What is the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost?

Have you ever heard about Nepal? If you have looked for popular places to travel in this Himalayan country, you might have come across one of the well-known destinations, Mustang. Upper Mustang is one of the unique regions in Nepal. If you want to enjoy mountain views, local villages, and ancient sites, then pack your bag. The upper Mustang jeep tour is one of the easiest ways to explore without walking for days. However, before booking your trip, it is essential to know how much the Upper Mustang Jeep tour costs.

Introduction: Exploring the Hidden Treasures of Mustang 

Upper Mustang is an amazing area situated in the northern part of Nepal. This region is close to the Tibetan border, so many people also call it Mini-Tibet. This part of the Himalayas is famous for its dry hills, ancient caves and Buddhist culture. For many years, Upper Mustang was closed to outsiders, which helped to keep its tradition and beauty untouched. The villages here are full of Tibetan culture, with dry land and the mountains. 

Only a few years ago, this area was opened for tourists. Still, this place feels so quiet and untouched. People can visit this region, but still not like other places in Nepal. You will not find a green forest in this region; you can spot a wide desert, colorful cliffs and small stone houses.

A few years ago, people had to walk around for two weeks to reach Lo Manthang, which is the main town of Upper Mustang. Now it has been too easy to reach there; you can take a jeep tour and reach there easily and comfortably. Taking a jeep tour makes your trip shorter, and you can easily explore the mountains, ancient caves, and old monasteries.

In this blog, we will explain the total Upper Mustang Jeep Tour cost, facilities included in that price and how to plan your trip without any confusion and unwanted expenses.

Why Should You Choose a Jeep Instead of a Trek?

Walking on foot to Upper Mustang needs lots of time and energy. To reach there, you have to walk for many days through rough and dusty trails. Some people like trekking, but it is not possible for everyone to reach there on foot. If you have very little time and do not have experience with long hikes, then it will be nearly impossible to get there.

If you book a jeep tour, then your trip can be much easier and comfortable. You can enjoy an amazing view while sitting in a jeep. You can also visit the major places like Kagbeni, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang. Jeep will follow the path through the same mountain that the trekker walks, and also save the days of your journey.

If you are travelling with families, then a jeep tour can be safer and more comfortable. Elderly people, children and everyone who has dreamed of reaching Mustang can easily reach there by jeep. You would not get tired, and you can also stop whenever you want to rest. You can stop to click photos, make videos, and take tea and snack breaks.

Thus, the jeep tour will be a great choice if you’re travelling with families, children, or elderly people. Choosing a jeep tour rather than trekking, you can enjoy Upper Mustang’s beauty without long hours of walking and a tired body. 

Journey Outline: From Pokhara to Lo Manthang 

Mostly, the Upper Mustang jeep tour starts from Pokhara, which is one of the main cities of Nepal. Some of the tours also start from  Kathmandu. As Mustang is closer to Pokhara, it will be easier to start your trip from here. 

First, you drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, which is a small town surrounded by dry mountains. Your real off-road adventure will start from Jomsom. The jeep will take you through the road from Jomsom to Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami and Tsarang. You will pass through these places before reaching Lo Manthang, the main town of Upper Mustang.

Your jeep tour lasts around a week, and several hours are spent each day on rocky and dusty trails. The journey may be slow, but it will be full of amazing, breathtaking views with narrow valleys, colourful cliffs and peaceful villages.

Here is an example of a day’s jeep tour routes:

1 . Pokhara to Jomsom

2. Jomsom to Ghami

3. Ghami to Lo Manthang

4. A day for exploring Lo Manthang

5. Return to Tsarang or Kagbeni

6. Back to Jomsom

7. Drive or Fly to Pokhara 

Every part of your journey will be different and exciting. The road is rough, but breathtaking scenery and amazing culture make your journey worth it.

Cost Details of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour 

The total upper Mustang jeep tour cost depends on many factors. It especially depends upon how many days you travel, the number of people travelling, what kind of jeep and hotel you select. In general, the cost can be between USD 1,500 to 2,000 per person for a 7 to 10-day  trip.

Let’s take a quick look at how cost is divided : 

• Restricted Area Permit: It is a mandatory permit for entering Upper Mustang. It costs USD 500  per person for ten days.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: It costs USD 30 per person.

• Jeep and Driver Cost: You need to pay around USD 120 to 150 per day. The charges depend on the recent road conditions and fuel prices. 

• Guide Cost: The cost of guides is about USD 30 to 40 per day.

• Accommodation and Food:  The charges depend on where you choose to stay and what you choose to eat. The charges cost around USD 40 to 60 per day. 

• Additional Expenses: A small cost can be added to personal expenses like snacks, drinks, or gifts. 

If you travel in groups of 3 to people, the cost can be cheaper. You can share the jeep and guide charges too. Some of the travel agencies also offer you a package including all the facilities and you do not need to worry about planning everything by yourself. 

Factors Affecting the Tour Charges 

The charges for the upper Mustang jeep tour can be higher or lower in cost. There are a few factors that play a vital role in increasing and decreasing tour costs. These few factors will provide great help for you to plan your budget better. 

• Number of People in a group:  If you travel in a group, then the expenses per person can be cheaper. While travelling in a group, you can share the fare of the jeep, fuel, and guides. Travelling solo means paying more and having to cover all the expenses during the tour.

• Duration of Tour:  Expenses also depend on the duration of your tour. If you stay more days, more money is spent on food and accommodation, and driving fare. For a balanced experience, most people choose a 7 to 10-day tour.

• Season of Travel: You should always pick a great season while planning your tour.  The best season to travel the Upper Mustang is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These are the peak tourist seasons, having clear weather but charging a high cost. If you visit during Monsoon or Winter, the prices may drop, but the weather and trails can be more challenging. 

• Type of jeep and accommodation: You have to pay more for a luxury vehicle and hotel than basic one. Some of the travellers choose a 4WD Land Cruiser or Hiace for smooth rides on rough roads. Choosing a smooth luxury vehicle slightly raises the price.

• Travel Agency and Services Included: There are so many travel agencies that offer different packages. Some of the agencies include permits, meals, and any guides. While some agencies’ packages only include transportation. You should always check what’s included before booking a package. It will also help you to avoid extra expenses. 

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Cost: Included and Excluded in the Package?

Before booking a package for your tour, you should always check what is included and what is not. If you are booking a package, then choose which necessary facilities are included. This will help you to avoid extra surprise expenses later.

If you choose a high-budget package, then you will be offered a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). A private jeep with an experienced driver is also included. Other services like a professional guide throughout the whole trip, accommodation in a guesthouse or lodges, three meals a day, fuel and road taxes and all government taxes and service charges are included. 

These are part of the complete tour package, so you do not need to arrange them separately. There are many other things that are not included in the package. Your personal expenses, like snacks, drinks and gifts, are not included in the package. You should have travel insurance, and it is highly recommended for safety, which is not included. Tips for a taxi driver, extra activities, sightseeing, staying in a hotel in Pokhara and Kathmandu before and after the tour are also not included in the package.

If you choose a cheaper or budget-friendly package, some of the facilities, like meals or guides, might not be provided. Before booking a package, you should ask for the list of packages from the agencies.

Best Time for an Upper Mustang Jeep Tour?

You can visit Upper Mustang all year round, but some months are better than others. These months offer good weather and great road conditions, which play a big role in making your trip enjoyable and unforgettable.

• Spring Season (March to May): The spring season is known as one of the best times to plan your trip and visit. This season offers you warm weather, clear skies, and breathtaking mountain views. Villages are full of life, and you can also experience some local festivals.

• Autumn Season(September to November): Autumn season is another best seasons for travel. You can find dry and comfortable weather and good trails. This is another most chosen season for jeep tours by people.

• Monsoon Season (June to August): Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow area. This region gets less rainfall even in the monsoon. You can travel in these months too, but the roads before Jomsom might be muddy or slippery. 

• Winter Season (December to February): Winter can be so cold in the Upper Mustang. Most of the guesthouses are closed due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures. If you are planning to travel this season, then you need warm clothes, and you need to prepare for cold nights.

So, in summary, the best time for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is in the spring and autumn seasons. During this time, you will be rewarded with pleasant weather, an open road, and the best scenery.

Some Tips to save money on the tour 

The cost of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour can be a little expensive. There are a few smart ways to lower your tour cost. These will reduce cost without missing out on the fun. Here are some useful, simple tips:

• Travel in a group: Travelling in a group will reduce your cost. Sharing your jeep with friends or other travellers will reduce your jeep and guide’s fare. The bigger the number of people in the group, the lower the cost you have to pay.

• Choose a mid-range package: There is no need for the most luxurious hotels and vehicles. Booking a mid-range package, which includes clean lodges and a good jeep, can provide the same great experience. Don’t run for luxuries when you get the same experience at a lower price. 

• Book early or in the off-season: Booking in advance can help you get a budget-friendly price. You can travel in the off-season, like late winter or early summer. At this time, there will be only a few tourists, and it can be cheaper.

• Bring your own snacks and water bottle: Upper Mustang is a remote area, and food and drinks are expensive in this region. If you carry snacks and a water bottle, it will help to save on daily expenses.

• Compare the packages before booking: Different travel agencies offer different prices. You should always compare what that package includes. You can save your money if you find a mid-range package that includes permits,guidesand meals. 

With a little planning, you can enjoy your Upper Mustang Jeep tour comfortably without spending too much money.

Why the Upper Mustang Journey is Worth Every Penny?

The upper mustang jeep tour may sound expensive for most people. Until you reach there, it looks costly. Once you reach there, you will understand why it is truly worth it.  When you enter this region, you will feel like stepping into a different world. The quiet villages, colorful cliffs and ancient monasteries will tell you stories from hundreds of years ago. 

You will be rewarded with breathtaking views. The culture of Upper Mustang can not be found anywhere else in Nepal. Upper Mustang is still peaceful and less crowded than other destinations in Nepal. You will meet a kind resident and enjoy the old Tibetan tradition here. You can enjoy a wide space where you can observe the mountain meeting the desert. 

Spending money here not only provides you amazing experience but also supports local families and small lodges in remote areas. Your visit helps locals earn a living and keep culture alive. Even the trip to Upper Mustang is more costly than other tours in Nepal, but the experience, beauty and memories you gain make every penny spent worth it.

Conclusion: Planning Your Journey to Mustang 

The upper Mustang jeep tour is one of the best ways to explore Nepal’s most unique regions. This trip can be more expensive than other trips. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour costs around $1,200 -$1,600 per person. The cost includes permits, a jeep, a guide, accommodation and meals. This package will make your trip comfortable and safe.

The jeep will take you through dry mountains, small villages and ancient monasteries. You can explore Lo Manthang. You no longer need to walk for weeks through rough trails. You can experience the beauty of the Upper Mustang in a short time. This trip will give you a mix of adventure and amazing scenery that only a few places in Nepal match. 

If you plan smartly, travel in a group, choose a good package, select the best season, and your trip will be amazing. You can make the most of your trip without spending more than required. Perfect planning can save your expenses, too. In conclusion, this upper mustang tour is not only about spending money, it is about discovering a hidden kingdom while enjoying amazing landscapes and creating lifelong memories.