Reach the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang by 4WD on a 11-day jeep tour through Upper Mustang. Same walled city, cave monasteries, and Tibetan culture as the trek, covered faster with less walking. From USD 1,600.
The jeep covers distances that would take 2 to 3 trekking days in a single morning drive, leaving more time for exploring Lo Manthang, the cave monasteries, and the villages at a leisurely pace.
Lo Manthang is the same walled city whether you arrive on foot or by jeep. The four gompas, the 14th-century murals, the royal palace, and the narrow streets are equally accessible.
The painted earth cliffs and wind-sculpted terrain of Upper Mustang are visible from the jeep road, which follows the cliff edges with dramatic drop-offs. The lunar landscape is stunning from vehicle level.
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a 11-day vehicle-based journey to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. The route follows dirt roads through the Kali Gandaki gorge and Upper Mustang, with stops at cave monasteries, Tibetan villages, and scenic viewpoints. This itinerary delivers the same cultural experience as the 17-day trek in less time and with less physical demand.
From Jomsom the jeep follows the Kali Gandaki north through Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, and Ghami to Lo Manthang. Short walks (1 to 3 hours) at each stop allow exploration of monasteries, caves, and villages. The jeep handles the long distances between settlements that would otherwise require full trekking days.
2026 permit: USD 50/day (reduced from USD 500 flat). All permits included.
For the full walking experience, the Upper Mustang Trek covers the route on foot in 17 days (USD 1,975). For the Kali Gandaki gorge without entering Upper Mustang, the Jomsom Muktinath Trek reaches Muktinath in 15 days.
11 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Pokhara (200 km), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Marpha (170 km), approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel.
Drive to Ghami or Dhakmar (120 km), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Lo Manthang (30km), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Lo Manthang (17 km), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Exploration day in Lo Manthang and Chhosar. Overnight at hotel.
Retrace your route through the spectacular landscapes of Upper Mustang before reaching the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Upon arrival, visit the famous Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Explore the eternal flame, sacred water spouts, monasteries, and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Drive back to Pokhara (170 km), approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
International and domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basis, bed and breakfast.
2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin-sharing basis, bed and breakfast.
Kathmandu to Pokhara ground transportation by private vehicle.
4WD jeep from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang to Pokhara by Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio.
3 meals a day during the trip (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary.
Accommodation in Mustang on twin-sharing basis in guesthouses with attached bathrooms.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card.
Upper Mustang restricted area permit fee.
Professional government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide and supporting staff.
Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance for the guide and driver.
Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek (to be returned after the trip).
Medical supplies and first aid kit.
All government and local taxes.
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fee (currently US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, and US$125 for 90 days on arrival).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Insurance covering medical, emergency evacuation, loss, etc.
Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and boiled water during the trek.
All food and beverages other than those specified in the itinerary.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountains.
Personal gear and expenses.
Tips and gratuities for staff.
Note:- We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Lo Manthang in 11 days instead of 17. Same walled city, same murals, same culture.
Less physical demand. Short walks at each stop instead of 5 to 6 hours of daily trekking.
Suitable for travelers with limited trekking fitness who want the Upper Mustang cultural experience.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want to see Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang but prefer not to trek for 17 days.
You have 12 days available. This is 5 days shorter than the trekking route.
You have limited trekking fitness but strong cultural interest in Tibetan heritage.
You are comfortable with jeep travel on unpaved mountain roads.
Budget is USD 1,600 including all permits, vehicle, guide, and accommodation.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Reviews from trekkers who have walked this exact route.
Verified reviews from Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang treks.
Excellent trip with Mountain Hawk team. My wife enjoyed the trek and the care given by the staff. I will come back to Nepal.
Prem is the master of trekking logistics and management. I have known Prem since 2007 and whenever I come to Nepal he is the only one I want to guide me.
They care for your health and safety as a number one priority. We always felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trek.
He is great company, very knowledgeable and really made my trip. He took one look at me and made sure I reached base camp safely. I couldn't recommend him more.
He designed the trek entirely around our schedule and the overall organisation was superb. Prem and his team were a great laugh along the route.
We highly recommend Mountain Hawk without reservation for a great Nepal adventure. We hope to see Prem again in the future.
From the second I arrived in Kathmandu airport and saw Badri with my name on the Mountain Hawk board, I knew I was in safe hands.
Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal.
Prem and his team are super awesome. So personalized and caring.
Fantastic trek to ABC, made exceptional by Prem the main guide. A friendship was built up over the days of the trip. We had a lot of laughs!
His knowledge of the area and having trekked this region for over 20 years made our experience second to none.
Prem and his staff took care of everything. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to anyone considering trekking in Nepal.
Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring an almost 100% success rate.
It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. A reliably amazing journey.
Without hesitation we recommend Mountain Hawk as a trekking company. The staff is excellent and they know what they are doing.
An excellent, safe and challenging adventure organized by Prem Pandit and his team at Mountain Hawk Trek. Overall, very much recommended.
Best trekking company ever. With many years of experience and over 100 climbs to Everest Base Camp, we felt in good hands.
Our guide Badri was not only a great guide but also a fun, caring, super nice travel companion who made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout.
Prem's company is truly professional and most importantly flexible. They specialise in small groups which allow you to go at your own pace.
Extremely professional, polite and an honest company. You shouldn't have any issues with your trek if you book with Mountain Hawk.
If you are finding it difficult to choose between a trekking company, stop thinking and book with Mountain Hawk. You won't be disappointed.
Mountain Hawk made my first ever trekking experience to EBC an awesome, beautiful and memorable experience. I will not hesitate to use their services again.
Mountain Hawk Treks took care of everything from sleeping bags to flights and accommodation. I would definitely recommend them again.
Their local knowledge, advice and assistance made our trek to EBC very enjoyable. The professionalism extended onto the trek.
Prem and his team were brilliant in taking care of all of us. We all made it to Gokyo Ri and came back safe.
The service was very good by the team. This was my fifth trip to Nepal and I have always used Prem for my trekking expeditions.
Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk were the complete package: knowledgeable, enormously helpful, and amazingly friendly.
We were very well looked after by our guide Badri who helped us along the journey. I would definitely recommend Mountain Hawk.
If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking. We highly recommend them.
I know for sure that I will be back in Nepal soon, and mountain hawk trek would be the first company I would contact. I fell in love with trekking and Nepal.
Unlike other trekkers we passed along the way, we did not get sick at all as Prem took exceptional care of us. Our holiday planning was effortless.
His experience and relationships are evident. There is no way we would have gotten as much out of our trip if it wasn't for Prem.
With just the three of us travelling together it was really important that he was such a wonderful travelling companion. We can thoroughly recommend the Mountain Hawk experience.
Thank you so much Prem, Min and Sanjay for everything. My heart is so full after this trip. God bless you all!
On the mountain he was guide, mentor, motivator and best of all a good friend. We will go back to Nepal and will be using Mountain Hawk and Prem again.
Prem and his staff are first class on all aspects. Trekking with them you feel you are with family members.
His knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna, health and well-being was outstanding. I will definitely be going back and won't even consider looking elsewhere.
Prem is one of the most informative and educated guides I have ever run into. He is a genuine, kind man that truly enjoys sharing his expertise.
The experience was as close to perfect as real life can get. Prem and Min are extremely kind and pleasant people with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.
We were looked after well with the guides and they went out of their way to do anything for us, always with a smile on their faces.
I'm very happy to recommend Mountain Hawk for anyone going trekking in Nepal. I loved the experience.
After 2 weeks in Nepal, everyone at Mountain Hawk felt like family. Prem and Badri are wonderful!
Prem was more another member of our group rather than a tour guide. He allowed custom changes to visit more remote, less tourist-oriented places.
Prem, Badri and the team were instrumental in providing assistance all the way. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to any trekker visiting Nepal.
We were 100% happy with the service Mountain Hawk provided and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trekking.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Prem and his team. Mountain Hawk Trek is the best choice when planning any adventure in Nepal.
Prem's invaluable experience of the mountains and his thoughtfulness made this trip an incredible, memorable experience. Best in class!
Extraordinary effort was made in the planning of our itinerary, hand tailored to our needs. Can't speak highly enough of Mountain Hawk expeditions.
Mountain Hawk trekking company was very professional and prompt. At last minute Prem arranged 3 wonderful days in Chitwan for our family.
Absolutely fantastic. Prem had everything under control. He is very informative and fun. This is your guy.
Mountain Hawk looked after us from the time we landed in Kathmandu right to the time we left for London. Service with a personal touch!
The 12-day trek felt like a luxury trek with Prem and his team constantly ensuring all accommodation, food and logistics were taken care of in advance.
Our guide went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were met. It was a pleasure doing business with Mountain Hawk and we hope to come back again.
As a family of differing ages and fitness levels, Prem went out of his way to help us individually so we all achieved our goal of reaching Everest Base Camp.
Fantastic day hike with Prem Pandit to Nagarjun Hill. Beautiful views, great stories, wonderful snacks and good humour throughout.
His ever smiling and ever helpful nature made our trip the most memorable. This was my second time with Mountain Hawk.
We have memories to last a lifetime and friends in Prem and Badri to last a lifetime. I would recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking again and again.
My wife and I went to Upper Mustang in October of 2016 with Prem Pandit from Mountain Hawk Treks. I can only say that it was the most remarkable trip we’ve ever been on. Mustang is vast, stark, raw, remote, and to date, unspoiled. The landscape is most reminiscent of the old American West, just bigger, and with the Himalayas as the backdrop, and more spectacular. It is high desert with altitudes ranging from 2800 to 4000 meters (9000 to 13,500 ft). Daytime temperatures were a comfortable 15C (60F), nighttime approaching 0C (32F). The culture is Tibetan, and the entire area is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, stupas and chortens. Beautiful works of religious art are found within the monasteries (which are dark inside: a flashlight is a necessity) and the chortens. The villages themselves are small, with people living traditional Tibetan, Buddhist lives. You feel that you are looking back in time. I suspect this will begin to change as adventure tourism continues to grow. Our guide Prem was indispensable. He not only planned our trek with us in mind (we are in our sixties), but he is very flexible and made wonderfully thought-out changes to our plans when circumstances dictated. Our impromptu trek to Muktinath comes to mind as one of the highlights, and it was added because we needed an extra day in Lo Manthang which changed the original itinerary. Prem is passionate about what he does. He is very well informed about the wildlife, the cultural and the religious aspects of this region. He loves trekking and it shows. His thoughtfulness and insight made sure we had a successful trip. I recommend him highly to anyone who wants a real adventure. Prem is honest, considerate, and highly respected in the villages and among his peers. He will not let you down. This was our second trek with Mountain Hawk, and we’d go again with Prem.
