Pokhara to Muktinath Jeep Fare – 2026 Price
Traveling from Pokhara to Muktinath by jeep is one of the most popular and convenient options. It is best for pilgrims and tourists who want a faster and more comfortable journey compared to trekking or local buses.
Muktinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Nepal for Hindus and Buddhists and is located in the Mustang District at 3710 meters, underneath the famous Thorong La Pass. Each year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit Muktinath Temple to experience the 108 sacred water spouts known as Mukti Dhara as well as the everlasting flame of Jwala Mai.
This guide will give you basic information on the current jeep fare, travel route and travel time, and booking tips for the pokhara to muktinath jeep travel.
Pokhara to Muktinath Distance and Travel Time
Depending on which route you take, Pokhara to Muktinath Temple is approximately between 160 to 174 km away.
- Travel Time: 6 to 10 hours
- Road Condition: Mix of blacktop and off-road (rough roads after Beni & Jomsom)
The best mode of travel between Pokhara and Muktinath is with jeeps due to Mustang’s difficult road conditions. 4WD jeeps tend to handle Mustang terrains much better than other vehicles.
Pokhara to Muktinath Jeep Fare 2026
Below are the current fare estimates for Pokhara to Muktinath. Prices may vary based on the operator, season, and specific inclusions. Always confirm with your jeep provider before booking.
| Jeep Type | Price (NPR) | Notes |
| Share Jeep (per person) | NPR 5,000 to 8,000 | No flexibility on stops |
| Private Jeep – 1 Night / 2 Days | NPR 32,000 to 40,000 | Includes fuel, driver salary & accommodation. |
| Private Jeep – 2 Nights / 3 Days | NPR 39,000 to 48,000 | More time to explore Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni. |
| Full Package (7 pax private) | NPR 55,000 to 70,000 | Complete package for a group of 7; per-person cost is very affordable |
Advice for Travellers: If you’re travelling with a group of 6 to 7 people, hire a private jeep, the per-person cost drops to roughly NPR 5,700 to 7,000, making it comparable to a shared jeep but with total flexibility and comfort!
Please note that the price mentioned here might not be the same as current prices, so it’s advisable to check with local travel agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What Is (and Isn’t) Included in the Fare?
It’s important to confirm exactly what your jeep hire includes. Here’s a general breakdown of what is usually included and not included in your fare:
| Item | Usually Included? | Extra Cost |
| Fuel | Yes (private jeep) | – |
| Driver’s salary | Yes | – |
| Driver’s accommodation | Usually included | – |
| Your accommodation (hotel/lodge) | Not always | NPR 800 to 3,000/night in Jomsom |
| Your meals | No | NPR 300 to 800 per meal |
| TIMS Card (Trekkers’ permit) | No | NPR 2,000 (foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC) |
| ACAP Permit (Annapurna area) | No | NPR 3,000 (foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC) |
Advice to Travellers: Always clarify before you pay. Ask whether your jeep fare includes fuel, driver’s stay, and parking fees. Some operators quote a lower base price and add these later. Get everything in writing or confirmed via WhatsApp.
The Route from Pokhara to Muktinath
The journey from Pokhara to Muktinath covers five distinct segments, each with a different road condition and scenery. Here’s what you can expect at each stage:
- Pokhara (Starting Point)
- Depart early morning, ideally by 6–7 AM.
- Beni (109 km from Pokhara)
- Smooth concrete road. About 3 hours. Good place for a tea break.
- Tatopani to Ghasa to Kalopani
- Rough off-road section begins. The Kali Gandaki Gorge views are spectacular. Natural hot springs at Tatopani.
- Marpha to Jomsom (69 km from Beni)
- Famous for apple orchards and apple brandy. Most travellers stop overnight here (Day 1 ends).
- Jomsom to Muktinath
- Altitude: 3,710m. Visit the sacred temple, 108 water spouts, eternal flame.
Road Advice: From Pokhara to Beni, the road is paved and comfortable. Beyond Beni through the Kali Gandaki Valley, the road becomes bumpy and rough. Therefore, a 4WD jeep is essential. The final stretch from Jomsom to Muktinath is paved again.
Types of Jeep Available for Pokhara to Muktinath Hire
Mahendra Scorpio
The most popular and trusted choice for this route is hiring a Mahendra Scorpio. It holds up to 7 passengers, handles off-road sections well, and offers a good balance of comfort and cost. This is the go-to option for most pilgrims and trekkers in Nepal.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
A premium option offering superior comfort, air conditioning, and reliability. This 4WD SUV vehicle is best for families or travellers who want a more luxurious ride. But the cost of hiring a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a bit more than the Scorpio but it offers significantly better comfort.
Tata Sumo
Tata Sumo is a budget-friendly and reliable option for Pokhara to Muktinath travel. It may be slightly less comfortable than the Scorpio but perfectly capable on this route. The Tata Sumo is often used for shared jeep services.
Advice to Travellers: Whatever vehicle you choose, make sure it is a 4WD (4-wheel drive). A regular 2WD car is not suitable for the rough off-road sections between Beni and Jomsom.
Practical Travel Tips for Travelling to Muktinath
Required Documents & Permits
As you plan your journey, keep in mind that in addition to the passport, you are required to obtain two kinds of permits, an ACAP and a TIMS card, to enter the Muktinath area. The ACAP is Annapurna Conservation Area Permit while TIMS card stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System card. As they won’t be included in your jeep fare, you should save some money for them. For Indian nationals, the best thing is that the total cost of the permits will be much lower, at NPR 1,600.
Departure Time
Then, let’s talk about departure time. Our recommendation for you is to leave in the early morning from Pokhara, at around 5:30 and 7:00 AM. Thus, you’ll avoid getting caught in the wind blowing in the Kali Gandaki valley in the afternoon.
What to Pack
As for what to pack in your bag, remember that Muktinath sits pretty high up at 3,710 meters. That means it can get quite chilly, even during the warmer months. So, definitely pack plenty of warm layers, a good windproof jacket, some sunscreen, and a pair of comfortable shoes for walking around. And if you’re thinking of experiencing the 108 water spouts firsthand, you might want to bring a spare set of clothes, especially if you plan on bathing there.
How to Book a Jeep to Muktinath
You can book through a registered travel agency like Jeep Tour Nepal. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during peak season (March to May and September to November) as jeeps fill up quickly. There is no formal online booking system, so direct contact is usually required.
Conclusion
Travelling from Pokhara to Muktinath by jeep is one of the most memorable journeys you can take in Nepal. Whether you’re making the trip as a Hindu or Buddhist pilgrim seeking blessings at the sacred temple, or simply as a traveller wanting to explore the stunning Mustang valley, the route offers breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and a true sense of adventure.
Generally, the jeep travel fare from Pokhara to Muktinath is around NPR 5,000 to NPR 8,000 per person for a shared jeep. If you’re travelling with a group of 6 to 7 people then hiring a private jeep costs your around NPR. 32,000 to 40,000. This way, the per person fare drops to roughly NPR 5,700 to 7000 and it comes with more total flexibility and comfort!
The cost of hiring a jeep is reasonable, especially when shared with family or a group. With the right planning, the right jeep, and an experienced driver, your Muktinath yatra will be safe, comfortable, and deeply rewarding.
Always confirm prices with your local operator before booking, carry all required permits, and start your journey early in the morning. Safe travels, and may you receive the blessings of Muktinath!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the jeep fare from Pokhara to Muktinath in 2026?
The jeep fare from Pokhara to Muktinath in 2026 ranges from NPR 5,000 to NPR 8,000 per person for a shared jeep. A private jeep costs around NPR 32,000 to NPR 70,000, depending on the duration, package, and number of travelers.
Is it cheaper to take a shared jeep or a private jeep?
A shared jeep is cheaper for solo travelers, but it has fixed timings and limited stops. If you are in a group of 5 to 7 people, a private jeep becomes more cost-effective, offering better comfort, flexibility, and similar per-person cost.
How long does it take to reach Muktinath from Pokhara by jeep?
It usually takes 6 to 10 hours to reach Muktinath from Pokhara, depending on the road conditions, weather, and stops. Most travelers prefer a 2-day trip with an overnight stay in Jomsom for a more comfortable journey.
Is the road from Pokhara to Muktinath safe?
Yes, the route is generally safe, but roads after Beni are rough and off-road. Therefore, a 4WD jeep is highly recommended. Traveling with an experienced driver ensures a safer journey.
What is included in the jeep fare?
Private jeep fare usually includes fuel, driver salary, and driver accommodation. However, your hotel stay, meals, permits, and personal expenses are not included. Always confirm the details with the travel operator before booking your jeep.
Do I need permits to travel to Muktinath?
Yes, you need two permits to visit Muktinath: ACAP and TIMS. These permits are not included in most jeep fares. You need to arrange them separately before your trip if you are travelling without the help of any travel agency.
What is the best time to travel to Muktinath?
The best time to travel to Muktinath is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is clear, roads are better, and the mountain views are more beautiful.
How can I book a jeep from Pokhara to Muktinath?
You can book a jeep through local travel agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara or by contacting operators directly via phone or WhatsApp.
How much is the ACAP permit cost for Muktinath?
The ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) is mandatory for visiting Muktinath because it lies in the Annapurna region. In 2026, the cost is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC countries.
Do Nepali Citizens Require a permit to visit Jomsom/Muktinath?
No. Nepali citizens do not need permits to visit Muktinath. Only foreign individuals are charged with certain amount.
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