The walled city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang
Nepal Easy 12 Nights · 13 Days

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Overview

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Drive the old salt road into the former Kingdom of Lo — a Tibetan desert of red cliffs, cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Trip highlights

  • The walled city of Lo Manthang, capital of the old Kingdom of Lo
  • Sky caves at Chhoser, cut into vertical cliffs
  • Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved almost intact
  • Rain-shadow desert — trekkable through the monsoon
  • Comfortable jeep travel, no long walking days

What's included

In the price

  • All trekking permits, national park fees and the TIMS card
  • Licensed English-speaking guide from the region
  • Porter support (one porter per two trekkers, weight-limited)
  • Teahouse lodging on the trail, twin share
  • Three meals a day while trekking
  • Domestic flights and ground transfers on the itinerary
  • Guide and porter wages, insurance, equipment and lodging
  • Oximeter monitoring and a comprehensive first-aid kit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (must cover trekking to your maximum altitude)
  • Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
  • Hot showers, wi-fi, charging and bottled drinks on the trail
  • Tips for your guide and porters

Day by day

DAY 01 Kathmandu → Pokhara 820 m
DAY 02 Pokhara → Jomsom 2,720 m
DAY 03 Jomsom → Kagbeni 2,810 m
DAY 04 Kagbeni → Chele 3,050 m
DAY 05 Chele → Syangboche 3,800 m
DAY 06 Syangboche → Lo Manthang 3,840 m
DAY 07 Lo Manthang — monasteries 3,840 m
DAY 08 Chhoser sky caves 3,840 m
DAY 09 Lo Manthang → Kagbeni 2,810 m
DAY 10 Kagbeni → Muktinath → Jomsom 3,760 m
DAY 11 Jomsom → Pokhara 820 m
DAY 12 Pokhara → Kathmandu 1,400 m
DAY 13 Departure

Common questions

Do I need previous trekking experience?

For the easier routes, no — if you can walk five to six hours on consecutive days you'll be fine. The challenging routes assume you've done multi-day walking before and are comfortable with long days and high passes.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitter is more comfortable, but stubbornness matters more than athleticism. Most people who turn back do so because of altitude, not fitness. Three months of regular hill walking before you fly is the best preparation.

What about altitude sickness?

Acclimatisation days are built into every itinerary above 3,000 m, and your guide carries an oximeter and checks everyone daily. If someone isn't acclimatising, the schedule changes — descending is always the right call and it never costs you anything.

What's the best time of year?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the main seasons — stable weather and clear mountain views. Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow, so it also works through the monsoon.

Is a single supplement available?

Yes in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels. On the trail, teahouse rooms are twin share by default; a private room is usually possible at lower altitudes but can't be guaranteed at the highest lodges in peak season.

How do I book and what's the deposit?

Enquiring costs nothing. Once dates are agreed we take a deposit to secure permits and flights, with the balance due before you start walking. Full terms are sent with your confirmation.