One of the most distinct places in Nepal is Upper Mustang with its deserts of dry landscapes, ancient caves, and culture which is strongly influenced by the Tibetan culture. It is extremely unlike other regions of the country and that is why it is appealing to travellers who want to have something special and less congested.
In this blog, we shall consider both choices-jeep tour and trekking straightforwardly. Both of these alternatives provides a valid experience for those who seek a comfortable and fast as well as for those who take a slower and more immersive ride helping you determine which one fits your needs.
Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and therefore receives very little rainfall and has a dry and windy climate. Due to this, the scenery appears more of a desert than a normal green trekking area in Nepal.
The highlights of Upper Mustang are:
The oldest walled city of Lo Manthang.
Unique desert-like landscapes with cliffs and caves
Well-established Tibetan culture, traditions, and way of life.
A small space, therefore, special permission is needed to visit.
On the whole, Upper Mustang is quite different from popular routes such as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. It also provides a less frequent and more distant experience that is untouched and special.
One of the simplest and quickest methods of exploring the Upper Mustang is a jeep tour. You are riding in a 4WD car, riding across rugged mountain roads, large villages, and expansive desert-like scenery. It enables you to visit numerous sites within a limited period without having to walk far.
The journey is largely a relaxing experience as you sit back and enjoy the scenery as the driver fills you with high mountain passes and remote locations. This trip lasts about 7-10 days and you spend the night in local lodges or small hotels as you go. It is a more relaxed alternative, particularly in case one does not want to get too physical when exploring the area.
Good for:
Individuals who do not have much time.
People who don’t want to walk long distances
Families or older travelers
Downsides:
Roads are quite dusty and bumpy.
You might not feel as connected to nature.
It’s less adventurous compared to trekking
Overall, a jeep tour is a great choice because you want to have a fast, comfortable and less strenuous way of having fun in Upper Mustang.
Trekking in Upper Mustang is walking slowly through the region, on and off-road paths, rustic villages, and expansive open spaces. The average time is approximately 12-15 days, which will allow you to enjoy the beauty and culture of the region even more.
You will be walking approximately 5-7 hours each day, through small villages, old monasteries and beautiful valleys. In between, you have the opportunity of meeting locals, knowing their way of life, and even get to appreciate the serene environment free of vehicle traffic. It is a more enjoyable and engaging adventure, particularly to nature and adventure lovers.
Good for:
People who love adventure
Those who enjoy walking and being in nature
Travelers who want a deeper, more meaningful experience
Downsides:
Physically demanding
Takes more time than a jeep tour
Can be tiring, especially at high altitudes
Generally speaking, trekking is the choice that will enable you to dive into the scenery, culture and experience that can be provided by Upper Mustang.
It is entirely up to your style of traveling, time, and comfort when deciding between a jeep tour and trekking in Upper Mustang. Both of them allow you to see the same beautiful area, but in entirely different ways.
The jeep tour is comfortable and fast. You are traveling by vehicle, which means that it does not have to be physically strenuous, and it also does not take as many days. It is a nice choice if you would like to visit more places within a limited period. But, being mostly on the road, you might not be so connected to the environment.
Conversely, trekking is more serious and immersive. You explore the area, which takes longer and more effort, but enables you to appreciate the scenery, culture, and serene atmosphere. It is more physically challenging, yet more satisfying to the explorer and nature lovers.
Simply put, opt to go with a jeep tour in order to be comfortable and fast, and opt to trek in order to have a more meaningful and deep experience.
The dilemma of whether to go on a jeep tour or to take a trek to Upper Mustang actually lies on your time, fitness and the type of experience you desire. A jeep tour would be a better option when you are short of time or you would want to enjoy a comfortable trip. It will allow you to view the key attractions without having to walk far, and that is the best when you are not willing to walk long distances.
Conversely, trekking is ideal when you like hiking and would prefer to have a more authentic and engaging experience. It allows you to go at a slow pace, appreciate the silence of the environment and to get to know nature and local culture better. You can also mix up the two in case you cannot make a decision. Most travellers have opted to walk uphill and downhill and then use the jeep, the best of both worlds.
The location of Upper Mustang is high-elevation, and the city of Lo Manthang is approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. Air is thinner at such heights and your body requires time to adjust. People of all ages and experienced travellers can develop altitude sickness and therefore it is important to take precautions whether trekking or on a jeep tour. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it is important to stay hydrated, sleep well and be in tune with your body.
The following are some important issues to consider:
Altitude sickness is a fact: It causes headaches, nausea and dizziness. Take it seriously.
Trekking: It is possible to acclimatize better during trekking: Walking at lower altitudes will enable your body to adapt to a higher altitude.
Jeep tours will reach heights more quickly: Driving a car quickly may make you more susceptible to altitude sickness, and you should take breaks when necessary.
Hydrate: At high altitudes, it is important to drink water and move slowly.
Whichever way you prefer to go, you should always keep in mind the way your body reacts and not to push yourself too far. Safety comes first.
Autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are typically the most suitable times to go to the Upper Mustang when the weather is clear, the skies are clear and the temperatures are pleasant. Both trekking and jeep tours are best during these seasons.
Interestingly, it is also possible to visit Upper Mustang in summer/monsoon (June-August). This area receives very minimal rainfall as compared to other regions in Nepal since it is under the Himalayan rain shadow. That is you have the freedom to enjoy dry trails, clear views and fewer crowds even in the monsoon season. All in all, Upper Mustang is a year-round place, although spring and autumn have the most pleasant climate to explore.
The jeep tours as well as the trekking in Upper Mustang is an awesome experience in its own ways. A jeep tour is great when you are looking to be comfortable, fast and have an easier ride whereas trekking is more adventurous and an immersion into the culture, villages and the landscape. However, whichever route you take, you will experience the distinctive beauty of Upper Mustang and its Tibetan culture.
In this adventure, we suggest you use Everest Chopper since it will make the adventure easy, safe, and fun. We do all the permits, route planning and comfortable transport and accommodation. Be it a jeep tour or a trek, we make sure that you are more interested in the adventure and the views and leave the details to us.
Yes, the jeep tour is considered to be generally safe in case you are accompanied by an experienced driver. Roads may be rough, but there are few serious accidents.
It does not require one to be super fit, but basic fitness is useful. It is typically sufficient to walk a few hours a day.
Trekking is less costly as well since you do not have to pay for fuel and vehicle. Jeep tours are expensive because of the cost of transport and driver fees.
Yes, novices can hike provided they do so at a slow pace and take a break. It is also safer and easier to enjoy the trip by hiring a guide.
