Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Overview
The Luxury 4x4 Mustang Tour combines adventure and luxury to provide an exceptional trip to Nepal's enigmatic Upper Mustang area. Your vacation starts in Kathmandu, where you may visit historical sites like Swayambhunath and Patan before flying to Pokhara.
From there, a picturesque trip leads to Kobang, where you begin your off-road excursion in a Jeep that offers accessibility over challenging terrain. Before entering the dry splendor of Upper Mustang, you will travel across spectacular scenery, stopping at Marpha, Muktinath, and Kagbeni. Choose from premium lodging establishments that provide genuine but sophisticated experiences, such as Royal Mustang and Lodge Thasang Village. We will discover the historic monasteries, the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, and the intriguing Chhoser caves. While relishing in the coziness of selected lodgings and private transportation, explore hidden treasures like Dhakmar's crimson cliffs and the holy Dhumba Lake.
The return trip includes a half-day excursion of Pokhara before your trip to Kathmandu. This 11-day journey is a memorable excursion into Nepal's forbidden kingdom, blending cultural immersion, spectacular scenery, and accommodations. This trip is Ideal for those tourists who are searching for excitement, and cultural and historical knowledge without sacrificing comfort.
Key Attractions of the Upper Mustang Luxury Tour
- Jomsom : Jomsom is firmly known as the gateway to the Mustang region which serves the stunning natural combination of the Mustang and fascinating mystical vistas of the Himalayas. The people of the Jomson area adhere to Buddhist practices and are influenced by Buddhism. One of the simple joys along the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is tasting the delicious apples of Jomsom. Grown in the fresh mountain air and sunshine of the Mustang region, these apples are naturally sweet, crisp, and full of flavor.
- Muktinath: Muktinath, perched at an altitude of 3710 meters above the sea, emerges as a sacred pilgrimage haven, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Purification is represented by the eternal Jwala Mai fire and 108 waterspouts. The sacred Muktinath Temple, alongside the nearby Mharme Lhakhang Gompa, stands as a profound testament to spiritual harmony and interfaith admiration.
- Kagbeni: Kagbeni, the windswept medieval gateway to Upper Mustang, nestles along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, steeped in timeless allure. With its mud-brick homes, narrow lanes, and the historic 1429 AD Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, the area beautifully echoes the essence of Tibetan culture. The unique desert-like landscape, complemented by flourishing apple orchards, creates a surreal setting, before delving deeper into the wonders of Mustang.
- Lo Manthang: The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, Mustang, is a live representation of Tibetan Buddhism. Exquisite artistry and venerable relics adorn the 14th/15th century royal palace, Thubchen Gompa, and Jampa Lhakhang, radiating cultural splendor. This secluded kingdom, which is surrounded by cliffs, maintains its traditions unchanged over the years and provides a unique look into a hidden Himalayan culture.
- Ghami and Ghiling: The traditional Mustangi settlements of Ghami and Ghiling have terraced fields, old chortens, and maze-like streets. The region's distinctive mix of culture and scenery is best illustrated by Ghiling's plain desert beauty and Ghami's longest mani wall in Nepal.
Exploring Sacred Caves, Ancient Monasteries, and Mystical Landscapes
- Chhoser Cave: The 8th Century Ranchung Chungsi Cave of Upper Mustang is the epitome of the Buddhist cultural heritage. It is located on the way to Lomanthang. The Chungsi Cave is related to both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Hindu devotees believe that Lord Shiva meditated in this cave while traveling to the most sacred peak of the world, Kailash. If you relate it to Buddhism, it is the cave of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who meditated and spent his spiritual life while he was chasing a demon from Tibet.
- Marzong cave: Marzong cave is supposed to be a unique cave with Bon tradition and is partially accessible. Later this cave was resided by shepherds and the ceiling turned black as they were cooking there. Not that far from Lomanthang but few people put it on their itinerary.
- Dhakmar: Dhakmar Village, located in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, is renowned for its striking red cliffs, which give the village its name (“Dhakmar” means “red cliffs” in Tibetan). Situated at an altitude of around 3,820 meters, this remote village is a key stop along the ancient trade route to Tibet. Dhakmar’s landscape is unique, with towering rock formations, caves, and centuries-old monasteries that hold deep cultural and historical significance. The majestic crimson cliffs of Dhakmar are steeped in legend, believed to be stained by the blood of a demon vanquished by Guru Rinpoche. The village is part of the former Kingdom of Lo, and its serene, isolated environment offers travelers a glimpse into the preserved Tibetan-Buddhist traditions and the raw beauty of the Himalayas.
- Ghar Gompa: Ghar Gompa, located at 3950m in Upper Mustang, Nepal, is one of the region’s oldest and most sacred monasteries. Built in the 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava, it predates even Tibet’s Samye Monastery. This spiritual site is deeply revered in Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its ancient murals and peaceful atmosphere.
- Lake Dhumba: Dhumba Lake is located at an altitude of 2830m and is ringed by the prayer flags. The lake is fed by ice melt from Mount Nilgiri. The lake is considered sacred by Buddhists and Hindu pilgrims. According to the legend, once the lake changed to red color. A Buddhist monk performed some rituals and turned them back to natural color. Due to religious beliefs, the fish of the lake are not consumed.
