Traveling to the dramatic landscape of Upper Mustang by transportation is an amazing feeling imagine yourself traveling through your vehicle in high altitude deserts, ancient walled city and sky high passes.
There are two most famous ways to travel Upper Mustang one by 4 to 4 wheeler for comfort and photographic scenario another by bike by gripping the handlebar to feel the raw adventure and natural beauty. Which one is the best way to travel is it by bike or is it by jeep is the questions that arises in most travelers head. Here is the guide that will help you to know your interest better.
Terrain and route comparison
Jeep tour
From jeep you will travel to some terrain that follows some beautiful places like Pokhara, Tatopani, Kagbeni, Ghami and Lo Mantang. During your jeep tour you will travel to some dusty and unpaved roads from your start to the end journey. This tour is suitable for all seasons but the most suited seasons are March to May and October to November where landslides and other natural disaster are rare. This tour not just for a specific group of trekkers but this tour invites all those types of people who hasn’t trained for years and years.
Motorbike tour
From navigating the roads yourself to following gravel roads, rocky patches and high passes just by handling your bike through your hand this tour is once in a life time experience. You will hit off road sites after Kagbeni where the road feels dusty, steep and high altitude riding covering 3800 meters. This Bike riding tour to Upper Mustang is ideal for seasons like March to May and September to November though the mornings are still cold.
Comfort, Convenience and Logistics
Jeep tour
This tour is climate based tour to make your journey smoother consider hiring jeeps like Toyota Land Cruisers or Mahindra Scorpios. This type of tour is less physical demanding, there is no use of riding gears and the luggage capacity is not limited. No other two wheeler ride can top this jeep tour experience.
Motorcycle tour
To make your journey smoother ride Royal Enfield Himalayans or classics with back up mechanical help on case of any emergency some mechanical adjustments that are essential in this tour are riding gares, protective equipment and many more. This tour requires moderate riding experience as you have to cover the distance with dusty and icy trials on your two wheeler by yourself.
Cultural Immersion and Pace
Jeep tour
You are guided by your tour driver so expect less abut cultural immersion and pace. You will stop at villages and caves that are very easy to accommodate you will pace slow which, may allow you to have a deeper cultural soak. This tour is suitable for all age groups and someone interested in photography.
Motorcycle tour
You will ride through dust choked roads by yourself motor bike tour itself seems to have a deeper connection between you and the culture. You will get to know your fellow riders as riding is all about making bounds not only that you will get a chance to be well connected with local mechanics. Pace is higher in motorbike tour best option for adrenaline seekers but you can stop at certain place for long.
Cost and logistics breakdown
Here are some breakdown of cost and logistics required in both type of tours.
Permit Fees
For Jeep tour both of the permits Annapurna Conservation Permit and Restricted Area permit costs the same and that is 500 dollars per person. For motorbike tour it’s the same price.
Total Cost per Person
For Jeep tour your total will be 2000 USD dollars per person which includes jeep, food and lodging and for motorbike tour you will spend total of 1899 to 2700 dollars USD which includes bike rental fuels and other expenses as per your need.
Included Components
Accommodation
Some of the components included in jeep tour are vehicles, guide, permits, lodging and meal. Some of the components included in motorbike tour are motorcycle, support vehicles, mechanic, guide, permits, lodging and meals.
You will accommodate in tea houses, which can includes deluxe options this goes same to both jeep tour and motorbike tour.
Additional expenses
You will need fuel and driver tips for jeep tour and for motorbike tour you need helmet, gears rental, insurance and mechanical backup.
Safety and Support
Jeep tour
This type of tour have low risk as the driver are technical and much more qualified about roads. This your need minimal physical ability you will get medical evacuation support that can be arranged easily.
Motorbike Tour
This type of tour is risky because you are on your own crossing off roads terrains, steeply, dusty and rocky roads. Insurance is the essential part of this tour you need a support vehicle, guide mechanics, helmets, protective riding gares and insurance. Back up support is necessary as it helps to ease your tour.
Testimonial traveler voices
Motorbike tour
Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. Life is short, buy the motorcycle, have a ride, live your dreams. You don’t stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding. – Voices from motorbike travelers taken from Google
Jeep tour
I had been dreaming of visiting Upper Mustang for years and this Jeep tour exceeded all my expectations,” added Christian G
Thrill Factor: Subjective vs. Objective
Jeep Tour
Thrill level is kind of moderate in this tour this jeep journey feels likes an off road luxury experience making it ideal for those who value history, comfort and photography.
Motorbike Tour
Thrill level is high in this type of tour and adventure experience is at peak ideal for those who have riding experience, route explorer and wants to look at the nature from their way or point of view.
What to choose based on your match
Jeep Tour
Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang is ideal for all age groups. Making it one of the best option for someone who is seeking comfort and minimal physical demand. Travelers with no riding experience, elders or mixed group should choose this option. This tour will let you get some memorable photos, relaxed exploration and comfort in difficulties routes.
Motorcycle Tour
If you are experienced rider who can handle off roads then you should definitely choose motorcycle tour. You have to be able or willing to spend on gares. This tour is ideal for those travelers who wants hands on adventure and wants to create a bound with fellow travelers and nature itself.
Which one is Expensive?
Motorbike tour seems to be more expensive than jeep tour here is some break down cost for you.
Motorbike tour
You will spend up to 1999 USD dollars to 2299 USD dollars in total which includes expenses like bike, fuel, support vehicle, guide, mechanic, permits lodging and more.
Jeep tour
Jeep tour is less expensive than motorbike tour costing you the range between 2750 USD dollars to 2200 USD dollars which includes jeep, guides, permits, lodging and meals.
Planning and Insight tips
Here are some tips that might be helpful for you during your journey.
Riding Difficulty
The roads are dusty and sometimes unpredictable this type of situations can be best tackled by dual spots bike like Royal Enfield Himalayan and Honda CRF for jeep you might consider Toyota Land Cruisers and Mahindra Scorpios.
Permits
You will need two types of permits that can be easily accessed by your agency. Restricted Area Permit can be obtained by paying 500 dollars and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit can be obtained by paying 20 dollars person. These permits are mandatory. Solo travelling is not allowed.
Insurance and Gears
Make sure you have yourself and bike get an insurance because it can play a very vital role in your tour. Consider carrying essential gears like travel cover, evacuation, helmet, armored jacket and boots.
Support
For jeep tour your driver and guide is your support they manage everything for you as for motorbike travelers you need extra mechanic and support vehicles or backup vehicles.
Best Season for tour
Jeep tour is suitable for all seasons but the most suited seasons are March to May and October to November where landslides and other natural disaster are rare and Motorcycle tour is ideal for seasons like March to May and September to November though the mornings are still cold.
Conclusion
Jeep tour is all about comfort and culture immersion where adventure experience is moderate meanwhile motorcycle tour is adrenaline and more of cultural as well as natural immersion where you see nature through your prospective. This experience is full on rugged independence. Motorcycle tour is tiring and you need to have riding experience as your tour depends on you and your two wheelers. This journey is all about living yourself. Jeep tour is not physically challenging as your guide will take you to places.
Although both journeys are different and the way you liv e both of this journey different but the cultural immersion, scenery and beauty it offers you is same. Are you ready to get thrilled experience?