Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2027

Ethic Himalaya Treks & Expedition (P). Ltd. is committed to providing outstanding services to ensure you have an unforgettable journey. We prioritize honesty and hard work, aiming to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. All services will be delivered as promised during the booking process, following our policies and those established by the Tourism Authority. However, it's important to recognize the inherent risks involved, and you must take responsibility for your actions and participation. The adventure may involve extreme conditions, unpredictable weather, and changes to the itinerary that are beyond our control. Proper acclimatization to high altitudes is essential. Our trips often occur in remote areas where access to emergency services and medical facilities can be limited. In the event of a serious injury that requires hospitalization, evacuation may take several days, which could impact your recovery. While helicopters are typically used for evacuation, their availability may be affected by weather conditions. We cannot be held liable for any changes or cancellations due to factors such as government restrictions, natural disasters, political unrest, flight cancellations, delays, illness, accidents, or vehicle breakdowns. Any additional costs incurred will be the client's responsibility. Therefore, we strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal belongings. Proof of travel insurance is required on the first day of your trip, and without it, you will not be able to participate.

Certified by the Government of Nepal and fluent in English, our Trekking Guide from Ethic Himalaya will be with you from the moment you arrive in Kathmandu until your departure. He plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your journey and has the authority to guide its direction. We encourage you to interact with him by asking questions and, most importantly, by following his expert advice.

• Sirdar (Sardar): The Sirdar is in charge of the whole team. Starting as a porter and moving up to roles like kitchen assistant or even cook, the team holds a deep respect for Sirdar's leadership.

You travel on foot with a light backpack that holds your essential items for the day, such as a water bottle, camera, and protective clothing. The rest of your gear is transported by jeep to your next accommodation. You can leave your belongings at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect them when you return from your trek.

Upon your arrival at the hotel in Kathmandu, you will receive a sturdy travel bag made of thick canvas. You can pack your belongings into this bag and leave your larger suitcase at the hotel. While the bag is somewhat waterproof, it's advisable to organize your items in plastic bags or waterproof sub-bags for added protection.

In Nepal, the traditional national dish is Dal Bhat, which consists of lentil rice served with white rice, lentil soup (dal), and is accompanied by spicy vegetables and meat. We provide food services for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with occasional tea breaks. The meals are designed to be simple to meet your preferences and ensure satisfaction. Before you leave Kathmandu, consider packing some 'trail munchies' for extra snacks during your travels. Nepal boasts a wide variety of foods, and we aim to offer an authentic culinary experience while keeping local limitations in mind. Your guide will collaborate with the kitchen teams or local cooks to create menus that allow you to sample different dishes at various price points. We highly recommend trying Dal Bhat to enjoy the traditional Nepali flavor and enhance your culinary journey.

• Breakfast: Start your day with the traditional "morning tea" paired with Tibetan bread, toast, chapati, pancakes, and a variety of egg dishes. Sometimes, you might also enjoy muesli or porridge.
• Lunch: Depending on the trail's progress, you can enjoy either a cold picnic-style meal or a hot one. The main course features choices such as stir-fried rice with vegetables, pasta, potatoes, curry, and a variety of vegetables. You can also have tea or coffee.
• Afternoon Snack: When you arrive at your daily destination around 4-5 pm, you'll find a snack of cookies and tea waiting for you.
• Dinner: Dinner is usually served in the early evening, typically between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The meal includes a soup or starter, a warm dish such as dal bhat, pasta, potatoes, or vegetables, and a dessert. Tea or coffee is served alongside the meal.
• Beverages: Each person is served two cups of tea or coffee with every meal. You can request more cups and other drinks as you wish. Please note that drinking water during trekking days and for extra meals will incur an additional charge.
• Special Circumstances: For particularly tough treks or when navigating difficult passes, breakfasts might be simplified because of early starts. In these situations, energy-packed snacks are essential. It's a good idea to bring energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate from your home country, or you can find them in Kathmandu.
• Dietary Considerations: If you have any dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies, please let us know when you book your trip. Our field teams will do their best to meet your needs, but keep in mind that local limitations may impact the variety of alternative menus available. For trips that require a lot of energy, it's a good idea to bring extra supplies like energy bars, dried fruits, and chocolates to make sure you get enough calories.

During the trek, tea and coffee will be served with meals. However, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, including mineral water, are not included and must be provided by the participants. You can refill your water containers at the lodges, but it's essential to treat the water with purifying tablets to make sure it's safe to drink. To minimize plastic waste, please refrain from purchasing bottled water and choose treated water available in the villages instead. This approach helps us tackle the problem of plastic bottles and encourages responsible environmental practices throughout the trek.

Transportation in the Kathmandu Valley is organized through private vehicles, customized based on the size of your group. During trekking days, we offer a 4WD jeep to transport your luggage. Please keep in mind that each Jeep will accommodate up to 7 people, including the guide and driver.

• Transfers: Airport pick-up and drop-by private vehicle.
• Private 4WD Jeep:Traveling from Kathmandu to Lo-Manthang and back involves a 6-seater Jeep that offers a basic level of comfort for the journey. The Jeeps are quite spartan in their amenities. Typically, they feature several seats facing forward towards the road, along with two seats in the back that face each other, parallel to the road.

We would like to remind everyone about the importance of wearing seat belts in all vehicles during the trip, including both front and rear seats where they are provided, in accordance with the laws of the country we are visiting. By joining this trip, you agree to follow this safety guideline. Please note that Ethic Himalaya cannot be held liable for any injuries or damages that may occur if this safety measure is not followed.

In Kathmandu, you'll stay in three-star hotels that offer cozy double rooms equipped with good amenities at a fair price. These hotels typically feature essential facilities like en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning or fans, TV, and Wi-Fi access. Moreover, they might include on-site restaurants that serve a variety of local and international dishes, as well as additional amenities such as rooftop terraces, business centers, or small fitness areas.

During the trek in the Mustang region, the lodges provide a basic and rustic level of comfort, which contrasts with the more developed accommodations found in the Annapurna region due to its higher tourist traffic. The lodge rooms in Mustang often lack heating because of their remote location and limited fuel resources, making a good sleeping bag crucial for a comfortable night’s sleep. Sanitary facilities are quite basic, with showers available for a fee and usually only lukewarm due to solar heating. Above 3,000 m, you can request hot water basins to save energy. Some lodges may not have electricity, but those that do typically offer battery charging and limited Wi-Fi for an additional charge. On the last night before the pass, if the lodges are fully booked, camping in a tent is the most rustic option, which means no showers and a dirt floor. Lodge owners usually don’t take reservations for single rooms, so being flexible is important. Make sure to pack essential items like a sleeping bag and light sandals to enhance your trekking experience in the Mustang region.

Clients must notify the Company in writing about any medical conditions, physical challenges, or other mental and physical issues that may impact their ability to travel, as well as any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking. If the Client fails to inform the Company of these conditions, resulting in a cancellation, they will be responsible for 100% of the cancellation fees.

Trekking in Nepal requires long hours of walking each day, typically between 3 to 10 hours, and occasionally extending to 8 to 12 hours when crossing high passes. To get ready for this physically challenging adventure, Ethic Himalaya Treks suggests that you engage in daily walking or jogging for about 12 km for at least three months before your trek in Nepal. This preparation is crucial for handling the difficulties posed by high-altitude environments and remote locations over extended durations.

To have a successful and enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal, it's essential for participants to have strong willpower, the ability to endure tough conditions, a high level of fitness, and good health. Participants are responsible for covering their own medical and evacuation costs. It's important to consult a doctor regarding necessary vaccinations and other medical needs before the trip. Furthermore, Ethic Himalaya has the right to ask for a medical certificate before finalizing the trek booking. Being well-prepared both physically and medically is key to ensuring a safe and rewarding journey through the stunning landscapes of Nepal.

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all travelers and should be secured at the time of booking. The policy must cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a suggested minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for each category. It should also encompass accidents, injuries, illnesses, and related medical expenses, including pre-existing conditions, as well as emergency repatriation services like helicopter rescue and air ambulance if necessary. Personal liability coverage is also advisable. The Company recommends including coverage for trip cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal belongings. Travelers are required to carry proof of insurance and present it if requested by company staff or suppliers. Not providing proof of insurance when asked may lead to the cancellation or suspension of participation in the trip or specific activities, even after the trip has started, without any entitlement to a refund.

Ethic Himalaya Treks is not responsible for any injuries, health issues, emotional distress, or other factors that clients may experience during their trip. Additionally, the cost of our package does not include personal insurance coverage. Therefore, we highly recommend that clients obtain comprehensive insurance packages that cover medical emergencies and helicopter evacuations.

Trekking equipment is essential for a successful journey. Quality gear, such as moisture-wicking layers, insulating jackets, and waterproof outerwear, guarantees comfort and safety in different weather conditions..

Clothing:
• Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
• Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Trekking pants and/or convertible pants
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (shell)
• Thermal socks and regular socks
• Comfortable underwear
• Sturdy and waterproof trekking boots or hiking shoes
• Sandals or lightweight footwear for relaxing at lodges/camps
Headwear:
• Sun hat or cap with a wide brim
• Beanie or warm hat for cold weather
• Buff or neck gaiter for protecting against wind and dust
• Polarized sunglasses with UV protection
Handwear:
• Lightweight gloves (for lower altitudes)
• Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens (for higher altitudes)
Backpack and Daypack:
• Reliable trekking backpack (60-80 liters) for porters to carry
• Comfortable medium-sized daypack for your daily essentials
Sleeping Gear:
• High-quality sleeping bag suitable for the trek's temperature range
• Sleeping bag liner (optional for added warmth and hygiene)
Hydration and Water Purification:
• Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 liters capacity)
• Water purification tablets or a reliable water filter
• Trekking Poles (optional but helpful for stability and reducing strain)
Personal Items:
• Passport and necessary permits
• Sufficient cash and cards (local currency and some USD)
• Personal identification and travel insurance documents
• Trekking permits and TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card
• Camera with extra batteries/charger
• Portable power bank for charging electronic devices
• Personal toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
Electronics:
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Mobile phone with a local SIM card (for communication and GPS)
• Portable charger for electronic devices
• Trekking Map and Guidebook (if applicable)
• Snacks and Energy Bars
• Emergency Whistle and Multi-tool

Being well-prepared with the right gear enables adventurers to fully appreciate nature's beauty and tackle challenging trails with confidence. Always choose quality and reliability when picking your trekking equipment. Pack wisely, and take into account the weather conditions and altitude of your trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Focus on comfort and safety to enhance your trekking adventure.

Trekking members must provide copies of their passports and passport photographs for trekking permits before they arrive in Nepal. These documents can be sent via email or through a post box. Submitting these documents on time helps us process the required trekking permits ahead of your trip, making the arrangements smoother and ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure in Nepal.

If you experience any issues or complaints during your tour, trekking, or expedition, it's important to communicate them right away to the hotelier and our company. Addressing the problem promptly is essential, as we cannot accept responsibility for any issues reported after your return home. If the issue cannot be resolved immediately, please inform us in writing within 30 days of completing your trip. Not following this procedure may affect your rights to claim us. Timely communication is crucial to ensure we can take the necessary actions and resolve any problems you encounter during your journey.

All clients are required to have a valid passport that remains valid for at least 6 months beyond their return date. You can obtain a Nepalese visa either from the Nepalese Consulate in your home country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. The visa fees are as follows:

• USD 30.00 or the equivalent in foreign currency for a 15-day Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries.
• USD 50.00 or equivalent for a 30-day Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries.
• USD 125.00 or equivalent for a 100-day Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries.

• Tourist visa extension is done for a minimum of 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.
• In the case of a delay of fewer than 150 days, an additional USD 5 per day is a late fine.

For most nationalities, E-Visas are available through the Government website: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01

This will be validated with your doctor, taking into account the recommendations of remount doctors, responsible for your safety during the trip. It will contain:

• Treatment of altitude pulmonary edema (Nifedipine 20LP or Sildenafil50).
• Treatment of altitude cerebral edema (Betamethasone).
• Treatment of acute mountain sickness (Acetazolamide).
• Blood thinner (aspirin).
• Analgesic (Paracetamol).
• Powerful analgesic (Tramadol).
• Anti-diarrheal (Racecadotril).
• Anti-spasmodic (Phloroglucinol).
• Anti-emetic (Domperidone).
• Anti-acid for heartburn.
• Intestinal antibiotic (Metronidazole).
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (Azithromycin).
• Anti-inflammatories (tablets and ointment).
• Antitussive (in tablets).
• Lozenges for colds and sore throats.
• Ophthalmic healing (Vitamin A Dulcis).
• Tick tweezers, splinter, and blister needle, tweezers, 2/3 safety pins.
• Disinfectant wipes, adhesive dressings (various sizes), double skin, 6 cm adhesive tape, Steri-strip.
• Anti allergic treatment and cream against itching.
• BIA fine and sunscreen.
• Purifying tablets for water.
• Appropriate antimalarial treatment, antiphrastic powder, and mosquito repellent.
• Your personal medications

If you are traveling with children, minors are subject to the same obligations as adults (visa, passport, etc.): see above.

• Formalities for leaving county territory

To leave the territory, all minors usually residing regardless of their nationality, if they are not accompanied by a holder of parental authority, must present the following three documents:

• Identity document: Identity card or passport according to the requirements of the country of destination.
• Authorization to leave the territory signed by one of the parents with parental authority.
• Photocopy of the signatory parent's identity document.

There isn't a set standard for tipping in Nepal. On the last day of your trek, when our field staff comes to pick you up from the starting point, they will say their goodbyes. Most staff will accept whatever you choose to give without counting it in front of you. Even if your guide is with you the next day, it's best to tip him along with the rest of the team. Many trekkers often feel uncertain about how much to tip, worrying they might give too little or too much. To help, we've put together some guidelines for reasonable tipping amounts that work in most situations. The expected tipping amounts can vary based on the length of the trek and its challenges. A good way to estimate is to multiply the daily rate for each position by the number of days they worked.

• English-speaking guide USD 3 to USD 4 per day/participant.
• Driver USD 1 to USD 2 per day/participant.

The tipping amount mentioned above applies to group trips, not to individuals. If you're traveling alone, you might tip a little less, perhaps by a few dollars each day.

The itineraries or programs mentioned may change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as weather hazards, landslides, political unrest, road blockages, avalanches, sudden illness, and more. We are happy to customize the program based on our clients' interests. If a trip is canceled due to unavoidable circumstances like war, natural disasters, political unrest, or severe weather, Ethic Himalaya Treks & Expedition P. Ltd will gladly offer an alternative trip of a similar standard. We will hold your reservation for your next trip, but not for more than one year.

Before departure, if there is a significant change in the itinerary that affects at least one day in five, we will notify you as soon as we can. You will have the option to accept the change, receive a refund for the land portion of the trip only, or choose an alternative tour that we offer.

After departure, we may need to adjust the itinerary due to local conditions or unforeseen events. In these emergency cases, any extra costs for necessary changes will be your responsibility. Please note that we are not liable for any incidental expenses arising from itinerary changes, including visa fees, vaccinations, or non-refundable flight costs.

To secure your booking for the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, a non-refundable deposit of USD 500 per person is required. Once we receive this deposit, your booking will be confirmed. If you make your booking within 30 days of the departure date, the full amount will be due at that time. The remaining balance can be paid before or upon your arrival in Nepal, or before the trip's departure. Please send the non-refundable deposit to the company or its designated agent. If the deposit amount differs from what is stated here, the company will notify you during the booking process. You can make the booking deposit via bank transfer or by using a Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard). Detailed payment instructions are available on the booking form provided.

For the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, you can make your final payment when you arrive in Nepal. We accept several payment methods, such as bank transfer, travel checks, cash, or credit cards (Visa or MasterCard). Please be aware that all card payments, including deposits, final balances, trip extensions, and other miscellaneous purchases, incur a 4% surcharge. Therefore, if you opt to pay by card, remember to factor in this additional fee.

We reserve the right to modify our pricing rates, as indicated in our marketing materials and on our website, in certain situations or due to external factors that are beyond our control, like changes in exchange rates or government regulations. Additionally, please be aware that domestic flight fares may fluctuate as a result of rising fuel costs. We strive to provide the most up-to-date and accurate prices for our treks and tours.

After you pay the deposit, your Mustang Tiji Festival Trek will be confirmed, and the remaining balance must be settled 90 days prior to the start of the trip. If you choose to cancel your participation, the following cancellation fees will apply:

• More than 45 days before departure: Deposit will be retained.
• Between 45 to 31 days before arrival: 30% of the total tour price.
• Between 30 to 14 days before arrival: 40% of the total tour price.
• Between 14 to 09 days before arrival: 70% of the total tour price.
• Between 08 to 02 days before arrival: 80% of the total tour price.
• Less than 48 hours before arrival: 90% of the total tour price.

We reserve the right to cancel a trip up to 56 days before departure, as outlined in Clause 14. Additionally, we may cancel a trip before departure if it becomes impractical to carry out the planned itinerary due to circumstances such as terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, or other external factors. If we do cancel your trip, you can choose to transfer the amounts paid to a different departure date or receive a full refund. In situations where the cancellation is due to external events beyond our control, refunds will be adjusted for any costs that cannot be recovered. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any incidental expenses you may have incurred related to your booking, such as visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights. Different cancellation policies may apply to specific trip styles, and your booking consultant will inform you of any differences if necessary.

If you need to transfer from one trip to another or pass your booking to someone else, please let us know at least 30 days before your planned departure date. A fee of USD 200 per person will apply for each change, in addition to any extra charges from hotels, ground operators, or airlines. If you inform us less than 45 days before the departure date, the cancellation refund policy will take effect. Transfers to another person are only allowed if they meet all the trip requirements, and you can transfer to a different departure as long as it’s within the current validity period.

Any changes to other arrangements related to your trip will result in an administration fee of USD 200 for each booking modification. This fee is separate from any charges imposed by hotels, ground operators, or airlines. Please note that no changes can be made to your booking within 10 days of your departure.

The price shown on our website is for a group of 6 to 15 people for the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. If you're interested, we can also arrange this trip as a private experience, starting with just two participants. For groups of 15 or more, we offer a significant discount, which includes the chance for one person to join the trip at no cost. We know that many clients have inquiries about their desired dates, but please note that our pricing is affected by the following factors:

• Group Size: The cost of the trip varies based on the number of participants in the group.
• Accommodation Tier and Budget: The selection of hotel accommodations and the budget preferences of clients play a role in determining the overall cost.
• Customization: We're open to adjusting the trekking itinerary to suit your available time and specific requirements.
• Extra Services: If you wish to incorporate additional services, we can discuss and mutually agree upon adjustments to the price.
• Support Staff: The presence of Trekking Guides, Assistant Guides, and extra porters can impact the overall cost.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information or want to customize your trip to suit your preferences. Our goal is to offer a clear and adaptable pricing structure that meets your requirements.