Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Permits and Fees

Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang Tour

When you are ready for the journey to the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you must obtain The Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This license permits you to visit Upper Mustang, a relatively isolated area of Nepal. Acquiring the RAP will be easy if you apply for it via trekking agencies like Blue Lake Tours and Travels. Our officials will help you obtain it by completing the necessities from Nepal’s Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or at the Pokhara airport.

Considering the cost, you should allocate USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) to get this permit. After 10 days, you must pay USD 50 per person /Day.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour also requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit since we will be traveling through the parts of the Annapurna Region. Just like the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), you can get it with our help from the Tourism Board or the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

The cost of ACAP for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is NPR. 3000 per person for international tourists. Similarly, individuals from the SAARC Nations must pay NPR. 1000 per person while the Nepalese personnel should pay NPR. 100 per person for this permit.

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) Card

It is another mandatory permit required for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. The TIMS (Trekkers‘ Information Management System) Card is essential for ensuring the safety and monitoring of trekkers throughout their journey. You can obtain this card from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at TIMS counters in trekking areas. Remember, this permit is not necessary to those who travel via plane from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara; instead, it is mandatory for those who are traveling by land or vehicle just like our journey to the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Route

For the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, we will start our ride from Pokhara, a city known for its serene lakes and stunning mountain views. We will drive on a 4WD Jeep availed by the Blue Lake Tours and travel to Tatopani, where we can relax in the natural hot springs. After the short break, we’ll continue our journey and head towards Marpha village. This place is famous for its apple orchards and traditional Thakali culture and cuisine.

From Marpha, we will start our road journey to Jomsom, the windiest place in Nepal. It is also a bustling town from where we can have spectacular views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks. After exploring Jomsom, we will head to the village of Kagbeni, the gateway to the Upper Mustang region.

Now, our real trip to the Upper Mustang begins. First, we will continue our road journey to Tangbe and Chele Village, passing through diverse landscapes filled with cultural and religious values. The trails are featured with Buddhist cultural artifacts such as chortens and prayer flags. These high-altitude settlements offer a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Mustang area.

Next, we drive from Chele to Ghami and along the way, we pass through the charming villages of Chusang and Syangboche, each offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. At Ghami, the ancient Buddist culture and the colorful cliffs that surround the village will captivate us with their beauty.

Finally, it’s time to explore the walled city of Lo Manthang, the former Kingdom of Lo also known as the Forbidden Kingdom. We spend a day discovering its beauty, from the royal palace to ancient gompas. Also, the hanging caves in the cliffs offer a wonderful experience, which reflects the cultural values of the ancient Lo Kingdom.

After exploring the Lo Manthang Kingdom, we will then set our return journey to Pokhara. The return journey takes us through Chusang and Tetang, with a visit to the sacred Muktinath temple. We follow the same trail and ride through the Marpha and Tatopani villages before concluding our journey in Pokhara.

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary:

1. Drive from Pokhara to Tatopani – Kalapani (Late) – Marpha
2. Drive Marpha to Jomsom – Kagbeni Tangbe -Chele.
3. Drive Chele – Chusang – Syangboche – Ghami (via Syangboche La – Chunggar – Nyi La).
4. Drive Ghami – Tsarang (Lo pass 3950m) – Lo Manthang
5. Exploring Lo Manthang.
6. Drive Lo Manthang – Chusang – Tetang – Kagbeni – Muktinath.
7. Drive Marpha – Lete- Tatopani
8. Drive Tatopani – Pokhara

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost

The average cost of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts from USD 1000-1500 per person.but if you more the two people price will be less. The cost includes amenities like comfortable jeep transport, experienced guides, accommodation, food, permits, Tims, etc in quaint local lodges, and necessary permits.

Food

During this tour, travelers can experience the taste of traditional Nepali cuisine that includes Dal, Bhaat, Tarkari, and pickles. Apart from that, the Mustang region is popular for the Thakali Khana Set, which might be very intriguing to taste.

Accommodation

Most of the time during your trip, you will be staying at a lodge which offers you a shared bedroom and bathroom. These tea houses cost you anywhere from $10 to $15  per night, which is including in our package.
If you are willing to pay more for the accommodation, you can also stay in  best lodges with personal bedrooms and an attached bathroom. These guest houses are located in Jomsom and Kagbeni. In other places, the only option is to stay at tea houses.

Best Season For The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Spring Season [March to May]

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour during the Spring season is one of the best things to do in Nepal. As winter bids farewell in February, Spring comes with emerging vegetation with increased greenery and blooming flowers in this region. During the trail, you will experience the sweet scent of the Apple tree’s blossoms and this jeep tour allows you to experience all this with the amazing views of the snow capped peaks like Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna North, Damodar Himal, and many others.

Similarly, the chances of rainfall and snowfall is very minimal during this season, which makes it easy for us to navigate. The days are relatively longer than the winter season and the moderate temperature allows us to have a chilling experience without any issues.

Autumn Season [September to November]

Apart from the Spring season, the best time to go for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is in the autumn season. There are a number of reasons for this; the first reason is the color of the landscape, the local culture, and the breathtaking views. When the monsoon is over, autumn brings some warm tones of gold, amber, and russet to the palette of colors in the forest areas, which are very interesting to watch. The weather is extremely fresh and bright with moderate temperatures, which provides visibility for watching the magnificent views of the Mustang Valley, and the towering Himalayas like Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.

In addition, autumn in the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a good time for celebrations of Nepalese festivals like Dashain and Tihar. Overall, Autumn is considered best for those who are seeking the natural and cultural richness of this region.

Off-Season Choice for the Jeep Tour

Monsoon Season [Not Recommended]

Monsoon starts in June and extends up to early September in Nepal. In the Upper Mustang region, monsoon brings heavy rainfall and this might not be a good sign for our jeep tour. The Upper Mustang region is mountainous and features steep landscapes, which is prone to landslides during the monsoon, posing a threat to navigation through roads.

The trails are relatively muddy and slippery, making it challenging to travel off-road to our destination. It also poses a significant risk of being stuck in the swamp on the trail. This might not only hamper our journey but also cause damage to our vehicle.

Furthermore, monsoon seasons with heavy rainfall increase fog volume by which there will not be clear visibility. And, this might lead to traffic accidents in remote landscapes. Similarly, the chance of getting immediate medical attention during such hazardous circumstances is very minimal.

Winter Season [Not Recommended]

Winter starts from late November until the start of February in Nepal. The Upper Mustang region, located 4,000 meters above sea level, poses a great risk during this season with a significant drop in temperature and unpredictable weather conditions. The daytime is relatively adaptable but the night temperature usually drops below freezing point, making it challenging to bear for everyone.

Also, the winter season features snowfall in this region, so whether you are going for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour or Upper Mustang Trek might get navigational issues. The remote trails might get blocked due to snowfall, and it also makes the route slippery, causing high risk. The skies are relatively cloudy, making it difficult to get clear visibility of the trail and surrounding environment.

Apart from that, not all tea houses in the region are active during the winter season, which makes your accommodation uncertain. So, it is recommended to come discuss with our company (Blue Lake Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd) before you go on this journey. We can help you arrange your package aligned with your expectations on package, cost, accommodation, and safety.

Why Choose the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Route?

Natural Beauty

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is for those who are seeking the captivating natural wonders of northern Nepal and the Himalayas. This tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Upper Mustang, traversing through beautiful settlements like Marpha, Jomsom, Muktinath, and Kagbeni. The unnatural and unreal beauty such as steep cliffs, deep ravines, and huge green valleys will amaze you for sure with its extended beauty.

Apart from that, the journey also takes you in front of the marvelous Himalayas including peaks like Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Damodar Himal, and many others. So, if you are a photography or videography lover, this tour might be your cup of tea. Overall, the change in color from the warm, bright reds and pinks of the rhododendrons will captivate you.

Cultural and Religious Value

The region of Upper Mustang is also known for its religious and cultural value. Even during the Jeep Tour you can visit the sacred monasteries and temples located in the desolate mountains and valleys that emanate a tone of peace and religiosity. This is the kind of place where you can still see monasteries, and the omnipresent prayer flags, and hear the gentle sounds of the monks’ chant amidst the mountains.

Lo Manthang, the forbidden Kingdom in the Upper Mustang, is a hub for several historical landmarks and caves, which reflect the ancient culture of the region. These caves were/are used by famous Buddhist monks in search of seclusion and serenity and are the major attractions during the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. You can experience a sense of spirituality while walking alongside the monasteries and caves with the hymns of the prayer.

Authentic Adventures

For the intrepid traveler seeking an authentic adventure off the beaten path, the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour promises an experience like no other. The jeep tour takes you through the rugged route and navigates through narrow mountain passes, each twist and turn revealing a new adventure waiting to unfold. Whether crossing suspension bridges suspended high above rushing rivers or navigating through ancient caves, every moment is filled with a sense of exploration and discovery.

This Jeep tour also gives you a close-up view of remote villages untouched by modernity. Also, the beauty of the Himalayas, green forests, and valleys, with traditional Nepali culture attracts more tourists to this place.

Why Choose Blue Lake Tours and Travels This Tour?

Best Service

Blue Lake Tours and Travels is well known for providing excellent services and customer satisfaction guaranteeing that all tourists have an unforgettable time on their trip. This means everything from creating your daily schedule down to assisting throughout the day, our team is committed to making your stay as comfortable as possible.

We have many positive reviews and returning customers which demonstrate our dedication to providing the best service for our clients. We ensure that we observe high standards of hospitality and professionalism to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

So if you are looking forward to going for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, select us for an exceptional service that places your needs into consideration and ensures that you have a good time on your trip.

Best Price Guarantee

At Blue Lake Tours and Travels, you will find that traveling does not always have to be expensive. That is why we guarantee you the best price for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, so you can be sure you are getting the most for your money.

We offer no hidden fees and low prices to give you a chance to travel without worrying about additional costs. We have adjusted our rates often to ensure that we are among the cheapest in the market without sacrificing the quality of our services. That is why when traveling with us you get to enjoy quality traveling services at very a humble cost thus making your dream holiday come through.

17 Years’ Experience in the Tourism Field

Having operated for 17 years in the tourism industry, Blue Lake Tours and Travels has developed unique tour services that attract a wide range of tourists. Our expertise in the organization and industry allows us to offer valuable advice as well as top-notch service. We have an experienced and skilled team to fulfill all your needs, providing you with a remarkable and highly engaging travel experience like the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. Not only this, but we have expertise in several other trekking packages like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit/Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal trek, and many other treks.

Local Knowledge

One of our key advantages is our profound knowledge of the local expertise in Nepal. Our team of local guides and porters understand the geography of the Upper Mustang regions and other trekking destinations with the weather conditions, landscapes, and social lifestyle. This allows us to provide unique and different experiences from the basic tourist site visits. Whether you didn’t know that there are amazing attractions or cultural experiences alongside the local food or weather conditions, our guides and porters help you make your trip more meaningful.

Safety

Safety is the major priority of Blue Lake Tours and Travels, thus we ensure that our customers are safe while traveling with our company. We take measures to promote safety while on the road without hesitation and always cooperate with only reliable service providers. This is why the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is well organized so that you would not worry about the trip. Whether it’s for road safety or your safety during high altitude locations such as Lo Manthang, the team does not compromise it in any way and helps you get the most out of this jeep tour.

Good Condition 4W Jeep with Experienced Driver

Blue Lake Tours and Travels offers 4W jeeps for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, which makes this adventure high quality and more enjoyable. All our vehicles are well maintained and we are committed to providing the best service by offering a comfortable ride on the most difficult terrains. Our drivers are not mere navigators, they are knowledgeable guides who can make your trip even more memorable. You can always experience thrilling adventures as well as comfort since our vehicles are designed to offer relaxation during every trip for you to have great memories of the beautiful sceneries.

24/7 Service

At Blue Lake Tours And Travels, we understand that sometimes, travel plans can be unpredictable as they can be changed at any time. That is why we offer 24/7 support, to offer our clients seamless services. A right dedicated support team is always ready to solve any issues, reply to questions, or give proper solutions whenever it is needed. Their dedication to staying available guarantees your traveling experience is seamless from the planning phase right through to your destination, creating little to no stress for you.

Required Equipment for The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Personal Essentials

• Layered Clothing: Pack base layers, mid-layers (like fleece), and a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
• Warm Jacket: Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night. A down or synthetic insulated jacket is crucial.
• Comfortable Pants: Durable hiking pants and a pair of thermal leggings for cold evenings.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Waterproof and comfortable boots are a must for exploring the rugged terrain on foot.
• Socks and Underwear: Moisture-wicking materials help keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Gloves, Hats, and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the cold and the strong Himalayan sun.
• A comfortable, sturdy daypack for carrying essentials during daily excursions.
• Duffel Bag for storing clothes and gear in the Jeep.
• Sleeping Bag rated for cold temperatures ensures a warm night’s sleep.
• Trekking Poles for stability on uneven terrain.
• Water Bottles and Purification Tablets
• First Aid Kit includes basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm
• Personal Hygiene Items like Biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a quick-dry towel.
• Maps and Guidebook

Vehicle Essentials which we will manage our Company

• Spare Tires and Repair Kit: The rugged roads can be tough on tires.
• Fuel: Ensure you have enough fuel for the entire journey as refueling options are limited.
• Emergency Kit including tools, tow rope, jumper cables, and an emergency blanket.