Upper Mustang Overlanding Tour

Road Trip to Upper Mustang

The road trip to Upper Mustang is an unparalleled adventure, where you’ll delve into the restricted region of the road. Unlike trekking, you’ll spend more time in the vehicle traveling from one remote village to another. This road trip offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the once-forbidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang and immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the region you are visiting.

The road trip of the Upper Mustang jeep tour starts with arrival in Kathmandu and then a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The second day’s drive takes you to Sarangkot, after which you will return to prepare for the next day’s trip from Pokhara to Jomsom. During this jeep trip, you will also explore Beni Market, and the next day, the majestic jeep tour to Muktinath will be engraved in your memory for a long time.

The next day, you will continue your Overland Jeep tour by traveling to Upper Mustang. You will explore all the remote areas of the place and eventually reach the forbidden kingdom in Lo-Mangthang. You will spend a night in the fantastic place and continue your drive towards Tatopani the next day. After that, you will enjoy a drive back to Pokhara and finally end your tour by driving back to Kathmandu.

Beautiful View of the Himalayas and Landscapes

The Mustang region is trendy for providing adventure and pristine views of the Himalayas, mountains, peaks, valleys, and barren landscapes. Since the tour starts in Pokhara, you will glimpse mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail. As you climb altitude and get closer to Mustang and Muktinath, you can see a few more mountains like Thokuche, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Thorung, etc. The magnificent view of the Chure range with the floating Kaligandaki River from below will surely melt your heart.

As you trek forward, you will reach the peaks and valleys you saw from Pokhara. During your excursion to Muktinath Temple, the fantastic backdrop of tall mountain ranges allows every photographer to click some amazing photos. Hence, the Upper Mustang Overlanding tour is still one of the best for those who like the beautiful views and want to explore all the terrains, from barren landscapes to snowy peaks and mountain ranges.

Places and Festivals to Observe During Overlanding Tour

Upper Mustang is one of the most beautiful regions in Nepal. It is a trekking and tourist paradise mainly because there are many places to observe. Some of the places you visit during this trek are equally popular for some of their custom festivals and rituals. The places and festivals you will be observing on this tour are:

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath is one of the significant religious places for Hindus and Buddhists that you will explore in the Annapurna region. For Hindus, the Muktinath is sacred because of Lord Shiva, and for Buddhists, it is the holy place for Guru Rinpoche’s mediation. Thousands of trekkers and pilgrims from Nepal, India, China, and other countries visit Muktinath annually in a particular season to get the best experience. Foreign trekkers visit Muktinath to explore one of the most beautiful places, whereas Nepal, India, and China trekkers visit it for spirituality. The 108 water spouts on the temple make a pond, and elders believe bathing in the pond heals you and cures you of skin diseases.

Lo Manthang

Lo-Manthang is one of the most remote places in the Annapurna region. During the time of emperors, Lo Manthang was an ancient kingdom and the capital of Mustang. The place was previously restricted and only available for kings and queens, which is why it is among the most untouched areas in Nepal. Lo Manthang was opened to tourists very late, so many trekkers have yet to visit it. A visit to the royal palace of Lo Manthang will teach you about the culture and traditions of the ancient tribes who lived there. During their visit to the kingdom, many archeologists found mummified bodies of several hundred years old.

Kaligandaki and Shaligram

The Kaligandaki River is famous for its beautiful scenery and is home to the Shaligram, a unique black-and-gold stone. The Kaligandaki River flows from the Chure mountain range’s base, allowing the photographers to click one of the best pictures. In Hindu tradition, this stone is vital and is worshiped as Lord Vishnu. People believe that worshipping the Shaligram can help them find peace and happiness.

Jomsom

Jomsom is one of the best places for trekkers to trek and enjoy the majestic Annapurna region. It is one of the famous tourist hubs in Mustang before reaching Muktinath. Trekkers who go from Pokhara to Muktinath often enjoy their acclimatization in Jomsom. It’s the same case with tourists who tour a jeep as well. They usually reach Jomsom during their Overland tour and stay the night in the town. Jomsom is a vibrant town where most people follow the Buddhist religion. The lifestyle and culture of the people are unique, and sometimes, you can even participate in their unique rituals.

Tiji Festival

Tiji Festival is among the most important festivals celebrated in the Mustang region. It holds a special place in the heart of the ethnic people living in the Upper Mustang region. Tiji festival has been celebrated in the area for a long time. As a past myth suggests, the demon was destroying the Mustang region. The demon was also spreading diseases and taking away clean water, which was ruining the lives of the civilians. Famous monk Dorje Jano came to the rescue, fought with the demon, and defeated it. He took back the water and gave back life to the people of Manang. After the victory over evil, the people of Manag joined forces to celebrate the festival, which was named Tiji. The festival of Tiji is celebrated with prayers and colorful dances to honor an important day. As a lunar festival, the dates of Tiji vary in different years.

Best seasons for Upper-Mustang overland tour

Upper Mustang Overland Tour is a fun way to adventure with your family, children, and parents and spend time with them. Since the adventurous tour is in the Himalayas, it is ideal for traveling during the best season for the Upper Mustang.

Spring

Spring (march to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. If you want more comfortable weather with clear and vivid views, March to May is the best month to visit the Upper Mustang tour. During Spring, the trails get beautiful as you drive alongside the blooming rhododendrons and magnolias flowers. One drawback of touring in the Spring season is that trails and teahouses are overcrowded. So make sure to book early if you want good services in the teahouses; however, during spring, you can also tent in the large meadows, which will be a different adventure.

Autumn

Autumn is another good season for the Mustang Overland tour. It lasts from September to November. Like the Spring season, during Autumn, the trials are dry and easy to scale, the views of skies and mountains are clear, and there are fewer chances of rainfall and snowfall. Autumn is the best time for overland tours in the Mustang region’s mountains. Some people think it’s even better than spring.

Winter and Monsoon season

However, this trip can also be done in winter and the summer. If you want more adventure in your tour and like offroading on muddy trails, you can do it in the summer, as monsoons coincide with this season. However, you ought to be wary of the trail and check on the road conditions with the local authorities. Winter is also possible, although be prepared for the freezing and harsh weather that comes with this season.

For whom the tour suits the best

This tour is fascinating, but it might suit specific demographics of tourists and trekkers. So, let’s take a look at who the tour best suits.

Interest in Tibet Culture: If you are interested in Tibetian culture, history, and tradition, then the Tour is for you. The Mustang is filled with Tibetan inhabitants who have long followed Buddhist culture and tradition. The tour will allow you to explore all the ancient monasteries, gompas, and meditating places for monks.

Comfortable adventure: It is quite comfortable for anyone who doesn’t want any stress or toughness. Unlike the trek, in this tour, you won’t have to climb high altitude all the time, you don’t have to hike for 6-7 hours every day, and the tour duration is about ten days compared to 20 days in other treks. So, if you want to experience an adventure in the Himalayas but with a bit of comfort, then this tour is for you.

Moderate Fitness: It is perfect for your low to moderate fitness level. This tour does not include a hike, but you will spend more time in a jeep with bumpy rides and may have to trek for at least half an hour here and there. So, you don’t need to be in peak physical condition for this tour.

Short time: If you plan to trek to Upper Mustang, the adventure might take about two weeks. However, on this Overland tour, you can reach every nook and cranny of the region from your jeep. Moreover, completing the tour and returning to Kathmandu only takes about one week to 10 days. So, if you want a quick adventure with your family, this Upperland tour is ideally suited.

Best Scenery: There are many trekking or touring spots in Nepal with fantastic mountainous scenery. However, nothing comes close to the stunning view of the mountains in the Upper Mustang region. So, if you are addicted to majestic mountain views, the Upper Mustang Overland Tour is perfect for you.

Visiting Monasteries in Upper Mustang

There are several monasteries in Upper Mustang that you can explore if you are enthusiastic about learning Buddhist culture and tradition. Some of the culturally essential monasteries that you will explore during your visit to monasteries in Upper Mustang.

Lo Ghyekar Gompa

One of the most popular Gompas in the Mustang region is Lo Ghyekar Gompa. The Gompa is located in a small mountain village at an altitude of 3934 meters. Ghar Gompa is the only monastery representing the pure teachings of the Lo Nyingma sect in Upper Mustang. It was constructed in the 8th century, before the Samya Gompa in Tibet.

Jampa Lhakang Monastery

Jampa Lhakang Monastery is another monastery you can explore in the Upper Mustang region during your excursion. The monastery is carved with the ancient culture of Tibetans, carved in the walls of malachite, turquoise, cinnamon, and gold hues paintings. Initially, natural disasters demolished this monastery, but in late 1999, it was rebuilt by the King Mahendra Trust for Nature and Conservation and the American Himalayan Foundation.

Thumpchen Gompa

Thumpchen Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries, built in the 15th century. The monastery is inside the Lo Manthang. Many emperors of the kingdom, like Dhristrarastra, Baishnawan, Birudhak Birupaksya, Chen Tejik, Jampalyang Guru Rinpoche, Namgyal, and Thumpchen, lived there. Thupchen Gompa is the Sakyapa Sect monastery, so next time you explore the Upper Mustang area, be sure to visit the amazing Thumpchen Gompa.

Chhyode Gompa

Chhyode Gompa, a monastery of the Sakyapa Sect, was built in the 18th century in Mustang Lo Manthang’s walled city. The monastery is decorated with Dorje Sonnu, Dorje Dhhang, and Sange Thukpa. It is one of the most underrated monasteries, popular only among Buddhists and Tibetans.

Upper Mustang Overlanding Tour Permits

The upper Mustang Overland tour is in a restricted area of Nepal, so you need a couple of special permits. You are only eligible for the tour if you have these permits. Just like in trekking, you also need three permits for your tour.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

To reach Upper Mustang, you must go through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, you must have a permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. You can get the license for Annapurna Conservation Area either from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the ACAP counter in Pokhara. The cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is Nrs 3,000.

Restricted Area Permit

Since the Upper Mustang is in Nepal’s restricted area, you need a special restricted area permit. You can’t issue this permit as an individual; in fact, it must be issued by the registered travel agency of Nepal on your behalf. The Department of Immigration can issue the restricted area permit. Furthermore, for the restricted area permit, you need at least two foreign trekkers and a guide, so unless the application for two foreign trekkers is submitted together, you will not receive this permit. The Restricted Area Permit costs $500 for the first ten days; for each extra day, you must pay an additional $50.

TIMS card

TIMS card is a permit that every trekker must issue regardless of the region in which they are trekking in Nepal. This is also one of the mandatory permits you must issue before trekking in Nepal. Compared to other permits, TIMS is relatively easy to issue in Nepal. A TIMS card in Nepal costs $10 for group trekkers and $20 for individual trekkers.

Overlanding Tour Difficulty Level

The Upper Mustang Overland Tour is an easy-to-moderate-level tour for anyone who wants to explore Nepal’s forbidden kingdom. It is undoubtedly more accessible than the overall Upper Mustang trek. However, certain difficulty factors still arise during the jeep tour.

One significant difficulty during the tour is the high altitude. Even if you are touring the Upper Mustang region, you must reach an altitude of at least 3840m. The high altitude means there is a risk of altitude sickness.

Another challenge that tourists often face during their Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is the long, bumpy rides for several days. Even if you are not trekking, you have to hike for minimal hours at least once daily, and the roads are still bumpy throughout your off-beaten tour. Riding in the jeep on these offbeat roads for ten days will take a toll on your body.

Dynamic weather can sometimes make your Overland tour more difficult, especially if you are trekking at a high altitude in an inappropriate season. The monsoon and winter seasons are the least appropriate for either trekking or touring, as the weather constantly changes, and there is a high chance of rainfall, snowfall, snowstorms, and blizzards.

Travel Insurance For Upper Mustang Overlanding

When planning a 4WD jeep tour in Upper Mustang, Nepal, it’s essential to have travel insurance that fully covers your trip. Your insurance should include helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, accidents, lost baggage, theft, liability, and medical costs. Make sure your insurance policy covers all the activities you plan to do in Upper Mustang. If you need a rescue helicopter from a remote location, you must show that you have the funds to cover the expenses for injury and inability to travel. If your coverage doesn’t specifically include medical and mountain rescue costs, it might be challenging to make a claim.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies

Altitude Sickness is a significant difficulty for any trek, and it is also the case in your Upper Mustang Overland Tour. On this tour, you will be at an elevation of over 3840, so the chance of altitude sickness is minimal, as the risk of sickness usually increases after an altitude of 4000m. However, there is no hurt in preparing for altitude sickness as there is still minimal chance. Altitude sickness in trekkers arises when they fail to adjust to the altitude, weather, temperature, and the low level of oxygens. The Symptoms of altitude sickness are fever, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and joint and bone ache. There are some easy remedial measures for altitude sickness.

Here are some of the remedies for Altitude sickness:

• Acclimatization is the most significant remedy for preventing altitude sickness. Trek high, sleep slowly and don’t rush to the higher altitude quickly.
• The best way to trek and tour is to climb gradually and lower the altitude, especially in Upper Mustang.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Always carry medicines like Diamax for instant relief.
• Lower altitude immediately if your symptoms start worsening.

Tour Guide and Safety

Hiring a tour guide is always a wise move, even if it is for your Upper Mustang Overland Tour. Here are a few reasons to hire a tour guide:

• Safety- A qualified guide is crucial if you want your Overland tour to be safe and secure.
• The Upper Mustang trek is only eligible with permits and required documents, so a proper, knowledgeable guide will help you get all the licenses, including the restricted area permit.
• If you hire a well-qualified local guide, you won’t have to worry about the language barrier with the people of Upper Mustang, who have a unique dialect.
• Guides are very proactive in emergency cases, like altitude sickness, block of a touring path, and if you need helicopter rescue.