Culture Trip / Mustang / Nepal Upper Mustang Yarthung Horse Festival TripNext tentative Date: August 23, 2025 Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
Experience Upper Mustang during Yartung Festival—vibrant rituals, horse races, and celebrations in Lo Manthang amid stunning trans-Himalayan landscapes. |
Embark on an epic Upper Mustang overland journey during Yartung Festival, where ancient Tibetan culture meets high-altitude adventure—witness thrilling horse races, vibrant monastery rituals, and festive celebrations in the mystical walled city of Lo Manthang, all while traversing Nepal’s breathtaking trans-Himalayan landscapes.
This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of cultural immersion and light adventure. It’s mostly overland (around 70%) with day hikes of varying durations, so a decent level of fitness is required. You won’t need a porter, as the vehicle will accompany you from place to place. However, be prepared for bumpy drives, especially during the monsoon. The hikes may involve uphill climbs, loose rocks, and steep sections. It’s perfect for those looking to experience Upper Mustang’s unique culture and landscapes without intense trekking.
About Yartung Festival
Yartung in Upper Mustang is a time of joy, cultural pride, and strengthening community bonds, deeply rooted in the region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage. It is one of the most vibrant and significant celebrations in the region, particularly in Lo Manthang and Muktinath. Held around August during the full moon, it marks the end of summer and the monsoon. The festival blends Buddhist traditions with thrilling horse races, archery contests, and communal festivities. Celebrations begin with religious rituals at monasteries, where monks offer prayers for prosperity. The main event is the horse race, where riders from different villages, dressed in traditional attire, display their skills in high-speed races and acrobatics. Archery competitions, feasting, and traditional dances follow, with the local barley beer, chang, flowing freely. Women also participate in their own races and cultural performances, making it a unique and fun.
Yartung Festival Celebrations: Experience the region’s most vibrant festival with thrilling horse races, monastery rituals, and lively cultural performances in Lo Manthang. | |
Scenic Overland Adventure: Drive through the breathtaking Kali Gandaki Gorge, high-altitude deserts, and dramatic cliffs in Nepal’s trans-Himalayan rain-shadow region. | |
Ancient Tibetan Culture: Explore centuries-old monasteries, chortens, and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, once a forbidden kingdom. | |
Unique Landscapes & Hidden Caves: Discover Mustang’s striking red-rock cliffs, hidden sky caves, and vast windswept plateaus that feel like another world. | |
Authentic Himalayan Experience: Stay in traditional teahouses, savor local Tibetan-influenced cuisine, and immerse yourself in the unique traditions of the Mustang people. | |
Comfortable Stays in Unique Lodges: Enjoy a blend of comfort and tradition, staying in some of the most unique and welcoming lodges, including some run by local monarchs, offering an authentic yet comfortable experience. |
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The monsoon season in Upper Mustang experiences less rainfall compared to other regions in Nepal. However, there might still be occasional showers. The landscape becomes greener, and the temperature remains moderate during this time. The average daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The otherwise whitewashed landscapes become colorful with shades of pink, yellow, and green fields. Getting to the region, however, is a big challenge as the roads are obstructed due to floods, landslides, and rockfalls. The chances of flight cancellation between Pokhara and Jomsom are also high.
Group Sizepax | Fixed Departureprices per person | Regularprices per person |
2 - 3 | USD 3200 | USD 3300 |
4 | USD 2800 | USD 3000 |
5 | USD 2950 | USD 3000 |
6 & up | USD 2775 | USD 2850 |
Upcoming Fixed Departure: 23 Aug 2025
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Prices valid until Dec 31st, 2025
Expat discount is USD 75 on KTM-PKR flights Note: If we go for simpler but comfortable lodges in Kowang (1 night), Ghami (1 night) and Lomanthang (5 nights), the price per person will be: 2 pax- USD 2500 3 pax- USD 2300 4 pax- 2050 5 pax- 2250 6 pax & above- USD 2050Horsemen 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.
Skies turn pink at dusk
Distinct red cliffs of Dhakmar
Trekker on the downhilll to Dhi
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
Butter tea is drink of favor in Mustang, and takes a little getting used to
Ravens fly in hordes against the erroded cliffs of Mustang
Luri Gompa
Chhorten in Tsarang at dusk
Monastery in Namgyal, just off Lo Manthang, and mountains that separate Mustang and Dolpo
Hitching a ride on a tractor to the revered Chhoser village
Monks in Mustang
Walking up to Paa Pass, the highest point of the trek
A lone sheep heads back from higher pastures to Dhakmar as dusk approaches
Clad in traditional Tibetan clothes in Samzong
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
Mustard fields and arid mountains in Upper Mustang
Sheep Herder in the village of Dhe
Rock formations and colors are otherworldly in Mustang
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
A lady in Samzong
Horseman in Lo Manthang
Elderly lady in Dhi village
Monastery under construction in Lo Mantang, Mustang
A local brushes her teeth
Towards Tangge from Yara
Monastery in Tsarang
Eroded by air and water, the landscape of Mustang is Martian and unique to say the least
A local in Samzong dances for the camera
Suspension bridge in Chhuksang
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
Day 1 Aug 23 (Sat) |
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kobang |
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Day 2 Aug 24 (Sun) |
Kobang - Kagbeni |
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Day 3 Aug 25 (Mon) |
Kagbeni - Muktinath - Ghami |
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Day 4 Aug 26 (Tue) |
Ghami - Ghar Gompa - Lomanthang |
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Day 5 Aug 27 (Wed) |
Lomanthang - Samzong - Lomanthang |
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Day 6 Aug 28 (Thu) |
Lomanthang (Yarthung festival) |
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Day 7 Aug 29 (Fri) |
Lomanthang (Yarthung festival) |
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Day 8 Aug 30 (Sat) |
Lomanthang (Yarthung festival) |
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Day 9 Aug 31 (Sun) |
Lomanthang - Konchokling - Choser |
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Day 10 Sep 1 (Mon) |
Choser - Dhi - Yara |
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Day 11 Sep 2 (Tue) |
Yara - Kagbeni |
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Day 12 Sep 3 (Wed) |
Kagbeni - Pokhara |
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Day 13 Sep 4 (Thu) |
Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Day 1 Aug 23 (Sat) |
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kobang |
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Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 25 mins |
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Drive from Pokhara to Kobang 4 to 5 hrs |
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Thasang Village
Day 2 Aug 24 (Sun) |
Kobang - Kagbeni |
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Drive from Kowang to Kagbeni via Marpha and Dhumba lake 3 to 4 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Red House Lodge
Day 3 Aug 25 (Mon) |
Kagbeni - Muktinath - Ghami |
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Acclimatization drive from Kagbeni to Muktinath 2 to 3 hrs |
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Drive from Muktinath to Ghami 3 to 3.5 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Mustang
Day 4 Aug 26 (Tue) |
Ghami - Ghar Gompa - Lomanthang |
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Drive to Dhakmar 1 hr |
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Hike up to Ghar Gompa via Dhakmar cliffs Ghar Gompa is he oldest and most prominent monastery of Upper Mustang. |
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Drive to Lomanthang |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort
Day 5 Aug 27 (Wed) |
Lomanthang - Samzong - Lomanthang |
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Hike from Lomanthang to Samzong, and back to Lomanthang 4 to 5 hrs Option to hike or drive |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort
Day 6 Aug 28 (Thu) |
Lomanthang (Yarthung festival) |
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Explore Lomanthang Horse race for men |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort
Day 7 Aug 29 (Fri) |
Lomanthang (Yarthung festival) |
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Explore Lomanthang Horse race for women from Royal family |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort
Day 8 Aug 30 (Sat) |
Lomanthang (Yarthung festival) |
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Explore Lomanthang |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort
Day 9 Aug 31 (Sun) |
Lomanthang - Konchokling - Choser |
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Drive from Lomanthang to Konchokling 1 hr |
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Hike up to Konchokling ridge and to Choser 3 to 4 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 10 Sep 1 (Mon) |
Choser - Dhi - Yara |
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Drive from Choser to Dhi |
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Hike to Yara and explore Luri Gompa |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 11 Sep 2 (Tue) |
Yara - Kagbeni |
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Drive from Yara to Kagbeni |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Red House Lodge
Day 12 Sep 3 (Wed) |
Kagbeni - Pokhara |
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Drive from Kagbeni to Pokhara |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort and Spa
Day 13 Sep 4 (Thu) |
Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 mins |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Thasang Village |
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Kobang, Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Red House Lodge |
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Kagbeni, Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Electric Blanket | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Hotel Royal Mustang |
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Ghami, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Air Conditioning | • | Mini Bar | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Electric Blanket | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Garden | • | Massage | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Mountain Views |
Royal Mustang Resort |
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Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Royal Mustang Resort |
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Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Royal Mustang Resort |
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Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Royal Mustang Resort |
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Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Royal Mustang Resort |
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Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
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Nepal
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 |
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Nepal
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 |
Red House Lodge |
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Kagbeni, Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Electric Blanket | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Terrace | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | First Aid Kit | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Temple Tree Resort and Spa |
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Pokhara, Nepal
• | 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 | • | Garden | • | Swimming Pool | • | Plunge Pool | • | Massage | • | Spa | • | Laundry | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain 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 Sizepax | Fixed Departureprices per person | Regularprices per person |
2 - 3 | USD 3200 | USD 3300 |
4 | USD 2800 | USD 3000 |
5 | USD 2950 | USD 3000 |
6 & up | USD 2775 | USD 2850 |
Upcoming Fixed Departure: 23 Aug 2025
2 - 3 | USD 3300 | USD 3200 |
4 | USD 3000 | USD 2800 |
5 | USD 3000 | USD 2950 |
6 & up | USD 2850 | USD 2775 |
Prices valid until Dec 31st, 2025
Expat discount is USD 75 on KTM-PKR flights Note: If we go for simpler but comfortable lodges in Kowang (1 night), Ghami (1 night) and Lomanthang (5 nights), the price per person will be: 2 pax- USD 2500 3 pax- USD 2300 4 pax- 2050 5 pax- 2250 6 pax & above- USD 2050
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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You will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable tour guide equipped with a first aid kit. Always follow their instructions and stick to designated paths.
While Nepal is generally very safe, there is still a possibility of pickpocketing in touristy areas. 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 jewelry etc or a large sum of cash while traveling for security reasons.
Water safety is very crucial as one can easily contract waterborne diseases. Drinking tap water is not advised and we recommend drinking boiled/ filtered or bottled water only.
Meals are left out from price includes to give you full flexibility, depending on your appetite and preference. The hotels and restaurants are hygienic, and have a good selection of food and drink options. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make arrangements.
It is recommended to bring snacks (like chocolates, dry fruits, etc) and energy bars to munch on during the tour.
• | Comfortable walking shoes |
• | A warm layer |
• | Sun hat or cap |
• | Full sleeved clothes for entering heritage sites |
• | Day bag |
• | Rain gear |
• | Sunglasses |
• | Water bottle |
• | Trail snacks and energy bars (optional) |
• | Camera with charger and extra batteries |
• | Power bank (Optional) |
• | Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Sanitizer |
• | Bug / Insect repellent |
• | Toiletries |
• | Original passport |
• | Extra cash (for meals, shopping, etc) |
• | Credit card (VISA & MasterCard) |
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!