This Muktinath Jeep Tour is a comforting and luxury way to explore Lower Mustang and reach to the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple (3760 m/12345 ft), that begins from Kathmandu or Pokhara and winds through hot water springs, villages, orchid apple gardens, acing through the world’s deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki with the panorama of Tibetan plateau landscape and iconic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. A spiritual awakening journey awaits you, which leads you to a wild, varied climatic zone in a short time, with an encounter of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tibetan culture all in one - a dream-come-true adventure for culture enthusiasts and Hindu followers.
Muktinath Jeep Tour Detailed Overview:
Are you looking for an easy and comfortable way to get to the sacred Muktinath Temple without any leg-trembling long-duration trek with no risk of altitude sickness, without having to do ample preparations beforehand? If yes, then the Muktinath Jeep Tour by Jeep is for you, which passes through the major charming settlements of Tatopani, Kusma, Beni, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha, Khingar, all in all, every popular aspects of Lower Mustang region of Nepal, so you get to explore the best out of this 7 days Muktinath Jeep Tour meeting heavenly surroundings and holy pilgrimage visits at the same time.
The entire journey is covered within the Annapurna Conservation Area and Lower Mustang of the Northern part of Nepal, bordered by Kali Gandaki and Marshyangdi River through the rugged landscapes, which visits every highlight corner offering. The Muktinath Road Trip is a spiritually enlightening tour that heads to a special holy site, the Muktinath Temple, set quite high in the mountains at an elevation of 3,760 meters in the Mustang district, which is also the highest elevation that this tour attains. The temple has as many as 108 taps under which people bathe to throw away all bad karma for their entire life and get filled with peace and happiness, which means "Moksh" in the Sanskrit language.
Muktinath Temple is a sacred site visited by more than 200,000 visitors every year, where Hindus pray to Lord Vishnu, and Buddhists honor Lord Buddha. Hindu followers believe that Lord Buddha is the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, making this place dear to both religions.
Beginning in Kathmandu, the Jeep tour to Muktinath offers one a glimpse into the hectic city life, also dotted with ancient temples. While journeying toward the city of silent lakes from the comfortable 4WD Jeep seats, one passes by nature's countryside views of snow-topped mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It is a charming place to relax and gear up for another adventure. Leaving the city of Pokhara, you start winding among hills, rivers, and mountain villages through the Kali Gandaki River. If you are already in Pokhara, then you can opt for the Pokhara to Mustang Overland Tour, which begins and ends at the city of Pokhara, or you can customize the itinerary as well.
The journey stops en route to Rupse Waterfall, where one can enjoy the sound of rushing water and scenic photography. The fun escalates as you enter the Mutang, crossing through the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, and Tatopani with natural hot springs. The Muktinath Overland Jeep Tour continues to Jomsom, a lively town backed by towering mountains and apple orchards, where you experience the cool mountain breeze.
From Jomsom, the route progresses onward towards Kagbeni, entering the gateway of the restricted area of Upper Mustang that also connects the Annapurna Circuit Trail with its old-style houses and quiet environs, surrounded by some majestic peaks and dry landscapes. But the coolest bit of the trip is the road to Muktinath Temple. When sunlight hits the golden roof on the mountain, there is a deep warmth in the heart. It is transformational. Inside the Muktinath temple is a never-dying flame that is believed to have been burning for the past hundreds of years. Just beside the temple stands a big statue of Buddha that imparts a sense of calmness and holiness to the entire area.
On the way back, you will have a half-day trip to Marpha, a wonderful village famed for its apple orchards and local apple products. Here awaits a fresh taste of apple juice and a glimpse of a mountain village where Thakali people welcome us warmly. The Josmom Muktinath Jeep Tour ends on this drive back to Pokhara and then onward to Kathmandu, soaking in rural landscapes along the way.
The Pilgrimage Jeep Tour to Mukinath in Nepal is definitely for families, seniors, or whoever simply wishes to visit this sacred site without trekking for many days. You will witness the same awe-inspiring views and spectacular holy sites as the trekkers, only feeling comfortable and safe. Because mountain roads are familiar territory for our experienced drivers, our guide shares cracking stories about the places we visit.
Hence, all in all, the 7-day Muktinath Overland Tour is not only about arriving at the temple but also entails experiencing the magic of the Himalayas, meeting kind-hearted local people, and soaking up the spiritual energy of this ancient holy site, touching one of the hidden gems of the Mustang district in Nepal.
Note: If you want to visit the Upper Mustang as well, which ascends to Lo Manthang via a jeep ride that also visits this holy pilgrimage temple and several Buddhist monasteries, then you should choose for Upper Mustang Overland Tour that gets completed within 12 days from and to Kathmandu.
Major Highlights of Muktinath Tour by Jeep
- Standing at an elevation of 3,710 meters, the Muktinath temple, which is one of the most famous holy places set apart by the presence of Hindu and Buddhist devotees in the Himalayas
- Spend a day in the city of Lake Pokhara and engage in fun activities like kayaking, canoeing, boating, and visiting other pagodas and temples
- Drive to Sarangkot - 1600 meters, to indulge yourself with a distinct view of snowy, frosty peaks, the sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Experience the natural eternal flame, burning for over 1,500 years from natural gas seeping through rocks right at the temple
- Drive through one of the deepest river gorges in the world, carved by the Kali Gandaki River
- Explore Marpha village, known as Nepal's cleanest village, with its apple orchards, traditional distillery, and charming whitewashed stone houses
- Explore the narrow streets of ancient Kagbeni towards traditional mud brick homes dancing with colorful prayer flags in the mountain wind
- Watch fantastic panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche, throughout the journey
- Bathe beneath 108 sacred cow-head-shaped water springs in Muktinath Temple that will wash away your sins and bestow upon you the gift of spiritual purification
- Travel through varied landscapes from green hills and terraced farms to high-altitude desert terrains that seem like the surface of another planet
- Meet the warm-hearted Thakalis who inhabit these remote mountain villages, learn of their distinctive culture and the traditional way of life that goes together with their warm hospitality
Why Choose Muktinath Jeep Tour Over Trekking?
So, if trekking or a jeep ride to Muktinath Temple accounts for why it is best to hire a jeep, then, well, maybe going in a jeep is the option of those who want to just see the sacred spot and do not have much time to spend. While any other Mustang region trek that touches Kagbeni- the Upper Mustang region, while visiting Muktinath, takes somewhere between 12-15 days, under a jeep tour, you land at your destination in just 7 days with a few hours' drive. And that much difference matters, especially if you have limited vacation time.
The jeep tour is far more family-oriented, so you can carry your kids, elderly parents, or anyone who finds long walks difficult. There is no need to worry about an aching back from carrying a heavy backpack or sleeping on a thin foam mattress in a bare mountain lodge all along. Despite any age or any kind of physical fitness, you can visit the sacred temple in great comfort without hiking for at least a couple of hours every day.
For first-timers who have never been to the high mountains, the jeep trip is less scary. Since you reach the same altitudes as treks, in contrast to those who do it by trekking, means doing uphill walks for days and days. It makes it truly easy and less difficult from a physical point of view, so you can concentrate on the whole spiritual ambience rather than on sore feet and tired muscles.
The few who do the Upper Mustang Trek also rather go for a jeep ride in between to save a little time. Since roads have improved so much, one can reach the same wonderful sites without all that walking. You shall witness the majestic mountains, visit the sacred temple, and immerse yourself in the culture, far too comfortably and with minimal effort.
Top Attractions Along The Muktinath Jeep Tour Route
The Jomsom Muktinath Jeep Tour is an incredible journey passing through some of the most spectacular places in Nepal. After such a long drive up to the temple, one must wonder what wonderful sights will unfold on the jeep ride. One will drive through sunny landscapes from serene lakes to deep mountain gorges, from rushing cascades to ancient desert villages. At stops along the way, each site offers something special, which will be engraved in your memory forever.
During these 7 days Muktinath Jeep Tour, all significant sites that present the natural glory and cultural richness of Nepal shall be visited. These places include Pokhara, the lakeside paradise, the world's deepest river gorge, electrifying waterfalls, aged mountain villages, the sacred Muktinath Temple, and an apple-scented village. Now, let us look into what exactly makes these hosts unique and important stops toward one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas.
Pokhara: City Of Lakes
Pokhara is a beautiful city at serene Phewa Lake, where the reflection of snow peaks appears perfectly on the still water. You could commence the mountain adventure here, as it offers everything in abundance, from breathtaking nature to adventures, plus comfort in hotels serving delicious food. Comprising seven lakes, the city is famous, and among them, Phewa Lake is the most popular. To have more fun, tourists go for colorful boat rides that carry them to a small island having a Hindu temple called Tal Barahi in the middle of the lake. Adrenaline junkies adore Pokhara!
To paraglide from Sarangkot, soar like a bird over the lakes and mountains, is such a feeling with your heart beating faster out of excitement. For those who want adrenaline rushes, they can opt for zip-lines or bungee, or mountain biking; otherwise, you can stroll, munching away at Lakeside, filled with some nice cafés, little handicraft shops, and restaurants serving worldwide cuisine. While ending our Muktinath Overland Tour, Pokhara is the perfect city to have some fun and adventure activities with the most stunning scenery, as we'll be heading to the Sarangkot in the early morning to witness the sunrise view over mountains, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range!
Kali Gandaki Gorge: Pass Through The World’s Deepest Gorge
Did you know that the Kali Gandaki Gorge is the deepest gorge in the world? So driving through it feels like traveling in the pathway of some giant carved between two immense mountain masses. On the one side is Dhaulagiri rising up to 8,167 meters, and on the other stands Annapurna at 8,091 meters with the river flowing 5,571 meters below these peaks. And then the history of this gorge is what truly makes it fascinating. Millions of years ago, this river was flowing here when the Himalayan mountains started growing up around it. So rather than the river changing its path, it kept cutting deeper and deeper as the mountains grew higher and higher.
As we follow this route, watch the river carving smooth rocks and some intriguing geological formations. Sometimes the road feels scary, at least at places, as it is narrow with deep drops on one side; however, no need to worry as our expert driver knows about every curve and bump on this road. These routes take you through small villages where people have been living for centuries, surviving in this dramatic landscape.
Rupse Waterfall (Chhahara)
Our first reaction when we see the Rupse waterfall may be to say “Oh my goodness!” seeing majestic water coming cascading down from atop a tall cliff. Because it reaches up almost 200 meters, Rupse is among the most stunning waterfalls in the whole country. Snow and glaciers up in the high mountains provide a lot of the water. The more the snow melts during spring and early summer, the more powerful and spectacular the waterfall appears to be. The water drifts down the rocks with such force that it forms mist and sometimes shimmering rainbows with a touch of sunlight.
One interesting thing about the Rupse waterfall is that it can be seen quite clearly from the road without requiring any trekking! The local folks declare that this waterfall has some sort of spiritual energy, and it makes us feel very calm yet awestruck standing beside it while passing it via Jeep or Bike, as it allows some time to spend here privately, whereas local bus do not stop by which also tends to be one of the perk of Muktinath Tour by Jeep.
Jomsom And Kagbeni
Our visit to the towns of Jomsom and Kagbeni seems like we stepped into a movie about ancient times! These two villages show you the traditional lifestyle of hundreds of years ago, but people still somehow survive in almost the same way as their great-grandparents. Being the big town, Jomsom is the chief center of the Mustang region. Here is a small airport where tiny planes land between the mountains, and it's quite exciting to watch! The town lies in a wide valley surrounded by colored hills resembling deserts, tinting red, brown, and yellow in the afternoon sun. Here you can find a few basic hotels, small shops, and restaurants selling Tibetan-style cuisine that can warm you up on chilly mountain nights.
And Kagbeni is a very old village that has its narrow stone streets lined with old mud-brick houses with flat roofs. Prayer flags flutter everywhere in that strong mountain wind. You can almost reach both sides of the street with your arms out because the houses are so closely packed. Kagbeni is intriguing because it is the gateway to Upper Mustang which used to be a distinct kingdom. From beyond this village, special permits are needed. The locals are called Loba, and it's their culture of Tibetan Buddhism that has preserved ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and monks' chants.
Muktinath Temple
This is one of the major stops of our whole Jomsom Muktinath Jeep Tour that provides a detailed sightseeing experience in the Muktinath Temple area, which is not just a fine piece of architecture but also a sacred place on earth for many. The temple is located at a height of 3710 meters; it is very special because both Hindus and Buddhists come and pray there peacefully.
108 water spouts are the major attraction in the temple, with the flow of holy water running through them continuously from the cow's mouth. Bathing there is believed to wash away all sins and bring good luck on one's family. Holding happiness and joy in your heart is really a beautiful thing to watch, even if you are not religious. But then, there's even more magic in here! Inside a nearby temple, a flame has been burning spontaneously for more than 1,500 years without being lit by anybody. The flame is that of natural gas coming in from the earth, and locals believe that it symbolizes the presence of God. Around the temple area, many smaller shrines, prayer wheels, and colorful flags are set up.
Marpha
You will be very glad about the fact that we shall visit Nepal's cleanest and most charming village! Marpha looks like heaven, with its white houses, stone-paved streets, and apple orchards everywhere you look. The village is so successful in operation and so clean that it has received awards from the Nepal government. The Thakali people dwelling in Marpha are renowned for their hospitality and excellent culinary skills, and here you shall sample the best dal bhat of your entire trip! But what makes Marpha really synonymous with apples? The village is surrounded by apple orchards, and depending on the time of year, you may see those lovely apple blossoms in white or the trees with apples of red and green.
The locals produce apple brandy, apple wine, dried apples, and fresh apple juice using recipes handed down from generation to generation. And there is a tiny distillery where you can see the whole process of making these products the traditional way. Marpha's serene, narrow lanes feel like a walk through a mountain haven. You will see traditional flat-roof houses, tiny monasteries draped with prayer flags, and local folks who never fail to greet you with a warm smile. The best part is that winds are kept at bay due to the hills surrounding Marpha, remaining an island of tranquillity, perfect for just winding down from days of the Muktinath Overland Tour.
Note: If your holiday duration collides with the thriving and boasting Tiji Festival, which is celebrated every year, then you should consider the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour, which starts from 14th to 16th May in 2026, that visits the Muktinath Temple at Jomsom, and Lo Manthang, as well known to be the forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
Alternative route for Jomsom Muktinath Jeep Tour for 9 days
If you have extra time and want to explore more places during your Muktinath trip, this 9-day alternative Jomsom Muktinath jeep tour really gives you a better experience with less rushing. The longer trip features an overnight at Tatopani, where one can indulge in a dip in the famous natural hot spring, thus unwinding from all the driving. More days mean you get ample rest at every destination without tiring from the continuous long drives; get some time to wander around the local villages, better photograph the mountain views, and soak up the culture of the different communities on the route. This option is primarily suitable for travelers who want a relaxed pace and want to soak up every bit of the spiritual and cultural wealth of Mustang without a rushed schedule.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a tourist bus
Day 03: Drive to Tatopani from Pokhara
Day 04: Drive from Tatopani to Jomsom
Day 05: Drive from Jomsom to Muktinath
Day 06: Drive from Muktinath to Marpha
Day 07: Drive from Marpha to Pokhara
Day 08: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 09: Final Departure
This is a suggestive alternative route to the 7-day Muktinath Jeep Tour for someone having more time and willing to cover other aspects of Mustang as well. However, you can customize the itineraries at what time fits you, not only that, but you can tailor it as per your estimated budget. Hence, for any queries, you can contact us anytime as we are always look 24 hours forward to assisting you with the pro expert guidance.
