Explore Lower Mustang and Muktinath Without Needing an Upper Mustang Permit
This 5-day Mustang tour in Nepal lets you explore Lower Mustang without needing the costly Upper Mustang permit. You will travel by jeep from Pokhara through Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni to Muktinath Temple. The route covers the unique dry landscape and Tibetan-style villages of Lower Mustang.
This tour is perfect for travellers with limited time who want to see Mustang’s raw beauty. It is especially popular with Indian travellers due to easy road access and religious sites. The trip requires only the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card, which are affordable and quick to get.
You will enjoy short hikes, cultural visits, and holy sites without trekking or flights. The jeep route is suitable for families and travellers of all ages.
Quick Overview
Permit Info: No Upper Mustang permit required (saves $500 USD)
Travel Mode: All travel by 4WD jeep (road only)
Tour Type: Private (typically)
Starting Point: Pokhara (Pickup also available from Kathmandu or the Indian border)
Best For: Short-term visitors, Indian pilgrims, and those avoiding restricted area permits
👉 Book Now | Get Cost in INR/USD | Chat on WhatsApp
Why This Mustang Tour Doesn’t Require a Special Permit
This 5-day tour is planned for travellers who want to visit Mustang without paying the Upper Mustang fee. The restricted area permit normally costs $500 USD per person. This permit is not required when visiting Lower Mustang, which includes Muktinath, Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Marpha.
Lower Mustang lies outside the controlled area zone. You only need two standard permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. These are much cheaper and easier to get. This saves both time and cost for travellers.
Most visitors do not know that the Mustang region has two zones. This trip covers the open section that is connected to Pokhara by road. No trekking or restricted access is involved. You can reach all the places in this tour by vehicle without crossing into the permit zone.
What You Can Expect on a Short Mustang Tour in Nepal
The route follows the Kali Gandaki corridor between two of Nepal’s highest peaks—Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The terrain is dry and rocky, with flat-roofed houses, narrow alleys, and wide mountain valleys. These landscapes look more like the Tibetan plateau than the green hills of central Nepal.
The tour passes through Kagbeni and Marpha. These are lived-in villages with Buddhist culture, Tibetan dialects, and traditional homes. Prayer flags, chortens, and stone walls are part of everyday life here. These villages are not tourist-made—they are preserved and functioning communities.
One major stop is Muktinath Temple. This is a sacred site located at 3,800 meters. It holds equal religious value to Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims, especially from India, visit Muktinath for ritual baths and darshan. The site is quiet, simple, and active year-round.
The entire journey is done by a private jeep. Roads are unpaved in sections but passable throughout the year. You do not need to trek or take flights. This makes the tour more suitable for families, elderly travellers, or visitors with a limited travel window.
Mustang Tour Cost Breakdown for Indian Travellers
Travellers from India often look for clear cost details before booking. The following table presents the most common options available for the Mustang tour in Nepal. Both group join and private options are available with fixed pricing in INR.
| Group Type | Price Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 4+ pax | ₹33,999/- | Private Jeep, permits, local guide, hotels, breakfast |
| 2-3 pax | ₹49,745/- | Private jeep, permits, local guide, hotels, breakfast |
This package is designed for Indian travellers who want a short and permit-free trip to Lower Mustang. It includes accommodation in guesthouses, travel by 4WD jeep, and all necessary government permits. You will also have the assistance of a licensed guide throughout the journey.
For Indian citizens: No visa is required to enter Nepal. A valid government-issued ID is enough to cross the land border or board flights to Nepal.
If you're planning a Mustang tour in Nepal with family or spiritual groups, these fixed-price options make budgeting simple. Pricing is valid year-round, but it may vary slightly during peak travel months due to accommodation availability.
Mustang-Muktinath Tour Itinerary and Cost Breakdown for Indian Pilgrim Travellers
Many pilgrims and elderly travellers visit Muktinath without trekking. We offer a short, comfortable tour designed for them.
Start From the Indian Border
Travellers from India can begin their journey from Gorakhpur or the Sunauli border. These are common entry points.
We can arrange private transport from either border to Pokhara, then onward to Muktinath by jeep.
This tour avoids flights and trekking. The drive is scenic and manageable, even for elderly visitors.
Simple Temple-Focused Schedule
We make your schedule easy and spiritual.
Day 1: Drive to Jomsom (local hotel stay)
Day 2: Visit Muktinath Temple and nearby sites (Jeep ride only)
Day 3: Return to Pokhara
Cost Breakdown
| Group Type | Price Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 4+ pax | ₹15000/- | Private Jeep, permits, local guide, hotels, breakfast |
| 2-3 pax | ₹25000/- | Private jeep, permits, local guide, hotels, breakfast |
Comforts for Elderly Pilgrims
Our team ensures care and comfort.
Jeep stops are flexible for rest or sightseeing
Hotels have basic amenities and attached bathrooms
Vegetarian meals are easily available on request
We adjust the plan if the altitude feels difficult
There is no walking involved. The Muktinath Temple is accessible by jeep and a short walk (under 15 minutes).
Book a Custom Pilgrimage Tour
If you are planning a Muktinath tour from India, we can personalise it for you.
Let us know:
Where are you starting from (border or city)
Your group size and health needs
If you want more temples or spiritual stops
We’ll send you a suitable itinerary with transparent pricing. This makes it easy for families or senior citizens to plan their trip.
No trekking, no permit confusion. Only comfort, clarity, and care.
📩 Contact us here to request a personalized Muktinath pilgrimage tour.
Permits Required for this Mustang Tour in Nepal
Travellers to Lower Mustang need only two basic permits. No special or restricted permits are required.
Permit Name | Required | Cost (Approx.) | Note |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | ✅ | NPR 1,000 (For Indian Citizens) US$30 (For General Passport holders) | Mandatory for all foreign travellers, including Indians |
TIMS Card | ✅ | NPR 1000 | Needed for trekking routes in the Annapurna region |
Do I need a special permit for Lower Mustang?
No. Only ACAP and TIMS are needed. No US$500 restricted area fee or permit applies.
