Upper Mustang Jeep Tour - 12 days

Why is the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour famous?

The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is well known for its long beautiful landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and historical significance. The place is called "The Last Forbidden Kingdom". It's more like a high desert with the historical high cliffs and ancient monasteries, which, of course, includes the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, boasting of the architectural brilliance of traditional Tibetan types.

 It is an off-road tour that gives a chance to curious travelers to partake in this adventure while getting a taste of some of the unique traditions and lifestyles of the local people. 

Compared to other trekking regions, the place has a lower number of tourists, thus offering a more realistic experience, which is why it is one of the popular destinations for visiting Nepal to see its cultural and natural beauty.

Permits and Regulation

When traveling to Upper Mustang, one must procure the relevant permits and regulations. All visitors need to acquire a Restricted Area Permit(RAP) to travel to this extraordinary area. An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is complementary. Both permits can be obtained through registered trekking agencies or the Nepal Tourism Board offices in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

Travel without a licensed guide is prohibited, and even tours generally require a minimum group size of two travelers. Visitors are also encouraged to observe local customs while interacting with people or visiting religious sites. 

They may also follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their environmental footprint. Observing regulations ensures compliance not only with the laws of the area but the preservation of Upper Mustang's exceptional culture and natural beauty.

Best season to visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the periods for traveling to Upper Mustang. 

Spring offers a moderate temperature and a bright sky suited for outdoor activities. Flowers bloom in the region, and several local festivals depict a rich culture.

In autumn, travelers will find the weather fair, a pleasant temperature, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, made even clearer and better by the clear air and scanty rainfall.

The monsoons are characterized by heavy rainfall from June to August, resulting in landslides and giving very difficult travel conditions, winter months (December to February) are extremely cold, and the place might become inaccessible due to snow. 

In general, the spring and autumn seasons are best for exploration, really favorable for weather, and a lively adventure in the offerings of nature and culture at Upper Mustang's reach.

Packing Essentials

You must be very careful while packing for Upper Mustang Jeep Tours because they are quite long and tireless but enjoy delightful moments. Here are a few packing lists from which you can choose to bucket your things:

• Pully jackets or down jackets
• Lightweight sweater
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pant set
• Quick-dry trekking pants
• Thermal underwear (for upper and lower body)
• Pairs of warm socks
• Warm hat and sun hat
• Warm gloves
• Comfortable trekking shoes and camp shoes
• Trekking poles
• Toiletries
• First Aid Kit
• Water purification and water bottle
• High energy snacks
• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and other necessary items.

Food and Accommodation

While you travel in Upper Mustang, you will find quite good food and accommodation types improving your whole experience. 

The local cuisine is largely influenced by Tibetan culture and has staples that include dal bhat (lentil soup and rice), momos (steamed or fried dumplings), thukpa (hearty noodle soup), Tibetan bread, and of course some warming chai. Most tea houses and lodges cater to vegetarians and vegans; however, it is important to inform them early about your eating preferences.

 The mainstay lies in basic tea houses where you get simple rooms and share bathrooms providing a real experience plus much more interaction with fellow travelers. Some areas like Lo Manthang give you a chance to at least enjoy a little more comfortable lodges with better facilities and bigger menu options. Adventurous people can also camp, but usually, trekking organizations make arrangements for camping. 

Urban luxuries cannot be expected, but the unique location and the local hospitality more than make up for this, allowing you a full experience of traveling in this beautiful region.