Upper Mustang Tour by Road

The Upper Mustang Tour by Road is a 10-day 4WD journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Kagbeni, Ghami and Lo Manthang, with visits to the ancient villages, monasteries and landscapes of the former Kingdom of Lo. The return route includes Muktinath and Jomsom before continuing to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

A 10-day Upper Mustang Tour by Road provides enough time to travel from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang, explore the area and return through Muktinath and Jomsom. The itinerary can also be extended if you want additional sightseeing or rest days.

The best time for an Upper Mustang road trip is generally from March to November, when the region is accessible and conditions are generally favorable. Although Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow, monsoon landslides can still disrupt roads below Jomsom, so road conditions should always be checked before travel.

The Upper Mustang road tour is easier physically than trekking, but the journey can still be tiring because of rough roads, long drives and high altitude. A private 4WD jeep allows you to reach major destinations without walking long distances each day.

The highest point on this itinerary is Lo Manthang at about 3,840 meters (12,598 feet). Because the journey reaches high altitude, travelers should stay hydrated, avoid overexertion and allow time for acclimatization.

Yes, altitude sickness is possible in Upper Mustang, particularly after reaching elevations above 3,000 meters. Headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness should be reported to your guide immediately rather than ignored.

The tour requires the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits are arranged before entering the restricted region and are included in the tour when stated in the package inclusions.

The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD 50 per person per day under the current permit structure. The total permit fee depends on the number of days spent within the restricted area. For example, 5 days would cost USD 250 per person, while 10 days would cost USD 500 per person. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required separately.

The Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee for foreign visitors is currently NPR 2,000 per person. This is separate from the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit. 

Yes, solo travelers can visit Upper Mustang and there is no two-person minimum requirement under the current arrangement. The previous two-person minimum was removed in March 2026, although restricted-area permits and authorized agency arrangements are still required.

Yes, travelers entering the restricted Upper Mustang area must follow the applicable agency and guide requirements. A licensed guide also handles local coordination, permits, accommodation and assistance throughout the journey.

Yes, most foreign travelers need a valid Nepal tourist visa before traveling to Upper Mustang. Current tourist visa fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days; some nationalities and categories may have different or free-visa arrangements. 

You should provide a clear passport copy and accurate personal details required for permit processing, along with your travel and accommodation information when requested. Your passport should normally have sufficient validity for international travel, and your agency will use the submitted details to process the restricted-area permits.

It is best to provide your passport copy and required details as early as possible after booking, preferably several days before departure. Early submission gives the agency enough time to prepare the restricted-area permits and correct any documentation issues before the journey.

The package includes Kathmandu, Pokhara and route accommodation, breakfast, Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, transportation, 4WD jeep, guide, driver, fuel, staff salaries and applicable government taxes as specified in the package. The exact inclusions should always be checked on your confirmed booking.

The tour excludes international airfare, Nepal visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, tips, medical or emergency evacuation expenses and services not specifically listed as included. Lunch and dinner are also excluded if your package states that only breakfast is included.

Breakfast is included throughout the tour, while lunch and dinner are generally paid separately unless specifically included in your selected package. Local restaurants and lodges provide meals along the route, including vegetarian options.

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off are included in the Upper Mustang Tour package. Your representative will meet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to and from your Kathmandu accommodation.

A private 4WD jeep is used for the Upper Mustang road journey, as the route includes rough, narrow, rocky and mountainous sections. The vehicle provides better access and comfort than a standard car on these roads.

The Upper Mustang tour jeep is arranged for 4 passengers, providing reasonable space for travelers and luggage during the long mountain drives. Larger groups can be divided among multiple jeeps.

Yes, fixed group departures are available on the dates published by Adventure Vision Treks. Travelers who cannot match the fixed dates can choose a private departure based on their preferred travel dates.

Yes, private Upper Mustang Jeep Tours are available for individuals, couples, families and private groups. A private trip allows greater flexibility with departure dates, sightseeing stops and the pace of the journey.

The Upper Mustang Tour cost depends on the number of travelers, accommodation category, transportation arrangements, number of restricted-area days and itinerary length. Permit fees, jeep costs, accommodation, guide services and season can all affect the final price.

The price varies mainly because of group size, private or shared jeep arrangements, accommodation, travel dates and the number of days inside the restricted area. The Upper Mustang permit itself is charged per person per day, so longer itineraries can also increase the total cost. 

To book the Upper Mustang Tour, confirm your travel dates, submit the required traveler documents and pay the booking deposit. Once the booking is confirmed, the agency proceeds with accommodation, transportation, guide and permit arrangements.

A 20% deposit is required to confirm the booking, with the remaining 80% balance due before the tour departure, according to the company's payment terms. The agency will provide the payment instructions and final balance deadline during booking.

Payment can be made through the payment methods provided by Adventure Vision Treks, such as bank transfer or other available international payment options. The tour price and balance are normally quoted in US dollars, unless otherwise agreed.

Yes, date changes or postponements can be requested, but they depend on availability, permit arrangements and the timing of your request. Any additional costs caused by changing transportation, accommodation or permits may apply.

Cancellation refunds depend on how far in advance you cancel, because permits, accommodation, transportation and other services may already have been committed. The applicable cancellation charges are:

Restricted-area permit fees are generally treated as non-refundable once they have been processed or paid, subject to the applicable government rules. Any refundable amount therefore depends on whether the permit has already been issued and what other supplier costs have been committed.

If you leave the Upper Mustang Tour early, unused services are not automatically refundable because accommodation, transportation, permits, guides and other arrangements may already have been paid for. Any possible refund is considered according to the cancellation terms and actual recoverable costs.

A no-show is generally treated as a cancellation on the departure date and is normally non-refundable. This is because the company may already have committed the vehicle, guide, accommodation and permits on your behalf.

If the road is blocked by landslides, heavy weather or other unavoidable conditions, the itinerary may be delayed, rerouted or adjusted for safety. Your guide and driver will coordinate the safest practical option based on current road conditions.

If your international flight is delayed and you miss the scheduled tour departure, additional accommodation, transportation or rescheduling costs may apply. Travelers should provide their flight details in advance and have travel insurance covering flight delays and missed connections.

Events such as major natural disasters, severe weather, landslides, government restrictions, road closures, strikes or other circumstances beyond the company's control may require itinerary changes or cancellation. Any refund or additional cost will be handled according to the company's Terms and Conditions and the amounts recoverable from suppliers.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip interruption and travel delays. Upper Mustang is remote and medical facilities are limited.

The tour requires basic to moderate physical fitness rather than trekking-level fitness, because most of the journey is by jeep. However, travelers should be comfortable with long drives, high altitude and walking around villages, monasteries and sightseeing areas.

Diamox (acetazolamide) should only be taken after consulting a qualified doctor, especially if you have existing medical conditions or take other medication. It should not be used as a substitute for gradual acclimatization and proper altitude precautions.

Routine vaccinations should be up to date before traveling, while additional vaccines depend on your health, previous vaccinations and travel history. Consult a doctor or travel-health professional before your trip for personalized advice.

Bottled and treated drinking water is available along the route, but travelers should avoid drinking untreated tap, stream or river water. Carrying a reusable bottle and using purified or treated water is recommended.

ATM access is very limited in Upper Mustang, so travelers should carry enough Nepalese rupees before entering the remote region. Do not depend on ATMs for daily expenses in Lo Manthang and smaller villages.

Credit-card acceptance is limited in Upper Mustang, particularly in small lodges and local shops. Cash in Nepalese rupees is therefore recommended for personal expenses, drinks, snacks and other purchases.

Wi-Fi is available at some hotels and lodges but is not guaranteed throughout the journey. Internet connections become slower and less reliable as you travel deeper into remote Upper Mustang.

Electricity is available in most established settlements, but power supply can be limited or interrupted in remote areas. Carry a power bank and spare batteries, especially if you use your phone or camera frequently.

You should pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, personal medicines, reusable water bottles, a power bank and essential toiletries. Even during warmer months, temperatures can drop significantly at night because of the high altitude.

Yes, Upper Mustang can be suitable for senior travelers who are in reasonable health and comfortable with long 4WD journeys and high altitude. A private jeep tour is often more manageable than trekking, but travelers with medical conditions should consult their doctor before traveling.

Yes, single rooms and hot showers can usually be arranged where available, but both are more limited in remote villages and may involve additional charges. Kathmandu and Pokhara generally offer more accommodation choices than remote Upper Mustang.

Yes, the Upper Mustang road itinerary can be customized by adding rest days, extra sightseeing, additional nights or changing the transportation arrangement. Custom itineraries must still comply with permit requirements and local road conditions.

The Tiji Festival 2027 will be held in Lo Manthang from June 1 to June 3, 2027. The three-day celebration follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, so the dates change from year to year. 

Yes, early booking is recommended for the Tiji Festival, especially for accommodation, 4WD transportation, guides and permits. For 2027, travelers should plan to be in Lo Manthang before June 1 rather than relying on same-day arrival. 

Photography inside monasteries is allowed only where local rules permit it. Always ask your guide or monastery staff before photographing religious objects, ceremonies or local people.

Drone use in Upper Mustang requires the appropriate permissions and must follow Nepal's aviation and restricted-area regulations. Do not fly a drone in the region without obtaining the required approval.

Visitors should respect Buddhist traditions, dress modestly, ask permission before photographing people and follow monastery rules. Avoid touching religious objects or entering restricted areas without permission.

If you become sick during the Upper Mustang Tour, inform your guide immediately so that medical assistance, rest, itinerary changes or evacuation can be arranged when necessary. Because the region is remote, serious symptoms should not be ignored.

Yes, additional nights can be added to the Upper Mustang itinerary for acclimatization, photography, cultural exploration or rest. Extra accommodation, meals, transportation and guide costs may apply.

Yes, group-size changes can usually be requested before departure, but the tour price may change because jeep, accommodation, permit and guide costs can depend on the number of travelers. Any changes should be confirmed as early as possible.

No, tips are not included in the standard tour cost. Tipping is optional, but travelers commonly give tips to guides, drivers and support staff for good service at the end of the trip.

The Upper Mustang Tour is subject to Adventure Vision treks Terms and Conditions, including payment, cancellation, postponement, refunds, force majeure, travel documents and responsibility for personal belongings. Travelers should read and accept these terms before confirming their booking.