6-Day Upper Mustang Tour by 4WD Jeep from Pokhara

Lo Manthang's walled city, ancient monasteries, and the arid Himalayan valleys between

A 6-day guided tour of Upper Mustang departing from Pokhara in a private 4WD Jeep, visiting restricted villages, monasteries and the capital city of Lo Manthang while a guide handles permits and navigation. The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and the necessary Upper Mustang restricted permit and Annapurna conservation permit; meals are optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pokhara to Kagbeni

• Depart Pokhara early morning
• Drive through Annapurna region
• Pass Jomsom and Marpha towns
• Explore Kagbeni village and monastery

Day 2 — Kagbeni to Lo Manthang

• Obtain Upper Mustang permits
• Drive through Chele, Samar, Ghemi
• Arrive and explore Lo Manthang town
• Visit Lo Manthang Palace

Day 3 — Exploration of Lo Manthang

• Visit Namgyal Gompa monastery
• Visit Champa Lhakhang monastery
• Visit Thubchen Gompa monastery
• Interact with local Thakali and Tibetan communities

Day 4 — Excursion to Choser Cave and Ghar Gompa

• Drive to Choser village
• Explore Choser meditation caves
• Visit Ghar Gompa monastery
• Enjoy panoramic Mustang views

Day 5 — Lo Manthang to Jomsom

• Begin return drive to Jomsom
• Stop at scenic viewpoints
• Overnight stay in Jomsom

Day 6 — Jomsom to Pokhara

• Drive back to Pokhara by 4WD jeep
• Arrive Pokhara and transfer to hotel

The Experience

The tour leaves Pokhara early and heads toward Kagbeni through the Annapurna region, passing apple orchards and towns with Tibetan-influenced architecture before reaching the historic village where the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers meet. From there, the Jeep climbs into the arid Upper Mustang landscape, crossing through villages like Chele, Samar and Ghemi on the way to Lo Manthang, the walled capital. The permit check happens at Kagbeni; your guide obtains the restricted-area documents so you don't have to arrange them separately.

Days in Lo Manthang focus on the monasteries — Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa — where you watch Buddhist rituals and speak with monks about their spiritual practice. You also spend time in the local Thakali and Tibetan communities, learning how they've preserved their traditional way of life in this remote region. A separate excursion takes you to Choser Cave, where monks have meditated for centuries in cliffs carved with ancient chambers, and to Ghar Gompa, a monastery perched high enough to see across the entire Mustang valley.

The return follows the same route back through the desert terrain and down to Jomsom, where you overnight before the final drive to Pokhara. The 4WD Jeep handles the rough roads and high altitude; your guide manages the stops and timing. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara are included, as is the English-speaking guide for all six days.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfer by private 4WD Jeep from your Pokhara hotel.
• English-speaking guide for all six days.
• Upper Mustang restricted permit and Annapurna conservation trekking permit.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AM Travels and Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private guided tour, so the Jeep, the route and the guide's knowledge are yours alone — the pace stays steady and you don't wait for other groups. Book it if you want the monasteries, villages and desert landscapes of Upper Mustang without managing permits, navigation or the logistics of a restricted area yourself.

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Top questions

What is Lo Manthang like when we arrive?

Lo Manthang is a walled city and the capital of Upper Mustang, known for its ancient palaces, monasteries and narrow streets. It sits at high altitude in a desert landscape and has been a center of Tibetan Buddhist culture for centuries, with the local population still practicing traditional customs and architecture largely unchanged.

Do I need a special permit to visit Upper Mustang?

Yes, Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and the tour includes both the Upper Mustang restricted permit and the Annapurna area conservation trekking permit. Your guide obtains these at the Kagbeni checkpoint on day two, so you don't need to arrange them in advance.

How much driving is involved each day?

Days one and two are the longest drives, covering the route from Pokhara to Kagbeni and then Kagbeni to Lo Manthang through changing terrain. Days three and four are based in Lo Manthang with shorter excursions to nearby monasteries and caves. Days five and six are the return journey back to Pokhara, retracing the route with scenic stops along the way.

What kind of physical condition do I need for this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Most of the travel is by Jeep, but you'll walk through villages, climb monastery stairs and explore caves. The altitude in Upper Mustang is significant, so acclimatization matters. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

Can children go on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 5 onward. The Jeep travel and village exploration suit families, though parents should consider the altitude, the long driving days and the moderate fitness requirement when deciding if their child is ready.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Meals are optional and available at checkout for approximately US$25 per person per day. If you don't purchase the meal option, you'll arrange your own food at stops and overnight locations, though your guide can recommend places to eat.