Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Trip Information

Upgrade your Hotel Stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara

On our 13 days Upper Mustang Jeep tour, we will address all your accommodation needs throughout the journey. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, we will arrange for you the finest quality three-star rated hotels for your wonderful night stays.

However, if you want a more lavish experience, then we can also make sure you get the luxury you want. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are several four to five star rated hotels located in the prime and scenic locations that will comfort your stay with the best quality services.

You will have a very attentive 24 hour staff service, the spa treatments, gyms, swimming pool, garden, WiFi, own luxury bathroom, spacious comfortable bedding and elegant furniture, lounges, bars and in-house restaurants and many more.

If you want these fascinating luxuries in Kathmandu and Pokhara, then please tell us and we will look after all the pre-arrangements on your behalf. Please understand, you will need to pay an additional cost for this upgrade option that will depend on the hotel stay you select.

Why is the Upper Mustang a restricted zone?

The Mustang district didn’t get much attention from the government for a long time. The area remained cut off till 1992 and seeing the surge of tourists in the area, the development of the roads began which opened door for the motor tour in Upper Mustang since 2010.

However, still, the flow of tourists every year into the region is controlled as Nepal government has designated it as the restricted area. The Upper Mustang and its route is home to numerous rare and endangered wildlife such as Tibetan argali, wild donkeys, brown bear, snow leopard etc.

The forest here is also home to numerous medicinal herbs such as Panchaule (Five Fingered herb), Jatamanshi, jimbu etc. The influx of huge number of tourists may destroy the ecosystem of the area.

On the other hand, the Upper Mustang share its border with Tibet so the territory is under constant threat of invasion from China. Moreover, China is trying to revive the New Silk Route and has already constructed the road up to Nepal border.

These are the two vital reasons why the Upper Mustang has been restricted to travelers. Plus, the regulation has also helped to keep the area special and original considering the massive transformation that has occurred in the Annapurna region.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour: Best Season and Time

Located between the two massive structures of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, the Upper Mustang is mostly protected from heavy rain. Therefore, the region has a very dry desert type of terrain and climate much like Tibet.

Thus, the region is very attractive during the summer and monsoon period. However, our 13 days Upper Mustang jeep tour will commence from the temperate Kathmandu and Pokhara which means the monsoon rain have to be considered for the journey.

Thus the best seasons for the jeep tour to Upper Mustang will be first autumn followed by spring. For any jeep tour, the driest possible roads and weather are needed which these two seasons offer.

September starts the fall season in Upper Mustang lasting till November. This is the time when Upper Mustang enjoys the gentle wind, calm weather, mild temperature of around 25 degree Celsius along with the bluest sky.

March introduces spring in Upper Mustang and lasts till May. The dry red highlands of Mustang slowly begin to turn green with wildflowers blooming all the way. The heat will also be pleasant up to 25 to 27 degree Celsius with excellent visibility.

From June, the monsoon rain starts in Kathmandu and Pokhara that lasts till August. Upper Mustang will remain dry most of the time but the temperature can rise dramatically.

On the other hand, December, January, and February are the winter days when Upper Mustang will face strong forceful winds, snow, and very low temperatures.

Most of the locals migrate down to escape the cold shutting down their accommodations so winter time may not be that favorable for the Upper Mustang jeep tour.

13 Days Upper Mustang Jeep Tour: Level of Difficulty

Our jeep tour to Upper Mustang is a category three journey which means it is moderately tough adventure taking place in the gorgeous landscape of Mustang.

Before, the region used to be accessible only on foot but now with the development of the expansive Kali Gandaki corridor, the route to Upper Mustang will mostly take place along the tarmac road.

However do not be disappointed thrill lovers as ten percent of the journey will take place along the bumpy dirt track that will offer you its own kind of adventurous experience.

Additionally, to help you with the journey, a powerful 4WD vehicle like the Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio will be your trusted transport built for such terrains.

The weather will also generally be good and you can expect only little rain. The thing to consider is a lot of wind that blows usually from a southerly direction. You also have to consider the influence of drought and bright sunshine.

Another challenging factor is the high altitude of the region when you will be between the varying altitude of 3000 m to 4500 m. Additionally, the lodging in the region also may lack the usual comfort that you are used to.

So our Upper Mustang jeep tour is an on-road and off-road adventure that is suitable for those who look after a unique and sometimes demanding experience in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang: Help and Support

Our Upper Mustang Jeep tour is undeniably a remarkable journey where adventure meets comfort. For the 13 days Upper Mustang jeep tour, we will be using the powerful strongly built 4WD vehicles which are specially designed to overcome the terrain like of Mustang.

They can easily drive over the rocky desert tracks, loose stones, or cross the river currents. To drive these powerful engines, we will have a licensed professional driver who is also a capable mechanic.

In case of any mechanical issues, he will quickly resolve them so that you have a smooth and uninterrupted travel. You will also have the company of our knowledgeable and experienced guide who will give you interesting facts and navigate through the adventurous yet less tricky tracks of Upper Mustang.

In addition, we will also provide you with the necessary fuels, essential tools, and spare parts of the jeep that will be carried in the jeep. We also have travel and rescue provisions in place, along with a first aid kit for emergencies.

We will also look after your comfortable and peaceful stay in best possible lodging throughout the journey so you will have warm nights, and full belly every night after tour.

Thus, our 13 days Upper Mustang jeep tour is one of the safest and easiest adventure you can ever imagine in Nepal.

Who can join on our 13 days Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?

The wide road accessibility combined with the adventurous dirt trails has made the Upper Mustang jeep tour one of the most sought-after and accessible journeys in Nepal.

With no long strenuous hikes, a very raw and pure nature, and a kind of mini Tibet, the jeep tour to Upper Mustang is, therefore, suitable for everyone. We urge you to at least come once to this region with your family, children or friends not only to see the breathtaking nature but also to meet the honest and simple Lhopas.

Their unique customs and traditions are slowly fading away among the younger generation. Additionally, tourism is expanding in the area so you never know how long you can still see this rugged charm of nature.

So we invite all from younger to older participants to undertake our 13 days Upper Mustang Jeep tour at least once. We however encourage our younger and older guests to voice their discomfort if they feel any.

But those who have asthma, respiratory, and heart issues, please talk with your doctor and participate only with their consent. We also advise the same to the expecting mothers.

Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS in Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

You may think that since this is a jeep tour, so neither the passengers nor the driver will suffer from AMS. However, this is not true, in fact, participants of the jeep tour can experience altitude sickness more quickly than the general hikers because of the rapid change in altitude.

Our Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary will quickly take yo to the elevation above 2500 m ending at Lo Manthang which sits at 3810 m altitude.

Additionally, we will also have to consider the dry arid and less oxygen air of the Upper Mustang. Thus, these contributng factors can lead to AMS- a particular concern in our 13 days Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary.

To help our passengers adapt to the high elevation and highland air of Upper Mustang, we have included a rest day in Kathmandu, an extra stay in Lo Manthang and then in Pokhara.

Please take full advantage of these breaks and follow what our guide says. Take the acclimating tours as we have planned so that you can get used to the high air as quickly as you can.

However, some may still feel the effects of the altitude and Upper Mustang air. You can lower the chances by taking as much water as you can and getting an adequate night’s sleep and rest.

Even after these precautions, if you notice you are feeling mild exhaustion, vertigo, loss of appetite or headaches, then please do not think twice and at once tell our guide.

After monitoring your condition, he may suggest delaying your tour for a day or so or he may also accompany you to a lower altitude. It will help if you take Diamox which helps speed up acclimatization, so consider taking it while in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What type of preparation and training is needed for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary?

For our Upper Mustang jeep tour, we need you to be very healthy and have a strong positive mindset. There are no lengthy and difficult hiking involved in this tour except for the light walking tours when exploring the city of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lo Manthang.

So you don’t need to be super fit, just a basic fitness will do. For this, you can do the regular activities such as cycling, running, or walking a few times a week.

The biggest factor that will come into play is your mental readiness to enjoy the Upper Mustang. So you need to be prepared for simplicity, cooperation, and team effort with a sense of humor.

Watch what Upper Mustang is like, known about its terrain, weather, and people. Also get the proper travel insurance plan and when packing your suitcase, do not forget about any medications you regularly take.

Sleeping and Eating

To make sure your experience in Kathmandu and Pokhara pleasant, we have arranged a double room for you in a standard three star hotels in the prime locations of the two cities. You will get private toilets, hot water, and WiFi.

Please also refer to our upgrade option for a more lavish expereince. As the Upper Mustang jeep tour begins, a comfortable mountain lodges or commonly known among tourists as the tea houses will be your place to rest for the night.

Till Kagbeni, you will have a double room with en suite bathroom, but after Kagbeni, you may not gt this luxury because of the rustic character of the villages.

The local lodges will offer you a room that may include two or three small single beds, separated by thin walls. Basic amenities such as mattresses, blankets, and pillows will be provided, so bringing your sleeping bag will be a good idea to warm up on the cooler nights.

The latrine facility will be generally located outside the lodges and need to be shared. We kindly request you to adapt for few days as these discomforts will be overshadowed by the landscape and views you will get in this tour.

Regarding your eating arrangements, breakfasts will be offered throughout the 13 days Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary. You will have the liberty to choose your own menu for the lunches and dinners (price not included).

Do not forget to taste the Thakali dish, and yak meat regarded very tasty in Upper Mustang. For the daily lunches and dinners, expect to spend up to USD 25 to USD 35 each day (depends on your choices).

Transportation

For our jeep tour to Upper Mustang, we will using the tough solidly built all-terrain vehicle such as Mahindra Scorpio or 4WD Land Cruiser which are built to tackle the rugged trails such as of Upper Mustang.

These vehicles contain durable tires, and a strong suspension with powerful engines and horse power. They are capable to handle not only graveled roads but also the dirt rocky tracks. They also consume very less fuel compared to other options.

In addition, these vehicles are very roomy and has plenty of space so you won’t feel very congested inside. Plus, there is also enough storage space to keep your bags, spare parts of the vehicle, fuel, repair tools and essential gear.

All in all, you will have a fantastic experience at the breathtaking locations of Upper Mustang in all comfort and liberty.

Travel Insurance

Please note that for the procurement of the compulsory permits for our Upper Mustang jeep tour, a right travel insurance policy is a must have. Else, you will not be able to participate in our Upper Mustang jeep tour.

Besides, compulsory or not, we recommend each of our guests to get the travel insurance for an trip and tour in Nepal. The country has mountains and hilly roads with lots of slopes and very less flat trails. Particularly in our Upper Mustang jeep tour, the route will be off the beaten dirt tracks.

So any unexpected and undesired incidents although rare may occur. With the right insurance policy, you will be protected even before the tour begins.

Such as with the cancellation policy, you will be financially protected if any circumstances prevent you from getting on board. Likewise, there is also other coverage which safeguards you in case of flight delays, luggage loss, theft, or extra stays.

More importantly, travel insurance will bear all the expenses related to injuries or accidents. In cases of sudden illness or severe altitude sickness, it may become necessary for the helicopter rescue and transport.

In that case your insurance will take care of those expenses too. Many providers also offer round-the-clock assistance to help you in such situations.

Obligatory Permits for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang being allocated as the restricted area needs a special permit known as Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for its accessibility. This permit will be given to only those participants who are in an organized tour composed by the registered travel, trek and tour agency like ours.

Please known that your group must contain at least two participants and you must be followed by a local guide. The RAP is available through Department of Immigration located in Pokhara, Kathmandu or Kagbeni.

This permit is quite costly (USD 500 per traveler) which will remain valid for ten days. After ten days, you can extend the permit validity by paying added fee of USD 50 for each extra days.

Apart from RAP, we also need to get the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

They are available in the tourism office in Pokhara or Kathmandu at USD 30 for ACAP and USD 20 for TIMS per traveler. We will get all the necessary permits and fees are part of our total Upper Mustang jeep tour cost.