Upper Mustang Trek or Jeep Tour

Upper Mustang Trek or Jeep Tour? Which One Should You Choose?

Introduction

Upper Mustang is a remote tourist destination located behind the Annapurna range in a rain shadow in the Mustang district of Nepal. It was once an independent kingdom, the Kingdom of Lo, with its own kings, culture, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

This ancient kingdom still exists today with a thousand-year-old monastery, royal palace, and caves carved into cliffs.

This place was closed to outsiders until 1992, and even now visitors must obtain a special permit to visit here. It is one of the few places in the Himalayas where ancient culture, traditions and lifestyle are untouched by modern influence.

When first-time travellers plan to visit this place, they ask a new question: Upper Mustang Trek or Jeep Tour?

Here you will learn the realities of trekking versus taking a Jeep tour so that you can choose one of them depending upon your fitness level, time budget and travel style.

Contender 1: Upper Mustang Trekking

Trekking to Upper Mustang begins with a drive/flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, a short mountain flight or drive takes you to Jomsom village, which is the starting point of the trek. Then you will walk through the centuries-old salt-caravan trails once used by traders moving goods between Tibet and Nepal. You will walk at your own pace, stay in a local teahouse, and enter the Mustang region, passing through a high-altitude desert landscape.

Pros

Deep immersion: Walking helps you acclimatize better and provides an opportunity to meet locals and understand their traditions and lifestyle. You will have the freedom to visit the hidden valley and places which vehicles can't reach.
A real sense of accomplishment: The feeling of accomplishment of reaching the place on foot is something that can't be replaced by a vehicle.
Lower environmental footprint: Trekking is usually a better way to travel places without making much impact on fragile ecosystems.
Support local economy: Trekkers will spend the money in the small shops and teahouses which helps to improve the local community.

Cons

Physically demanding: Trekkers need to walk an average of 5 to 7 hours daily through the rugged, windy, and dusty terrain. Participants must have a good level of physical fitness and stamina.
Time-intensive: On average, it takes 14 to 16 days to complete.

Contender 2: Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

When you visit the Upper Mustang by Jeep tour, you will visit the same landmarks, monasteries and Lo Manthang. Instead of walking, you'll travel to these places in an off-road vehicle such as a Toyota Land Cruiser or Mahindra Scorpio.

Pros

Time-efficient: Upper Mustang Jeep Tour can be completed in just 5 to 8 Days. This tour package is the best option if you have just a week of vacation.
Accessible to more people: Best option to travel with older people, families and kids. Also helpful for travellers with joint or mobility limitations that makes the trekking hard to manage.
Comfort and convenience: Your vehicle will carry your heavy luggage, and you can quickly escape the sudden weather changes.

Cons

Long hours of drive: On average, you will drive for 5 to 7 hours on unpaved and bumpy roads. It can be physically tiring due to shaking and jolting.
Less flexibility: For the photo and side hikes, you will depend upon the driver's schedule.