright, so sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and a sun hat are just as important. A buff or dust mask helps against the dust and wind on the road, and a light windproof jacket is useful in the afternoons.

Monastery Etiquette and Photography

Remove your shoes and hat before entering a monastery, walk clockwise around chortens, mani walls, ls, and prayer wheels, and never touch or point at statues and paintings. Photography is often not allowed inside monastery halls, and in Lo Manthang this rule is strictly enforced in some temples; always ask your guide or the caretaker first. Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and elders. A small donation at each monastery is appreciated and helps support its upkeep.

Best Time for the Muktinath Upper and Lower Mustang Tour

Spring

Spring is one of the best times for the Muktinath Upper and Lower Mustang tour package. Skies are usually clear during the day, temperatures are comfortable, and the apple trees of Marpha and Tukuche blossom. In Lo Manthang, spring is the season of the Tiji festival, a three-day ritual of masked dances in the main square that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Book early if you want to attend, as lodges fill quickly.

Summer and Monsoon

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and receives only about 250 to 400 mm of rain in a year, so it stays mostly dry while the rest of Nepal is green and wet. The monsoon season is therefore a good time to visit Upper Mustang, and the barley fields around Lo Manthang, Tsarang, and Ghami are at their greenest. The challenge is the lower road between Beni and Ghasa, where landslides are common. We plan extra time, travel early, and keep in close contact with drivers on the route. Pilgrims often prefer this season for Muktinath during the Janai Purnima festival.

Autumn

Autumn brings clear skies, crisp air, and excellent mountain views, making it the most popular season. Days are bright and nights cold. The harvest season adds color to the villages, and the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks stand out sharply above the Kali Gandaki. Permit offices and lodges are busy, so book well ahead through our contact page, and read our Pokhara to Mustang jeep page for road transfer details.

Winter

Winter is cold, and many families in Lo Manthang move to lower villages or Pokhara for the coldest weeks, so some lodges close. Snow can block passes in Upper Mustang and the road to Muktinath. Lower Mustang, Marpha and Jomsom remain accessible on most days, and skies are often clear. Travel in winter only with flexible plans and warm gear.

Places to See on the Tour

• Jomsom – the district headquarters, with views of the Tsen-Khang and the Mustang Eco Museum.
• Marpha – whitewashed lanes, the Marpha monastery, apple orchards, and Thakali culture.
• Kagbeni – a medieval village at the gateway to Upper Mustang, with the red Kag Chode monastery and old fortress ruins.
• Chhusang and Chele – cave dwellings in the red cliffs and the first views of Upper Mustang’s eroded landscape.
• Ghami – one of the largest villages in Lo, with what is often described as the longest mani wall in Nepal.
• Dhakmar – red cliffs linked by legend to the defeat of a demon by Padmasambhava.
• Ghar Gompa – an ancient Nyingma monastery associated with Padmasambhava and famous for its paintings and carved mani stones.
• Tsarang – a large village with a historic monastery and the ruins of a five-story palace.
• Lo Manthang – the walled capital of Lo, with Jampa, Thubchen, Chode and Choprang monasteries, the royal palace and the Amchi school of traditional medicine.
• Chhoser caves – the five-story Jhong cave, believed to be more than 2,000 years old, and the Garphu and Nyiphu cliff monasteries.
• Muktinath – the temple of Vishnu with 108 spouts, two holy ponds, and the Jwala Mai eternal flame.
• Jharkot – a fortress village with a Tibetan medicine center.
• Tukuche and Kalopani – historic Thakali salt-trading villages beneath Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I.
• Tatopani – natural hot springs beside the Kali Gandaki River.

Pilgrims combining this tour with a longer journey can also read our Muktinath Yatra itinerary and our Nepal Nekhor tour for Buddhist pilgrimage ideas.

Festivals and Culture of Mustang

The people of Upper Mustang, known as the Loba, share language, religion, and customs with Tibet. Daily life revolves around farming barley and buckwheat, herding goats, yaks,s and horses, and the monasteries that shape every village. Tiji is the best-known festival. Other celebrations include Yartung, a harvest festival with horse races held near the end of summer, and Losar, the Tibetan New Year in late winter. In Lower Mustang, the Thakali people keep their own festivals and traditions, and Muktinath draws large numbers of Hindu pilgrims during Janai Purnima, Rishi Panchami, and other holy days. Your guide will explain any festivals happening during your visit.

Responsible Travel in Mustang

Mustang is a fragile environment and a living culture, and visitors play an important part in preserving it. Use refill stations instead of buying bottled water, carry your rubbish back to Jomsom or Pokhara, and support local lodges, shops and craftspeople. Respect monastery rules, dress modestly, and never buy or remove antique religious objects, which are protected. Stay on established tracks and do not disturb livestock or wildlife. Choosing a guided tour with local staff also supports the communities along the route. Our note on quality transport in Nepal explains how we work.

Extend Your Journey

Kathmandu Before or After

Spend a day or two in the capital with a guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and the old palace squares, or visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Our trekking partner also offers a Kathmandu day tour. Arriving guests can book our Kathmandu airport transfers, and the highway journey is covered by our Kathmandu to Pokhara vehicle transfer, Kathmandu to Pokhara bus, and, for the return, our Pokhara to Kathmandu car, Pokhara to Kathmandu bus, or Pokhara to Kathmandu transport.

Pokhara and the Annapurna Foothills

Before or after the Mustang road, Pokhara is the perfect place to relax. Watch sunrise over the Annapurnas with our Sarangkot sunrise tour vehicle or Pokhara to Sarangkot jeep, book car hire in Pokhara for the lakeside and caves, or try paragliding in Pokhara and the Kusma bungee jump. Short drives take you to hill villages with our Pokhara to Dhampus jeep, Pokhara to Ghandruk jeep, Pokhara to Kande jeep, Pokhara to Sikles jeep rental, and Pokhara to Pumdikot Mahadev temple jeep.

Lumbini and Chitwan

Many pilgrims continue to the birthplace of the Buddha with our Kathmandu to Lumbini vehicle hire or a Pokhara to Sunauli car, and wildlife lovers head south with our Pokhara to Chitwan by private car for a Chitwan jungle safari. The Manakamana temple lies on the highway between Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Muktinath by Helicopter or Flight

For travelers short on time, a Muktinath Yatra by helicopter or an Annapurna helicopter tour offers a quick alternative, and scenic flights connect Pokhara and Jomsom. For pilgrims coming from India, our Nepal tour from Gorakhpur and Kathmandu to the Unauli border by private jeep makes overland travel easy.

Tibet, Kailash and Bhutan

Mustang’s Tibetan culture inspires many travelers to visit Tibet itself. Consider a Lhasa Tibet tour, the overland Kathmandu to Lhasa tour, a Mount Kailash tour, or the Kailash overland tour, with road transfers through our Kathmandu to Kerung border service. For Bhutan, see the luxury Bhutan tour or the combined Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan tour.

Treks and Adventures Near Mustang

The Mustang road connects with some of Nepal’s finest walking. The Upper Mustang trek follows the old trading trail to Lo Manthang on foot, and the Annapurna Circuit trek crosses the Thorong La pass from Manang to Muktinath. The remote Nar Phu trek explores hidden valleys north of the Annapurnas, and the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek start near Pokhara, with transportation options including private jeeps from Pokhara to Ulleri and from Pokhara to Ghorepani Poon Hill.

Short trek lovers can try the Mulda View trek. Adventure seekers can raft the Kali Gandaki, and cyclists can read our guide to the Upper Mustang bike ride with vehicle support. For comfort-focused journeys, browse luxury treks, short scenic treks and signature classic treks from Alpine Luxury Treks. Find all our trekking transfers on our trekking transport page.

Where You Stay

Accommodation on this tour is in simple, comfortable lodges and guesthouses. Jomsom and Marpha have good lodges with attached bathrooms and hot showers. In Ghami and Lo Manthang, lodges are family-run, with warm dining rooms heated by stoves, cozy rooms and, in many cases, attached bathrooms and solar hot water. Muktinath has a good choice of lodges in Ranipauwa. Tatopani has lodges near the hot springs. Rooms in Upper Mustang can be cold at night, so a warm sleeping bag liner or bag is useful. We can book lodges on your behalf, or you can choose your own; tell us your preference when you enquire. For travelers who want more comfort, Alpine Luxury Treks offers an Upper Mustang luxury lodge tour.

Who This Tour Suits

• Travelers who want to see Upper Mustangwithout aa two-week trek
• Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims who want to combine Muktinath with the monasteries of Lo.
• Photographers drawn to the desert landscapes, cliff caves, and walled villages.
• Families and older travelers who are in reasonable health and can manage altitude.
• Solo travelers subject to current permit rules.
• Small, organized groups of friends traveling in a convoy of jeeps.

Families choosing vehicles for larger groups can read our guide on which vehicle is best for 6 people in Nepal.

Packing List

• Passport with valid visa, passport copies and photos for permits.
• Warm down jacket, fleece, thermal layers, warm hat, gloves and woolen socks.
• Windproof jacket, comfortable trousers and sturdy walking shoes.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and a sun hat.
• Buff or dust mask for the road.
• Reusable water bottle and purification tablets.
• Power bank, spare batteries and a universal adapter.
• Personal medicines, a basic first-aid kit and any altitude medicine your doctor recommends.
• Small daypack, headlamp and toiletries.
• Enough cash in Nepali rupees for the full trip.

Travel Tips

• Send passport details early so the guide can prepare your permits.
• Spend a night in Pokhara before departure to rest after travel.
• Start each day early to avoid the strong afternoon winds.
• Drink water regularly and walk slowly in higher villages.
• Keep a warm layer and water in the jeep, not on the roof.
• Allow a spare day at the end of your trip in case of road delays.
• Respect local customs and ask before taking photographs.
• Read our tips on booking a jeep from Pokhara before you plan.

Why Choose Nepal Vehicle Hiring

• Mountain-ready vehicles. Well-maintained 4WD jeeps and Scorpios, checked before every Mustang journey.
• Experienced drivers. Drivers who know the Kali Gandaki road and the Upper Mustang tracks.
• Licensed guide included. An experienced tour guide for the whole trip, as required in the restricted area.
• Permit support. Help with the Restricted Area Permit and conservation area permit through a registered agency.
• Flexible itineraries. Tailor the days, add stops, or extend to Kathmandu, Lumbini,  or Chitwan.
• Local office support. Phone and WhatsApp support from our team throughout your tour.

Learn more about us on our About Us page, and see how we plan multi-day trips on our Nepal holiday tour page.

Related Services

• Kathmandu to Muktinath jeep
• Muktinath to Kathmandu jeep
• Muktinath to Pokhara jeep
• Kathmandu to Muktinath bus
• Muktinath to Kathmandu bus
• Pokhara to Mustang road overview
• Jeep rental for Mustang tour and Lo Manthang
• Besisahar private vehicle
• Nepal tour packages
• Travel blog

How to Book

1. Send your travel dates, group size, nationality, and pickup point via WhatsApp or email, or use our plan-your-trip form.
2. Share passport copies and photos so the guide can begin the permit process.
3. Confirm the itinerary, vehicle, and lodge preferences with our team.
4. Receive your confirmation with the driver’s and guide’s details.
5. Meet your guide and driver at your Pokhara hotel on day one.

Book Your Muktinath Upper and Lower Mustang Tour

Ready to explore the hidden Kingdom of Lo and the sacred temple of Muktinath? Our Muktinath Upper and Lower Mustang tour package includes a private 4WD jeep, an experienced mountain driver, and an experienced licensed tour guide for eight unforgettable days.

WhatsApp: +977 9814227196
Email: [email protected]
Send us your dates and group size today, and our team will help you plan your journey to Upper Mustang and Muktinath. Visit Nepal Vehicle Hiring to explore more tours.