Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

A typical day on the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts about 6 a.m., when you wake to the quiet atmosphere of the Himalayas. You then freshen up and get ready, after which you put on your day bag all the necessary items such as extra clothes, medicines, water, snacks, and any other thing you might need during the day.

Breakfast is typically provided at the tea house or hotel about 7 in the morning, and the you prepare for the day's drive, your guide checking the route and ensuring that all the arrangements have been made before you leave.

Your journey begins early in the morning and takes you along mountain roads, past small villages and through changing landscapes and en route, there are brief stops also at which you can stretch yourself, drink some water, use the bathroom, or take photographs of the surrounding area.

At lunchtime you go to a local tea house or restaurant to have a proper meal and spend some time relaxing. After lunch the journey proceeds towards the next destination, with a number of stops made along the way so as to enjoy the views, visit local places, or explore the villages.

Depending on your route taken, you might arrive at your destination in the afternoon. Once you've checked into your tea house or hotel, you can rest, have a shower, have some tea or coffee, or go for a short walk around the village if you have the time. Before eating dinner you can relax yourself and spend time chatting with other travelers about their day. After dinner, your guide will give you the brief of the route for the following day, including the driving time and the places you will visit.

You can prepare yourself for the following day before going to bed and ask the guide to confirm your breakfast time. After that, it's time to rest and recharge yourself in order to spend another day exploring Upper Mustang by jeep.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is approximately 125 to 130 km (78 to 80 miles) of travel, with around 5 to 7 hours of driving per day depending on the route and road conditions. The journey starts in Jomsom, takes you to Chele, Ghiling through the Upper Mustang region to Lo-Manthang, and returns to Jomsom via Muktinath.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour follows the same path as the regular Upper Mustang Trek, taking you through villages, ancient monasteries, and Lo-Manthang. The main difference lies in travelling with a Jeep instead of walking for several hours each day. This means you can cover more ground in less time and reach places that would take longer to visit on foot.

The jeep also gives you added perks of flexibility to stop along the way for photos, short walks, village visits, and sightseeing. You still get to experience the culture and landscapes of Upper Mustang, but with less physical strain and more time to enjoy each place. It canbe a practical option for travelers who want to explore Upper Mustang without committing to a long-distance trek.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll find a variety of hotels ranging from standard to luxurious five-star options. However, as you enter into the Upper Mustang region, accommodation primarily consists of local lodges and tea houses. While these lodgings lack the luxury of city hotels, they areclean, hygienic, and comfortable enough for resting, relaxing, and sleeping during the journey.

The tea houses feature clean and comfortable rooms with basic facilities. Each tea house has a central communal area with a large stove that provides heat and a warm atmosphere.

Bedrooms in these tea houses are usually unheated and furnished with twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. But during extremely cold temperatures, a blanket may not suffice, so it’s advisable to bring a sleeping bag (a 3-season bag is adequate).
While accommodation is basic, the stunning landscapes, unique culture, and warm hospitality of the Hidden kingdom of Lo ensure a memorable travel experience.

It’s worth noting that Upper Mustang accommodation costs are relatively high due to factors such as low population density, expensive transportation, and the region’s isolation.

Additionally, if you plan to travel during early spring like March, ensure your accommodation is booked in advance. Many settlements relocated to the city during this time to escape winter, resulting in the closure of most tea houses, especially those in places like Lo Manthang.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is considered moderately challenging, falling between the easy and more strenuous travel journeys in Nepal. While it doesn’t include technical sections, it encompasses long days of driving on rugged and rocky mountain roads with steep ascents and descents.

With the highest points of the journey exceeding 4,000 meters, there is an increased risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, a good level of fitness and determination are required to complete this journey.

It’s advisable to start preparation training at least two to three months before the journey, focusing on cardiovascular exercises and strength endurance training. Recommended exercises include running, cycling, swimming, or hiking, along with workouts targeting leg strength and core muscles.

Additionally, mental preparation is crucial due to challenges such as unpredictable weather, remote terrain, and limited amenities. Strong determination and perseverance are necessary to overcome these challenges and complete the journey.

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is best experienced during three distinct seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), and autumn (September to November). This region differs from other travel areas in Nepal due to its location in the rainshadow area behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, resulting in less rainfall even during the monsoon season.

Spring Season (March-April-May)

Spring is considered the best time for the Upper Mustang, offering stable weather conditions and pleasant temperatures. With daytime temperatures ranging from -6 to -2°C, it provides ideal travel conditions.

During this season, travelers can enjoy clear sights of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Moreover, spring coincides with Tiji, the main festival of Lo Manthang, adding cultural richness to the travel experience.

Summer Season (June-July-August)

Despite being monsoon season in other parts of Nepal, summer in the Upper Mustang region experiences significantly less rainfall due to its rain shadow location behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. Daytime temperatures range from 20 to 33°C, while nighttime temperatures range from -3 to 0°C.

The route comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for travelers. The summer months include the Yartung (horse racing festival) in August, offering a unique cultural experience.

However, while the monsoon impacts other parts of Nepal, including Pokhara, it may lead to occasional delays or cancellations of domestic flights. Further, rain in the lower region can make the road slippery and increase the risk of landslides. It’s worth noting that from Kagbeni to Jomsom, the impact of monsoon rainfall is minimal.

Autumn Season (September-October-November)

Autumn is characterized by stable and dry weather conditions, making it an ideal time for travel in the Upper Mustang.

With daytime temperatures ranging from 12 to 20°C and clear skies, travelers can enjoy excellent visibility of the surrounding landscape. Nighttime where temperatures hover around -6 to -2°C, providing cool and comfortable conditions for resting after a day of travel.
October and November, in particular, are the best travel months for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. During these months, it is possible to cross high mountain passes.

Winter Season (December-January-February)

The winter season is not recommended for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. While technically possible, traveling during this time can be challenging due to deep snow at high altitudes.
Moreover, many locals leave the region to avoid the cold weather, resulting in several tea houses and facilities along the route being closed. This can make traveling even more challenging.
Additionally, the harsh temperatures pose significant challenges, with daytime temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C and night temperatures from -25 to -20°C. Proper warm clothing and travel gear are essential, and arrangements for accommodation should be made in advance.

Upper Mustang Trekking Permit Fees:

To visit Upper Mustang, every foreign traveler must obtain two permits:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Upper Mustang is a restricted region of Nepal, and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory for all foreign trekkers.

Updated Permit Rules

• On 19 November 2025, the Government of Nepal changed the RAP fee structure from the previous flat rate of USD 500 for the first 10 days to a daily fee system. The permit now costs USD 50 per person per day inside the restricted area.

• On 22 March 2026, Nepal removed the requirement for a minimum of two trekkers in restricted areas. Solo travelers can now obtain an Upper Mustang permit through a registered trekking agency.

• A licensed trekking guide remains mandatory, even for solo trekkers.

This rule is especially beneficial for the short time trekkers. Instead of paying a fat fee of USD 500, a trekker visiting Upper Mustang for 4 days can now pay USD 200. The day count starts from Kagbeni not Jomsom.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Since Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, trekkers must also obtain an ACAP permit.

• Foreign Nationals: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30)

Important Notes

• A TIMS card is not required for the Upper Mustang Trek.

• Permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

• Trekkers should carry their permits throughout the journey, as they may be checked at various checkpoints along the route.

Phone and internet connectivity in Upper Mustang is generally poor. Wi-Fi availability in tea houses is limited, and when available, it’s often provided through expensive satellite connections that are unreliable.

Additionally, there are fees associated with using this Wi-Fi service.Local SIM cards and packages can be obtained at the airport or from several vendors in Kathmandu or Pokhara. While data connections work well in cities, they are limited and slow once you leave the coverage area. Both NTC and NCELL may offer some data connection in Upper Mustang, but expect it to be limited and slow.

In the Upper Mustang region, electricity availability varies due to its remote location. Settlements at lower altitudes like Samar, Ghiling, Syangboche, and Ghami have electricity, but it’s not always reliable.

Most towns, particularly at high elevations, rely on solar power as a backup for the needs of travelers. However, power cuts are common, and electricity may not be available at higher elevations.

Solar panels are used to generate electricity in some places like Kagbeni and Lo Manthang, but they can be unreliable during bad weather. So, it is best to bring a solar power bank to charge your devices.

Further, tea houses typically allocate specific time for power usage, usually in the evening, where you can charge your electronic devices at a small cost. Using solar banks can be a cost-effective and reliable solution for charging your devices during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour.

Moreover, the tea houses in the Upper Mustang region provide two or three plug outlets with supporting plug types C, D, or M. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Therefore, it’s important to bring a universal adapter and voltage converter if necessary.

In the Upper Mustang region, despite its arid nature and limited water sources, safe drinking water is readily available at every tea house.

They offer boiled water for a nominal fee of about USD 1 to 2 per liter, ensuring its safety for consumption. Boiled water is also used for making drinks like tea and coffee, as well as for cooking.

Additionally, mineral bottled water is an option, albeit at a higher cost, especially at higher elevations where prices can reach up to USD 3 per liter. However, to minimize expenses and environmental impact, many travelers opt to refill their water bottles at teahouses.

Furthermore, in the villages, communal water taps are available, but it’s essential to purify or boil the water before drinking. Therefore, carrying a water purification system or tablets is advisable. Whether you’re relying on boiled water or natural resources, bringing your refillable water bottle ensures you have access to safe drinking water throughout the journey.

Along the Upper Mustang route, you’ll discover a diverse range of delicious food options, a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and a bit of Western cuisine.

For breakfast, you can enjoy a variety of items including oats, cornflakes, muesli with milk, oats porridge, toasted bread, french toast, various egg dishes (omelet, boiled, and scrambled) pancakes, and Tibetan bread.

Dal Bhat, a hearty meal consisting of steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickle, and papad, is a common lunch and dinner option, providing ample energy for travel. Non vegetarian alternatives like chicken curry or yak meat are also available.

The route of Upper Mustang is not commercialized, so you’ll often savor fresh, locally-grown organic vegetables.

In addition to Dal Bhat, there are Western options like pizza, sandwiches, momo (dumplings), pasta, spaghetti, mashed potato, fried rice, fried vegetables, veg salad, etc. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, local drinks, and juices are easily available at the tea houses along the Upper Mustang route. Various soup items including fresh vegetable soup, chicken soup, garlic soup, and tomato soup are also offered.

While there’s plenty to enjoy, it’s wise to carry snacks like chocolates, nuts, dry fruits, energy bars, and other nutritional foodstuffs during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour.

Only a few tea houses along the route have attached bathrooms, while the majority have communal toilets or bathrooms. Most of these facilities feature squat-style toilets with manual flushing systems. It is advisable to carry toilet paper and pocket soap as they may not be provided in every tea house. In places like Muktinath and Jomsom, some tea houses may offer Western-style toilets and some tea houses might have attached bathrooms where hot showers are available.

However, in the majority of hotels and tea houses, showers are located in separate rooms, usually adjacent to the toilet area. While cold water showers are typically free, there is usually a charge of USD 2 to 5 for a hot shower, depending on availability. Solar heated showers are common but may not consistently provide hot showers, while gas showers are available at a higher cost. The price of hot showers varies among tea houses in the Upper Mustang region.

But for a hot shower, you need to pay USD 2 to 5 if available. Solar heated showers are common but they might not be reliably hot. Gas showers are also available but it costs you more. The charge of hot showers in the Upper Mustang region depends from one tea house to another.

Bad Weather Conditions

Weather surprises are common on the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Sometimes you might encounter heavy snow, or strong winds, particularly at high altitudes. This can make the road slippery, and visibility poor, increasing the risk of accidents and discomfort.

Respond:

Make sure to check the weather forecast before you start your journey and be prepared with appropriate gear like waterproof clothing, and sturdy shoes. During bad weather, it’s best to stay in a safe place rather than getting caught in a snowstorm on the road.

Altitude sickness

As you travel higher into the mountains, the air gets thinner, and altitude sickness becomes a real concern. Symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to more serious conditions like pulmonary and cerebral edema.

Respond:

To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to acclimatize properly by taking it slow and allowing your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and consider taking medication like Diamox if recommended by your doctor. Descend to lower elevation immediately if you start experiencing any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Getting Lost on the Route

The route in Upper Mustang can be rugged and remote and sometimes there aren’t any signs to show you where to go. This means it’s easy to take a wrong turn and find yourself off track, especially if visibility is poor due to weather conditions.

Respond:

Before you start your journey, make sure you have a good map and a GPS or smartphone with a map app that takes the world offline. Stick to the planned road whenever you can. If you’re not sure where to go, ask the people who live there or your guide for help. Always listen to your guide who knows the areas very well and helps you stay on track.

Your luggage can be carried in the Jeep during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. You should carry a daypack for items you’ll need during the journey.

While your luggage is carried in the Jeep, be mindful of the available space and keep the items you need during the day in your daypack.

If you have extra luggage from traveling to Nepal, you can store it at the Kathmandu hotel. This helps manage your luggage and travel more comfortably without extra baggage.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are plenty of legitimate places for currency exchange, with better rates typically available in Kathmandu. Both cities have several ATMs for cash withdrawals.

However, along the Upper Mustang route, there are limited ATMs and banks. While places like Jomsom and Muktinath have some banks and ATMs, they might not be as reliable as those in cities.

On the Upper Mustang route, transactions are in cash using Nepali Rupees (NPR). It’s advisable to withdraw enough money needed for the journey before starting. Furthermore, remember to carry a small denomination note as change may not always be readily available, especially in remote places.

Getting the right travel insurance for your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is essential. Note that not all policies cover travel at high altitudes. So, ensure your policy covers travel up to 4,500 meters. The highest points of the journey must be within this insurance coverage.

Moreover, your travel insurance must cover all medical and travel issues, especially since accidents can happen unexpectedly on the road.

Your policies must include coverage for high-altitude, emergency evacuation by helicopter, medical expenses if you get sick or hurt, compensation for trip cancellations or delays, protection against losing or having your baggage stolen, and help with returning home if needed.

Before starting the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you’ll need to arrange flight tickets to Nepal, pay for your visa, get a local SIM card, buy travel gear and equipment, and purchase travel insurance. All these services are not included in your Upper Mustang Jeep Tour package cost.

Any additional food or drinks beyond what’s included in your travel package will cost you extra during the journey. Similarly, if you opt for extra amenities at tea houses like hot showers, Wi-Fi, or charging for electronic devices, you’ll need to pay extra.

After completing the journey, it is customary to provide tips to guides as a gratitude. If you plan to buy souvenirs to take home, you’ll need to budget extra for this.