Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang as the Restricted Territory

For many years, the Mustang region remained concealed from the eyes of the government. It wasn’t until Tibetan refugees sought refuge in the area and established trade routes that the region started to attract the attention of the authorities.

They saw its true worth and so opened the area to the trekkers in 1992. By 2010, thanks to the development of the roads, it welcomed motor tours as well.

There are no strict limits on the number of tourists to be allowed in Upper Mustang, but the requirement of the special permit which is pretty pricey (500 US Dollars per person for ten days), has effectively controlled the flow of tourists each year.

This regulation is in place because the region is very close to Tibet and because of its unique rugged beauty which is now under constant threat. Additionally, China is very eager to reborn the New Silk route that runs through the Himalayas.

Already, it has constructed a road reaching the Nepal border which is yet to extend to Mustang. Thus, the restriction is under place and also the government is trying to preserve the areas’ uniqueness as much as it can as we have already seen what has happened to the region’s neighboring Annapurna trails.

Climate Pattern and Best Period for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Upper and Lower Mustangs of Nepal are generally known to be the rain-shadowed regions that cradle between the two massive frames of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Thus, the climate in Mustang is tropical desert like that of Tibet where the day heat generally reaches up to 30 to 35 degree Celsius. The days are generally sun-drenched accompanied by high-altitude winds, and rugged terrain.

However, due to the ongoing climate change, the region has seen unexpected weather-related devastation time and again. And, since the Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary commences from the subtropical climate of Kathmandu and Pokhara, it is better to initiate this tour in the driest intermediary season of autumn and then spring.

The breathtaking splendor of the landscape, the driest roads, and the remarkable visibility are some of the bonus points of these two seasons.

Even the Mars-like desert landscape of Upper Mustang is not indifferent to the glory of spring that begins in early March and lasts until the latter days of May. The red plateaus will be gently adorned with green foliage.

On the other hand, the intermediary time of autumn starting from the early days of September and lasting to the latter days of November brings the tranquil days and gentle breezes, accompanied by the phenomenal sightings of the entire landscape.

The summer here extending from the early days of June and lasting till the latter days of August can be very hot with scarce rain. The sun can be scorching sometimes while routes running through Kathmandu and Pokhara will be completely drenched with heavy rain.

Winter which envelops the Upper Mustang from December to late February often brings snow to the area which does not need crampons to cross but brings extreme cold and strong forceful winds often compelling residents to relocate to warmer, lower altitudes.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour level of Difficulty

Our Upper Mustang jeep tour represents the medium-level journey through the exquisitely beautiful routes of Mustang. After the construction of the expansive and well-paved Kali Gandaki corridor, the majority of the route to Upper Mustang is now well-traveled and comfortable.

However, there will be some exceptions in certain areas where no formal roads exist. Instead, there will be simple dirt tracks made for the passage of vehicles and motorcycles which offers its own kind of adrenaline rush though.

In short, approximately 90 percent of the journey will be comfortably completed in a jeep. In order to overcome such challenges presented by the so-called Mustang roads, we have selected solidly built 4WD vehicles, such as the Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio, which are well-equipped to handle these obstacles.

The major problem and challenge is thus not from the roads, which offer a sense of adventure and excitement, but rather from the high altitude and the harsh, arid climate of the region. Additionally, the rustic nature of the area means the lack of typical comforts and luxuries that you are used to at home.

Therefore, if you seek a remarkable and occasionally demanding adventure, this road trip is ideal for you. If the allure of the Himalayas attracts you, if you enjoy off-road driving over stones and rivers, on freshly collapsed rocks, and if you want to live a few days in the Buddhist realm, if the high-altitude oxygen-less air does not take your breath away, then this is a place where you absolutely must go!

Support and Security in our Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

The 11 Days Upper Mustang Jeep tour is synonymous with the thrill, adventure, and comfort journey that takes place in a spacious solidly built 4WD Land cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio that is typically made for the challenges of the dirt road.

They are fully capable of driving over the desert rocky terrain, over the loose stones, and rocks, through the rivers and enraging water currents. Plus, we will see to not only your accommodation, food, and other logistics but we will also thoroughly see to your total safety.

That’s why, a very professional and experienced licensed driver will take you through the roads of Upper Mustang while you will have the constant support of our local knowledgeable guide.

In addition, our jeep is equipped not only to transport you and your belongings but also to carry fuel, essential tools, and spare parts. Our driver is also a proficient mechanic who is capable of addressing any mechanical issues on-site so you will have an uninterrupted flow of journey.

Additionally, we have arranged travel and rescue provisions, along with a first aid kit to handle any emergencies. Yes, the setting in the Upper Mustang may not be that luxurious but they are comfortable enough to escape the freezing heat for a night.

No one during the tour would have to go through the sleepless nights and empty belly. Therefore, our Upper mustang jeep tour is the safest and most enjoyable as there can be which everyone must undertake at least once.

Who can take part in our jeep tour to Upper Mustang?

As you can see, with the dedicated support and efforts of the local community and government, the Upper mustang jeep tour has turned into one of the most accessible journeys in Nepal where there is no involvement of any treacherous hiking.

Therefore, we warmly invite everyone to experience this adventure at least once, to witness nature in its raw form. This region is not just a paradise for the landscapes and thrilling mysteries but it is also home to the Lho Pas, a community that is beautifully innocent at their heart.

They still continue to engage in agriculture and animal husbandry, and like to practice archery over the distractions of social media. However, their unique language, culture, and traditions are gradually fading among the younger generation.

Here, tourism is slowly flourishing and road construction from both the Chinese and Nepali sides is progressing due to which the unique customs and the rugged beauty are slowly vanishing.

Therefore, we encourage everyone to join this tour before this raw beauty disappears altogether. You can travel here with your children, your family, and even your parents and grandparents.

However, we do suggest our younger and older participants be aware of the region’s challenges and communicate any discomfort they may experience.

Additionally, if you have any ongoing heart and lung issues or asthma, please tell your doctor about the nature of this trip and only take part after their suggestion. This advice also goes for the pregnant travelers.

Why should you partake the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?

First and foremost, you will experience the excitement of riding in an off-road vehicle as a passenger, making this tour suitable for all, especially for families with children.

Young children specifically like to embrace new experiences and this adventure presents a unique chance for them to bond with family while enjoying the rugged nature in an extraordinary off-road vehicle.

In addition, our Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary has been pre-designed and organized so you can just relax and enjoy the planned off-road excursions, all while discovering the surprises that await you.

You only have to soak in the thrill and excitement as you venture deep into the heart of the secrets in Lo Manthang. You will get to explore lesser-known corners of Nepal that are rarely accessible and feel the moments filled with adrenaline.

Therefore, Upper mustang jeep tour is composed for those who like to uncover new perspectives and unusual landscapes of the Upper Mustang in a more adventurous manner.

If you enjoy traveling along lesser-known paths that are generally absent in the standard tourist routes, and if you like to share experiences filled with adrenaline, nature, and local customs, then we are eagerly waiting for your participation!

Transportation in our Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

For our Upper Mustang Jeep tour, we have selected the 4WD Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio to journey along the off-road trails of the Upper Mustang region.

Traveling in these four-wheel-drive vehicles offers a remarkable opportunity to explore remote areas and witness the uniquely beautiful landscapes of Mustang.

Above all, the jeep we have chosen for this splendid adventure is large, spacious, and has sufficient height that will allow you to sit comfortably without the feeling of getting cramped inside.

These transports also have enough storage capacity for your belongings, spare parts, fuel, and other essential equipment. But most importantly, the jeep has very robust high-quality suspension and tires that enable them to traverse challenging roads, gravel paths, and dirt tracks without incurring any damage to the vehicle and maintaining your comfort at the same time.

Additionally, they also consume very less fuel when compared to other vehicles. Rest assured, you will travel comfortably without any hiccups en route. We also provide private services for all your airport transfers, hotel pickups, and private excursions in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS in Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

The ability to get acclimated to the high-altitude driest atmosphere of Upper Mustang is very important in our tour. Our Upper Mustang jeep tour itinerary will quickly take you to an elevation that exceeds 2500 m that will then culminate at the 3860 m height of Lo Manthang.

At these heights, altitude sickness/AMS is a common challenge that can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. One of the myths related to the jeep journey is that the passenger and driver will not be affected by the AMS which is very untrue.

In fact, both drivers and passengers can experience AMS more rapidly than hikers as there will be a swift transition of height. In addition, our travel program includes lengthy driving days that can sometimes last 8 hours.

Therefore, to reduce the AMS as much as we can, we have incorporated three acclimatization days in our 11 Days Upper Mustang Jeep tour. You will start with a rest day in Kathmandu followed by another extra day at Pokhara after a tedious journey of 7 to 8 hours.

Finally, an extra day is again set aside for exploration in Lo Manthang, which is the crowning elevation of our entire adventure. So it is vital that you take the acclimating tours during the extra days we have set aside in each mentioned location.

Please understand that no rigorous physical training can entirely eliminate the threat of AMS. However, you can lower the chances by staying well-hydrated throughout your journey by drinking sugar-rich drinks, plain water, or lemon ginger tea.

You should get enough sleep at night for the utmost acclimatization. If you notice symptoms like fatigue, mild breathing difficulties, headaches, drowsiness, or loss of appetite, please tell our guide right away.

He will evaluate your condition and may suggest delaying your tour or descending to a lower altitude. Additionally, medications like Diamox can also speed up the acclimatization early on, so consider taking it while in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Preparation Needed for the jeep tour to upper mustang

To take on our 11 days Upper Mustang jeep tour, the only requirement for you is to be in excellent health free from any chronic ailments. Please understand that any existing health issues mainly those related to the lungs and heart such as asthma, or infections can get severe in the harsher air of the Upper Mustang.

Therefore, getting the consultation from the physician is a must which we strongly suggest. Apart from that, the tour only involves light hiking excursions around the city and in Lo Manthang, so a basic level of fitness will suffice.

Engaging in some walking, running, or cycling a couple of times a week will prepare you for such a light excursion. They will also aid you to acclimatize to the altitude. However, the most essential aspect is your mental readiness for the journey.

Prepare yourself for a lack of luxury and maintain a positive outlook, build inner strength through meditation and yoga, Please remember, that teamwork and cooperation are vital components of our adventure.

As for other prep, you should get the right travel insurance as soon as you decide to join this tour and pack suitable clothing. Be sure to do some research about Upper Mustang and its living conditions.

There are numerous videos available in Nepali with English subtitles, as well as in English, that provide realistic insights about the region. And don’t forget to make your medication box which you need to take regularly.

Accommodation and Meal

As we mentioned earlier, you will have pleasant stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara in the standard three-star rated hotels located in the heart of the cities. You will also have the option to elevate your experience at an added cost.

As you resume your off-road driving journey from Pokhara, there will be comfortable settings of mountain lodges generally called the tea houses en route. Up to Kagbeni, you will find the attached bathroom with your double room.

After Kagbeni, the facilities will become more and more rustic with toilets located often outside the lodge. Please be adaptable; your discomfort will be balanced with the phenomenal surrounding landscape and Himalayan views.

As for the eating plans, they are entirely self-catered during the tour. Only in Kathmandu and Pokhara, there will be the provision of breakfast. We have selected this dining arrangement to give independence to all our guests to select their own menu as each will have their own taste to delight in.

From Jomsom onward, we suggest you try the Thakali cuisine which is generally regarded as very delicious in Nepal. Each day’s dining cost cannot be estimated precisely but on average, you can expect to spend 25 to 35 US Dollars each day.

Travel Insurance for Upper Mustang Jeep Tours

Travel insurance is an indispensable component of our Upper Mustang jeep tour. In the absence of the right insurance policy, the special permit called the RAP (Restricted Area Permit) will not be released thus barring you from visiting the Upper Mustang.

Mandatory or not, but we always suggest each of our guests to get the proper travel insurance for any treks and tours in Nepal. This is because travel insurance safeguards you against unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your visit.

In fact, many policies start protecting you even before your departure, such as offering protection in case of cancellation. Say, for any reason, you are unable to travel, you can avoid losing the total amount you have invested.

The range of unforeseen events that can be covered by travel insurance is extensive. You can begin with protection against flight delays, which can significantly impact your journey. Additionally, your luggage can also be protected from various issues, including loss, theft, fire, or delayed delivery.

Your insurance will also fully cover any necessary expenses related to accidents or injuries. Additionally, you may unexpectedly fall ill or suffer from severe altitude sickness, which may cause the need for urgent helicopter rescue, a service that would be covered by your insurance. Many insurance providers also offer 24/7 assistance to support you in such situations.

Requisition of Permits for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Being the restricted zone, any type of trip in the Upper Mustang necessitates the acquisition of a special permit known as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). To secure this permit, you must join an organized trip through a licensed travel agency like ours.

An involvement in a group tour is essential consisting of a minimum of two participants along with a local guide. The RAP is processed by the Department of Immigration located in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Kagbeni, after a fee of $500 per person that will remain valid for ten days.

For extended stays, an additional $50 will be charged for each extra day. Additionally, you must also acquire two other permits: the Tracking Information Management System commonly called the TIMS permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project commonly called the ACAP permit.

Both can be processed from the Nepal Tourism Board Office, with fees of $30 for ACAP and $20 for TIMS per traveler.