Upper Mustang driving tour is a tour design for those peoples who do not have enough time to explore Upper Mustang by walking for long days or does not want to involve in adventure trekking. Short day driving tour will have enough time to explore Upper Mustang also called little Tibet in Nepal. Driving with a four-wheel jeep is an adventure guided tour to the most stunning valleys of Upper mustang with spectacular mountain views inside place of ethnic cultures.
Upper Mustang, the rain shadow area of Nepal Himalayas is best to visit from March till October. The route is more famous for trekking but now, it has build a rough route in the area and a driving tour is also suitable with comfirtable jeep. Nepal Highland Trek provides a comfortable jeep with helpful and friendly guide in your tour. Your tour starts from Kathmandu and drives with same jeep or flies to Pokhara, the natural city of Nepal. Place of chilled out with beautiful lakes and clear view of the panoramic Annapurna mountain range. Next day drive start and reach at lower Mustang area for overnight. Numerous local villages provide tourist standard accommodations and foods on the way in your driving tour. Another one day driving and staying again in lower mustang region where the area is less vegetation, Tibet influence settlement and panoramic mountain ranges.
Third day of your tour after starting from Pokhara, cross-checking point of the restricted area and reach Upper Mustang region. Upper Mustang Jeep Tour cross scenic Barley and Buckwheat filed, apple orchard, Chortern and typical houses are picturesque sights. Driving crosses Chele village (3050m) and Syangboche (3800m), which are big villages in Upper Mustang area. You also got to cross Nya La pass of 4010 miter. You will feel less oxygen and minor difficulties in breathing. The area all around is less vegetation and heavy windy during the day. Reach at Ghami (3490m) and taking rest is more helpful to acclimatize your body in high altitude.
Our ultimate destination is Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang reach within one single day of driving from Ghami. Lo-Manthang is a walled city connecting with Tibet border. The village is noted for its tall white-washed mud-brick wall, century’s oldest monasteries, king palace, caves and off course panoramic Mountain views. One day full exploration in Lo-Manthang covers major visiting places. You also have the option to stay another day and visit another part of Lo-Mangthang. The special cultural activities from local peoples can be seen at the time of the local festival. The biggest festival in the Upper Mustang area is the Tiji festival and is held in one of the biggest monastery in Lo-Manthang.
For the Upper Mustang driving tour, we need at least two peoples. Need special restricted area permit to obtain from the department of immigration of Nepal. Cost only for that permit is USD 500 per person for any foreigner. The restricted area starts after Kagbeni village. The only government fully license trekking agencies are allowed to obtain permits. Nepal Highland Treks is fully government licensed and you will enjoy and explore Upper Mustang driving tour with our dedicated guide and driver team. There are other optional way to reach Upper Mustang and its capital Lo-manthang. The shortest and the luxury way to explore Upper Mustang in short period is Helicopter tour.
Upper Mustang driving tour during Tiji festival
Tiji is the biggest Buddhist festival organize in Lomanthang. The main days of the festival run for three days. The festival is about a ritual performed by Buddhist Lama (monks). Heads of Lama from different monasteries gather there to perform this ritual festival. The main aim of the festival is the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. This is an annual festival that happens every year around mid-May and lasts for 3 days. The monks of Lo Manthang's "Choedhe" monastery perform ritual dances during the celebration. Management of this festival provides a comfortable stay with entrance fees for tourists who wants to observe this festival from nearby. Nepal Highland treks organize driving, trekking, or a motorbiking trip to Upper Mustang to explore the Tiji festival.
