Watch last years video [here].

Trekking Nepal's Upper Mustang ~ where rivers swirl around mighty peaks and life in chalk-white villages moves slowly ~ a Pristine Corner of the Himalayas

On this expedition-style trek, you’ll learn about the Mustang’s status as a forbidden kingdom, which ended in 2008 when its ruling kingdom of Nepal became a republic.  We’ll start our trip by exploring the temples and markets of Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city before travelling to the lakeside city of Pokhara at the foot of the Himalayas and onto the large village of Jomsom to start our journey.

Highlights

• Trekking in the Himalayas
• Caves, Monasteries, Temples Royal Palace
• Fossil Scavenging in the Kali Gandaki River
• Spectacular Landscapes
• Antique Villages
• Authentic Tibetan Culture
• Traditional Arts and Crafts and Meals
• Nepalese Homestay : Nepalese cultural immersion in the mountain villages picking vegetables, cooking, and learning from locals.   

Until 1992, Mustang was closed to the outside world. Even today, only a few thousand find their way to Upper Mustang each year. It’s vast, arid, and one of the few places left of Earth where one might truly escape to an authentic Tibetan enclave.  Upper Mustang is isolated by culture, by government order, and by geography.  The government has instituted a forward-thinking permit system that demands a $500USD fee of every visitor to keep this contemplative corner of the Himalayas pristine.

Princes of ancient kingdoms walk the walled cities, remains of the long dead rest in peace in caves from prehistory, and barely-cut roads wind through skies topped with mountains. The region, defined as much by its 13,000-foot passes, striated rock formations, and colorful stupas as by its almost unfathomable remoteness, was, until 2011, accessible only by foot, horseback, or private aircraft.  The name Mustang is derived from the Tibetan word ‘mun tan’ which translates in Nepali to mean ‘fertile plain’  Tibetan is widely spoken and the traditional culture of Tibet largely remains throughout the region. 

This is an “off the beaten” path adventure. As with other treks in Nepal, teahouses are available along the entire trek in Upper Mustang. Teahouses are simple houses, often the home of the family that runs them, and offer basic meals in a communal eating hall along with rooms which share 2 - 4 people. 

Expect camping conditions with rustic toilets and long periods of no hot water nor shower facilities.  

Retreat starts Oct 24 with a welcome dinner.      Check in to the hotel anytime that day to get settled.   If you have a late night arrival, you may have to arrive Oct 23.  

Retreat ends after breakfast on Nov 10.

Flights:  There are myriad of different ways to look for flight. I like to use www.skyscanner.com

Money: I usually just bring my ATM card for cash and use as needed when I am in Kathmandu. Bring USD with you on the plane as you will need for your Visa. You are welcome to bring Travelers Cheques... but I have not used them in a very long time. ATMs are fine in Kathmandu, Pokhara and major cities but it doesn't hurt to inform your banks before coming to Nepal (sometimes banks might block your card). 

Money Exchange Available:•  in Thamel in Kathmandu.

Or Nirajan can help us with a better rate.   The rates aren't as good at the airport

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements (US Passport Holders)

Requirements for Entry: Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry Visa appropriate for purpose of travel

Tourist Visas:Online application: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visaEither apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling, or purchase a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or at the following land border points of entry:  You may request:  15-day multiple-entry tourist visa ($25 USD) 1-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($40 USD) 3-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($100 USD)

Bring: 4 passport photosBring Cash for Visa Fee  Visa fees are payable in USD. Money-changing and ATM services are available at the airport, but credit card payment is not a reliable option. Tourists may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. 

Suggested vaccinations:https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal

Dress Code: Yoga - Please bring leggings or very loose trousers with stretch so most of our legs will be covered.  Scarf - I always have one with me in case I need to cover my shoulders.   

Evacuation + Medical Insurance optional

Evacuation + Medical Insurance ~ Here are some options:

1. Global Rescue www.globalrescue.com Global Rescue Memberships start at $119. If you have any additional questions they can be reached anytime by email memberservices@globalrescue.com or at +1 (617) 459-4200, or via our website, 

2.  https://medjetassist.com $240 Individual - 1 month

3.  https://americanalpineclub.org/rescue

Additional Information: There is a Facebook page that has misc questions from the previous Q & A's.    You are welcome to post your questions so others can see. 

Weather

Daytime Temperatures Range 68F - 77F

What should I bring?

You will receive a more extensive list in the Program Guide.   Some suggestions are yoga mat, layers for all weather, reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes Kathmandu has nearly everything. .   They have lots of street vendors.

Save $100 before July 1, 2021

*Single Supplement avail for 3 nights only

A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to hold your space and is due at the time of registration.     

Full balance must be paid 60 days prior to event start date.  

Cancellations must be sent in email to tigerwaveyoga@gmail.com.    

60 days or more prior to the event: your entire payment will be refunded less $500 non-refundable deposit.  

If retreat is full, waitlist will be available.   

This is ADVENTURE travel, and many of the trip destinations in this site are remote areas, within under developed countries, where events are less predictable than is usually the case in. The unexpected is the norm in these areas and, despite painstaking planning and organization, our adventure trips can never be taken for granted like regular trips. Many of the places that we visit do not have the same quality of emergency health and safety services that you are used to in the developed world. Internal flights can be canceled, road transport is generally uncomfortable and unreliable, and hotels often do not approach the standards of the West.

IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS, YOU SHOULD NOT TRAVEL WITH US. This unpredictability also means that the itineraries that we put forward for each of our trips should be seen as statements of intent, rather than as contractual obligations. A variety of factors, including weather, transport difficulties and political instability, might dictate that we change any itinerary. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary, after consultation with the group. Only rarely will such changes be significant, and we will always do everything within our powers to minimize the effects of the enforced changes. We cannot be held responsible for the results of changes or delays, irrespective of how they are caused.