Mustang valley, a rain shaded area behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas of Nepal where the place called Upper mustang lies, is the land of an old kingdom rich in culture and the history. The Upper Mustang Trek itinerary takes you through the hidden kingdom of Nepal “Lomanthang” to experience the best cultural experience you will encounter. Though Upper Mustang is part of Nepal, it used to have their king until 2008. It is the only place where old Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced. The place believed to be settled 5000 years ago by the Tibetan descendant where human inhabitant caves a can still be seen and visited. The valley formed by one of the biggest and the holy river of Nepal(Kali Gandaki) has a unique and colorful landscape, rock formation are artistic and no wonder why the high monks choose to meditate around here.
Once important routes for salt traders between people of lower mustang and Tibetans and is now an important place for trekker’s since 1992 after the government allowed people to trek there. This land in here is dry and desert like place with snow capped mountains around. Trekking in Lo Manthang will be one of a highlight in your personal travel book.
The capital of mustang as called by locals is Lo Mangthang. Visiting around the village of Lo Mangthang (the walled city) in a day which has around 150 houses made of clay and the stones. One of the famous festivals called Tiji can be witnessed in here. The festival is one of the most sacred and colorful costumes enact the story of Dorje Jono who fought against his demon father to save the kingdom of mustang from falling apart. The festival is held annually at the onset of spring season. As spring season symbolizes regeneration of life, hope and revival and affirmation of life.
Before Booking with Devo Adventure:
Devo adventure is an Adventure company and it is important for people/ clients to know in details about the booking agreements. While booking it should clear to both the parties that there should be flexibility. We plan and make an itinerary on day to day basis and in case there is any delay caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. We will help to plan a different trip with different itinerary or an alternative program that will be decided by both the parties agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Devo Adventure shall be only responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
01: Is Nepal safe? Do I need to worry about earthquakes or aftershocks?
The trek is perfectly safe. The route has been checked and validated by the people of geological department of Nepal government. We have also taken measures to ensure your safety. Few places got affected but that wont has any effect in the trek.
02: Can anyone join the trip?
Anyone can join this trip; Age is not a barrier too provided you possess a basic level of mental fortitude and physical fitness. A regular jogging for two months before trekking is advised for little comfort during the trek.
03: What is the basic level of fitness required (Early preparations, mental and physical fitness)?
The trip will cover an average of 5-6 hours of high altitude trekking each day. The higher we go, thinner the air gets. But that is what makes it fun (Some might call this challenging!) For those who aren’t used to this, the first few days will be difficult. The trek is designed in the way to let your body acclimatize slowly so we advise number 2 should be followed to enjoy the trek.
Do note: All couch potatoes and people out of shape, you guys need to attain a basic level of fitness. We would suggest warming up for the trip at least two months before the trip by jogging for an hour or hitting some weights.
04: Insurance?
We highly recommend you get yourself insured for the trip. We recommend “world nomads”. Do ensure your insurance policy that applies at an altitude of 6300 meters above sea level, and covers accidents, emergency medical costs and evacuation including helicopter evacuation and theft or loos of belonging, The reason we advise this is because if something untoward happens sometimes the best way to get out quick is in a helicopter which can be very expensive if you are not insured.
05: Food provisions and accommodation?
Accommodation: In Kathmandu, pokhara or any big cities we will stay in a standard category hotel. During the trek, we shall stay in local basic lodges and tea houses as they are called locally.
Food: Kathmandu has good options. While on a trek, access to fancy food is limited. However, the meals will be nutritious, wholesome and soul strengthening.
06: Preexisting medical conditions or allergies?
Do let us know if you have any allergies or medical conditions, when you sign up. Access to medical facilities and hospitals will be limited during the trek, however during a life threatening contingency when aid is required, an evacuation can be arranged for to transport you to the nearest hospital. Please make sure that are insured.
07: How to reach Kathmandu?
International flights operate regularly everyday to Kathmandu. By road from India we do have open borders in east west and south and from China the border from Zangmu or Khasa.
08: Do I need to worry about altitude acclimatization?
We will be ascending gradually towards the base camp and the ascent is spread over a long period. So acclimatization shouldn’t be a problem. However for those who do feel difficult to acclimatize we suggest the drug Diamox that helps in acclimatizing, if you are allergic to sulpha-based drugs then do consult your doctor for alternatives. Drinking more water or at least 4 liters a day is advised.
09: How many people will be accompanying me on the trip?
A maximum of 15 and a minimum of 2 people are advised. For more than 6 people we provide two guides and for more than 12 people in group 3 guides are provided.
10: What kind of bag should I bring?
Do I need to carry my luggage myself or will there be porters to carry my bag for me during the trekking days? We would recommend a haversack or a trekking bag and we provide 1 porter for two people.
11: What will be the weather in Kathmandu, and in the trek?
During spring and summer (March- June the temperature in the trek from 0 to 28 Degree at day time depending on the heights and 0 to -10 at night depending on heights.
12: What safety measures will be taken?
Precautions have been taken for your safety and enjoyable trek. We advise you to fully do the check up before planning so that we know about our clients. We take our time for the trek and the staffs will have first aid medical kit depending on the seriousness of the client, we take rest or also make helicopters available, which will be provided by your Insurance. We will take notes about the trail as we start our trek.
Also: You agree to be part of the group and the leader. The tour leader has the authority of making decisions for the groups benefit and if there are any problems that could affect the trip so by signing the booking form you accept the leader decision. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Devo Adventure.
13: What will the return journey be like?
The trip ends in Kathmandu where you can fly out. However we highly recommend you keep a buffer day. We can arrange an extra night stay for you in Kathmandu. Going down will be quick and as you have already acclimatized. Lots of up hill and long down hill is frequently done.
14: What is your experience level in doing such treks?
A trekking company who have people working in this field for 10- 15 years) who have a great amount of experience doing such treks, as well as trekking to the summit from the base camp. We will also be joined by the local guides who know the route thoroughly, hence any issues, help will be right around!
15: What is the paper work, documentation I need?
We will arrange all the paper work. All you need is the passport, visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Non- Indian passport holders, we shall arrange all permits inside Nepal. Visa for western clients are available on arrival in airport but this takes quite some time so if you already have visa from your own country you wont have to line up in queue for long. To Indian nationals visa is not needed.
16: How does the payment work- Installments/ down payments?
Payment for flight, permits and hotel should be paid in advance 1and half or a month before to insure the bookings so we suggest you to pay 20% advance while doing the booking for trek. Please ask if the bank charges for the transfer and in such charges the clients should the liable charges.
17: How much money to carry on the trip?
Access to ATM’s is limited once outside Kathmandu. Indian currency is accepted everywhere except in trekking area. You will not be spending much money on the trek anyway, as we will arrange everything. We don’t recommend carrying lot of money or valuables. 300 $ would be a good amount to keep with you. The only thing we will be spending on will be munchies, chips, biscuits, juices, water, battery charging and shower etc. All you shopping fanatics can find heaven in Kathmandu, where you will have option of spending for shopping.
Also note due to the agreement between Indian and Nepalese governments it is illegal to carry 500 and 1000 rupee notes in Nepal for an Indian citizen if the amount of cash you are carrying exceeds Rs 25,000.
18: Will I have mobile network and electricity?
Yes mobile networks is available almost in Popular trekking areas but some time if there is any problem it will take few weeks before it works again. The mobile outside the capital will be patchy and non-existent, especially during certain parts of the trek. Electricity or solar lights will be available at most places; some places on the trek will not have it and will rely on solar charged batteries only.
19: How do I charge my phone or camera battery?
We recommend carrying back up batteries for your camera and a solar charger to avoid paying for charging your devices at tea houses on the route (they will charge about Rs 150-400 per battery one device.
20: What if I get really sick or injure myself and cannot continue the trip, will I get a refund for the days of the trip remaining?
If due to unforeseen circumstances, you get injured or really sick and cannot continue the trip the money paid to us will be forfeit in such a scenario.
21: I am a single, solo woman traveler. Is it safe?
Yes. The trip is designed to accommodate single solo women travelers. Accommodation shall be on a twin-sharing basis everywhere and all females shall bunk together.
22: Why do I need an extra buffer day on the trip?
If you are flying starting your trip by flights then we recommend a day or two as a spare day so that you don’t get panic or miss the International flight.
List of Clothing/ Gears:
Down jacket -5-10 c for trek, -15 for climbing.
Full fingers woolen gloves.
Pair of Shocks. 4 Pairs.
Thermal cap.
Fleece few of them.
Quick drying towel
Quick drying t-shirt or shirts.
Long Thermal inner wares.
Trekking Trousers and trekking shorts.
Wind / waterproof jacket.
Water proof ankle proof shoes:
Equipments:
LED headlight with spare rechargeable batteries.
Water bottle.
Sunscreen 35- 50 plus.
Trekking poles.
Sun glasses.
Trekking bag.
Laundry soap.
Solar charger.
Multi charge adapter.
Sleeping bag (please bring your own if you have -10 c).
Miscellaneous:
5 Copies of Passport Photos:
Insurance copy
23: When you book any adventure and holiday trip with us we assume that you have read the full detail of booking term and conditions mentioned in our website and you are full aware of it and you have agreed with the agreement.