The Upper Mustang is a beautiful valley steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is home to many ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and cave dwellings. The landscape is unique, with barren lands, orchards, and degraded shrublands. The Upper Mustang is situated in the trans-Himalayan region between two 8000m peaks: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The Kali Gandaki River runs through the valley, making it the deepest river in the world.

Mustang is a land of magic and mystery, with its rugged terrains and towering mountains. These natural features create a beautiful landscape of valleys carved by the Kali-Gandaki River. Not to forget, Mustang is also famous for its excellent outdoor activities. They are thrilling and out of the world.

Explore the Magic of Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Experience the best of Upper Bustang with unforgettable Jeep Tour. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is the perfect way to see the mystical region for those who are short on time but want to experience its best elements. Upper Mustang is a wonderful place to travel, and what better way to do it than in luxury? You’ll get to see the amazing natural beauty and the locals going about their lives, all while seated in a comfortable jeep. 

The journey will take you through some of the most gorgeous valleys and towering mountains, with mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. You’ll also get to see prosperous ethnic villages and secluded settlements on the slopes of high mountains. 

Mustang is a perfect wonderland in Nepal because of its hospitable people, small village settlements, and wide silence that is only broken by the wind. Its amusing tales of history make it even more special.

Upper Mustang jeep Tour Highlights

• Kaligandaki River Gorge-the deepest canyon in the world.
• Lo-Manthang- the capital of Upper Mustang
• Muktinath Temple- a Holy spot for Hindus and Buddhists.
• Kagbeni village- one of the beautiful village
• Luri Gompa-is ancient monastery filled with artifacts
• Spot the views of the Annapurna Massif & Dhaulagiri range

Upper Mustang: History

• Mustang was once an independent kingdom influenced by Tibetan culture.
• Around the 15th century to the 17th century, mustang was the major trade route between the Himalayas and India.
• The Mustang Trek follows the ancient Salt Caravan route
• Since 1795, the kingdom was annexed by Nepal
• The last official and later unofficial king (raja or gyelpo) was Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (1930–2016)
• In 2007, a shepherd in Mustang discovered a collection of 55 cave paintings depicting the life of the Buddha
• Mustang region was officially opened for tourists since 1992
• Foreigners need to obtain a special permit to enter, mustang region
• For years, the Tiji festival in Lo-manthang has been a major attraction for tourists.
• The first westerner in Mustang  was Swiss explorer and geologist Toni Hagen
• In 1964, French Michel Peissel took a first visit to Mustang & stayed in Lo Manthang during the first authorized exploration of Mustang.

Best time to travel and trek in Mustang

The best time to travel to Mustang is in Spring(March-May) & Autumn Season. (September- October). These months offer warm weather and clear skies, which provide excellent visibility of the mountain peaks and landscapes. You’ll also see blooming Rhododendrons along your trekking trails, making your experience more beautiful. Plus, if you plan your Mustang tour for May, you’ll be able to attend the Tiji Festival at Upper Mustang.

How to reach Mustang

Before, the only way to get to Mustang was by walking or riding a horse. But now, with the construction of the airport and roads, it’s much more accessible. You can now reach Mustang by plane, bus, jeep, car, or truck.

By Road

Mustang is a great option for those who are looking to save money and want to experience some amazing sightseeing. Thanks to the construction of roadways, it’s now possible to get around Mustang by two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Traveling by road is also a great adventure activity in itself! 

Jeep Safari Tour

An off-road Jeep Safari Tour is an excellent way to explore and visit Mustang. It is perfect for visitors who want to travel on their terms, without having to change buses or go on multi-day treks. Jeep Safari Tours are available in both the Upper and Lower regions of Mustang.

The 4 WD Overland Jeep Adventure Tour is the best way to see Lo Manthang and all its ancient caves, monasteries, archaeological sites, and natural beauty. 

You’ll be very comfortable on the tour with plenty of space to yourself, and your private jeep lets you stop whenever you want to take pictures or just enjoy the amazing Himalayan scenery.  There are companies who can provide you with comfortable Land Cruiser Prado,  Land Cruiser 79, 4WD HiLux or Mahindra Scorpio jeep transportation to take you to upper mustang Nepal.  Additionally, you have the option to drive on your own through the Himalayan desert of Nepal. This is a thrilling adventure that is the perfect mix of a Beast Machine on wheels and the Nepal desert.

The tour package includes accommodation with an attached bathroom, a tour around the district, and food services at tea houses.

4WD: Four-wheel drive is a term used to describe a vehicle with two axles that can provide torque to all of its wheels at the same time. This type of drivetrain is often called 4×4 or 4WD.

By flight

If you don’t want to travel by road, the best way to get to Jomsom to start your Mustang tour is by flying. The flight is only 25 minutes long. 

After you land in Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Jomsom. You can also fly to Jomsom from Pokhara if you want to explore the lake city first. You can book an airline ticket from one of the many domestic airline companies; Yeti Airlines, Buddha Airlines, Tara Airlines, Simrik Airlines, Nepal Airlines, etc. 

By Helicopter

A helicopter tour is the quickest and easiest way to reach Mustang. The helicopter starts in Kathmandu, making a tour through Pokhara and Jomsom, before finally arriving in Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang. Along the way, you will be able to see panoramic views of the high mountains and beautiful landscapes along the Kali Gandaki River. 

Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Lo Manthang – Kathmandu

Places to visit in Mustang

Jomsom

Jomsom, also known as Dzongsar, is a popular starting point for treks to Muktinath or along the Kali Gandaki Valley. Jomsom got its name from the fact that it used to be a stopping point for traders traveling along the valley. Now, it’s a popular destination for tourists and trekkers alike.

Marpha village

If you’re looking for a picturesque stone-lined village to stay in, Marpha is the perfect place for you. There are plenty of guesthouses and small hotels here, and the Mawatan Thakalis are always happy to welcome visitors. You can spend your days chatting with them about farming and animal husbandry, and get a truly authentic experience of village life.

Experience the wonders of Upper Mustang while traveling on a luxurious jeep and see fleeting sights of natural beauty and local people all while seated in a comfortable vehicle. The guided tour through the region includes some of the most stunning and variegated valleys of corroded hills and mountains with spectacular Himalayan views accompanied by rich ethnic villages and far-off isolated settlements on the crevasses and foothills of tall Himal.

Hot Springs

There are a number of hot springs on the way to Mustang, but the most well-known one is in Myagdi, Tatopani. These sulphur hot-containing hot ponds not only rejuvenate the human mind, but they are also believed to cure all ailments.

Apple orchards

Mustang apples are the most desired type of apple in the Nepalese market. These organic and juicy fruits have a unique and original taste. Mustang apples are also the source of local apple wine. The orchards that these apples come from are wonderful places to roam around and explore.

Lo Manthang

Manthang, an ancient settlement and capital of the Upper Mustang Valley in western Nepal, is a medieval city that has been beautifully preserved throughout the years. Located at a height of 3,800 meters near the Tibet-China-Nepal border, it is definitely a sight to see with its many olden features still intact.

Lo Manthang is a historic town that was first established in the 14th century by Mustang’s first king, Ame Pal. He built a large, four-story palace that towers over all the other houses in the town. The people who originally inhabited the town came from caves in the mountains, and the wall around Lo Manthang was built to protect it from invasions. This was a potential threat at the time, as Lo Manthang is located along Tibet’s trade route. In 2008, Mustang’s monarchy was abolished.

Ghar Gompa

The Ghar gompa is the oldest monastery of Mustang, built in the 8th century by guru Rinpoche “Padmasambhava” – the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It’s situated at an elevation of 3931 meters above sea level and related to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

Lo Gekar or Ghar Gompa is beautifully decorated with many Chortens and prayer flags around the monastery. There is the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” carved on mani stones. Carving mantras into the stone is one way of meditation. You can spend a wonderful evening here full of spiritual well-being and unforgettable views.

Jhong cave in Chhoser (Mysterious cave)

The Jhong cave in Chhoser is one of the most amazing caves in all of Upper Mustang Nepal. Secrets of the sky caves have been attracting attention from archaeologists all around the world for years, and they’re finally getting closer to unraveling the mystery.  Research into these caves only began recently in 2007, but it is estimated that there are nearly ten thousand of them throughout Mustang. Upper Mustang is one of the best examples of cave civilizations and there are numerous multi-storied man made caves dotting the hillsides.

Chhairo Gompa (Monastery)

Chhairo Gompa is home to a bamboo idol of Guru Rimpoche, as well as beautiful wall paintings and Thangkas (frescoes) of Buddhist gods and goddesses painted by the founder – Lama Chhiwang Thielen.

Muktinath

Mustang is a popular destination for both trekkers and religious pilgrims. The temple at Muktinath is one of the holiest sites in Nepal, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Muktinath is located at the foot of Thorong La, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The temple is one of the highest in the world, and a must-visit for those making the journey to Mustang.

Kagbeni

Kagbeni is a medieval village located in Lower Mustang, Nepal. It is situated between the trails leading from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and acts as a gateway to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is the most picturesque village. There’s something special about being in a place where rivers and land converge, especially when that place is full of visible history and stories. It’s an experience that travelers will remember for a lifetime.

Mustang packing list and trekking gears

If you’re planning on doing some moderate-level trekking in Mustang, then you’ll need to make sure you have the proper gear. You don’t want to overpack and end up carrying things you don’t need, so here’s a list of must-have trekking gear for Mustang.

General items

• Sleeping Bag
• Rucksack bag and cover
• Hiking Poles (2)
• Hydration bladder
• Head torch (with extra batteries)
• A dry bag

Clothing items

• Down Jacket
• Fleece pullover/jackets and pants
• Dry-fit T-shirts and shorts
• Thermal underwear
• Hiking Boots ( waterproof with excellent ankle support)
• Trail runners/ light sandals
• Lightweight poly-liner/wool/fleece gloves (waterproof)
• Pajamas/Nightwear
• Thermal Socks

Accessories

• Sun Hat
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Watch
• Camera with charger (220 V with plug)

Personal Care Kit

• Toiletries ( Shampoo, toothbrush and paste, soap, hand sanitiser, prescribed medication)
• Travel towel
• Personal first aid kit
• Water purification tablets
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Moisturizer

Other essentials

• Adapter plug
• Pocket knife
• Small roll of repair tape
• Cigarette lighter
• Compass or GPS
• Rubbish disposable sacks

You can often find better deals on outdoor gear in Kathmandu. Numerous high-end brands like Kathmandu, North Face, Sherpa, Marmot, and Black Yak all have showrooms in Kathmandu. However, many smaller shops sell the same gear for much lower prices.

Conclusion

To put it, Upper Mustang Jeep Tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience to travelers who are interested in exploring the mystical land of Lo Manthang. The tour provides an opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of the region, including the ancient monasteries, caves, and traditional villages. The journey through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas in a jeep offers breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and the beautiful landscape of the region.

Further Readings

Summer Adventure and Holidaying in Nepal

5 Places You Must Visit This Christmas In Nepal

Kathmandu – The Funky City Of Historical Importance

 

Note: Some of the images used in the article are cited from Flickr and used for educational purpose. 

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