Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Route of Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which will take around  8 hours. The drive takes you through the scenic Prithvi Highway. From Pokhara, you will fly to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you will head to Kagbeni. Before you leave Kagbeni, you must show your permit at the checkpost at the village’s exit.

From Kagbeni, you will ride along the Kali Gandaki River Valley on a rocky and dusty road. You will pass by several villages like Tangbe, Chele,  and Samar villages. Then, you will read the Chungsi Cave en route. You will head towards Syangboche via the Chungsi Cave route.

The road goes through semi-arid landscapes towards Tsarang. You will ride through a few narrow sections while passing by charming traditional settlements, towering red cliffs, and caves. The village of Tsarang houses several age-old monasteries and palaces. From Tasarng, you will ascend to Lo Manthang. As the Jeep climbs to Lo Manthang, it must first cross the Lo La Pass at 3,950 meters. Then, it slowly descends towards barren landscapes and reaches Lo Manthang.

After leaving Lo Manthang, you will take the route to Muktinath. As the jeep heads towards Tatopani, the landscape gradually changes from alpine meadows to subtropical forest areas. You will pass by picturesque traditional houses, hillside paddy fields, and rivers. Likewise, you will pass Kusma and Nayapul village to reach Pokhara. From Pokhara, you can drive back to Kathmandu or take a flight.

Best Season for Tour

Nepal experiences four seasons annually: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for trekking and touring. Summer falls in the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall across the country. However, the Upper Mustang region lies in the rainshadow area and receives very little rain. Thus, summer is also perfect for the Upper Mustang Tour. Meanwhile, the heavy snowfall and drop in temperature during winter make it the least favorable season for the tour.

Spring (March to May)

The spring season is one of the best times for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. The pleasant weather and mild temperature make it a perfect time to witness the region’s beauty. Moreover, the famous Tiji festival also falls during April or May, according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. Many tourists flock to Lo Manthang to witness the three-day festive celebration. The average daytime temperature is between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature during nighttime can drop below 0 degrees Celsius.

Summer (June to August)

Upper Mustang sits behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs of the Himalayas. It falls on the rainshadow area and receives very little rain. Hence, summer is ideal for taking the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. The vibrant Yartung Festiva falls on August month in Lo Manthang. Tourists can witness and enjoy beautiful dance, songs, archery, and horse riding. The average daytime temperature ranges between 16 to 25 degrees Celsius. The nighttime temperature is between 3 to 0 degrees Celsius.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn season is the next best time to take an Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. The air is crisp with excellent visibility. Travelers can enjoy the scenery of vibrant landscapes and crystal clear views of the Himalayas. The daytime temperature during autumn ranges from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the nights are colder, with temperatures ranging from -8 to -4 degrees Celsius.

Winter (December to February)

The touring season to Upper Mustang ends after November. The extreme weather and snowfall make traveling to the region impossible. Even the locals of the area migrate to other villages during winter. The daytime temperature ranges from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. However, the nighttime temperature can plummet to -10 to -20 degrees Celsius and sometimes even lower.

What to Expect in Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

The journey to Upper Mustang is full of beautiful scenery and unique topography, but the Jeep ride is not one of the smoothest. You will ride through the rough, dusty, bumpy road through barren, desert-like landscapes. You will also pass by deep gorges, rocky cliffs, and picturesque settlements. Similarly, you can visit ancient monasteries, gompas, and caves while on the tour. 

The kingdom of Lo has a well-preserved culture, tradition, and heritage. Their fascinating culture and customs are rich and unlike anywhere else. You will also witness stunning mountain views like Annapurna, Machhapucchre, Dhaulagiri, and more. During the Jeep Tour, get ready to witness spectacular landscapes, mountain vistas, and cultural heritage while experiencing the region’s rich culture.

Reasons to choose Upper Mustang jeep tour

There is not just one reason for choosing the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour; there are several. Unlike trekking, taking a Jeep ride reduces physical and mental strain. Visitors can enjoy the tour and the views while driving through the picturesque roads. The tour is great for travelers of all ages and levels. 

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour’s ultimate destination is the hidden kingdom of Lo. You can also take the tour and attend the Tiji or Yartung Festival. The tour offers a great insight into the region’s culture, traditions, and local lifestyle. Similarly, it provides a remarkable opportunity to explore the region’s ancient caves, monasteries, and palaces.

Benefits of Tour with Us

Take a look at the benefits of trekking with us:

• Himalaya Trip is a leading trekking operator in Nepal that provides excellent service.
• Our staff have the local expertise and years of experience in the field.
• We provide an English-speaking, experienced guide .
• All our guides are registered under the Nepal Tourism Board and have intensive first-aid training.
• We provide the best tour packages and services at local prices.
• Customize and personalize your trip as per your requirements.
• We strictly follow the safety guidelines to ensure your safety.
• The guides will carry first aid kits and necessary equipment for the tour.
• Online booking and easy payment.
• We offer 24/7 customer service.

Clothes and wears

• Windproof/ waterproof jacket and down jacket.
• Insulating layer and long-sleeved t-shirts
• Lightweight pants
• Warm trousers
• Hat and gloves
• Moisture-wicking socks and innerwear
• Comfortable and sturdy boots
• Sunglasses, camera, binoculars, and power banks
• Water bottles and water purification tablets
• Toiletries and other personal items

Acclimatization for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

As you ascend to higher elevations above 2,500 meters, the risk of altitude sickness increases. The lack of oxygen makes breathing harder, and you may experience various symptoms of altitude sickness. This is why acclimatization is crucial. It allows one’s body to adapt to high altitudes and temperatures. Likewise, it minimizes the risk of altitude sickness.

During the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you will get to an altitude of 3840 meters. Hence, there is the risk of altitude sickness. Travelers must take proper precautions and acclimatize properly. It is essential to rest well and stay hydrated during the journey. You should inform your guide immediately if you start feeling discomfort or have symptoms of altitude sickness.

Accommodation and Food On Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

During our 11 Days Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you will stay 3 nights at Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu, 2 at Hotel Hidden Kingdom in Pokhara, and 5 Nights at a lodge. The accommodations will be on a twin-sharing basis inside bathroom. The Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels will provide various services and amenities. However, the facilities become more basic as your tour begins towards the Upper Mustang. You must pay extra for services like  water, internet, phone calls, laundry, etc.

There will be various food options in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, the menu becomes shorter in the Upper Mustang region. Our tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 6 dinners. The staple Nepali cuisine, Dal Bhat, is available in every Nepal region. The other food menu includes cornflakes, oatmeal, bread, jam, local Tsampa porridge, soup, curries, roti, Sherpa stew, pasta, sandwiches, noodles, and dessert items (rice pudding, apple pie, etc). It is best to avoid dairy products, caffeine, chocolate drinks, and alcoholic beverages during the tour.

A Typical Day

During the Upper Mustang Overland Tour, you will explore the unique beauty and culture of the forbidden kingdom of Lo. Similarly, you will also take a sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.

Our day will typically begin at 6 or 7 AM with a healthy spread of breakfast and coffee or tea. Then, we will continue our tour at 7 or 8 AM, depending on the trek destination and distance. As you drive through the Upper Mustang’s winding dusty road, stunning scenery, picturesque landscapes, and the Himalayas will accompany you.

You will usually take a refreshment break and have lunch around midday. After an hour’s rest, you will continue your drive. You will reach your destination in the afternoon, giving you enough time to rest or explore around before dinner at 6 or 7 PM.

The tour guide will give you a short brief for the following day’s tour after dinner. Then, you can spend your night playing games or chatting with fellow travelers. You can also learn the Nepalese language with your guide and other staff.

Trekking Permits Required For Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

For the jeep tour to Upper Mustang, you will need two permits.

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit)

Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, travelers need permits to access the area. The costs of the entry permits are as follows:

• SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000 per person
• Non-SAARC Nationals: NPR 3000 per person

RAP (Restricted Area Permit)

The Upper Mustang is a restricted region. The area from Kagbeni and above falls in this area. There is a checkpost as you exist in the Kagbeni village, where you will have to show the permits.

RAP costs US$ 50 per person per day.

Money Exchange

Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupees (NPR/ Rs). Foreigners can exchange major currencies in the local banks and money exchange centers. There are valid and authorized money exchange centers in the Thamel area, Kathmandu. These centers display their daily rates openly, and one can easily exchange currency as per the going rates. You can also exchange currency at the airport.

You can also exchange money at local banks and financial institutions. These institutions charge four percent or more for the service. There are also ATM services around Kathmandu and Pokhara, which offer 24/7 services. However, the daily withdrawal limit is NPR 35,000, and the service charge is NPR 500. You can also use a traveler’s cheque. But, it is a hassle to process the cheque, and the bank commission rate is quite high.

Altitude Sickness and Prevention

One of the risks during a high-altitude trek is altitude sickness. As the altitude increases, the oxygen level in the atmosphere begins to reduce. As a result, travelers experience various discomforts and show symptoms of altitude sickness due to lack of oxygen. Your body may experience mild to severe symptoms.

There are three types of altitude sickness depending on the symptoms. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a mild form of altitude sickness. Meanwhile, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) are severe forms of altitude sickness. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, breathing difficulty, swelling, and rapid heartbeat.

Altitude sickness may be common as one climbs to higher elevations, but one can prevent it in a few ways. These include:

• Acclimatize when ascending to higher elevation.
• Do not rush yourself or push your body while climbing to a higher altitude.
• Keep yourself hydrated and eat a healthy diet.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• If you start experiencing altitude sickness symptoms, let your guide know and take a rest.
• Take medications (Acetazolamide, Diamox, etc) to ease the symptoms. But consult with a healthcare professional before taking it.
• If the symptoms continue to persist, descend to the lower altitude immediately.

Tips for beginner travelers

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is suitable for beginners and trekkers of all levels. As a beginner, research the tour and plan your trip according to your needs. Researching the tour, its routes, and its difficulties helps to make proper preparations and maintain realistic expectations. You can also consult with your trekking agency. They will also provide helpful tips and guidance for the tour.