Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep Tour

The Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep Tour is specifically designed to offer visitors an astonishing and picturesque experience in the stunning Mustang region of Nepal. The 12-day Upper Mustang 4WD jeep tour is a great way to explore the enchanting kingdom of Nepal without the need for extensive walking. It offers a comfortable and scenic ride to Lo Manthang, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. Upper Mustang is considered one of the top destinations worldwide due to its unique landscape featuring cold mountain deserts, ancient unfiltered religion, centuries-old monuments, and extraordinary history. Upper Mustang, previously known as the secluded kingdom of Lo, is renowned as one of the most breathtaking destinations to explore in the remote region of Mustang, Nepal. This comfortable tour will explore the cultural diversity of Nepal and the unique geography of the country, taking you from bustling cities to peaceful small villages in the upper Mustang region.

The Upper Mustang region is highly regarded for its untouched landscapes, dry valleys, and rich cultural heritage, which is influenced by the Thakali and mostly Tibetan communities. The Upper Mustang is also known as the ancient walled city in the Upper Mustang area. The secluded hidden gem of Nepal offers a unique and mysterious travel experience. The local people have done an exceptional job preserving their traditions and the natural beauty of the area. This is unlike anything you would see in other parts of the country. The Upper Mustang area is mostly due to its trans-Himalayan landscapes that act as a barrier to the monsoon rain. As a result, the area has a dry, cold, and deserted landscape. One of the main highlights of this location is its breathtaking desert environment and picturesque cliff-faced scenery.

The Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep tour offers the best way to explore the stunning mountain vistas, rich Tibetan culture and traditions, breathtaking scenic Jeep trips, and picturesque mountain valleys. The main attractions of this region in Nepal are its stunning geography and the warm hospitality of the locals towards their guests. The civilization that originally belonged to the Tibetans and practices that are still relevant to consider a boon of old times is astonishing. Upper Mustang residents rely on trade, tourism, and animal husbandry for a living. There was no interaction with the outside world because of the remoteness. As a result, they were able to maintain their old traditions and culture.

The Upper Mustang and Kali Gandaki Valley Jeep driving tour is an incredibly enjoyable and unforgettable experience. This trip is specifically designed for individuals who are interested in traveling to the breathtaking region of Mustang. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the local language, immerse oneself in the captivating culture, and gain insights into the rich Tibetan customs that are prevalent in this area. Mustang, a region that was once a crucial route for navigating the Himalayas between Tibet and Nepal, witnessed the travels of several historic salt caravans. During this trip, you will embark on a 4x4 drive to explore a region known for its incredible architecture, linguistic diversity, and captivating culture and traditions. These cultural practices and customs are deeply influenced by Tibetan heritage.

Where is Upper Mustang?

Lo Manthang, also known as the Lost Kingdom of Nepal, is situated in the northern region of the country, specifically in the upper part of Nepal. The Annapurna Conservation Area, located in Nepal, is an incredible destination known for its vast biodiversity. It is one of the largest protected areas in the country. The upper Mustang is situated in the Tibetan Plateau close to the Tibetan border in the Himalayan region of Nepal. In the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, Upper Mustang is a dry river valley located close to the Annapurna Circuit. This valley used to be a prohibited kingdom within Nepal. It established its tradition and culture, which is quite similar to Tibetan culture, as a result of years of isolation from the outside world. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the trans-Himalayan zone of Nepal. Numerous attractions offer a wide range of experiences and allow you to witness the mindblowing vistas, cultural traditions, and lifestyle that still has no touch of modernity.

Upper Mustang History and Culture

With an average elevation of 4,000 meters, Upper Mustang is part of the Tibetan plateau both geologically and culturally and is situated north of Annapurna. The valleys are dry and dusty, and there are numerous cave houses perched high up on the cliffs among colorful rock formations. Upper Mustang is one of the few locations left where one may still witness unaltered Tibetan culture because it was the first area to allow trekking activities in 1992, and it still receives only a small fraction of visitors that enter Nepal each year.

The kingdom of Mustang was once a remote and mostly autonomous region within Lo, with its capital at Lo Manthang. Upper Mustang, which was formerly a part of Tibet, served as a crucial section of the silk routes connecting Nepal and Tibet. The royal ancestry of the Upper Mustang can be traced back to the 13th century when it is believed to have become a sovereign kingdom. During the 1960s, Mustang served as a stronghold for the Tibetan Khampa rebels who were resisting the Chinese army. It is believed that this movement has had some influence in designating Upper Mustang as a restricted area.

Ancient Tibetan Buddhism

The residents of the Upper Mustang identify themselves as 'Lowa'. In Tibetan, 'Lo' is the synonym for 'north', and 'Lowa' is the synonym for the residents of Tibet. They utilize a range of the Tibetan dialect called 'loba' as their main language. The 'Loba' individuals follow the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. The culture of Lower Mustang exhibits a greater inclination towards the Tamang culture. The Tamang people are believed to constitute the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic group in Nepal. Thakalis are the main residents of Lower Mustang.

The area known as the 'Thak Khola' region, a series of valleys along the Kaligandaki River, is the original location of Lower Mustang's emergence. Upper Mustang is alternatively recognized as ‘The Prohibited Realm', and Lo Manthang, the previous capital, is commonly called ‘ The Ancient Walled City’. Upper Mustang has gained significant popularity among both local and international travelers. The Upper Mustang's breathtaking landscape and unique culture come together to make it an extremely popular and highly revered tourist spot in Nepal.

Major Driving Attractions:

• Try an adrenaline-rushing activity- bungee Jump in Kushma on the way to Tatopani. 

• Explore the natural hot spring in Tatopani to relax your body from a tiring drive.

• Try local and organic seasonal fruits and delicacies of the places.

• Naturally enriched Rupse Waterfall and Kali Gandagi Gorge.

• Try Tukuche Thakali Khana - delicious local Thakali cuisine.

Lo Manthang - The ancient walled city

Lo Manthang, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters, is the capital of Upper Mustang and a secluded Tibetan town. It was founded in the year 1380. During Nepal's monarchical era, the city was the sole autonomous kingdom within the territory of Nepal. The democratic country of Nepal emerged as a component of the sovereign state and is presently governed by the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Lo Manthang, also known as an Upper Mustang walled city, earns its designation because it is included by a protective wall. There are approximately 900 Lobas people residing in the area. The distance between Korala and the Tibetan border is approximately 20 kilometers. Local people in this area continue to engage in trade by utilizing the route from Tibet.

The walls surrounding Lo Manthang were constructed around the 15th century, during the reign of Amar Pal, who was the first monarch of the Mustang dynasty. The walls were entirely made of clay, and according to the village elders, Yaks were used to crush the clay during the construction process. The language and cultural customs of this region, referred to as 'Lo' in Tibetan, are the same as those of Tibetans. The Lo Manthang region accepted the royalty and administrative system before Nepal transitioned into a federal republic state. Jigme Dorje Palwar Bista served as the final king of the region. The area of Upper Mustang has yielded more than a dozen caverns that hold great historical and archaeological significance.

Visitors come to Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang to study the ancient Buddhist civilizations, monasteries that date back thousands of years, cultures, peoples, and stunning landscapes. Also, the region is stunning as a high-altitude desert with a small patch of greenery. The houses in the area are all constructed of mud brick. There are many other attractions to explore in the Upper Mustang of Nepal. Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang are the restricted areas. 

Kagbeni - Gateway to Upper Mustang

In the valley of the Kali Gandaki River, Kagbeni, a Tibetan town, serves as the lone gateway to the upper Mustang. It is also the oldest community in the Himalayas and is known for its incredible cultural spectrums. Kagbeni is located in the Varagung Muktikshetra rural municipality of the Mustang district in western Nepal. It has a total area of 58.3 sq. Km and is located at an elevation of 2,804 meters above sea level. Despite being a small community, it has fame and acclaim due to its natural beauty, culture, traditions, and mind-blowing natural landscapes.

The windswept deserts of the upper Himalayas have a certain fascination. Nothing in this community is excessive; there are no frills or fluff to hide behind when you enter Kagbeni. The stark wilderness that Kagbeni contains strikes with all its blatant splendor, leaving you spellbound in a desire to get into the depth of what this beautiful mountain village has to offer.

Marpha - Village of Orchards

The village of Marpha is located in the Mustang District, which is a part of the Dhaulagiri Zone's Western Development Region of Nepal. The Mustang village of Marpha is well known for its apple crop and is located 2,680 meters above sea level. In addition to producing apples and wine, this area is well known for its Thakali population, its distinctive style of building, and its culture and traditions. Since Tibetan refugees have lived in Marpha for a considerable amount of time, Tibetan is one of the major languages spoken here.

Marpha, which is surrounded by mountains, is distinguished by its lovely, wide-roofed homes. Mural painting on the exterior of houses gives them an attractive appearance. Apple orchards cover the settlement's desert-like landscape. The Samten Choling Gumba, which is regarded as the Marpha people's cultural legacy, is located at the village's highest point. Additionally, this village is well-known for its photography and videography. The visibility of the surrounding lands, which are encircled by mountain ranges, is astounding on clear days.

What to expect from the Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep Tour?

Sky caves, canyons, and other stunning and captivating vistas of great mountains like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna make the experience as stunning as the place itself is. There are several locations in Nepal and along the Hindu Kush Himalayan range that offer similarly stunning natural scenery, but Upper Mustang stands out because of the distinct religion, culture, and history connected to Tibet. The incredible mountain lifestyle that is purely isolated from the modern Western touch and aboriginal to the people of Mustang is one of the best things that you can explore in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal.

Some of the major things that you can do in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal are exploring diverse landscapes, visiting monasteries, interacting with the locals, and getting insights into the lifestyle that still dates back to the old times. Furthermore, the lifestyle is unique and very different from other parts of the world. In the conservation efforts to protect the cultural and historical dimension of this ancient Kingdom, the Upper Mustang area is put on a restricted area by the government of Nepal. To enter the Upper Mustang of Nepal, every foreign national needs to obtain a special restricted area permit and must follow the rules and regulations as instructed by the liaison.

The cultural setting of the Upper Mustang is a singular fusion of an arid alpine terrain with innovative irrigation systems and clay construction. Strong winds blowing daily in prayer flags, bright green barley fields fenced with pebble walls, a chromatic harmony between earthen architecture and nearby red cliffs, all of these elements combine to create an incredible cultural landscape that is best explored in this Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep tour. However, Upper Mustang Trek is also a wonderful option to explore the incredible landscapes of Nepal.

What are the possible difficulties we might have during the trip?

The Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep Tour is considered one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to explore the Upper Mustang region. With the option of traveling in a comfortable jeep, this tour ensures a hassle-free experience for visitors. There are well-maintained roads, as well as some rough and rugged paths, that can provide you with a unique travel experience. The Upper Mustang region, although breathtakingly beautiful, is situated in a remote and isolated area. As a result, it lacks modern facilities and services, with limited access to basic amenities. The Upper Mustang region is considered a restricted area that requires special permits and paperwork. One major challenge you may face during the tour is high altitude sickness. The Upper Mustang region is located close to the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as "the roof of the world," with an average elevation of 3,000m. Altitude sickness is a highly unpredictable condition that can affect individuals regardless of their physical and mental fitness.

People start to experience symptoms of high altitude sickness at an elevation of 2,500m. It is important to note that high altitude sickness can be quite serious and even deadly if not taken seriously. Despite the numerous challenges, a journey to Upper Mustang is truly worthwhile. This region stands out as one of the most extraordinary and stunning places in Nepal, showcasing a diverse geography and untamed natural beauty. Furthermore, the area is rich in a vibrant culture that has remained resilient for centuries. During your journey to Upper Mustang, you will be accompanied by a professional licensed trekking guide who will provide guidance and ensure your safety. 

When is the best time to Visit Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang is a destination that can be visited at any time of the year. However, there are three specific seasons that are considered ideal for embarking on the Upper Mustang 4WD Jeep tour. Spring, which spans from April to May, Monsoon, occurring from June to September, and Autumn, also known as the peak time, from October to November, are considered the most favorable periods to visit Upper Mustang throughout the year. 

During the spring season, from April to May, the weather is pleasant, characterized by sunny days and chilly mornings and evenings. The skies are mostly clear, granting you an amazing view of the surrounding area along with the high mountain chains. During this time, you might as well take the opportunity to witness the local festivals that occur at the end of May, according to the local calendar known as "Tiji," which translates to "Pray for World Peace." Tiji is celebrated in Lo Manthang by Tibetan Buddhist monks, and it is a vibrant and colorful festival. 

The monsoon season, which begins in June and lasts until September, is another incredible time of the year to visit. During this time of the year, you will have the opportunity to witness patches of greenery amidst the forested mountains, which adds a beautiful touch of color to the otherwise cold and barren landscape. You will also have the opportunity to witness the agricultural field adorned with amazing flower beds of buckwheat, showcasing vibrant shades of bright pink and white. During the monsoon season, the roads become more uneven and rough compared to other seasons, which can make driving a bit challenging.

The last season is autumn, which is widely regarded as the peak and ideal time of year for traveling and touring in Nepal. Autumn typically spans from October to November, during which many people choose to travel due to the pleasant weather characterized by clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures. These are also the festival seasons when you will get to see Yartung, which occurs in late summer or early autumn, marking the end of the monsoon season.During this time, you will get an unobstructed view of the mountains and the surrounding environment.