Upper Mustang Jeep tour

The hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang in the citadel of the Nepalese Himalayas is a different world in itself. The daunting peaks, steep valleys, and harsh weather kept the region untouched until recently. In the map of Nepal, the region appears as a thumb penetrating into Tibet. Mustang is hence culturally and geographically Tibet that survived the turmoil that Tibet went through, just because it was politically Nepal. The region continuously nourished Tibetan Buddhism and culture in its original form until the present day.

Tiji Festival - Inside the walled city of Lomanthang

The Frenchman, Michael Pascal, was the first Westerner to travel to Mustang in 1955. He encountered 'Khampa' warriors in Mustang and lived in a world that mastered Buddhism, practiced polyandry, and used no wheels.

The place is featured in the book' '1000 Places to See Before You Die' and also makes it to the top places to travel recommended by reputed guide books like Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, etc.

5-storied, 40-roomed Sinja Zong cave of Chhosar

A road journey to Upper Mustang 

While Mustang's monuments, culture, and landscape remain more or less the same, accessibility has changed. It is no longer a month-long trek like the Frenchman did. Mustang could be visited in as less as 6 days from Kathmandu and back. The extension of the dirt road has made the trip easier and shorter for many. It is a subject of argument whether the road was a good decision, and there are both pros and cons of it. But one thing is for sure that development projects in Mustang should be executed considering its fragile culture, environment and heritage.

Dirt road leading to the Mustang in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal

Jeep tour, 4WD trip, or road trip to Upper Mustang is becoming more popular these days. The fast-changing landscape, the world's deepest gorge, and the mystic culture of Mustang make it one of the best Jeep tours in the world. The idea is to cross the Himalaya following the popular salt trading route and visit the remnants of ancient civilization, one of the intact Tibetan bastions, and a Buddhist country with some of the best Himalayan scenery.

Mustang Jeep tour

The tour begins with a leisurely stay in the lake city of Pokhara. Dominated by Phewa Lake, greenery, and the gigantic snow peaks in the north, Pokhara is scenic and relaxed. From Pokhara, the road heads further west to the town of Beni, where we meet the Kali Gandaki River that drains the Himalayas of western Nepal. The dirt road then follows upstream the Kali Gandaki valley north to Tatopani (Hot Spring). The place used to be a popular hub for trekkers to relax after a long trek in Annapurna. The place is still a popular place of recreation with a natural hot spring. It is possible to drive further to Kalopani on the first day from Pokhara. The drive further from Tatopani passes through the deepest gorge wedged between Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna (8,091 m).

The valley widens at Kalopani (2,100 m). The place is also a transit between the lush green lower valley and the arid country of Mustang. The valley is lush and bright with planted terraces, pine forest, and the charming Thakali village. The Thakali is one of the culturally rich ethnic groups that lived in the valley for over 1,000 years. They were popular for their hospitality, being along the salt trading route.

Annapurna I as seen from Kalopani village along the Kali Gandaki valley

Drive from Kalopani passes through the villages of Marpha and Tukuche, popular for apple farming. There are distilleries in both villages producing some of the best Nepalese liquors. It is interesting to visit the distilleries and the orchard.

Jomsom is relatively bigger, the capital town with a hospital and airstrip for the district. The town is scenic with the close-up view of Mt Nilgiri (7,061 m). If one happens to spend more time in the town, visit the Mustang Eco Museum, the local monastery, and hike to Dhumba Lake.

Kagbeni at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Muktinath River is where the border of Upper Mustang begins. This is where the restricted permit for the Mustang is registered. The road further goes north, following the Kali Gandaki River.

Tsarang village is another recommended place for a night halt. It is also interesting to visit the Chungsi cave monastery on the way. The cave is believed to be a meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche. Unlike other man-made caves of Mustang, this is a natural cave with self-immersing figures of deities on the wall. The place is really tranquil and a sanctuary for vaulters.

Cave monastery of Nifu Gompa

Medieval earthen-walled city of Lomanthang 

The walled city of Lo Manthang is the destination of the journey. About 900 Loba (people of Mustang Kingdom) live in the compact mud and stone houses surrounded by a 6 m high earthen wall with watch towers. The place was the capital of the former Tibetan kingdom of Lo, established around the 14th century. Being along the most popular salt trading route, the place was prosperous both in finance and Buddhist intellect. The place is only about 50 km away from the present-day Tibet border. In the 18th century, the Buddhist kingdom peacefully chose to become a vassal of Nepal. The kingdom continuously practiced the Tibetan lifestyle and culture, undisturbed by any unrest that its neighbors went through. The walled city is a remnant of medieval Tibet hidden in the citadel of majestic peaks of the Himalayas.

A Mustang tour/trek could be organized only with a government-registered and reputable company. iTourNepal.com P Ltd has been organizing many such culturally rewarding treks and tours in the Himalayas of Nepal for over two decades. Our educated, experienced, and caring guides make the Himalayan trips unique. So write to us to visit our website for more exciting Nepal Tours.