Once known as the Kingdom of Lo, the Upper Mustang region of Nepal was famously off-limits to all foreigners until the 1990's. Nowadays, a road extends to Lo Manthang and beyond to the Kora La border with Tibet. The possibility of Mustang jeep tours enables those who could only dream of Mustang to now be able to explore this unique and special part of Nepal "behind the Himalayan wall" without having to endure days of challenging trekking.
Our unique and innovative Mustang jeep tours have been created with the invaluable assistance of our own specialist Mustang guides and the people who call Mustang home too.
Our special thanks to:
Mustang guides: Shiva Basnet and Dev Bahadur Tamang
Mustang locals: Tashi Gurung (Charang), Raju Bista (Ghemi), Kanchha Gurung (Chhukksang), Ram Gurung (Lo Manthang)
What awaits is an otherworldly landscape, mysterious sky caves, traditional tiny villages, and an authentic culture. For many, the lure of the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang is the ultimate prise.
That it required days of arduous trekking over high passes to reach meant that for many, forbidden or otherwise, reaching Lo Manthang was simply a pipe dream. Of course, the permit cost deters many, too, but all of this keeps Mustang special. This unforgiving, high-altitude mountain desert is quite unlike any other part of Nepal, as it lies behind the Himalayas on the Tibetan Plateau.
Protected from the monsoon by the Himalayas means that this is an arid landscape carved by the winds of Central Asia. Weirdly shaped eroded cliffs coloured by striking earth pigmentation in variations of ochre, red, amber, blue and brown suggest that this could be Mars. Scattered, white-painted villages, Tibetan monasteries and ancient wayside inns, a legacy of hundreds of years of cross-border trading, just seem to blend perfectly with the hostile, barren mountainscapes of Mustang.
Upper Mustang still remains the destination of choice for the adventurous Himalayan connoisseur.
But, some things are changing. A road now exists meaning that trekking is no longer the only option. However, this wild and unforgiving land has not been tamed, even by 4WD a Mustang Jeep Tour is an adventurous and often challenging journey.
We have suggested itineraries below that explore both Upper and Lower Mustang. We consider Upper Mustang to be beyond Kagbeni to Lo Manthang and Lower Mustang to be Kagbeni down into the Kali Gandaki and to Thasang. Lower Mustang trips don't need a restricted area permit and venture as far as Kagbeni, yet they too still afford a glimpse of Upper Mustang.
Our Mustang treks and Mustang Tours can all be tailor-made too.
UPPER MUSTANG - A dramatic and spectacular “luxury” overland journey through the Himalayas from Pokhara to the fabled “walled city” of Lo Manthang in the former Kingdom of Mustang, staying in the highest standard of accommodation and using the best 4WD vehicle available in Mustang.
UPPER MUSTANG - A cultural touring adventure through the high altitude mountain desert of Mustang to Lo Manthang.
UPPER MUSTANG - Discover Nepal from the rural villages of the “middle hills” and lowland jungles to the remote and high former Kingdom of Mustang, the land beyond the Himalaya.
UPPER MUSTANG - Tour and Trek! A unique and innovative way to explore Mustang combining both illuminating day hikes on lesser-known trails with overland touring by jeep.
UPPER MUSTANG - Just the name 'Mustang' fires the imagination. A wild, barren, and arid high mountain desert that's more 'Tibet' than Nepal. From Jomsom, you trek through this unforgiving yet incredible landscape over high passes to reach the legendary capital, Lo Manthang. Returning via a different route.
LOWER MUSTANG - Unique and quite possibly the ultimate two-week Nepal Adventure. Mountain bike and raft down the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest valley. A beautiful day trek to a sacred Himalayan lake beneath magnificent Dhaulagiri too.
LOWER MUSTANG - Overnighting in the Annapurna Comfort Lodge, Kagbeni, and the Thasang Village Comfort Lodge. Discover the Tibetan part of Nepal and the Kali Gandaki Valley.