Mustang Jeep Tour Price: Everything You Need to Know
Imagine being on a road trip in the rough Himalayan terrain, with steep canyons and steep cliffs, mountain ranges, and vibrant monasteries lying flat on the open sky. This is Mustang, one of the most culturally diverse and mysterious parts of Nepal. Also called the “ Last Forbidden Kingdom, Mustang is appealing to travelers who want to find adventure and a peaceful atmosphere at the same time.
Exploring Mustang by jeep is the most casual and scenic route to discover the sheer perennial beauty of Mustang, its windy valleys of Jomsom to the ancient caves and monasteries of Lo Manthang.
Nevertheless, the most common question that may come to the mind of travelers is: How much does a Mustang Jeep Tour actually cost?
The price may initially not be clear, as it varies depending on a number of factors such as group size, permits, duration, and level of comfort.
We will be breaking down Mustang Jeep Tour costs in this blog, such as the base prices, what is and is not included in the tour, permit fees, and variables that will affect the overall cost. You can fully understand what to expect by the end of it, and you can plan your Himalayan adventure.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Base Price: What’s the Starting Point?
When it comes to the final price for the Mustang Jeep Tour, there is no fixed price because the cost of the tour depends on the group size, season, duration, and level of comfort you prefer.
Let’s explore what shapes the total cost of your trip.
1. Duration of the Tour
The number of days you wish to explore directly affects your total budget.
- 5-Day Tour: Travellers who have less time can choose the 5-Day Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary. This short tour focuses on Lower Mustang, where you will visit destinations like Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Marpha. The best part of this short tour is that you don’t have to deal much with altitude sickness, as you will remain at an altitude of around 3,800 meters.
- 7-Day Tour: On this 7-Day Mustang Jeep Tour, you will visit both the lower Mustang and the Upper Mustang. Due to the short time, you will take a direct flight to Pokhara and toward Jomsom.
- 10-Day Tour: In these 10 Days, you can enjoy the scenic ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara and toward Lo Manthang and back. You will have enough time to visit the remote places as well as to experience the local culture.
The longer itinerary means you have to pay more for the accommodation, meals, fuel, and extended guide and drive service.
2. Group Size and Tour Type
Your group size also directly affects the cost of the Mustang Jeep Tour. The more people you have in your group, the lower the cost becomes per person, as prices will be shared among the travellers.
| Group Size | Tour Type | Estimated Cost (10 Days, Mid-Range Service) |
| 1–2 People | Private/Custom | USD 3,500 – 4,200+ per person |
| 3–4 People | Semi-Private | USD 2,500 – 3,500 per person |
| 5–6 People | Group Tour | USD 1,800 – 2,500 per person |
Private tours are more flexible and personal, while group tours are more affordable and social — great for meeting other travelers.
3. Time of Year
The Mustang remains busy during the spring(Mar–May) and autumn( Sep–Nov) season. You can expect a few visitors in the winter/monsoon (Jun–Aug) due to difficult road conditions, and in winter the people avoid visiting due to cold, harsh weather conditions.
Season plays an important role in pricing:
- Peak Seasons (Spring: Mar–May, Autumn: Sep–Nov): Due to peak season, thousands of locals and international tourists visit here. Due to high demand for accommodation and vehicles, travelling in the peak season is costly compared to the off-season.
- Off-Season (Winter: Dec–Feb): Travellers can reach the lower Mustang, but heading toward the Upper Mustang is not recommended due to extremely cold conditions and heavy snowfall. Due to the few tourists, you can find the hotels at a cheap rate.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Due to rainfall, reaching Mustang from Kathmandu is risky due to the chances of heavy rainfall. Rainfall can make the road conditions worse to travel, and even the chances of flood and landslide remain high at this time.
4. Accommodation Standard
Another factor that affects the cost of the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is the level of hotel you choose to stay at. During the tour, you can find everything from normal standard hotels to luxury ones. Luxury hotels are slightly more costly than the normal ones.
- Standard Lodges/Teahouses: You can find clean shared rooms in a dormitory style. Basic facilities such as a common bathroom, Wi-Fi, and hot showers are also available.
- Comfort/Deluxe Lodges: In places like Pokhara, Jomsom, and Kagbeni, travellers can find upgraded hotels. These luxury hotels provide single rooms with attached bathrooms and better amenities.
5. Starting Point
Another major factor that affects the cost of the Mustang Jeep Tour is the starting point of your tour. Travelling from Kathmandu is more expensive as you need to reach Pokhara either by flight or by road.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara flight cost: Around NPR 4,000–6,00 for Nepali citizens and around USD 104 for foreign citizens for one way.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist bus costs: Around 1200 per person.
What’s Typically INCLUDED in Your Mustang Jeep Tour Price?
To make your trip smooth, comfortable, and adventurous, many tour operators in Nepal run the Guide Mustang Jeep Tour. You can pay for the package, and they will handle all the things like food, transportation, accommodation, Guide, permits, and logistics.
You can join solo or even do the private Mustang Jeep Tour with the assistance of a tour operator.
Let’s see what the majority of tour operators offer when you book a Mustang Jeep Tour from them.
Transportation
- 4WD Jeep Rental: A strong and comfortable vehicle, perfect for navigating Mustang’s off-road terrain.
- Fuel and Driver Costs: All fuel charges, driver salaries, and vehicle maintenance are covered.
- Transfer Points: Jeep service from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Mustang (and return).
An experienced driver familiar with the rugged terrain is one of the biggest assets of the tour.
Permits & Entry Fees
Must be restricted areas, so all the travellers need to obtain a permit to reach here. For tourists, the price is quite high compared to other popular tours in Nepal, like the Chitwan Pokhara tour.
Let’s see the cost of the Mustang tour permits.
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, and USD 50 for each additional day. This fee supports conservation and local communities.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: USD 30 per person, required for both Upper and Lower Mustang.
Note: Your agency will manage all the paperwork to obtain the permits for you. You need to submit the document to obtain the permits.
Accommodation
You’ll stay at local teahouses or lodges run by friendly Mustang families.
- Twin-sharing rooms with clean bedding.
- Common area heating with a wood stove.
- In some lodges, private bathrooms are available for an extra cost.
The simplicity of these stays adds to the authentic Mustang experience.
Meals
When you book the Mustang Jeep Tour from the tour operator in Nepal, they will arrange the three meals( breakfast, lunch, and Dinner). Travellers can choose the menu from the hotels where they will let you stay. In the menu, you can find the veg and non-veg items.
Here is what you can expect on full-board meals during the Mustang tour:
- Common dishes: Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and curry), noodles, soups, pancakes, and momos.
- Hot beverage: Variety of tea and Coffee
- Snacks and Extras: Biscuits, chocolate bars, and local apple products( you need to pay on your own).
Note: If you choose the luxury Mustang Jeep Tour, you will have the option to enjoy local and continental food in some places.
Guide & Support Staff
Another benefit of choosing the Mustang Jeep Tour from the tour operators is that they will provide you with a licensed tour guide.
- Experienced English-speaking Guide: It is compulsory to have the Guide with you if you are travelling to Upper Mustang.
- Your Guide will lead the tour, and they will handle communication, navigation, permits, and ensure your safety.
- Your Guide will have first aid training, knowledge of altitude sickness to prevent and deal if someone faces it.
- Some tour operators also provide porter facilities if you are in a large group.
Government Taxes & Service Charges
All Nepal government taxes and service charges are included, meaning the price you see is final — with no hidden agency fees.
What’s NOT Included? Hidden Costs to Budget For Mustang Jeep Tour
While the majority of things will be covered when you choose the Mustang Jeep tour from the tour operator, here are some of the things that you need to manage the budget for your trip.
International Expenses
- International Flights: To and from Kathmandu are not included.
- Nepal Visa Fee: Payable on arrival (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days).
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for all travelers visiting Upper Mustang. Your insurance should cover:
- Emergency evacuation or helicopter rescue.
- Medical treatment.
- Trip cancellation or interruption.
Personal Expenses
Even with meals included, you might want some extra comforts:
- Hot showers (USD 2–5 in lodges).
- Charging electronics (USD 1–3 per device).
- Bottled water, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry or snacks during the trip.
Tips and Gratuities
Giving a tip to your drive and guide is like a tradition here in Nepal. Even though it is not mandatory, you can give tips as per your wish.
- Guide: USD 10–15 per day.
- Driver: USD 5–10 per day.
Souvenirs & Donation
For a memorable reminder of your journey, or to gift something special to your friends and family, buying a souvenir from Mustang is always a great idea. You can find beautiful handicrafts, traditional jewelry, handmade wool products, and Shaligram Shilas, which are considered sacred and antique pieces in the region.
Unforeseen Expenses
The weather conditions can turn bad at high altitude, so during your Mustang Jeep tour, sometimes due to bad weather, you need to change your plan. This can result in delays, route changes, or additional food, accommodation costs depending on the situation.Having travel insurance can help to manage the stress in this situation.
The Value Proposition: Why the Price is Worth It
First, compared to other trips in Nepal, the Mustang Jeep Tour is quite expensive. But once you understand what you get in return after you invest your money, you will realize the value far outweighs the cost.
Unique Experience
There is nothing similar to Mustang in Nepal; it is a mixture of the Buddhist culture with the caves of the ancient world and the desert-like land, which is almost mystical. You will be visiting centuries-old monasteries, villages, and dramatic canyons that cannot be reached by normal cars.
Permit Costs with Purpose
The restricted area permit fee might be expensive, yet it aids in the maintenance of local heritage and environment management. The fees guarantee responsible tourism and invest in local development projects.
Logistics & Safety
Expertise is needed when driving through a Mustang. All the logistics are taken care of by reliable operators, including planning of the route, accommodation, and safely going through the rough off-road trails. You are assured that all the details are being looked into.
Expert Local Guides
Guides make Mustang vibrant with tales, history, and the experience of the place of Buddhism. Their experience adds to your experience, and it is not a mere sightseeing activity.
Comfort and Accessibility
Not everyone will be able to walk long distances at high altitudes. The jeep tour is an equivalent of Mustang in beauty and adventure, but with much more comfort and ease of accessibility, which is ideal with families, photographers, or with limited time.
Supporting Local Communities
Each dollar that you use contributes to the livelihoods in the local area, including drivers, guides, teahouse owners, and artisans, all of whom feel the positive impact of your being there.
Worth reading: Manang or Mustang: Which Himalayan Gem is Your Perfect Match?How to Get an Accurate Quote & Booking Tips
Before booking your Mustang Jeep Tour, a few practical steps can help you get the best deal and avoid confusion.
Be Specific with Details
When contacting a tour operator, provide:
- Number of travelers.
- Exact travel dates.
- Preferred itinerary length (5, 7, or 10 days).
- Accommodation preference (standard or deluxe).
Clear details help the company give you an accurate quote.
Ask for a Detailed Itinerary
Ensure the itinerary clearly lists:
- Day-by-day plan.
- What’s included and excluded.
- Permit fees and meal plans.
This transparency prevents hidden costs later.
Research and Read Reviews
Look at the reviews of the tour company on the internet on sites such as Google or TripAdvisor. Select tour operators that have a history of good vehicles, experienced guides, and reasonable prices.
Understand Payment Terms
Ask about:
- Deposit: Usually 20–30% upfront.
- Balance Payment: Pay before the tour starts.
- Cancellation Policy: In case plans change.
Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest
The lowest price does not necessarily work out. Find authorized, ethical operators that give quality service, correct permits, and safe cars all of which are more important than saving a few dollars.
Final Say
The Mustang Jeep Tour is not a road trip; it is a voyage deep into Nepal’s last kingdom in the Himalayas, where culture and nature live together in absolute harmony.
Although their prices may depend on the number of people, trip length, and the level of comfort, they are reasonable because of the amazing opportunity to explore the amazing landscapes, immerse in the local culture, and have a comfortable and well-organized adventure.
So if you are ready to make your Mustang your next adventure destination, then remember Highroute Adventure. With years of experience organizing Jeep tours and treks across Nepal, we guarantee a well-managed, safe, and unforgettable journey through the beautiful Mustang region.
