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Upper Mustang
Trek
Group Size:
2 PAX 
Duration:
17 Days 
Max Altitude:
3820 (Lo-Manthag) 
Accommodation
Tea House / Mountain Lodge and Hotel 
Trip Grading:
Moderate 
Trip Start:
Kathmandu 
Trip End:
Kathmandu 
Average Dist. per Day
12Km 
Average Time per Day
6hrs 
Trip Overview
Upper Mustang landscape is almost similar to Tibetan plateau. It is a high, dry, and beautiful valley. The terrain has riddled with eroded gorges, colorful formations of rocks, in addition to vibrant cultures, architectures, and languages.
Tiji festival is a popular festival of Mustang. And is celebrated for three days in the spring season in Lo Manthang. It is a festival of chasing demons away and saving the Kingdom. In the story, monks put masks and colorful costumes on Dorje Jono, who had fought against demons to save the Kingdom. During the festival, there will be a performance with a bit of cultural music and dance.
Lo Manthang is also the homeland of former King Jigme Dorjee Palbar Bista when Mustang used to be a separate Kingdom. The locals of Mustang still give high respect to the King.
Jomsom Muktinath trek is a similar trip to upper mustang.
Tour Highlight
- Kathmandu and Pokhara city tour
- Scenic flight to and from Jomsom .
- Exploring the Kali Gandaki River valley
- Forbidden kingdom of Mustang.
- High Alpine Desert
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport
Welcome to Nepal! We will receive you the airport and transport you to hotel.
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Day 2
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu valley
The day beings with a meeting and introducing with your trek and tour leader. After breakfast, we organize a short meeting at the hotel lobby. The meeting finalizes the preparation of the trek. In the meeting, you need to bring three copies of passport copy size photos, and travel insurance copy. Soon, the day tour will starts and on the tour visit most highlighted places of Kathmandu.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLEPashupatinath Temple is one of the most visited and sacred places of Hindu. According to Hindu mythology, Pashupatinath is one of four Dham. It is not only a religious place also the cremation place. The dead body is burning with firewood in the bank of holy river Bagmati.
BOUDDHA STUPABouddhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. While touring in Buddha you can meet the monks, learn Buddhism, gather the information about Thankas, and its significants.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUAREBhaktapur Durbar Square is a royal palace built in centuries ago when Nepal had 22 and 24 state kingdom. The palace is famous with the name of fifty-five windows durbar, Nyatapol Mandir the tallest temple in Nepal. The Lion Gate, Golden Gates, The statue of King BhupatindraMalla and the pottery where the potter makes are the main attractions of Bhaktapur.
After finished the tour, the evening time is to review the luggage for the trek. If you interested you can walk around Thamel, choose the restaurant for dinner.
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Day 3
Drive to Pokhara (820m) by tourist bus
This is a quite an exciting day for trekkers because after breakfast, we reach the bus station for a drive to the scenic lakeside city of Pokhara. The drive is about 7 hours and goes through scenic countryside of central Nepal. We stop for lunch at Gunadi at around 11:30am, and reach Pokhara in another 2 hours. Pokhara is a holiday city, and looking at the lakes, hills and mountains, it is no wonder why it is so well known. Wide panorama of Annapurna range is clearly visible from the city, most notably Machhapuchare (Fishtail mountain) that prominently overlooks Pokhara. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu also tower above.
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Day 4
Morning flight to Jomsom(2713meters) and trek to Kagbeni (2800 m)
The early morning scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom allows for stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya. Once when you arrived in Jomsom you will meet the rest of trekking staff like porters. We have breakfast in Jomsom, admiring the beautiful rugged and arid landscapes of Mustang. Head off to Kagbeni.
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Day 5
Trek to Chhuksang (2900 m)
The trail begins with the dirt road on the banks of Kaligandaki, the gradually ascending trail takes you to Chhuksang via Tangbe village. Along the road, you will see buckwheat fields, barley, and apple orchards.
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Day 6
Trek to Syangbochen (3800 m)
The first part of the trail requires walking up to Samar Village, after which we head down to the river bed and on undulating trails and a final climb we reach Vena La Pass. The trail descends to Syangbochen.
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Day 7
Trek to Ghami (3520m)
After breakfast you are off to Ghami. The trail leads to Syangebochen-La pass and descent to a river called Ghiling Khola and climbs up to Niya-La Pass and again descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs at Ghami.
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Day 8
Trek to Charang (3560m)
Morning walk to Tangmar Chu and after crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river) you will arrive at a mani wall, which is a wall with religious inscriptions, perhaps the longest and most spectacular mani wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m, the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang village. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are the main attractions to visit and observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings, of seated Buddhas.
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Day 9
Trek to Lo Manthang (3820 m)
The trail climbs steadily until Lo-Gekar, which is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest Gompas of Nepal. After visiting Lo-Gekar continue to trek to Lo Manthang, which is a walled city in the middle of the Mustang’s desert. Technically a large town, Lo Manthang looks quite impressive situated amidst surreal landscape and mountains surrounding it.
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Day 10
Exploration day at Lo Manthang
Today you will explore Lo Manthang village, including the Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar, Chhoser Goemba. The Namgyal Goemba is located on the hilltop, which is an important monastery of the Upper Mustang and Tingkhar village is the main village of Lo Manthang, where you can see traditional activities adopted from Tibetan culture.
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Day 11
Trek back to Ghami (3520m) via Ghar Gompa
The trail begins with light walking and climbs to a crest and descends to Ghar Goemba, where you can see the monasteries that were built in the 8th century. After having short sightseeing in Ghar Gomba we climb to another hill then descend to Dakmar and continue on descending trails to Ghami.
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Day 12
Trek to Syangbocheyan(3800m)
We trek the same way back to Syangbochen via Niya-La Pass from Ghami. The path takes you to Niya-La Pass and descends to Syangbochen.
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Day 13
Trek to Chhuksang(2900m)
After breakfast, the trail heads off to Vena-la pass and descends to Samar village and continues descending to cross the Kaligandaki River via Chaile and on to Chhuksang.
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Day 14
Trek to Jomsom (2713m)
The trail leads you to Jomsom via Tangbe. All the way the trail undulates until you get Jomsom. Along the road, you will see white fields and apple orchards.
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Day 15
Morning flight to Pokhara 30mins. Sightseeing around Pokhara
A short flight from Jomsom takes us to the lakeside city of Pokhara. In the afternoon you will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devis Waterfall, Museums, and Gupteshwor cave, etc.
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Day 16
Return back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner
We drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. The drive takes about 7 hours on a scenic route. In the evening, there will be farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with folk music and dance performance.
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Day 17
Trip Ends. Final Departure
Trip Ends. Your guide will drop at the airport for your final departure.
Itinerary Info
Standard Itinerary and Private Trip
It is the notice about Standard Itinerary and Private Trip. The provided itinerary is standard, and if you want to customize it, you can do it. OR you can go through our Plan Your Holidays page.Travel Insurance and Covers
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance that covers the adventure activities such as trekking/hiking above 15,000 feet. And must include flights delayed/canceled by bad weather, accidents, evacuations, etc.Keep in Mind
Sometimes, unusual weather changes, natural disasters, flight delays, and cancellations, government rules, local political situations, health conditions of trekkers may change your itinerary. At that point, our leading guide will decide and try to minimize the impacts and run the trip smoothly, but we are not liable for any additional costs if needed.Always options for Upgrade
Please you can upgrade your accommodation and transportation service to regular. We can provide you with 5Star hotel accommodation and the best available private car/ jeep services. And also domestic flights including the Helicopter Charter.
Available Date
- Fixed Departures
- Private
Select a departure month
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
What Includes & Excludes
Includes
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Three Nights Standard Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Full Day sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Two Nights Standard Hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- Full Board Meals during the trip as per itinerary
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Accommodation, foods, insurance, salary, equipment, and medicine for field staffs.
- Trekking/tour permits, entrance fees.
- All ground transportion as per itinerary
- Farewell dinner one night before the client’s final departure in a typical Nepali Restaurant with culture dance. Your guide will accompany you.
- All government taxes and official expenses.
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Tips for trekking staff (Tipping is expected).
- Personal trekking gears/equipment.
- Anything not mentioned in the price includes.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We operate this trip with aiming:
- To improve the lifestyle of local people
- To protect the environment
- To respect and promote the culture of the local community
- To create the Volunteering Opportunities
- To donate 5% of each trip cost to the COSD Nepal organization
We hire the local people as trekking staff, which creates the opportunity to learn and share the cultures, get exposure to local traditions. You can enjoy the local product feasts in the teahouses and lodges that directly help their business.
- Namaste [Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest] is the respectful greetings in Nepal.
- Walk-in clockwise direction around temples, monuments, MANE Stone, MANE-wall is the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Enter temples and with removing shoes and also leather.
- Ask permission to take any portrait of locals.
- Use right while giving and receiving food, eating, wiping mouth, etc.
- Please dress in loose-fitting clothes while entering temples and monasteries.
A small group of travelers led by the local trek leader, we try to minimize the impacts on natural resources and the environment during the trips. We emphasize reducing waste. Encourage travelers to use a refillable water bottle instead of a single-use bottle.
We are also a supporter of the Community Organization for Sustainable Development Nepal (COSD Nepal). And, we collect 5% of the total payment of each trek to contribute to the organization.
Volunteer Opportunity
We have a volunteer trip operating in a local school in Gorkha. Through this trip, you can directly support the children also the teachers’ educational status.
Add-on Activities
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$ 90$ 100Shivapuri Peak Hike
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$ 585$ 650Bardia National Park Tour
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$ 90White Gumba Tour
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$ 350Scenic Mountain Flight
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$ 150Kathmandu Day Tour
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$ 200Bungee Jumping in Nepal
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$ 2000Everest Heli Tour
Equipment List
Here you will get a basic idea of the equipment and items of clothing that you need to carry on the trip. Apex Asia Holidays provide you with a gratis duffel bag in Kathmandu to pack your trekking luggage.
Note:
- Non- trekking items can store at the Hotel lockers in Kathmandu.
- If you are trekking in Everest Region: Kathmandu- Lukla Flight only allows the 15KG including hand-carry bag.
- You must have to carry a down jacket from above 4000 meters to keep warms. You can hire a down jacket and sleeping bag for USD 30 with us.
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight
- Warm wool or synthetic hat
- Neck Warmer
- UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.
Hand
- A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening
Core Body
- Three cotton t-shirts
- Three synthetic t-shirt
- Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.
- A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.
- For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.
- Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton.
- Two pairs lightweight long underwear.
Lower Body
- Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.
Feet
- At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.
- A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.
- A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.
- Shoes
Other Essential
- Small Day Pack
Medicine and First Aid
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous but Important
- Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
- Airline tickets
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletries
Important Info
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TRANSPORTATION
In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.
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MEALS
In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.
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ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.
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INSURANCE
It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.
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SAFETY
Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.
Why Book With Us
- Great Value Guranteed
- Small Group Size
- Local Expert Guides
- Hassel-Free Booking
- Social Responsible
- Excellent Service
Tour Map
Frequently Ask Question
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What is the time zone of Nepal?
NPT (UTC+05:45)
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Do I need to tip the guide and porters? What is the standard tip?
Tips is expected by your team members and normally the standard is 10% of your total trip cost.
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Do you arrange the International and domestic flights?
Yes, we can do as per clients’ require. Normally, we arrange all domestic flights and if you required we can arrange also international tickets.
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Can I change my itinerary?
Yes, customizing the itineraries is the feature of Apex Asia Holidays. And you can also visit the Plan Your Holidays link.
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Is it possible to extend trip?
Sure, you can extend your entire trip and also you can do extended trip.
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Is it possible to use credit card during the trek/ tour?
Using card is not possible in all trekking town except Namche of Everest region. But in the cities you can use the cards.
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Can I charge the batteries of cameras, phones?
Yes, you can charge your devices, but recommended you to bring your plugs, chargers and also do not leave unattended anything while charging in a lobby or somewhere in trekking guesthouse. And if you are in camping trek it’s quite hard to charge the phone so advising to bring portable charge.
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Is there any possibility to communicate in my hometown?
Yes, you can. In the Everest and Annapurna region you can connect via Phone, Internet both is available in most of town and, in some remote routes you may need to use satellite phone that are carry by you trek guide or also get in the local town.
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Do you provide any equipment for the trek?
Apex Asia Holidays provides you a basic equipment like Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, for tea-house trek. And for the climbing trip we provide the basic equipment. For camping trek check it once including section.
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Is the shower facility during the tour/trek?
Yes, you can have shower during the trek. In camping trek you will get shower in shower tent which is basically provide 3-4 times in whole trek it is depending on the duration of the trek. And in a tea-house trek we will provide you attached room where is possible and the rest of town you will payable shower.
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What are the accommodations and meals like?
All the meals that you provided are hygienic and fresh. While you are in camping trek you get meals prepared by professional camping cook. And if you are doing tea-house trek you will get the main course as like in the cities. For accommodation in the camping trek you will have a tent with good qualities mattress and sleeping bag. And if you are in tea-house trek you will normal twin sharing room in basic facilities with warm mattress and blanket, and also we provide sleeping bag if you need.
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Is the drinking water okay? Or I need to use tablets?
For drinking water you can buy bottle water that purified mineral water in tea-house trek and city tour. And in camping trek the camping cook provides you boiled water. For some case of remote area trekking it would be better to have some purification tablets that you can buy in Kathmandu.
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How big is a group size?
We will try to arrange small group of willing people, which immortalized the treks. Normally we encompass 12 -16 people in a group. (This is not to apply for them who want to do Private Trip, no minimum and maximum for them.)
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Do you arrange the private trip?
Yes, of course we will arrange private tour.
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Should I need to join the group?
Joining in a group is depending on your booking and option that you choose. If you have booked for Private Trip then obviously you will not join. Otherwise normally the same trip is departing in a same day then the group will join.
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Are the staffs insured of your company?
Yes, all of the staffs and crew members are the insured.
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What sort of ground transportation you use?
Normally we assign a car up to 2 people and Jeep for up to 5 people and then Micro Bus for up to 14 PAX and Coster and Sutlej Bus depending on group size. There are some trekking routes, which are dirt road for them we assign 4WD Jeeps. It also depends on what services you opt.
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Are the treks and tours secured? What about the security?
Provide the security to our clients is principal of us. The government licensed holder guides and other crew members are carefully assign for your trip. Even though, would like to counsel you to take care of your personal equipment, bags. If you doing a tea-house trek your accommodation are in a local guesthouse, where you have to be precaution yourself at all time. And if you are in a camping trek always keep your own bags inside the tent and while in nighttime please keep your bag in the middle of the tent. The camping leader assigns a Sherpa as a guard throughout the nighttime.
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Do my guide/porter speak English?
Definitely they speak English. All the guides are professional and due to the professionalism they speak good English. The guide’s English is enough to explain about the local culture, activities, and religions.
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Do you peak me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative welcomes you at airport and transfer to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
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What is the fitness required for the treks?
Generally, to trek in Nepal we should have good physical and health condition. And also able to walk 4- 7hrs in day at high altitude with your little backpack.
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When is the best season for treks in Nepal?
From March to mid of June and September to December is the best season for treks.
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Why Upper Mustang is different than Annapurna and Everest Region?
Upper Mustang and Annapurna are in similar region but Everest is in Eastern Nepal. The major difference of Upper Mustang is Himalaya Desert, less vegetation and greenery.
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Is Upper Mustang Trek difficult?
Trekking always difficult than relaxing trips in cities. Upper Mustang is also categorized in a moderate trekking trail of Nepal. We need to be mentally and physically fit for the trek.
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Can a solo trekker can visit Upper Mustang?
Sorry, solo trekker can not get Permit to Upper Mustang. We must have to be at least two people or we can join the group.
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Is the monsoon best season for Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes, It is quite good because Upper Mustang is rain shadowed by the Himalayas: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It is a high alpine desert so less rain fall.
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May I know what are the major attraction of Upper Mustang Trek?
As a geographically, it is a barren field, high alpine desert. And culturally, it is a semi Tibetan culture,
Why travel with apex asia holidays
Since 2015, we have operated unique itineraries and happy trips that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We focused on the fun factor and challenged you aptly to reach that great feeling of personal accomplishment while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers.
Make your journey fruitful by choosing to travel with a local company. We know each holiday is different. With the guidance of our travel experts and first-hand experience, we can customize every element of your holiday. We create travel packages that transcend our clients’ expectations. We invite you to discover what you’ve been missing. These are some of the difference that makes All-Travel unique.
Explore More
Small-Group
Join a small group of like-minded travelers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
While traveling in a small group of up to 15 people gives an opportunity of making lifelong friendships. We can appreciate more intimate, personal connections, share experiences, and cherish memories.
Local Guides
We employ all local guides and porters because of their local knowledge expertise. They can deliver first-hand information to our valuable clients. And trekking in High Himalayas, the local guides and porters can lead you even in the extreme weather and conditions. In addition, we aim to employ the local guides to enhance their skill and empowerment them. We are always concerned about the local community to improve and support them through tourism.
Health and Saftey
Your safety is our top priority. Our trained and experienced team is always concerned with providing fresh and hygienic food, keeping First Aid, 24/7 communication services, and more. Before commencing the trek or tour, we always make sure whether the clients have good enough equipment, clothes or not.
Responsible for Tourism
Responsible tourism is significantly important because it becomes the responsibility of each individual in the tourism industry. Our dependency is on the existing environment we talk about business or livelihood. We focused on our policy to organize outdoor packages that leave less carbon footprint as possible.
