Jeep Hire to Muktinath or Mustang

Best Time for the Jeep Hire to Mustang

Muktinath/ Mustang Jeep ride is an ideal all-around year. Spring and Autumn are the two best times for this trip. But, seasons like Summer and Winter may hinder the journey. There are unfavorable weather conditions like heavy rainfall and snowfall in these seasons.

Autumn is the peak season for travel and tour around Nepal. The season comes after the monsoon and the climate is also quite moderate for trips. The average daytime temperature of 14 to 16°C in Autumn is also another advantage. Autumn also provides unobstructed views of snow-capped mountains and the hilly terrains and peaks. Nature will inspire you on your trip to Muktinath.

Spring is another best time for jeep hire to Muktinath. The temperature ranges around 18 to 6°C in Spring. This forested area around Muktinath and its surroundings will enchant you. The snow-capped mountains look incredibly beautiful in the Spring season. Muktinath area is one of the driest regions in Nepal. The rainfall in the monsoon season is lower in the Mustang area in comparison.

There is not much rain but the road till Beni can get blocked with landslides due to heavy rainfall. So, the jeep hire to Mustang is risky in summer monsoons. Winter makes the environment around Muktinath extremely cold as temperatures drop below -8°C. There are thick levels of white snow in Early December but it gets quite slippery which is a challenge.

How To Reach Muktinath/Mustang From Kathmandu? – The Route

From Kathmandu, you will take a jeep drive that will pass through the settlement of Muglin, Pokhara, and Beni, to arrive at Tatopani. We will then take a break at Tatopani before heading back to Muktinath. We will then pass through Ghasa, Marpha, Kagbeni, Jomsom, to arrive at Muktinath.

It takes around 3 hours to reach Beni. After crossing Beni, the highway becomes bumpy and rugged. There are a lot of waterfalls along the tour and you can also observe snow-capped mountains. It then takes 2 hours to reach Tatopani. We can stop and take a bath at the Natural hot spring. Another 3 hours drive later, we reach Muktinath through a rough road.

Why Go For Jeep Hire To Mustang?

Religious and Cultural Importance

Muktinath is the sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims. It is also believed that people who visit Muktinath get rid of all the sins he/she has committed. Buddhist pilgrims also believe that Muktinath is the manifestation of Avalokitesvara. Muktinath is one of the eight holy sites of Sanatan dharma.

Mukti Dhara (108 waterspouts)

Muktinath premises also has 108 waterspouts (Dhara) known as “Muktidhara”. The waterspouts are in the shape of bulls heads. Pilgrims take a holy bath in 108 spouts after visiting the Muktinath temple. Similarly, Hindu pilgrims also believe that it will bring them salvation. There is a Mela in Muktinath during the Hindu festival of Janai Purnima, and the Buddhist festival of Yar tang.

Various Kundas (Ponds)

Muktinath temple premises also includes various ponds including Laxmi Saraswati Kunda and Mukti Kunda. People also believe that dipping in these ponds also relieves them of all sins. After completing bathing in 108 stone water taps, people generally dip in a pond which is a sigh of completion of their pilgrimage.

Shaligram

The Shaligram from River Kali Gandaki is another fascinating aspect of the Muktinath temple. You can find Shaligram in riverbanks or also buy from the local shops. A black stone Shaligram is generally considered sacred and used for prayers.

Mharme Lha Khang Gompa

There is a Mharme Lha Khang Gomba in the North of Muktinath Temple. Mharme Lha Khang is a monastery dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) which means a thousand holy lamps. There is a huge clay image at the center of the altar in the monastery situated alongside many deities. Hindu worship deities as Narasimha and also name the monastery “Narsingh Gompa”.

Factors You Should Consider For Hiring a Vehicle in Nepal

You should get a safe, comfortable, and easy to drive vehicle for your jeep drive to Muktinath in Mustang. There are various factors that you should consider for vehicle travel. Read on to know more about them:

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy is another important aspect that you need while traveling a long distance. Having a good fuel economy will also help you to control running out of fuel which will eventually reduce your overall cost.

Some companies provide fuel facilities while some don’t. Hence, you should ask them about these factors including refilling the tank. Many company policies also include refilling the tank before returning the vehicle.

Good Drivability

It’s best to hire an automatic over a standard with extra safety like cameras, sensors which make it safer and comfortable. The jeep also needs to get well-maintained for driving. Hence, these factors ensure good drivability of the vehicle which is quite an advantage in the long run.

Great Storage Space

The jeep must also have enough storage space so that you can store all your luggage and stuff. It will also allow you to keep all your food and camping material if you intend to camp along the journey.

Plenty of Legroom

Comfort should be of utmost priority while hiring a jeep for long travel. You should make sure that the seats of the jeep are spacious with enough legroom. This way your fellow travelers won’t feel cramped and can enjoy the trip comfortably.

Extra Safety Services

Extra Safety Features you might want to invest in include airbags, clean seat covers, Comfortable back seats, Dash camera, Navigation system or GPS, and others. These features make it easy to drive in tough rugged roads and remote areas.

Guideline for Hiring a Vehicle in Nepal

Here are some of the guidelines or the tips for hiring a jeep to Muktinath/ Mustang:

Book in Advance

Advance Booking vehicles at least 3 days ahead of the trek is essential. Checking the vehicle and its condition requires time as well hence booking it a few days from the trip is a must. This will give you enough time to examine the vehicle condition and choose a vehicle as per your wish.

Credit Card or Mobile Banking Payment

Paying with a Credit Card or Mobile Banking is always the best option. Some credit cards will also provide insurance cover which is quite an advantage. It’s the easiest and time-saving method.

Inspect the Vehicle

Inspecting the Vehicle will save you from various problems midway of the road trip. The inspection must also include checking for breakdown or scratches in the jeep and then note it. This will allow you to be safe from any kind of hassles.

Tips for Driving in Nepal

• The vehicles in Nepal drive on the left-hand side of Nepal.
• Drivers need to wear a seatbelt belt at all times while driving the car.
• You should allow pedestrians to pass alongside roads in major cities.
• The use of a cell phone is not permitted while driving.
• You should not drive without a proper driving license. In case of regular checking at various stops along the highway, you must show your license.
• Drivers can also face fines when they do not put on seat belts.
• You can dial 100 for Emergency situations which are equivalent to 911 in Nepal.