Mountain Trek / Mustang / Nepal Upper Mustang Yarthung Horse Festival TripNext tentative Date: August 23, 2025 Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
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. |
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.
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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Spring is one of the best times for the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is pleasant, and the region is in full bloom with colorful flowers. The daytime temperatures are mild, ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the nights can be cool but not excessively cold.
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.
Fall is another excellent time for the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. The temperatures are moderate during the day, ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and it gets colder at night.
Winter in Upper Mustang is cold, especially at higher elevations. The temperatures can drop below freezing, and there may be occasional snowfall. The trek is still possible in early winter, but you need to be well-prepared for the cold weather. High passes will be inaccessible due to snow. The average daytime temperature ranges between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Group Size | Price per person* |
2 -3 pax | USD 3200 |
4 pax | USD 2800 |
5 pax | USD 2950 |
6 - 10 pax | USD 2775 |
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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 - Kowang |
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Day 2 Aug 24 (Sun) |
Kowang - 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 - Kowang |
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Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 25 mins |
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Drive from Pokhara to Kowang 4 to 5 hrs |
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge Thasang Village
Day 2 Aug 24 (Sun) |
Kowang - 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, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Mustang
Day 4 Aug 26 (Tue) |
Ghami - Ghar Gompa - Lomanthang |
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Drive from Ghami to Lomanthang, explore the oldest and most prominent monastery of Ghar Gompa 4 to 5 hrs |
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 |
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 Horse race for monks |
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, explore and drive to Choser 6 to 7 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, and hike to Yara |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 11 Sep 2 (Tue) |
Yara - Kagbeni |
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Hike 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
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
Lodge Thasang Village |
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Kowang
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | 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 | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Hotel Royal Mustang |
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Ghami, Upper Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | 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 | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | 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 | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | 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 | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | 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 | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | 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 | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain 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 |
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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 |
Red House Lodge |
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Kagbeni, Mustang, Nepal
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Temple Tree Resort and Spa |
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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 | • | 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 Size | Price per person* |
2 -3 pax | USD 3200 |
4 pax | USD 2800 |
5 pax | USD 2950 |
6 - 10 pax | USD 2775 |
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
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Transportation
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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.
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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Perched on the eastern horizon of Kathmandu valley lies mystical and peaceful Namobuddha Monastery, complemented by a backdrop of the mighty Himalayas and pristine trails through secluded backcountry.
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