Reach the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang by 4WD on a 12-day jeep tour through Upper Mustang. Same walled city, cave monasteries, and Tibetan culture as the trek, covered faster with less walking. From USD 1,800.
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 12-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.
12 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 Myagdi Beni and Tatopani (110 km), approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Kagbeni (65 km), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Ghami (32 km), approximately 6 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.
Drive back from Lo Manthang (17 km), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Muktinath (60 km), approximately 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Pokhara (185 km), approximately 7 to 8 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 12 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 1,800 including all permits, vehicle, guide, and accommodation.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
