Best Time
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is available in most months of the year, as it’s in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The summer monsoon (June-July-August) is a good time to visit Upper Mustang, as it receives very little rainfall during the season.
One of the most popular seasons is spring (March-May). The weather is mostly mild, skies are often clear and the mountain views are great. Another good time to visit is the fall (September through November). This season is best for doing this, as there is little wind, warm days and good visibility.
Between December and February, it is much colder around Lo Manthang (3,860 m / 12,664 ft). At times, snowfall can also impact roadways at higher elevations. Your travel season will be decided by the weather and road conditions. If you make your reservation with Himalayan Idol Treks, we will help you to select the most appropriate time to travel.
Distance and Elevation
The Upper Mustang Tour is about 1,000 kilometers long, including the trip back from Upper Mustang to Kathmandu. Throughout the trip, you will enjoy constantly changing scenery through beautiful valleys, rivers, mountain villages and high desert landscapes.
The journey begins in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) before driving to Pokhara (850 m / 2,789 ft) and continuing through Jomsom (2,743 m / 8,999 ft). The track then takes you along the Kali Gandaki Valley to the closed area of the Upper Mustang and then to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang (3,860 m / 12,664 ft).
The drive will get you to some of the high mountain areas, but the slow ascent will make it easier for your body to cope than many trekking routes. On the journey, you will also see the traditional villages, deep gorges, colorful cliffs and viewpoints of the mountain.
Difficulty and Altitude Sickness
The Mustang Jeep Tour is a moderate adventure as the route is mostly done in a private jeep rather than trekking. No previous trekking experience is required, but be ready for several long drives on rough and dusty mountain roads.
The highest overnight stay is Lo Manthang (3,860 m / 12,664 ft), while the route also crosses Tsarang La (3,870 m / 12,697 ft). Some people at these altitudes may suffer from mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as a headache, fatigue, loss of appetite or insomnia.
To decrease the risk, drink enough water, don’t drink alcohol and eat regular meals, giving your body time to adapt. When symptoms progress to the severe level, you need to notify your guide right away. The route is designed to gradually build up to the higher altitude, so that you can get used to the change before heading further.
Minimum and Maximum Walk per Day
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is for those who can’t endure the idea of a long day on foot and want to see the area on a more relaxed schedule. Once again, the majority of travel is in a private jeep, except walking, which is used for sightseeing, visits to monasteries and villages and for short breaks during the trip.
Each day, the amount of walking is 30 minutes to 2 hours per day. These short hikes are Lo Manthang, the Chhoser Cave hike, the hike around Muktintham Temple or visiting the Viewpoints in Pokhara and Sarangkot. The pace is leisurely and you can enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace.
A few trails feature steep stone steps or climbing uphill; comfortable walking shoes are advised. This walk is ideal for families, older people and those who prefer to experience the culture, scenic drives and short walks of the day rather than lengthy mountain hikes.
Accommodation, Food and Drink
The Upper Mustang Tour will be spent in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and teahouses will serve as the lodging in the mountain villages located in Jomsom, Lo Manthang, Muktinath, etc. Generally, rooms are clean and comfortable with twin beds, blankets and basic facilities. Some mountain stops may not have attached bathrooms.
Foods are simple, fresh and filling. There are Nepali dishes like dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, potatoes, pasta, eggs, pancakes and Tibetan bread served. Depending on where they are, simple international dishes may be available at some teahouses.
There is tea, coffee, hot lemon and bottled water for sale throughout the trip, as well as soft drinks, although the cost rises with elevation since they are being shipped up long distances. Using a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets is a good solution for staying hydrated and minimizing plastic waste.
Alternative Routes
The Mustang Jeep Tour starts with the usual Pokhara and then goes on to Jomsom, Kagbeni and Lo Manthang and returns through Muktinath. Those with more time available, however, can select from a number of other alternate routes to visit more of the Mustang region. These options will enable you to explore more cultural attractions and off-the-beaten-track places.
One common extension is to visit Luri Gompa, an ancient Cave monastery located in a picturesque setting with beautiful Buddhist paintings. Alternatively, devote more time to visiting the villages surrounding Lo Manthang; among them are Yara, Ghara and Tangge, where you can remain closely connected to the traditional Tibetan culture. A few travellers also join the trip to Upper Mustang with a brief walk around the region to enjoy it on foot.
Himalayan Idol Treks can also tailor a tour to your tastes, calendar and time ensuring that all permits and logistics are in place.
Can Beginners Join This Trip?
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is good for novices as it does not involve a long and difficult trek. Enjoy the remote Himalayan landscape without spending many days on foot, with the majority of the trip by private jeep.
Previous trekking experience is not required, but sitting in a vehicle for several hours on mountain roads is recommended. There are a few rough patches and dusty places, but frequent rest stops, sightseeing and photography are done. Most people can take short walks around the villages, monasteries and viewpoints.
Due to the route going up to Lo Manthang (3860 m / 12664 ft), one needs to be mindful of the effects of high altitude. Most beginners manage to walk this trip at a relaxed pace, without any major difficulties and have fun experiencing the unique culture and scenery of the Upper Mustang, as long as they stay hydrated.
Preparation and Fitness
The Upper Mustang Tour is not physically taxing, but general good health will make the experience more pleasant. Most visits to cultural sites, monasteries, caves and views are within easy walking distance, as the jeep is the main mode of travel.
You can build up your stamina by having a few walks, cycling or stair climbing sessions each week before you go. Warm clothing is a key element of packing, as temperatures can shift rapidly during morning and evening hours at high altitudes. Additional suggested items include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and a reusable water bottle.
Bring personal medicines and a small first aid kit along on the trip. Adequate sleep before leaving and drinking plenty of water during the trip will also help your body adjust to the different heights of the tour and will allow you to enjoy it more.
Gadgets, Charging and Internet
Several towns and villages have electricity available along the Mustang Jeep Tour, so you will likely be able to charge your phone, camera or other electronic devices. Electricity is available at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as in teahouses in the Mustang region, though there may be a nominal charge for the electricity.
Mobile network coverage in many parts of the journey and weak mobile network in remote parts of Upper Mustang. WiFi is available in many hotels and some teahouses, but can be slow and unreliable at high altitudes.
It is advisable to bring a local SIM card from Kathmandu to keep in touch. It is also a good idea to bring a power bank as there may be limited charging opportunities during long travel days. This keeps your phones, tablets and cameras at the ready to capture photos and connect with family.
Permit
Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal and all jeep tours to the region must obtain special permits. All visitors coming from outside must ensure that they have a Restricted Area Permit before entry to that area. Also, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is needed for the trek as well.
These permits are not to be arranged by yourself. Once you’ve made your booking, Himalayan Idol Treks will process your application. Just bring the required documents such as a valid passport, passport-size photographs and details of your Nepal visa.
Strict enforcement of the permit system at the checkposts in Kagbeni, where travellers’ documents are checked before entering Upper Mustang. Passports should be carried throughout the journey as there may be other points on the journey where permits will be checked.
Transportation
The Upper Mustang Tour starts with your arrival in Kathmandu, where you’ll be picked up at the airport as per your schedule. The trip from Kathmandu is done by private jeep and then towards Pokhara, after which the scenic mountain roads are traversed through Beni, Jomsom, Kagbeni and finally Lo Manthang. The private jeeps offer a comfortable ride and the opportunity to enjoy the different landscapes along the way.
Roads are fairly well paved from Kathmandu to Pokhara and the journey is smooth. The path then turns into a dusty, bumpy and rugged track, traversing the Kali Gandaki Valley to enter Upper Mustang after Beni. Drivers are familiar with the route and stop frequently for rest, food and sightseeing along these mountain roads.
The trip back is a similar ride from Muktinath, through Pokhara, to Kathmandu. In a jeep, you can get to villages and spots that aren’t easily accessible by public transport, as well as enjoy the mountain views and culture.
Travel Insurance
The Mustang Jeep Tour guides you through the backcountry to areas that may not have any medical facilities or transport. Hence, it is highly recommended to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy before joining the trip. Medical treatment, emergency evacuation, accidents, trip cancellations and interruptions should be covered.
This trek is not long but has some high passes like Lo Manthang (3,860 m / 12,664 ft). If serious altitude sickness or a medical emergency occurs, helicopter evacuation is possible (very rare). You can avoid unplanned big costs if you have coverage for emergency helicopter rescue.
Please make sure you have an insurance plan that does cover activities in high-altitude Nepal before traveling. Bring printed and electronic versions of insurance papers, making them readily available in case of an incident on the journey.
What to expect on this trip
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a great chance to explore the landscapes, history and culture of the remote Mustang region without having to do a lot of trekking at the end of the day. As you walk, you will pass through deep river valleys, colourful cliffs, traditional villages and wide-open desert-like landscapes, different from other parts of Nepal.
Explore ancient monasteries, visit the historic walled city of Lo Manthang (3,860 m / 12,664 ft), experience the spiritual ambience of Muktinath Temple and discover the amazing Chhoser Cave. The path also offers stunning views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and other mountains of the Himalaya.
Expect a combination of comfortable hotels in the cities and simple teahouses in the mountains. Long, scenic drives, friendly locals, Tibetan influence on the culture and amazing mountain views all make this trip worth taking for anyone who is looking to see one of Nepal’s most interesting parts.
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