Jeep 6–8 h
4WD jeeps follow the Upper Mustang road through Kagbeni, Chhusang, Chele, Samar and Ghami, crossing near the Nyi La at about 4,010 m, then Tsarang and the Lo La. A private jeep costs about NPR 40,000–55,000 one way. Most tours break the drive with a night in Ghami or Tsarang to help acclimatisation. River crossings rise in summer afternoons.
On foot 5–6 days
The classic Upper Mustang trek walks from Kagbeni via Chele, Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang, 4–7 hours a day over passes up to about 4,010 m, using older trails away from the road where possible. Teahouse lodges are available every night. A licensed guide and at least two trekkers are required.
Helicopter 25–30 min
Charter helicopters fly Jomsom–Lo Manthang in about 25–30 minutes, landing outside the walls. Day tours from Pokhara allow 1.5–2 hours on the ground. Flying straight to 3,840 m without acclimatisation suits short visits, not overnight stays, for most people. The Upper Mustang permit is still required.
Horse 4–5 days
Horses can be hired for all or part of the trek with a horseman, a traditional way to travel in Lo. Many trekkers use a horse for a day or two when tired. Costs depend on season and distance; your guide arranges reliable local handlers.
Stops on the way
- Kagbeni
- Chhusang
- Chele
- Samar
- Syangboche
- Ghami
- Tsarang
Break the jeep journey with a night in Ghami or Tsarang; arriving in Lo Manthang in one day means a climb of more than 1,100 m.
Questions travellers ask
How long does it take from Jomsom to Lo Manthang?
By jeep, 6–8 hours for about 80 km, depending on road and river conditions; most tours split it over two days. On foot, 5–6 days from Kagbeni. By helicopter, about 25–30 minutes. Wind and summer meltwater can slow vehicles in the afternoon.
How much is a jeep from Jomsom to Lo Manthang?
A private 4WD jeep costs roughly NPR 40,000–55,000 one way, or more for multi-day hire with sightseeing and waiting. Sharing jeeps run in season at lower per-seat prices but are less predictable. Prices are set locally and change; check current status before you travel.
Do I need a permit to drive to Lo Manthang?
Yes. North of Kagbeni you enter the Upper Mustang restricted area, so foreigners, including Indian nationals, need the restricted area permit (US$ 50 per person per day since late 2025), the ACAP permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency. Check current status before you travel.
Is the road to Lo Manthang paved?
No. It is a graded dirt and gravel road with steep sections, river crossings and dust, passable by 4WD jeeps and motorbikes in season. Snow can block it in winter, and summer meltwater raises river crossings in the afternoons. Experienced local drivers are essential.