Mountain Trek / Mustang / Nepal Upper Mustang TrekNext tentative Date: December 19, 2023 Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
What the arid desert of Mustang lacks in towering mountains, it makes up for in impeccable, surreal Martian landscape and a pristine culture lost in time. |
What the arid desert of Mustang lacks in towering mountains, it makes up for in impeccable, surreal Martian landscape and a pristine culture lost in time.
Stunning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains | |
Erratic landscapes of Upper Mustang - arid, dry and chiseled by strong winds for millions of years. Upper Mustang is the southern tip of Tibetan plateau and falls on the rainshadow area of the HimalayasThe terrain is significantly different from other trekking regions of Nepal. | |
Predominantly Tibetan culture throughout Mustang | |
Ancient houses, monasteries and religious practices. | |
Crossing Paa Pass (4,210m) that boasts incredible panorama of Upper Mustang. | |
Goats, sheep, yaks and horses in the region that are widely used for food, transportation etc. | |
Exploring ancient sky caves, some multi-storied, which are believed to have been used for meditation and keeping a lookout for bandits in the region. | |
The surreal village of Samzong with amazing and colorful rock formation. The journey to Samzong takes us through narrow gorges and landscape that seems otherworldly. |
Also known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, the Upper Mustang Trek is a unique expedition into the remote and ancient kingdom of Mustang. These days, Upper Mustang is connected by roads all the way. Therefore, we have designed our itinerary to maximize the experience by minimizing walks on the motor roads and focusing on exploring more remote and fascinating corners of the region. It is a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of physical fitness. Some days will be challenging due to the rugged terrains, as we have to stock up on necessary food and water for the entire day.
For added accessibility, one can also choose to drive to most parts or explore the region on horseback. It's important to note that trekking in Upper Mustang is expensive due to the high permit rates allocated by the government.
On this trek, the highest point you will cross is Pa Pass, at an elevation of 4,200m (13,780ft). The trek includes acclimatization days to allow your body to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude. Accommodations in a few sections will be extremely basic as we tread through secluded villages. Rest assured, you'll be accompanied by our highly experienced guides with trail and safety knowledge, and we will have porters to carry your luggage.
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Group Size | Price per person* |
4 - 8 people | USD 2150 |
8 and above | USD 2050 |
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Valid until Dec 31st, 2023
Prices for expats is less by USD 200
Horsemen galloping from Lo Manthang to Chhoser in Upper Mustang
A monk navigates intricate passage of multistorey caves of Chhoser
Chhortens and prayer flags, called Lungtas, near Ghar Gompa
Women walking in clockwise direction around the walled fortress of Lo Manthan. This ritual is called Kora, and performed daily by many locals here.
A lone sheep heads back from higher pastures to Dhakmar as dusk approaches
Mustard fields and arid mountains in Upper Mustang
Sheep Herder in the village of Dhe
A local Mustangi woman in traditional ornaments
Trekker walks by erratic formations in Upper Mustang
A local in front of his shop in Lo Manthang
Entrance of Ghar Goampa, the oldest monastery of Upper Mustang
A lady in Samzong
Horseman in Lo Manthang
Elderly lady in Dhi village
Sunset over the dunes of Tsarang
Off to a religious ceremony in Chhoser. On the background is the newly built Nenyul village that will house relocated people of Samzong village
Nilgiri mountain dominates the horizon in Upper Mustang trek
Horses in Mustang have a respectable reputation for their strength
Walking up to Paa Pass, the highest point of the trek
Eroded by air and water, the landscape of Mustang is Martian and unique to say the least
Clad in traditional Tibetan clothes in Samzong
Monastery under construction in Lo Mantang, Mustang
A local brushes her teeth
Towards Tangge from Yara
Monastery in Tsarang
A local in Samzong dances for the camera
Suspension bridge in Chhuksang
Skies turn pink at dusk
Mustang is home to caves believed to be thousands of years old
Little monk within the walled ancient city of Lo Manthang
Dhe rooftops
Tibetan ornaments worn by a local at a festival
Distinct red cliffs of Dhakmar
Trekker on the downhilll to Dhi
Butter tea is drink of favor in Mustang, and takes a little getting used to
Prayer Flag in Mustang
Kids in Lo Manthang
Sun Cave Monastery in Chhoser
Prayer flags are hung outdoors so that winds can carry the inscribed prayers to all sentient beings
Ravens fly in hordes against the erroded cliffs of Mustang
Luri Gompa
Rock formations and colors are otherworldly in Mustang
Day 1 |
Kathmandu - Pokhara |
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Day 2 |
Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni |
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Day 3 |
Kagbeni - Ghami |
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Day 4 |
Ghami - Lomanthang via Ghar Gompa |
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Day 5 |
Lomanthang - Chhoser - Lomanthang |
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Day 6 |
Lomanthang - Samzong |
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Day 7 |
Samzong - Lomanthang |
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Day 8 |
Lomanthang - Yara |
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Day 9 |
Yara - Luri Gompa - Yara |
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Day 10 |
Yara - Tange |
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Day 11 |
Tange - Chhuksang |
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Day 12 |
Chhuksang - Muktinath - Jomsom |
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Day 13 |
Jomsom - Pokhara |
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Day 14 |
Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Day 1 |
Kathmandu - Pokhara |
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Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 25 mins |
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Explore Pokhara valley |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fishtail Lodge
Day 2 |
Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni |
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Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 20 mins |
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Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni 3 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 3 |
Kagbeni - Ghami |
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Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami 5 to 6 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 4 |
Ghami - Lomanthang via Ghar Gompa |
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Trek from Ghami to Lomanthang via Ghar Gompa |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 5 |
Lomanthang - Chhoser - Lomanthang |
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Day trip to Chhoser 5 to 6 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 6 |
Lomanthang - Samzong |
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Trek from Lomanthang to Kora La (Chinese Border) and then to Samzong |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 7 |
Samzong - Lomanthang |
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Trek from Samzong to Lomanthang |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 8 |
Lomanthang - Yara |
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Trek from Lomanthang to Yara 7 to 8 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 9 |
Yara - Luri Gompa - Yara |
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Trek from Yara to Luri Gumba, and back 5 to 6 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 10 |
Yara - Tange |
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Trek from Yara to Tange 8 to 9 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 11 |
Tange - Chhuksang |
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Trek from Tange to Chhuksang 9 to 10 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 12 |
Chhuksang - Muktinath - Jomsom |
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Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (via Muktinath) |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 13 |
Jomsom - Pokhara |
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Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fishtail Lodge
Day 14 |
Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fishtail Lodge |
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Lakeside, Pokhara
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Air Conditioning | • | Balcony | • | TV | • | Mini Bar | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Swimming Pool | • | Massage | • | Spa | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views | • | Lake Views |
Mountain Lodge |
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Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Fishtail Lodge |
X Close Popup
X Close Popup
Lakeside, Pokhara
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Air Conditioning | • | Balcony | • | TV | • | Mini Bar | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Swimming Pool | • | Massage | • | Spa | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views | • | Lake Views |
For those short on time or looking to add an exhilarating experience of flying over the majestic Himalayas, you have the option to charter a private helicopter on the way down. Inquire for prices and options!
Group Size | Price per person* |
4 - 8 people | USD 2150 |
8 and above | USD 2050 |
Valid until Dec 31st, 2023
Prices for expats (with a valid work ID and work/student visa) and their dependents is less by USD 200 per person. Prices differ contingent on the rates charged by airlines and hotels.
For people trekking as a group of 3 or less, kindly inquire for prices. As fixed costs are shared among limited people, prices are slightly higher.
Valid until Dec 31st, 2022
Important
Accommodation
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Transportation
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Food
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Crew
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Permits
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Misc
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We take altitude sickness very seriously and all our itineraries are designed to go on a slow pace, covering short distances as we go higher. With the increase in every thousand meters, we stay an extra night at the same stop or place with a similar elevation to acclimatize our bodies to the altitude.
During the trek, we will also take precautions by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol consumption, and going for acclimatization hikes as needed. Our guide will check your vitals with oximeter every evening during the trek so we know how your body is reacting to the changing elevation. If you see any symptoms of AMS or have a headache, please contact our guide immediately. In most cases, mild headaches can be tackled with food, hydration and rest. We don’t recommend diamox (pills for altitude sickness) but you can take it as precaution starting a day or two before the trek if you are coming from sea level.
Our guide will have a well-equipped first-aid kit at all times. Please go through our equipment and medical checklist for better preparedness as the common problems like foot blisters and knee pain can be tackled with proper packing. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, kindly let us know when booking.
Pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and all your valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please don’t bring or carry expensive items like jewellery etc or a large sum of cash while travelling for security reasons.
Buying and renting gears – Kathmandu has a lot of gear shops. If you happen to miss anything, you can buy them at Thamel before your trek. Items like a sleeping bag can be rented in Kathmandu for about USD 1 a day
What not to carry – Oxygen cylinders, drones and satellite phones without permission, and sharp items like nail clippers and scissors, etc., can be confiscated at the airport.
• | Hiking Boots with a good grip |
• | Rain gear (for you and your bag) |
• | Comfortable hiking pants |
• | Quick dry, breathable T-shirts |
• | Windproof Jacket |
• | Sleepwear |
• | Trekking Socks (thick) |
• | Underwear |
• | Neck buff/ gaiter |
• | Sun hat/cap |
• | Downjacket |
• | Thermals (top and bottom) |
• | Fleece jacket |
• | Sleeping bag |
• | Sleeping bag liner |
• | Gloves |
• | Woolen hat/beanie |
• | Day bag |
• | Duffel bag (for porter) |
• | Quick dry towel |
• | Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons) |
• | Water bottle or camel bladder (1.5 litres). |
• | LifeStraw filter or purification tablets |
• | Flask (for hot water) |
• | Walking Poles |
• | Sunglasses (Polarized, with good UV protection) |
• | Locks for your backpack/luggage |
• | Waist belt |
• | A pair of binoculars |
• | Trail snacks and energy bars |
• | Head lamp (with extra batteries) |
• | Camera with charger and extra batteries |
• | Phone with charger |
• | Power bank |
• | Travel adapter (type C, D and M) |
• | Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Sanitizer |
• | Wet wipes |
• | Toiletries (incl toilet papers, soap, etc) |
• | Personal first aid kit |
• | Rehydration salts/tablets |
• | Throat lozenges |
• | Prescription Medications |
• | Lipbalm (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Passport with visa |
• | A copy of Work ID (for expats) |
• | A copy of Insurance papers |
• | Permits (carried by guide) |
• | Flight tickets (carried by guide) |
• | Money |
• | Credit Card |
The overall baggage limit is 15kgs (33lbs) per passenger, a policy set by the airlines for mountain flights. Excess weight is allowed at an additional expense. However, we recommend not exceeding this weight limit as it should be sufficient for the trek.
During the trek, porters are assigned to carry your bags. One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers in a big duffel bag that the company provides. The maximum weight carried by one porter is 25kgs (55lbs). This means you will pack two bags for your trek: a day bag for yourself and a softshell duffel that goes inside the porter’s bag.
A duffel bag is your pack that goes inside the porter’s bag. You can also go for a backpack as long as it is soft-shelled and easy to squeeze in. Each duffel bag can be no more than 75 liters & 10-12 kg per person or 150 liters & 20-25 kg for two people. Everything that you will not need during the walking hours of the day will go in a duffel bag. Do not put your valuables in it, as well as any items like cameras/laptops with a risk of getting crushed.
A day bag is your backpack that you will carry during the trek. Anything that you will need during the day, like rain gear, a warm layer, a water bottle, sunscreen, basic toiletries, your phone, and camera, money, important documents, a pair of gloves, a hat, and a few snacks, goes in this bag. A 35-50 liters bag & 5-6 kgs is your ideal daypack. It is advised to buy a good quality bag with adjustable waist straps, as good load distribution makes all the difference while trekking.
Leave no Trace: Please don’t litter, and also dispose any trash properly (you can hand them to your guide). Plucking flowers and vandalizing trails is off limits. We’ll leave the beautiful trails as we found them.
A Few Rules: Any form of physical violence or verbal abuse, harassment, solicitation of prostitution, or possession or use of illegal drugs or illicit materials is strictly prohibited.
Alcohol and Drugs Policy: Heavy alcohol consumption dehydrates your body and doesn’t pair well with trekking for obvious safety reasons. We recommend you limit your alcohol intake to a minimal amount during day time. Let’s wait till the evening to raise a glass or two.
No Handouts of any kind: Giving money or handouts of any kind to beggars and children is strictly prohibited, as it only promotes begging culture.
Photography and Drones: It’s advisable to ask permission of the locals before taking their photos, although by experience we can tell that they love being photographed. Strict drone policies are enforced throughout Nepal – so please don’t fly drones on the trip.
Travelling in a Group: What makes group travel fun is the diversity. This also means that there will be people of all different ages, physical fitness, and walking pace. Please be mindful and respect the time allocated by your lead guide to avoid any inconvenience to the group.
Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.
We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.
Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.
A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.
Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!
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