3 Day Lower Mustang Tour from Pokhara: 4WD Jeep Access

The deepest gorge on earth and a 3,800-meter temple sit three days apart by jeep from Pokhara.

A 3-day guided tour from Pokhara into Lower Mustang by private 4WD Jeep, visiting Muktinath Temple at 3,800 meters and the medieval village of Kagbeni, with overnight stays in guest houses, an English-speaking guide, and round-trip hotel pickup included. Lunch is available as an optional add-on; the permit for the Mustang region is included in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Pokhara to Jomsom

• Depart Pokhara early morning
• Drive through Annapurna region
• Stop for lunch (not included)
• Arrive in Jomsom
• Explore Jomsom town

Day 2 — Visit Muktinath and Kagbeni

• Drive to Muktinath Temple
• Explore Muktinath Temple complex
• Drive to Kagbeni village
• Explore Kagbeni alleys and monastery

Day 3 — Return from Kagbeni to Pokhara

• Depart Kagbeni after breakfast
• Drive back through Mustang region
• Stop for lunch (not included)
• Arrive in Pokhara late afternoon

The Experience

Three days in a specially equipped 4WD Jeep means you reach the remote corners of Lower Mustang that regular vehicles cannot access. The tour departs Pokhara early on day one, climbing through the Annapurna region's terraced fields and traditional villages before arriving in Jomsom at 2,700 meters. You stay overnight in a guest house there, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude before the next day's drive to Muktinath Temple.

Day two takes you to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, where you explore the temple complex and the 108 water spouts believed to cleanse sins. From there the jeep continues to Kagbeni, a medieval settlement at the confluence of two rivers, where narrow mud-brick alleys and the ancient Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery sit largely unchanged. You sleep in Kagbeni that night, still at altitude but surrounded by the unique atmosphere of a village that has held its shape for centuries.

The return to Pokhara on day three follows the same scenic route back through the Mustang region, with a lunch stop along the way. You arrive by late afternoon. Throughout the three days, the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the deepest in the world — and the snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges frame the landscape. The jeep's capability to handle rough terrain is what makes this itinerary possible; without it, these stops would require a much longer trek on foot.

What’s included

• Two breakfasts.
• accommodation in guest houses in Jomsom and Kagbeni.
• the Mustang region permit.
• private 4WD Jeep with driver for all three days.
• English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AM Travels and Tours

Is this one for you?Three days is long enough to reach Muktinath Temple and explore Kagbeni without rushing the drive, but short enough to fit into a week-long Nepal itinerary. The fixed itinerary and included guide mean the logistics are settled before you arrive in Pokhara; if you need flexibility to add days or change the route, a longer self-guided trek would suit better.

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Top questions

What is Muktinath Temple and why do people visit it?

Muktinath Temple sits at 3,800 meters and is a major pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex includes 108 water spouts believed to cleanse sins and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas, making it one of the most sacred locations in the Mustang region.

How does the 4WD Jeep change what you can see in three days?

The specially equipped 4WD Jeep can navigate the rugged, remote terrain of Lower Mustang that regular vehicles cannot reach. This access allows the tour to cover Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni village, and the Kali Gandaki Gorge within a single three-day loop from Pokhara instead of requiring a much longer trek.

What is Kagbeni like as a village?

Kagbeni is a medieval settlement at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers, known for its narrow alleys lined with traditional mud-brick houses and its ancient Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery. The village retains a unique atmosphere shaped by Tibetan-influenced culture and traditional architecture.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Breakfast is included on days two and three. Lunch and dinner are available as optional add-ons at approximately US$45 per person; lunch stops on days one and three are at local restaurants where you can order and pay separately if you choose.

What altitude will I reach, and how much time is there to acclimatize?

The tour reaches Muktinath Temple at 3,800 meters on day two. Jomsom, where you stay on night one, sits at 2,700 meters, giving you one night to adjust before climbing higher the next morning.

Does the tour price include the Mustang region permit?

Yes, the permit required to enter the Mustang region is included in the tour price, along with the English-speaking guide, all accommodation in guest houses, and round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Pokhara.