A jeep drive tour to Upper Mustang is a thrilling adventure that takes you through one of the most remote and rugged regions of Nepal. Located in the northern part of the country, Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert region that was once an independent kingdom. Today, it is a protected area that can only be accessed with a special permit.
The journey to Upper Mustang begins in Kathmandu, where you will take a flight or drive to Pokhara. From there, you will embark on an off-road jeep drive that takes you through the Kaligandaki River Valley to the town of Kagbeni. This is the starting point of the Upper Mustang region, and you will need to obtain a special permit to enter at the check post of Nepal government.
The actual off-road adventure begins from Kagbeni as you make your way towards Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region. The journey takes you through rugged terrain, steep mountain passes, and remote villages that are rarely visited by tourists. Along the way, you will experience stunning landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and traditional Tibetan-style villages.
One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the famous Korolla Pass, which is the highest point of the journey at 4,660 meters. From the pass, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and barren valleys that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
Lo Manthang is a fascinating city with narrow streets, ancient monasteries, and a rich cultural heritage. You can spend a day exploring the city and its surroundings, visiting historical sites, and going on short hikes to explore the surrounding hills and valleys.
On the return journey, you can take a different route that takes you through remote villages like Yara and Tangbe. The journey takes you through the Kali Gandaki River Valley, where you can see traditional Mustangi villages and experience the local way of life.
Overall, a jeep drive tour to Upper Mustang is an unforgettable experience that takes you through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in Nepal. It is a journey that requires a sense of adventure, but the rewards are many, including stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a rich cultural heritage.
You will start your journey by driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 6-7 hours by jeep. Pokhara is a beautiful city located on the shores of Phewa Lake, and you can spend the night here to rest and prepare for the next day’s drive.
The actual off-road adventure begins today as you leave Pokhara and drive towards Kagbeni. The drive takes around 7-8 hours and takes you through the Kaligandaki River Valley, which is known for its spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Kagbeni is a small town located at the entrance to the Upper Mustang region, and you will need to obtain a special permit to enter the region.
Today’s drive is relatively short, but it is challenging as you will be driving through a narrow gorge with steep cliffs on either side. You will also need to cross the Kali Gandaki River on a suspension bridge. Chele is a small village located on a hillside, and you can explore the village and its surroundings in the evening.
Today’s drive is even more challenging as you will be crossing the Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and the Dajori La Pass (3,735m). The road is steep and rocky, and you will need to be careful while driving. Syanboche is a small village located on a plateau, and you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains from here.
Today’s drive takes you through the Ghami La Pass (3,520m), which is one of the highest points on the journey. You will also pass through several small villages and cross a few streams along the way. Ghemi is a small village with traditional Tibetan-style houses and a beautiful monastery.
Today’s drive takes you to the walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region. The road is relatively smooth and easy to drive, and you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains along the way. Lo Manthang is a fascinating city with narrow streets, ancient monasteries, and a rich cultural heritage.
You will spend the day exploring the city and its surroundings. You can visit the Royal Palace, the Thubchen Gompa monastery, and other historical sites. You can also go on short hikes to explore the surrounding hills and valleys.
Today’s drive takes you back along the same route to the village of Yara, which is located in a remote valley. The drive takes around 7-8 hours, and you will need to cross the Ghami La Pass again.
Today’s drive takes you through a rugged and barren landscape to the village of Tangye. Along the way, you will pass through several small settlements and cross the famous Korolla Pass (5,010m), which is the highest point of the journey. The views from the pass are breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains and barren valleys stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Today’s drive takes you through the Kali Gandaki River Valley to the village of Tetang. Along the way, you will pass through several small villages and cross the Chuksang La Pass (3,870m). Tetang is a small village with traditional Tibetan-style houses and a beautiful monastery
Today’s drive takes you back along the same route to Jomsom, a bustling town with several shops and restaurants. Jomsom is also the main airport for the Mustang region, and you can catch a flight back to Pokhara from here if you wish to skip the return journey by jeep
Today’s drive takes you back to Pokhara, following the same route you took on day 2. You can spend the evening exploring the city and relaxing after the long journey.
Today’s drive takes you back to Kathmandu, following the same route you took on day 1. You will arrive in the city in the evening, marking the end of your off-road jeep adventure to Lo Manthang via Korolla Pass.