Upper Mustang Jeep Tour – 11 Days

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Difficulty and Road Conditions

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a moderate road adventure that does not require much walking or trekking experience. The drive is mostly in a Four Wheel Drive vehicle and suits those who don’t want to spend many days walking to explore remote mountain settlements.

Road conditions vary along the route. The road between Kathmandu and Pokhara is generally well-maintained, with a few patchy sections, but the road between Beni and Jomsom, and Kagbeni and Lo Manthang, is rough, dusty, and uneven. Some stretches have narrow roads, steep bends, and rocky surfaces.

Patience is key when driving long distances on bumpy roads. Factors such as weather, road maintenance, and seasonal conditions may impact travel time. Our driver will adapt his driving speed to the road and safety needs.

Best Time for an Upper Mustang Jeep Tour  

The best months for an Upper Mustang Jeep Tour are generally March to May and September to November. These seasons usually offer comfortable daytime temperatures, good mountain visibility, and travel conditions.

Days are warmer in spring, and skies are clearer in autumn after the monsoon. June to August is also a possible travel period because Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. However, road disruptions due to monsoons can occur in Lower Mustang and other parts of Nepal.

Routes can be used in winter, but extra preparation is needed because temperatures drop significantly and snow can impact roads and access to remote communities.

Several cultural events are also observed during the travel season and are important to travelers, such as the Tiji festival in Lo Manthang. Its dates vary each year, so travelers need to plan ahead.

Weather and Temperature in Upper Mustang 

Upper Mustang has a dry mountain climate because the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges shelter it from the rains. It receives far less rainfall than the rest of the country, especially Pokhara. But weather can rapidly change at higher elevations.

It is usually mild during the day in the spring and autumn but cold in the morning and evening. Summer is usually safe for travel, but strong winds and occasional rain are possible. In winter, the climate is very cold, and in higher settlements and mountain passes, there is a possibility of snowfall.

Travelers should be ready for varying temperatures. We recommend carrying:

• Warm jackets and thermal clothing for cold mornings and evenings
• Lightweight clothing for sunny daytime conditions
• Strong-sunlight sunglasses and sunscreen
• A wind jacket to keep out strong mountain winds
• Walking shoes for sightseeing and short walks

Choosing appropriate layers will keep you comfortable while driving and on sightseeing tours.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and Entry Regulations 

Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal, and foreign visitors must obtain a special permit to enter. The Department of Immigration issues the permit, and an authorized trekking agency arranges it. Additionally, visitors must have a licensed guide with them to comply with regulations.

Double-check the applicable fee and entry requirements when booking, as they can change.

My Everest Trip includes the required restricted area permit. We enter your passport details, collect passport photos and travel details before departure, and complete the passport application on your behalf.

Take the passport and permit with you on the hike, as they could be requested at checkpoints such as Kagbeni.

ACAP Permit and Conservation Rules 

Another important entry document on this journey is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This trek goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the local environment, including wildlife and traditional settlements, is preserved. It is the duty of visitors to adhere to the conservation rules during their visits.

The required ACAP permit is included in the My Everest Trip package, so you don’t need to apply for it. Our team will collect the requested personal information before the trip.

While traveling within the conservation area, please adhere to the following rules:

• Bring the necessary permit on the trip
• Show the permit when checked
• Don’t litter; dispose of waste properly
• Refrain from disturbing animals or harming the environment
• Respect local communities, religious sites, and cultural traditions
• Get authorization for the use of a drone

The permit is for the specified conservation area only, and you must follow the entry conditions.

Jeep Selection, Road Safety and Vehicle Arrangements 

For Upper Mustang, a suitable 4-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary to traverse the remote roads. Some parts of the route are sloped and stony, with tight corners and narrow passages between Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Lo Manthang. These road conditions are managed by a comfortable and well-maintained jeep.

My Everest Trip provides all necessary 4-wheel-drive vehicles and qualified local drivers with experience on mountain roads. Fuel & vehicle assistance are provided for the planned trip as well. Vehicle selection depends on group size, luggage space, and road conditions.

We take road safety seriously and arrange backup support if a vehicle problem occurs. However, delays may occur due to road blockages, vehicle issues, or weather changes.

Travelers must keep their personal belongings easily accessible and obey the driver during the journey.

Altitude Changes and Acclimatization During the Tour 

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a jeep trip, not a trekking trip, but health is still a concern. The path slowly leads through the lower hills into high mountain villages, where oxygen is scarcer.

The main overnight stops include Jomsom, Lo Manthang and Muktinath. The elevation of the proposed route is highest at Tsarang La Pass at about 3,870 m (12,697 ft).

The following precautions should be known by travelers:

• Take adequate water during the day
• Do not drink or smoke at higher altitudes
• Follow a well-balanced diet and a healthy sleep routine
• Don’t overexert yourself after climbing up into higher settlements
• Inform the guide immediately if you experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual tiredness
• Stop going up if experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness
• Descend and seek medical assistance if symptoms become serious

Altitude sickness does not occur when driving a jeep. If you have had any problems previously at high altitudes, you should seek medical advice before traveling.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Evacuation 

This trek strongly recommends travel insurance, as there are few health facilities in the remote mountains of Upper Mustang. An appropriate policy should cover medical treatment, emergency transportation, and evacuation from high-elevation areas. Travelers should ensure the policy covers Four Wheel Drive road travel and the highest point of the journey.

In remote communities, evacuation may be more complex because of road access, weather conditions, and available transportation. Serious cases may require helicopter evacuation, provided weather conditions are favorable and depending on helicopter availability and insurance approval.

Before traveling, check the following insurance details:

• Nepal’s medical expenses and hospital costs
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Coverage for travel above 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
• Coverage for any pre-existing medical conditions (where applicable)
• Information for emergency help services and claims

Take a copy of your insurance policy that you can use on the road, both electronically and in print.

Accommodation Standards in Remote Mustang Villages 

Accommodation varies throughout the Upper Mustang Jeep tour. Kathmandu and Pokhara offer comfortable hotel accommodations with private rooms and standard amenities. At this point in the trip, it’s easier to find places to stay.

Jomsom, Lo Manthang and Muktinath have local teahouses and guesthouses that provide basic rooms, beds and blankets. Some properties include bathrooms attached to rooms, while others have communal toilets and washing facilities. There may be an extra charge for hot showers.

Not all small settlements have room heating available. Electricity and hot water services are also optional.

We recommend bringing warm nightwear, personal toiletries, and a small towel. When traveling during peak times, book in advance, as space may be limited. Our staff arranges the pre-arranged overnight accommodation as per package arrangements.

Food Availability and Local Mustang Cuisine 

On the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you can find food at hotels, teahouses, and local restaurants along the way. In Kathmandu and the Pokhara Valley, visitors can choose from Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and international dishes. As the trip heads toward more distant mountain villages, food options become more limited.

Common foods include dal bhat, vegetable curry, noodles, fried rice, soup, potato, bread, and Tibetan-style dishes. Traditional dishes like thukpa, tsampa, and Tibetan bread can also be found in Mustang. Apple products are among the items most commonly found in Marpha.

Vegetarian food is usually available, though restrictions on the types of food available depend on the settlement. Those traveling with food allergies or special dietary needs should let My Everest Trip know before traveling.

Use treated water, boiled water, or water that is properly sealed for all consumption during the trip. For extended periods of driving, it also helps to have a couple of snacks to go along.

Mobile Network, Internet and Charging Facilities 

In Upper Mustang, mobile network coverage is available in different pockets within the community and along the mountain roads. Generally, larger settlements like Jomsom, Kagbeni and Lo Manthang have good connectivity, but this can drop in remote areas.

Some areas may be covered by Nepal Telecom and Ncell services. But network strength depends on location, weather, and infrastructure. Some hotels and teahouses provide WiFi access, but the internet connection may not be as fast or dependable as in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Many settlements have electricity; charging facilities may be limited, or there may be extra charges. We recommend carrying:

• A fully charged power bank
• Charging cables and an appropriate travel adaptor
• Spare camera batteries
• An offline map and saved emergency contact information

Avoid relying on a continuous mobile internet connection during the trip.

Cash, ATMs and Payment Facilities in Upper Mustang 

Keep in mind that cash is very important when traveling in the Upper Mustang as banking is limited outside of larger towns. There are many ATMs, banks and currency exchanges in Kathmandu and Pokhara but they are hard to come by as you proceed towards Jomsom and Lo Manthang.

Withdraw a sufficient amount of Nepalese rupees prior to your departure from Pokhara. International bank cards and digital payments may not be accepted in smaller villages or local teahouses. Internet connection can impact transactions even if electronic payments are available.

Have some smaller notes in your pocket for snacks, drinks, personal supplies and other services on the way.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Package includes services listed in the inclusions; however, they are not included in the price of personal purchases and other expenses unless otherwise indicated. Use cash safely and don’t rely on ATMs in isolated areas.

Health Precautions for Dust, Wind and Dry Conditions 

The weather in Upper Mustang is dry, dusty, and windy, with strong sun radiation. Dust can get in the jeep, especially on dirt roads during travel. The dry air may also cause skin dryness, cracked lips, and dehydration.

There are several simple steps travelers should take to keep themselves comfortable:

• Bring a high-quality face mask for dusty areas on the road
• Wear sunglasses to keep dust and sun out of your eyes
• Regularly apply sun cream and lip cream
• Consume sufficient clean water daily
• Bring moisturizer with you to avoid dry skin
• Carry personal medicines and a small first aid kit
• Layer clothing to deal with varying temperatures
• Make frequent breaks during extended driving hours

People with respiratory problems or other existing health conditions should consult their healthcare professional before traveling. These preparations are especially advantageous when traveling longer over mountain roads.

Tibetan Buddhist Culture and Local Traditions 

Upper Mustang is rich with Tibetan cultural heritage, which can be observed in the monasteries, traditional houses, prayer flags, and the lifestyle of everyday people. Local traditions are still influenced by Buddhism, and in many villages, religious activity is still part of everyday life.

On the Upper Mustang Jeep tour, you will pass through communities where you will see mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens. They are religiously important and should be respected. You may see people following traditional practices during festivals and religious rituals.

The following are a few basic cultural tips for visitors:

• Walk around chortens and mani walls in a clockwise direction
• Take off your shoes if asked to do so in monasteries
• Do not take pictures of local people without permission
• Don’t touch religious items without permission
• Dress modestly in places of worship
• Minimize sounds during prayers and ceremonies

It’s important to respect local traditions to maintain good relationships with the communities you visit.

Visiting Lo Manthang’s Ancient Monasteries and Chhoser Caves

Lo Manthang is a cultural hub in Upper Mustang, home to historic monasteries, an old walled town, and traditional houses. During your visit, you can visit Champa Lhakang, Thugchen Gompa, and Chode Gompa. These religious sites preserve traditional works, Buddhist images, and historical elements of the region’s religious life.

Chhoser, nearby, is also renowned for its ancient cave settlements. Jhongu Cave is unique in that it comprises interconnected rooms, narrow corridors, and several levels. The caves offer clues as to the use of adjacent cliffs by earlier groups.

Here are some of the things to remember while on the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour:

• Enter monasteries and caves as per local directions
• Do not touch or remove historical objects
• Don’t mark or write on the wall of a cave
• Always ask for permission before taking photos inside religious buildings
• Be careful using narrow passages of caves for walking
• Obey any restrictions on access set by local authorities

Local permission, opening and safety conditions may apply to access to individual caves and monasteries.