In 1992 AD, Upper Mustang opened its border for the westerners for trekking activities and allowed them to explore the hidden gems. Colorful monasteries, hidden multi-storied caves, high passes, isolated Tibetan Buddhist settlements, and indigenous hospitality contribute Upper Mustang to being a widely renowned travel destination in the world. Once the super-hit destination for the trek- the Upper Mustang and its caves and monasteries are accessible with a 4WD jeep tour.
Upper Mustang Trekking in the Past
When the trek started to Upper Mustang, trekkers enjoyed the isolated trail with camping and later facilitated with tea houses. Trekkers would enjoy the trek through off-the-beaten-path, guided by the professional trekking guide and the supporting teams. The trek would often start from Jomsom after landing at a tiny airstrip after a 20-minute flight from Pokhara.
Trekking through the windswept Kali Gandaki River Valley, trekkers would enjoy exploring various highlighted towns that are culturally unique and artistically impressive. Kagbeni, Chhuksang, Chele, Syangbochen, Ghali, Ghiling, Dhakmar, Tsarang, Lomanthang, and Chhoser villages are major towns that support trekkers for comfortable trekking in this remote part of Mustang. That was a different story with untouched culture and heritages.
…then the story changed.
Upper Mustang Lomanthang Jeep Tour
There came another story replacing the historical trekking to Upper Mustang. Due to the road extension, the Upper Mustang tour by Jeep takes you to the major highlighted destinations. It allowed people who are culturally interested but can't walk for several days in the high altitude.
Attractions
There are an abundant number of attractions on the way to Upper Mustang Lomanthang, both natural and cultural. They have been mentioned in brief below.
Rupse Waterfalls
Rupse Waterfalls is a 310-meter waterfall on the way to Mustang. It is located in the Myagdi district, near the border of Myagdi and Mustang district. Not a single travelers pass without stopping at this point, as it is just beside the driving route.
Marpha and Jomsom
Marpha is richly loaded with traditional houses, monasteries, and an amazing town to explore. People can travel and spend quality time and take pictures with traditional dresses. The entire village is a combo attraction that you can explore.
Jomsom is a district center with an abundant number of hotels, restaurants, bus stops, a tiny airstrip, and the beautiful scenery of Mt. Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak. Jomsom remains a bit crowded as it is the center of Mustang district at the Kali Gadaki River side.
Dhumba Lake
The impressive Dhumba Lake is located at 2830 meters altitude, just at the base of Mt. Nilgiri, 5 km west of Jomsom. It is one of the prime attractions for Mustang travelers as the place is scenic, and people can walk around the Lake in and serene setting.
See on Video: Dhumba Lake Mustang
Kagbeni and Muktinath
Chungsi Cave
Chungsi Cave is one of the finest attractions of the Upper Mustang Jeep Safari Tour. It is directly associated with both Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. Even the formation of the cave and its location is amazing. You drive there from Syangbochen and explore it.
Lo Ghekar Monastery and Red Cliff of Dhakmar
The beautiful Dhakmar village is located at an elevation of 3,820 meters / 12533 feet above sea level. It bestows magnificent landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals. The prime attractions of this village are Lo Ghekar Monastery, red sandy cliffs, and the cultural significance attached to the landscape around. Inside the sandy caves and rock formations, some intricate paintings and carvings are worth exploring.
Luri Gompa
The picturesque and culturally impressive Luri Gompa Monastery is located in the Lo Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality, ward number 04, Upper Mustang. It is situated at about 100 meters high on steep rock cliffs. The route to Luri Gumba I, first you reach Tsarang. Then take a right turn towards Surkhang, Yara, and Ghara. Luri Gompa is located ahead of Ghara at an altitude of 3900 meters.
Lomanthang
Lo Manthang is the capital of the Upper part of Upper Mustang, which was once a separate Kingdom of Nepal. When the Kingdom of Nepal was abolished, it applied there too. Lomanthang, the walled town was constructed in the 15th Century. It is located at an altitude of 3800 meters altitude.
Lomanthang is prosperously loaded with colorful monasteries, chhortens, Buddhist schools, hotels, and guest houses. It is a real gem for cultural exploration. Jampha Lakhang and Thupchen Lakhang Monastery of the 15th Century, Choede Lakhang from the 18th Century are amazing to explore.
People in Lomanthang belong to the Lobas community, which is similar to the Tibetan culture. They have a wide faith in Sakyapa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is a globally renowned festival, which is celebrated for three days. They perform with various mask dances and musical instruments.
Shija Jhong Cave at Choser Village
Sija Jhong Cave is a multi-storied cave in Upper Mustang, near the Choser village. It truly represents the diversity of the unique sandy rock formation of the Mustang region. You can climb in the caves by ladders, which offer an amazing view of the Choser village itself.
Best Suitable Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Marpha. 7 hours drive
Day 02: Explore Marpha, then drive Jomsom-Dhumba Lake-Muktinath-Kagbeni and Chhuksang (2980 meters).
Day 03: Chhuksang to Lomanthang, visit the Jhong Cave at Chhoser.
Day 04: Lomanthang to Tsarang, Visit the Lo Ghekar Monastery and Luri Gumba.
Day 05: Drive to Syangbochen-visit Chungsi Cave and drive further to Samar.
Day 06: Drive Samar to Tatopani (1190 meters).
Day 07: Drive Tatopani to Pokhara.
Better to Know Beforehand
- Bring proper outfits, a down jacket, windcheater, sunblock hat and cream, UV ray protection glasses
- Your ID (Passport)
- Some cash (to pay entrance fees)
- Some altitude medications (in case your health gets worse)
- Power bank (to charge your camera/mobile phone. There can be power cuts sometimes.
Booking Procedures
We have made the booking process easy for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Package. You can contact us via WhatsApp and put on your queries. Then send a passport copy and pp size photo along with the advance amount deposited in our bank account.
WhatsApp: +977 9851159455
Email: [email protected]
