Mustang Horse Trek

• 2020 Trip 3
• 2020 Trip 4
• 2021 Trip 1
• 2021 Trip 2
• 2021 Trip 3
• 2021 Trip 4

• Overview

  • Trek to the unspoiled Forbidden Kingdom
  • Visit an area far from the usual tourist trails

  
  Nestled strategically at the head of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Mustang once held significance as gatekeeper of trade between India and Tibet, thereby making Mustang an attractive principality for warlords and kings. Buddhism was introduced by Padmasambhava himself en route to Tibet leaving a legacy of working monasteries that are still very active.

  Whilst being annexed to Nepal, Mustang enjoys its own autonomy and the residents live much the same as they have for centuries. To avoid this unique Kingdom being overrun by tourism, the region has been gazetted as a restricted area and permits are required to gain access to the region.

  Our steeds are sure-footed and suitable for first timers, although you may elect to trek instead of ride. We fly into Jomsom beneath the 8,000m massifs of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and from here we begin to explore the Forbidden Kingdom. When we arrive into a village each night we have time to explore for a while prior to a scrumptious meal provided by our Sherpa staff. We overnight in local lodges and visit monasteries and forts. Our ultimate destination on the journey is Lo Monthang, a town encompassed by tall fortified walls that once served as protection from marauders and the hub of Mustang.

  We are being supported on this journey by our special Sherpa friends of many years. With their world-wise approach and multi-lingual skills, they help us interpret the landscape and the people.

  Photographer Camilla Rutherford journeyed with us to Mustang in 2014, check out her inspiring photo essay and dispatches from our other treks below. 

  Private trip departure option - for two people we can operate this trip as a private departure for US$11,700 each.

  * Trip 2 coincides with local Tiji Festival

• Why AC?

  To avoid this unique Kingdom being overrun by tourism the region has been gazetted as a restricted area with only small numbers of tourists given access every year.
   
  Adventure Consultants have been privileged with the approval of permission to enter Mustang and will travel with small groups through to Lo Monthang, the hub of this tiny Kingdom. These permits come at a price but in a world of ever decreasing natural habitats, we are possibly experiencing history which will be lost to future generations.
  
  We are renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to our treks. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination.
  
  We have a philosophy of investing in every trip to offer our trekkers the best possible experience.
  
  We employ strong and specialised trek leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry.  We pride ourselves on operating with small teams and the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up. Our staff are the most affable western or Sherpa guides working in conjunction with our excellent cooking teams, to promise you an experience of a lifetime!
  
  We are being supported on this journey by our special Sherpa friends of many years. With their world-wise approach and multi-lingual skills they will help us interpret the landscape and the people in addition to providing scrumptious meals and establishing our camps each night.
  
  Many of our team members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience.  Others return because they know we do our very best to make our trips safe and successful.

• Dates & Prices

  Dates 2020

  Trip 1: March 31 – April 18	CLOSED
  Trip 2: May 10 – 28 *Coincides with the Tiji Festival	CLOSED
  Trip 3: September 2 – 20	Register your interest
  Trip 4: September 30 – October 18	Register your interest

  Dates 2021

  Trip 1: March 29 – April 16	Register your interest
  Trip 2: April 29 – May 17 *Coincides with the Tiji Festival	Register your interest
  Trip 3: September 6 – 24	Register your interest
  Trip 4: September 27 – October 15	Register your interest

  Pricing Schedule 2020/2021
  

  The cost of the trek ex Kathmandu, Nepal is US$5,950 per person.

• Payment Conditions

  • Inclusions & Exclusions
  • Payment Details

  Inclusions

  The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Nepalese Government royalty fees
  • All trek organisational requirements
  • Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (1 night in Pokhara)
  • All trekking permits
  • Air transport and accommodation in lodges or tents ex Kathmandu
  • All group equipment for the trek
  • All use of horses
  • All trek staff, including porter/mule support
  • All meals after departing Pokhara and before arriving back in Kathmandu

  
  Exclusions

  The price of your trip does not include:

  • Air travel to and from Nepal
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Purchases of bottled water, gifts or alcohol
  • Entry visas for Nepal (suggest getting 30-day tourist visa for Nepal on arrival into Kathmandu)
  • Personal clothing and equipment including sleeping bag for camping
  • Personal travel insurance/trip cancellation insurance

  Account Information

  All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

  Bank of New Zealand
  Offshore Branch
  42 Willis Street
  Spark Central
  Wellington
  New Zealand

  for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited

  Account # 1000-594771-0000
  Account Type: US Dollars
  Swift Address: BKNZNZ22

  Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.

  We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex), plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.

  Deposit

  A deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition trek.

  Balance

  The balance is payable 60 days prior to your trip start date.

  Cancellation & Refund Policy

  Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:

  • Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
  • For cancellations made within 60 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee.
  • For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.

  
  Trip Cancellation Insurance

  We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.

• Trip Notes

  • Trip Notes
  • The Team
  • Health & Fitness
  • More...

  The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Mustang, Nepal Horse Trek.
  
  You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:

  Mustang Horse Trek 2020 Trip Notes

  Mustang Horse Trek 2021 Trip Notes

  Team Membership

  For the Mustang Trek we will take a maximum of 10 trekkers, hence spaces are limited.

  Our Guides

  We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, and the best back-up and support available.

  Head Office Support Team

  Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.

  Tiffany Shervell, Client Liaison
  
  Tiffany has worked with Adventure Consultants since 2005 and is our Office Manager and Marketing Assistant. She has a passion for travel and adventure that has seen her work and travel throughout the world.

   

   

  

  Your Health

  Trek team members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the trek leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.

  Level of Experience Required

  The Mustang trek is of only moderate difficulty as we can ride the horses on most of the trail apart from steep descents and the occasional exposed section. Participants must be of reasonable health and capable of walking/riding for about 4-6 hours a day. As the highest point in the Mustang region is above 4000m there will be effects of altitude to some people, which is not necessarily determined by age, fitness or previous experience. However, by riding on horseback we are rarely faced with much in the way of strenuous exercise unless we choose to walk off the good food!

  Our program involves slow and gradual climbs to higher altitudes with time to enjoy the views and meet the hospitable local inhabitants. If there is any doubt about your health please consult a doctor first. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trek.

  Difficulty Rating

  Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.

  History

  Nestled strategically at the head of the Kali Gandaki valley, Mustang once held significance as the gatekeeper of trade between India and Tibet, thereby making Mustang an attractive principality for warlords and kings. Buddhism was introduced by Padmasambhava himself en route to Tibet leaving a legacy of working monasteries that are still very active.

  Our ultimate destination on the journey, Lo Monthang, a town encompassed by tall fortified walls, once served as protection from marauders and was the hub of Mustang.

  Food

  Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. We will take meals in lodges and teahouses along the trail and will supplement this with some of our favourite imported snacks and coffee! We are able to accommodate most dietary requirements but do please inform us in advance.

  Accommodation

  In Kathmandu we usually stay at the Hotel Radisson in Lazimpat near Thamel. The hotel is conveniently located just a short taxi ride to the heart of the Thamel district, which is nearby and is a lively shopping and restaurants district.

  Accommodation during the trek will be in lodges, where we will be accommodated in dormitories or twin rooms. Mattresses are provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Lodges generally have a lounge and dining area where we can congregate to share meals, socialise or simply relax by the fireplace.

  Clothing & Equipment

  You will be provided with a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided by trek members. If you have any queries about items on the list please do ask.

  Horses

  We use horses on this trek and whilst horse transport is fairly common here, these steeds are not too similar to their western counterparts. The horses are mountain trekking horses from the region, which belong to local inhabitants of the region. Hence they are sure-footed and hardy whilst being of appropriate temperament for treks of this type.

  The saddles and tack are all of reasonable quality and the saddles very comfortable for riding. During the trek a ‘horseman’ escorts our group to cater to the needs of the horses. At times we can choose to walk parts of the trail when it suits, to also get some exercise and aid our acclimatisation.

• Itinerary

  • Itinerary
  • Detailed Itinerary

  Day
  1	Arrive Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel.
  2	Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, take a bus if the weather is unsuitable to fly. Overnight at Pokhara Hotel near Fewa Lake.
  3	Fly (Twin Otter) to Jomsom (2,720m). Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m).
  4	Day ride to Muktinath (3,760m). Overnight Kagbeni.
  5	Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m)
  6	Chele to Syangboche (3,800m)
  7	Syangboche to Ghemi (3,520m)
  8	Ghemi to Dhakmar (3,820m)
  9	Dhakmar to Charang (3,560m)
  10	Charang to Lo Monthang (3,809m)
  11	Day trip to Mustang Sky Caves. Overnight Lo Monthang.
  12	Lo Monthang to Ghemi
  13	Ghemi to Samar
  14	Samar to Chhusang
  15	Chhusang to Jomsom
  16	Day trip to Marpha
  17	Fly to Pokhara and then on to Kathmandu
  18	Contingency Day
  19	Trip Ends

  
  
  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Day
  1	The group arrives into Kathmandu to be met by our smiling Sherpa crew. After being collected from the airport, we are taken to a hotel in the Lazimpat. This is close to the multitude of shops and restaurants in the Thamel district.
  2	An early morning flight takes us to the bustling tourist centre of Pokhara where we stay at the Pokhara Hotel located near Fewa Lake. We can hire boats to take us out onto the lake or wander around town shopping for Tibetan or Nepalese items. We drive by bus to Pokhara, if the weather is unsuitable to fly.
  3	Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m/8,925ft): Fly by Twin Otter aeroplane up the dramatic ravine of the Kali Gandaki Valley. For centuries, this valley was the primary trade route between the Tibetan high plains and the comparative lowlands of India. The walls of two of the world’s highest mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, stand sheer for 5,000m/16,400ft above the valley floor, making for stunning viewing. We disembark the plane at the small village of Jomsom and begin our trek via Chhanche Lhumba, otherwise known as Ekle Bhatti (“Lonely Hotel”). We follow the river to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,220ft), a green oasis at the junction of Jhong Khola and Kali Gandaki.
  4	Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,760m/12,340ft): Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for both Hindus and Buddhists, where monasteries from the two denominations exist peacefully side by side. Miraculously, a fire burns in water under the Buddhist temple which is staffed by nuns. After the monastery visits, we return to Kagbeni with a brisk ride down the trail. After a tasty meal that evening, we can wander around the town, sit on the street and chat with the locals or visit the Kagbeni Monastery.
  5	Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,000ft): Today, we enter Mustang itself. After completing the necessary procedures for entering the national park, we ride up the valley; sometimes on the riverbed and sometimes along the river terraces. We lunch in Tangbe Village, where the local children are as interested in us as we are in them! A grassy orchard provides shelter from the sun and we can try out truly organic apples! From Tangbe, we have great views of Nilgiri Peak dominating the northern skyline. Riding further, we pass through Chhusang with its huge cliffs and cave dwellings across the valley. Not far above Chhusang, the trail leaves the Kali Gandaki Valley and climbs steeply up to Chele.
  6	Chele to Syangboche (3,800m/12,470ft): We ascend a long slope towards the Taklam La (Taklam Pass) at 3,736m/12,257ft. The trail takes the ‘Cliff Road’, a very steep trail cut into the side of the valley wall. The horses perform incredibly well in this terrain and it is our own fear which encourages us to dismount and walk the steepest sections. Once over the Taklam La, we pass some chortens in dry, treeless terrain and ride on to the town of Samar. After lunch in Samar, the trail follows a large gorge before climbing to enter another valley. We descend to Syangboche (3,800m/12,470ft), a unique little enclave where we rest up for the night.
  7	Syangboche to Ghemi (3,520m/11,550ft): At first, we climb gently to a small pass with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We descend down to the Tama Khola (Tama River) and traverse above the town of Ghiling, displaying lush and plentiful barley fields. Another short ascent onto the Nyi La (4,010m/13,155ft) reveals views of Mustang and the bigger peaks of Nilgiri and Annapurna. Traversing the high hills with a wide vista, we reach the Ghemi La where we look down into the village of Ghemi and our destination for the day. The ripe yellow wheat and buckwheat fields flowering in pink provide a colourful contrast to the barren and eroded hills around. We stay with the nephew of the King of Mustang and enjoy the relative comfort of his home. There is plenty to see around the town with the nearby farming in full production.
  8	Ghemi to Dhakmar (3,820m/12,530ft): We awake to the sounds of the villagers going about their work. The animals are taken out into the hills to feed and rush hour traffic consists of an assortment of goats and cattle coursing through the narrow streets. We cross a narrow bridge over the Ghemi Khola to climb a long slope, which brings us to a traverse into the Dhakmar Khola. The hills here have terrific colour and the scene is quite stunning as we approach the village of Dhakmar. Beautiful pink and orange cliffs stand above the green and lush meadows and many ancient caves abound in this region. We climb up to investigate the closest caves and one gets a real feel for how the long-lost inhabitants must have lived. The village is small and surrounded by an abundance of fields, which are beautifully pink when the buckwheat is blooming. This is a veritable photographer’s mecca with the cliffs, the fields and the buildings of the village in perfect harmony.
  9	Dhakmar to Charang (3,560m/11,680ft): We cross the highest pass on the trip today with a long climb up from Dhakmar to the Mui La (4,170m/13,680ft). After soaking up the views, we descend into Lo Gekar and the Ghar Gompa (Ghar Monastery). This site was identified by the Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and is said to be the first Buddhist monastery in the world. We are privileged to enter this ancient building and be educated on the history of Buddhism. After lunch, we ride through an active harvest into Charang. Here we stay at the house of the king’s sister in a large and comfortable lodge. After an extended tea session night descends and the town comes alive with the sounds of the villagers singing as they come in from the fields.
  10	Charang to Lo Monthang (3,809m/12,500ft): An early morning visit to the old fort in town reveals a sense of the history of the area. The highlight of the fort visit is the room containing a 5th century king’s armoury with all the battle regalia used to keep control in that era. Amongst the weapons is a dried up human hand! As the story goes, the builder of the Charang Monastery had his hand chopped off by the king after he had completed the job, so he wouldn’t build another like it! Brings new meaning to the term performance bonus! We depart by mid-morning and after a long haul out from the river valley, the horses have a good sweat going. The trail is virtually a road at this point and we enjoy a solid canter. It sure is great to feel the wind in our hair! Finally, we top a rise and look down into a large, open valley with green fields and sporadic villages. The largest of the villages is the high-walled Lo Monthang, our ultimate destination and home of the King of Mustang. Full of anticipation, we enter the town and revel in this medieval environment. One can just imagine the security this place must have provided when under siege over the ages. There are houses, monasteries and shops inside the 5-metre-high walls and in the centre is the King’s Palace. After settling into our lodge, we are invited to meet the king and his wife, the Rani. We are escorted into the palace by the king’s bodyguard and exchange greetings with the royal couple. We present some gifts which we have brought for the occasion. After half an hour, we leave them and all of us feel a real sense of privilege and appreciation for the hospitality we have been shown. That evening we dine with a few of the locals. Interesting discussions abound and it is fascinating to realise how worldly these people are given their geographical situation. After such a full day, sleep comes easily!
  11	Lo Monthang and Mustang Sky Caves: We are woken early for a light breakfast. We mount our horses and are soon climbing the gentle slopes towards the very green meadows high above the town. After an hour and a half in the saddle, we arrive at the historical Mustang Sky Caves a collection of over 10,000 man-made caves dug high into the valley walls. The caves give us a fascinating look into the past when people who were followers of the Bon belief system 8,000 years ago during the 'pre-Buddhist' era. After spending some time exploring the cave area we return to Lo Monthang for the night.
  12	Lo Monthang to Ghemi: It is now the time for us to leave Lo Monthang behind and our small group of local friends makes a special effort to bid us farewell. We retrace our steps back to Charang for lunch, then explore new territory over the Charang La before returning to to Ghemi. We walk the horses down the hill to arrive at the world’s longest mani wall, opposite Ghemi. Some major chortens nearby provide wonderful photographic opportunities with the changing light and the backdrop of the Dhakmar cliffs and before long we cross the river into Ghemi again. That night we are drawn into a harvest festival, where the locals will soon have us up on our feet to join them in their traditional Sherpa dance.
  13	Ghemi to Samar: We ride to Syangboche for lunch then drop to the Syangboche Khola with its steep and narrow gorge, which is sheer for hundreds of metres above us. A right turn in the trail takes us to Bhena Khola, an ancient cave perched on the side of the hill and apparently the place where the Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated to achieve enlightenment. Currently, there is a resident monk living a solitary existence and he will graciously show us around the cave and explain the meaning of all the statues and the history of the cave. A huge stalagmite stands inside the cave which looks unnatural in the setting of the conglomerate rock of the cave. We then descend into the valley again and begin the big climb out of the valley to come out on the Bhena La. A short descent brings us back to Samar for the night.
  14	Samar to Chhusang: The descent to the Kali Gandaki Valley is like a homecoming and it is early afternoon when we stop to have a late lunch and settle into our lodge at Chhusang. We wander around the riverbed in the afternoon looking for saligrams, black rocks that when split reveal nautilus type fossils inside. Altogether, this is a pleasant afternoon’s activity before retiring for the evening.
  15	Chhusang to Jomsom: We are seasoned riders now and it is no problem for us to ride through to Kagbeni without many stops. We complete formalities at the Annapurna Conservation Committee Office and then ride on to Elko Bhatti for lunch. We are asked to fill a questionnaire about our experiences and we unanimously agree that restricted entry into Mustang is a good thing as it protects the culture from mass tourism, even if we do have to pay a premium for the experience. The horses can sense that home is close by, so we quickly cover the miles back down to Jomsom. We celebrate the journey we have shared with our Sherpa crew as some of them are departing tomorrow. We share jokes and laugh away the evening. It seems hard to believe the journey is virtually over!
  16	Jomsom to Marpha day trip: The team enjoys a late start so after a relaxed breakfast we ride to Marpha, a pretty town one hour down the valley. With its streets of large flagstones and whitewashed buildings this town seems very modern to us after our Mustang experience. We meander through stores with lots of new paperback books and enjoy a relaxed lunch before returning to Jomsom.
  17	Jomsom to Kathmandu: We fly to Pokhara on the first flight at 8.00am and then on to Kathmandu. It is luxury getting back to the modern hotel and team members relax in the afternoon either shopping or merely wandering around the town. A haircut and shave at the local barber is a highlight for the gents and part of the Kathmandu experience!
  18	Spare day if the flights from Jomsom or Pokhara to Kathmandu were unable to operate yesterday.
  19	Depart from Kathmandu for home, trip ends.

• Add Ons

  • Kathmandu
  • Pre-Acclimatisation
  • Chitwan & Pokhara
  • Private Treks
  • Film Your Trek

  City Tour
  
  Experience the sights of Kathmandu with a qualified English speaking guide. See some ancient temples nestled within the city, places that have remained the same for centuries. But don't just see them; get a valuable insight from a knowledgeable local guide. You will be amazed. Kathmandu has more surprises than you can imagine. 
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Luxury Hotel Upgrades
  
  Kathmandu has a wealth of accommodation options.  On our standard expedition departure we stay at a good, western standard, mid-range hotel but if you feel you would like to upgrade to luxury style, we can assist with booking alternative hotels.

  Just a few hours drive from Kathmandu is the beautiful Himalayan region of Langtang National Park. We offer two pre-acclimatisation trips to either the Langtang or Gosain Kunda lakes area. An ideal opportunity to pre-acclimatise prior to your Himalayan expedition. Click on the image below for trek trip notes or contact our office for more information.

  Langtang Villages – 8 Days / 7 Nights
  

  Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu, gear checks and trek briefing
  Day 2 – Drive to Shyabrubesi (1,550m/5,085ft)
  Day 3 – Trek to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,810ft)
  Day 4 – Trek to Langtang Villages (3,430m/11,250ft)
  Day 5 – Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,700ft)
  Day 6 – Trek to Kyanjin Ri (4,770m/15,650ft), return to Lama Hotel
  Day 7 – Trek back to Shyabrubesi
  Day 8 – Return to Kathmandu

  
  Gosain Kunda Lakes - 8 Days / 7 Nights
  
  Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu, gear checks and trek briefing
  Day 2 – Drive to Dhunche (1,950m/6,400ft)
  Day 3 – Trek to Thulo Shyabru (2,200m/7,220ft)
  Day 4 – Trek to Shing Gompa (3,584m/11,759ft)
  Day 5 – Trek to Gosain Kunda (4,381m/14,373ft)
  Day 6 – Trek back to Shing Gompa
  Day 7 – Trek back to Dhunche
  Day 8 – Return to Kathmandu

  Chitwan
  
  Chitwan National Park is one of the major draw cards in Nepal outside of the Himalayas. This World Heritage listed wildlife reserve protects over 932km² of wilderness and is home to a raft of different wildlife. While there you will have the opportunity to see one-horned rhinoceroses, monkeys and deer. If you are really lucky you might even see a Royal Bengal Tiger. Since you are in Nepal, why not stay a little longer and experience this gem. For more information check out our Chitwan page. 

  Pokhara and Tiger Mountain Lodge
  
  Perched 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley with a spectacular Himalayan backdrop, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge provides a perfect haven, the essence of tranquillity. This side trip is ideal for guests pre- and post-expedition, or for those wishing to take day walks exploring local communities, bird-watching, gentle exercise, or just to relax in a typical Nepalese rural setting. For more information check out our Pokhara page.

  We are also able to offer Privately Guided Treks where you have the services of a top AC western guide as well as your own Sherpa support team to work exclusively with you on the expedition to ensure your needs are best met. AC have been fortunate to work with many privately guided groups over the years with exceptional results.

  Have a camera man join your expedition and document the entire thing! Choose from a variety of options for different budgets. You could have a full colour book and short film, or a full documentary for television. Your trip is the trip of a lifetime; why not keep it to show your friends and family. Contact us or see our specialty Film and Photo Services page for more information.

• Travel Insurance

  Adventure Consultants recommends the following travel insurance insurance options for trekkers, although this is only just a start! Once you book on a trip with AC, your Client Liaison will help you by sending through advice on travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover.

  COVERMORE INSURANCE

  Indulge your spirit of adventure, but protect yourself against all of those unforeseen events that can occur prior to or whilst on your trek with Adventure Consultants. Together with Cover-More Insurance, Adventure Consultants are now offering advice and assistance in purchasing Cover-More policies. With quality travel insurance cover, comes peace of mind and the freedom to venture around the world with confidence, in the knowledge that you will have the support and assistance of Cover-More, if you need it.

  Adventure Consultants highly recommends the YourCover Plan as this gives you the highest level of cover and benefits available. This includes cover benefits for trip cancellation and amendment which protects your travel investment, medical and dental emergencies, lost luggage/personal belongings and travel delay, amongst other things.

  You can tailor your cover further by adding choosing your own excess amount and additional benefits such as ‘cancel for any reason’, adventure activities and snow sports cover, increased luggage limits, annual multi-trip cover, scooter riding and working holidays to name a few.

  Why Cover-More?

  • They provide cover where others won’t. e.g. terrorism scares, natural disasters, civil unrest and redundancy.
  • No matter what your emergency is, the Cover-More team is just a phone call away and their 24-hour emergency medical and travel assistance centre that is staffed by specialist doctors, nurses and case managers are on hand to assist.

  Who and what trips is the policy suitable for?

  • New Zealand residents travelling outbound on a trekking adventure e.g. Everest Base Camp Trek, Khumbu Trek, Kilimanjaro, Tour du Mont Blanc Trek and Mustang Horse Trek.
  • Other nationalities through the following links: Australian residents, UK residents and US residents.

  
  For more information or assistance, please contact your Client Liaison at Adventure Consultants. Policies can also be purchased directly at Cover-More.

• FAQ

  • Trek Documentation

    The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Himalayan Treks. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!

    info@adventure.co.nz
    US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
    NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

    Please note you will be emailed a set of Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.

  • Choosing a Provider

    How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
    Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.

    A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your trekkers?
    We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our treks. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground in Nepal, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides so that you can relax and enjoy trekking through this amazing country.

  • Food, Accommodation & Facilities

    What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
    We stay at the Hotel Radisson in Kathmandu. Only 15 minutes walk from the tourist centre of Thamel, the Radisson is situated in a quiet location and boasts a fitness centre, sauna and steam room, three restaurants, a bar, café and a rooftop swimming pool! A perfect place to begin and end your trip.

    What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the trek?
    For our lodge-based treks, hot showers are available in selected lodges for a small fee. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers. Some lodges also provide a laundry service for a small fee.

    Please note that on the camping-based Dhaulagiri Trek there are no showers or laundry facilities available, although a bowl of hot water will be available for washing most days. Most days also start with a 'hot face towel' delivered to your tent or dining table. 

    What food will be available?
    You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. We can cater for vegetarian as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed prior to the trip. All of our treks provide excellent local and Western food! If you have any special treats that you like, we encourage you to bring some along.

    What is the food like?
    When staying in lodges, expect local food such as dal bhat as well as Western-style dishes such as pizza or yak steak. We usually bring a few treats from New Zealand such as Kiwi cheese and salami and serve fresh coffee with breakfast.

    On the Dhaulagiri Trek, our cook team will prepare a range of tasty dishes in the camps. Please indicate any dietary requirements that you may have on your application form and we are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.

    What are the lodges like? Can I have my own room?
    We book tidy, clean, modern lodges - the best that are available in each village. They are well-known locations to us and we have a good relationship with the lodge owners. We can book private rooms for you, at an added cost. Our standard trips are based on shared rooms, usually twin-share and sometimes triple-share.

    On the tent-based Dhaulagiri trek, you will be sleeping in a high-quality mountain tent, shared with one other trekker. You will be greeted each morning with a cup of bed tea, served by our smiling cook staff. Evening meals will be served in our comfortable dining tent. A single supplement is available – please contact our office to enquire.

  • Travel

    What is the best way to get to Nepal?
    Regular flights operate into Kathmandu via Bangkok, Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore and Delhi.

    Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
    No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore Kathmandu if you have the time. Before your trek, you will receive a “final details” letter. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guide(s). An AC representative will meet you at the airport and the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day One. Please do not book to depart before the scheduled final trip itinerary day.

    My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
    'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in Kathmandu. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows our local agents to assist with changing your return flight plans, if need be, while you are in the mountains.

    When should I book my ticket?
    Generally, we ask you to wait until 60 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights, then please ensure that you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing them if we do have to cancel the trip. In such situations, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure, either with us or another operator.

    Can I get a cheap ticket online?
    The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings.

    Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
    You should fly into Kathmandu International Airport (KTM) and an Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pickup although taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.

    What if I am arriving early or departing late?
    Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans as we love to pass on Kathmandu sightseeing tips.

  • Clothing & Equipment

    Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
    Once we have received your application we will email out your Team Reference Notes which include an assortment of information including detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this will be directed to our Equipment Coordinator, who can assist you in preparing for the trip as well as recommending and sourcing a range of clothing and equipment suitable for the trek via our gear retail service.

    Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
    Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!

    How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
    This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going but in general you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for conditions as cold as -10°C. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the bag we recommend. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.

    How much weight do we carry on the trek?
    You will carry your day pack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally, it will be light at 5 to 10kgs (10-20 pounds).

  • Acclimatisation & Oxygen

    Will there be any oxygen carried on the trek? Is this included in our trek fee?
    Most of our treks take oxygen as a medical backup. We also take PACs (Personal Altitude Chamber) with us. A trekker with mountain sickness is placed inside the PAC chamber and it is inflated around them. It increases the air pressure and any altitude related illness is usually immediately fixed. The trekker then feels better and can usually walk down to lower elevations to recover.

    What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the trek?
    All our guides carry extensive medical kits including various medications for altitude illness. If you have a previous history of altitude illness, then discuss this with your physician and let us know. Otherwise, there is no need to take preventative medication before or during your trek.

    You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also, please bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.

  • Guides, Sherpas & Team Members

    How many guides Sherpas will be assigned to our group?
    A ratio of trekkers to Western guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable ‘Trip Notes’. Sherpa guides are assigned depending on the size of the group and type of trek or expedition.

    Who goes on your trips?
    Our climbers and trekkers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels, ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking purely adventure. We provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

    I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
    We are happy to arrange a private group trip and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Gasherbrum 2 and Kanchenjunga, all of the Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows, so you can hike and climb at your own pace and enjoy the mountains on your own terms. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.

  • Health & Fitness

    What kind of physical condition should I be in for a trek?
    We cannot recommend enough being fit prior to the trek as this will make all the difference to your acclimatisation and, ultimately, your enjoyment. For most treks, you should be comfortable walking up to 6 hours with a light pack.

    Please note that for the Mustang trek, the trekking is of only moderate difficulty as we can ride the horses on most of the trail apart from steep descents and the occasional exposed section. Participants must be of reasonable health and capable of walking/riding for about 4-6 hours a day. 
    
    Please also note that are some longer days on the Dhaulagiri Trek as we ascend Dhampus Peak.

    Training should include regular walking on hills, in combination with swimming, light running or biking, and gym work to develop strength. Check out our Fitness Training Programmes page for more information.

    How do I know this is the right trip for me?
    We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.

  • Communication & Electronic Devices

    Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
    Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 per minute. Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.

    I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
    Many of our treks and climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

    Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the trek?
    For lodge-bassed treks, many of the lodges have power available with typical Asian plugs (two nail like horizontal prongs) and offer to recharge for a fee. 

    On the Mustang Trek, charging facilities may be more limited and you may wish to consider bringing your own personal solar charging system.

    On the Dhaulagiri trek, mains voltage charging will not be available. Although we do carry a 12V power supply, this is primarily for recharging the satellite phone so we recommend you bring your own personal sized solar panel and battery pack if you have multiple devices. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter type car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. 

    We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on the purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.

  • Insurance

    What insurance do we need to get?
    Each trek member must have travel insurance covering medical evacuation and repatriation, with no exclusions pertaining to trekking. This should provide adequate cover in the event that any mishap occurs and an expensive evacuation is initiated. We do also highly recommend that you purchase a standard comprehensive policy to include cover trip cancellation (in the event of an injury or mishap prior to your trip start date), delayed flights, lost luggage, etc..

    Do I need evacuation insurance?
    Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event that you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.

    Who do you recommend for insurance?
    Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. Our recommended providers are found on our Travel and Rescue Insurance page. When you have booked on a trip with us, we will also send you more comprehensive information on various insurance options.

    What is trip cancellation insurance?
    We recommend that all our trekkers buy trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for their trip or at the very least, at the same time as their flights and balance payment are settled. It is very important to buy trip cancellation insurance (in addition to your evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance) as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trip for reasons such as family illness, injury to one’s self, etc..

  • Fees & Payments

    Can I pay by credit card?
    We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.

    What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
    Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.

    Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
    Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.

    How do I sign up for a trip?
    The best way to reserve your space on the trek is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.

    info@adventure.co.nz
    US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
    NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

  • Photography

    I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
    Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.

    What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
    There is an extensive section in our reference notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.

    Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.

  • Safety

    What about the Maoists in Nepal?
    The Maoist problem which partly crippled the economy of Nepal for the past decade garnered major international interest. The Maoists have now formed part of the Nepalese government and there is a comprehensive peace agreement in place so we hope the troubles of the past are put behind the Nepalese people. Our sources in Nepal keep us up to date with the political situation and if there are significant changes we will be sure to advise you.

  • Employment

    I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
    Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.

    Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.

• Dispatches

  Dispatches - Mustang Horse Trek 2017
  

   

   

  Dispatches - Mustang Horse Trek 2016

   

   

  AC Blog - Exploring the Upper Mustang
  Photographer Camilla Rutherford joins AC on a journey through Mustang, 2014. 

   

  Dispatches - Mustang Horse Trek 2012

   

   

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