A road now links the Kali Gandaki valley with Lo Manthang, and this has changed the way people visit Upper Mustang. You can walk all of it, drive all of it, or combine the two.
Walking
Walking gives the most immersive experience. You pass through old villages, cross passes and see the details of the land that a car misses. It also helps acclimatisation. The disadvantages are time, more days of permit fees and, in places, sharing the track with vehicles and dust.
Jeep
A jeep makes the journey possible in fewer days and suits people who cannot walk long distances or who have limited time. The road is rough, so the ride is bumpy. Rapid height gain without walking can bring altitude symptoms, so you should still pace the schedule and rest.
Mixed plans
A common compromise is to walk the more scenic stretches, use a vehicle for dusty or repetitive sections and to return by a different trail. Other travellers drive to Lo Manthang and then walk out through the side villages.
How to choose
- Time-limited: mix vehicle and walking.
- Love trekking: walk, and ask for trails away from the road.
- Older or less mobile: a vehicle-based plan with short walks.
Rules still apply
Whichever way you travel, the restricted area permit, TIMS and guide arrangements still apply, and the permit is charged per day. We can design a plan around your pace and budget.
The case for slowing down
Walking gives you time to talk to villagers, rest in tea shops and feel the change in landscape as you gain height. You also adapt better to altitude because you rise gradually. Even a few days of walking in the best sections can transform the experience. If you can spare the time, a mixed approach with some walking is often more rewarding than a purely vehicle-based trip.
Why people choose jeeps
Jeeps save time, reduce the effort at altitude and make the trip possible for older travellers or those with limited time. They also let you visit more places in a day, such as remote villages and viewpoints. The journey can be bumpy and dusty, and long hours in a vehicle can be tiring, so check that the plan includes breaks.
Impact on villages and environment
Roads bring supplies and income, but they also bring dust, noise and change. Choose responsible operators, respect local customs and avoid leaving litter. If you walk, you will probably see a more traditional side of the region. If you ride, be considerate by not forcing drivers to speed and not stopping in sensitive places.
Things to decide with your operator
- Which sections you will walk and which by vehicle.
- What vehicle type is used and how many people travel in each.
- How the plan changes if the road is blocked or in poor condition.
Cost and time differences
Using a jeep reduces the number of days and may reduce guide and lodging costs, but adds vehicle expenses. Walking costs more in days but gives the full experience of the landscape and villages. A mix of both is common.
Tips for jeep travel
- Wear a scarf and sunglasses against dust.
- Carry snacks and water for the road.
- Be prepared for bumpy sections.
- Take breaks to stretch and enjoy viewpoints.
