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Why trek with Ace the Himalaya?Ace the Himalaya is widely regarded as one of the best trekking and travel companies in Nepal due to its expert local guides, high safety standards, well-designed trekking packages, and consistent service quality since 2006. With operations based in Kathmandu and across the world with our representatives, we deliver reliable, professionally managed trekking and travel experiences.Here are17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!
Why trek with Ace the Himalaya?
Do we avoid the road while trekking to Upper Mustang?Yes, we have specifically tailored the trip while placing the drive in a moderate location.Thus, the itinerary combines a drive and a trek, with a focus on a trekking route that avoids the road as much as possible while covering the major attractions of the region, including the King’s Palace and the monasteries.Additionally, all ground transportation in the mountain, as specified in the itinerary, is provided by locally available vehicles, most of which are Indian vehicles such as the Mahendra Scorpio and Bolero.
Do we avoid the road while trekking to Upper Mustang?
What additional documents do I need?Two passport-sized photos (2×2 inch) to give to our office staffA copy of your international flight ticket to give to our office staffA copy of travel insurance to give to our office staff
What additional documents do I need?
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in theInternational Flight page.
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Is hiring a guide necessary even if I have trekking experience?You can hike without a guide. A guide is there to assist you in going forward and making alternative plans and arrangements when unanticipated occurrences happen or when things get difficult. Our hiking leaders are qualified experts. When talking about their trip, our guests frequently remark on how much fun they had and how crucial their guide was to make it successful.
Is hiring a guide necessary even if I have trekking experience?
Can the guide speak English?Yes, our guides can speak English. Most of them start their careers as porters and work for 3 to 4 years before becoming trekking guides. Their English skills are based on real-world experience rather than formal education. While they are able to communicate effectively, please note that English is not their first language, so their fluency may not be on par with native speakers. They will also assist with communication, especially since many locals, like shopkeepers and teahouse hosts, may not speak English.
Can the guide speak English?
Yes, our guides can speak English. Most of them start their careers as porters and work for 3 to 4 years before becoming trekking guides. Their English skills are based on real-world experience rather than formal education. While they are able to communicate effectively, please note that English is not their first language, so their fluency may not be on par with native speakers. They will also assist with communication, especially since many locals, like shopkeepers and teahouse hosts, may not speak English.
What is the best season to trek to Upper Mustang?
What kind of weather and temperature can I expect while trekking?One of the most unpredictable elements of the mountain is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Annapurna region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and se
What kind of weather and temperature can I expect while trekking?
What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers?The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -15 °C (5 °F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.
What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers?
The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -15 °C (5 °F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.
Is it possible to obtain a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?
Who will come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
Who will come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
How much additional money do I need per day?
Is it possible to use credit cards in the places I visit during the trek?In Kathmandu and Pokhara, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.
Is it possible to use credit cards in the places I visit during the trek?
Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?
How do I pay the remainder of my balance upon arrival in Kathmandu? US Dollars cash or credit card?You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cashshould not be older than 2009and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.
How do I pay the remainder of my balance upon arrival in Kathmandu? US Dollars cash or credit card?
How are the ATM and money exchange facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara?There are ATMs and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you’ll be staying in Kathmandu, and Pokhara as well. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out the limited sum of money, for which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. Additionally, you can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate both in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
How are the ATM and money exchange facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
There are ATMs and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you’ll be staying in Kathmandu, and Pokhara as well. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out the limited sum of money, for which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. Additionally, you can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate both in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Who Can Trek?
Physical FitnessHow challenging is the trek?The trekking in Annapurna region is somewhat challenging due to the altitude and long duration of the trek. It is a strenuous journey that comprises walking 5 to 8 hours a day.How quickly do you walk on the trail?The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.What kind of physical training is necessary for trek preparation?For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.What are the physical standards that I need for the trek?Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise st
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Are there any age requirements for mountain trekking?Our treks have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. We have had families with kids as young as 5 years do the treks along this region, and our oldest adventurers have been in their late 70s.
Are there any age requirements for mountain trekking?
Is trekking to mountain regions safe for solo female travelers?It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.
Is trekking to mountain regions safe for solo female travelers?
It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.
How challenging is the trek?
How quickly do you walk on the trail?The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.
How quickly do you walk on the trail?
What kind of physical training is necessary for trek preparation?For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.
What kind of physical training is necessary for trek preparation?
What are the physical standards that I need for the trek?Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise starting an exercise regimen two months before the trek that includes at least an hour of walking at an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week.Incorporating hiking into your workouts is ideal. It is advised to speak with a doctor before making travel arrangements if you have any health conditions that could affect your ability to complete the trek.
What are the physical standards that I need for the trek?
Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise starting an exercise regimen two months before the trek that includes at least an hour of walking at an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week.Incorporating hiking into your workouts is ideal. It is advised to speak with a doctor before making travel arrangements if you have any health conditions that could affect your ability to complete the trek.
What are the procedures after I make my deposit?
What sort of insurance do I need? How can I obtain a policy?Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary. Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling.Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.
What sort of insurance do I need? How can I obtain a policy?
What are the necessary items that I should pack for my trip?You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek here in the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.
What are the necessary items that I should pack for my trip?
Do you provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rent?Yes, we do provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rental costs of USD 35 each. Do let us know before initiating the trek and we shall provide items. You can view the photos of the gear at this link:Photos of the Gear.
Do you provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rent?
What type of bag will the porters carry?We provide you with a free duffel bag of 70 to 80-liter capacity that our porters will carry. The maximum weight that porters can safely carry is 30kg, and each porter is assigned to two people.However, each porter carries a maximum of 25 kg/55 lbs in total during the trek period. Your duffel bag, which should weigh no more than 12.5 kg/27.56 lbs per client, will be carried by the porter throughout the trek.
What type of bag will the porters carry?
What type of daypack should I bring?We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.
What type of daypack should I bring?
What about my passport, medications, and belongings?Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.
What about my passport, medications, and belongings?
Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.
What kind of lodging is available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on the trek?
Is it possible to have private room while trekking or while in Kathmandu and Pokhara?A private room in the teahouses cannot be guaranteed during peak season. During the non-peak season, the teahouses may provide a private room without any additional cost. The accommodation during the trek will remain very basic with twin sharing rooms and occasionally dormitory rooms for our trekkers.We can arrange for a private room while in Kathmandu and Pokhara for an additional cost of USD 35 per room per night.
Is it possible to have private room while trekking or while in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
What happens if I end up staying an extra night/s in Kathmandu due to an unforeseen delay or cancelation?In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip and arrive early in Kathmandu then you will need extra accommodations in Kathmandu. The cost of the teahouses in the mountains is not equivalent to the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu. In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.
What happens if I end up staying an extra night/s in Kathmandu due to an unforeseen delay or cancelation?
Is it necessary to bring toilet paper for the trek?You can buy toilet paper in the guesthouses during the trek, but it can be expensive, so we suggest you bring some with you. You also need to bring personal items such as towels, soap, hand sanitizers, and so on.
Is it necessary to bring toilet paper for the trek?
Are there restrooms along the trail?There are toilet facilities in the teahouses/lodges during the trek. Trekkers can also find private areas along the trail for emergencies.
Are there restrooms along the trail?
What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse?Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.
What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse?
What sort of food can I expect in trekking?Multiplefood choicesare available in the guesthouses. Options includedaal bhat(rice and lentil), bread, eggs, potatoes, noodles, soup, pasta, and pastries. We suggest eating vegetarian during the trip.You will find a great deal of garlic on the menu since it helps with acclimatization. Each meal includes one hot drink. Hot drinks include coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks. You can purchase an additional hot drink or sometimes soda at your own expense. You can also purchase candy or cookies (crisps) at your own expense.
What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
I'm a vegetarian. Is that a problem?Most of the teahouses in the mountains offer vegetarian meals. So, being a vegetarian is not a problem. Vegetarian meals are preferable to avoid food poisoning and indigestion.
I'm a vegetarian. Is that a problem?
Is the food in the mountains prepared to international standards in terms of safety?Indeed, the guesthouses follow international guidelines while setting up the food and serve you clean, protected, and warm meals.
Is the food in the mountains prepared to international standards in terms of safety?
What is the drinking water facility in the mountain?Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses, which you can buy at the cost of USD 1 at lower elevations to USD 4 at higher elevations per liter.If you are planning to drink normal water all the way during the trek, purifying water with any sort of purification tablet or drop is a must. You can bring your own purifier or can purchase it in Kathmandu.On the other hand, water filling stations are pretty common in the Annapurna region. On the trails, they have been designated at various locations where it is safe to consume the water.
What is the drinking water facility in the mountain?
Can we get hot or boiled drinking water? Does it cost extra?Yes, teahouses do provide hot boiled water for an extra charge of USD 2 to 5 per liter. The cost varies and increases at higher altitudes.
Can we get hot or boiled drinking water? Does it cost extra?
Can I shower/bathe during the trek?Depending on the location, it will cost an additional USD 5 to USD 8 for each shower during the trip.
Can I shower/bathe during the trek?
Can I charge my electronic equipment during the trek?Yes, you can charge your equipment during the trek for an additional cost. The cost will vary but is around USD 1-5 per charge. Two pins (type C) and three pins (type D) adaptors are highly recommended. Bring these adaptors or purchase them while you are in Kathmandu.
Can I charge my electronic equipment during the trek?
Yes, you can charge your equipment during the trek for an additional cost. The cost will vary but is around USD 1-5 per charge. Two pins (type C) and three pins (type D) adaptors are highly recommended. Bring these adaptors or purchase them while you are in Kathmandu.
Do your guides have the trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitudes?
What are safety measures in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry on the trek to deal with sickness/accidents?Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.
What are safety measures in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry on the trek to deal with sickness/accidents?
How do you allocate guides and porters in a group?We allocate one guide for groups of up to 7 participants. For groups of over 7 participants, we allot an associate guide. As per the size of the group, we may add more guides or divide them into sub-groups.We provide one porter for every two clients. Two clients’ duffel bags will be carried by one porter. The weight limit is 25 kg (55 lbs) or 12.5 kg (27.56 lbs) for each client. For an additional cost, we can arrange for one porter to carry one participant’s duffel.
How do you allocate guides and porters in a group?
Is Ace the Himalaya's staff insured?Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through ourlegal docment pageto view insurance details.
Is Ace the Himalaya's staff insured?
What vaccinations will I need?While no vaccinations are strictly mandatory for travel to Nepal, it is highly advisable to take precautionary measures to protect your health. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we recommend the following vaccinations: Routine Vaccines, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Cholera, etc.It is also helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
What vaccinations will I need?
What if I am very sick in the mountain?Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.
What if I am very sick in the mountain?
If I am sick can I continue the trek after a day's rest?The continuation of the trek depends upon your health condition. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you need to go down to a lower altitude. It takes several days to a week to recover.In group trekking, you need to discuss with your guide if you can re-connect with your group. However, you’ll be bound by time. If you are on a private trek and have extra time, the trek might be able to continue.
If I am sick can I continue the trek after a day's rest?
Do you guys have a PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber)?Yes, we have access to a portable altitude chamber in case of an emergency. It is not essential to carry during the trek. Though, we can use arrange it upon request for an extra cost of USD 200.
Do you guys have a PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber)?
How are acclimatization and altitude related?Altitude sickness is a possibility during the trek. Air at higher elevations has less oxygen available. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatization days and slow climbs are recommended at higher elevations. Along the trek, you’ll be assisted by our professional guides in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness.
How are acclimatization and altitude related?
What kind of trekking boot would be best for the trek?An important piece of equipment is your trekking boots. Invest in a durable and comfortable pair, preferably with water-proof lining. Boots that provide ankle support on rough ground and have stiff soles are recommended.
What kind of trekking boot would be best for the trek?
What is necessary for sun protection during the trek?Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.
What is necessary for sun protection during the trek?
Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.
What is your cancellation policy?
Do I need to tip my guide and porter? How much would that be?Tipping is both expected and appreciated, and it reflects your satisfaction and enjoyment of the trek. We recommend tipping based on the number of participants in your trekking group and the duration of the trek. As a general guideline, consider allocating at least 10% of your total trek cost for tipping. Detailed tipping recommendations for your guides and porters will be provided during our pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu.
Do I need to tip my guide and porter? How much would that be?
Is there any communication while we are trekking?Yes. The guides carry local cell phones, so you can use their cell phones if necessary and reimburse them. Assuming you have brought your cell phone, you can obtain a local SIM card and use it. Our guides or representatives can help you get a local SIM card after your arrival. There is the availability of Wi-Fi at most teahouses for an additional cost. We utilize satellite telephones for emergencies.
Is there any communication while we are trekking?
Does it cost an extra amount if I am a solo traveler?If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the trip date from one of our published trip dates, you will be charged an additional fee.
Does it cost an extra amount if I am a solo traveler?
Is there a provision for a refund policy if I don't accomplish the trek?Trekkers occasionally fail to complete the journey for medical or personal reasons. In this situation, be aware that we do not issue any refunds for products purchased or unused trek days. We must pay our administration staffs, guides, and porters, purchase trekking permits, and all other booked accommodations in advance, so our expenses remain the same.
Is there a provision for a refund policy if I don't accomplish the trek?
Who else will be joining my trekking group?If there are any, you will be allocated to a trekking group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other trekkers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationality, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be trekking with others unless you have booked a private trip.
Who else will be joining my trekking group?
Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?You can extend your trekking trip for an additional cost. Potential arrangements will be made if we get a request from your guide. This is applicable for private or solo trips as the itinerary can be easily adjusted. The addition of extra days is bound by time when you are in a group. Therefore, discuss with your group and guide, what changes can possibly be made.
Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
I want to extend my holiday, any recommendations?Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit ourDay tripspages.
I want to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit ourDay tripspages.
Do I need to book my international flights for the travel to Nepal?
What from of transportation do you utilize?We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibusses, vans, and tourist buses to and from Kathmandu/ Pokhara. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless you are traveling in cooler areas.During the drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, we will be traveling in a private 4WD jeep and tourist bus drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.For the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, we use Tara Air, Sita Air, and Simrik Air.
What from of transportation do you utilize?
What is the alternative option if my flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is cancelled or delayed?For the Pokhara – Jomsom flights, Twin Otter planes are used as the primary mode of air transport. The weather in the mountain cannot be guaranteed so flights may be canceled sometimes due to mountain weather conditions or any other technical problems. In such a case, we will organize the alternative available road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.The expense of the road transport will be managed from the reimbursement received from the flight ticket after the deduction of the cancelation charge (if applicable). So please note that there will be no refund for the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara if the alternative road transportation service is provided instead of the flight.Please note: Road transportation from Jomsom to Pokhara is not comfortable and it takes more than 10 hours of your journey.
What is the alternative option if my flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is cancelled or delayed?
For the Pokhara – Jomsom flights, Twin Otter planes are used as the primary mode of air transport. The weather in the mountain cannot be guaranteed so flights may be canceled sometimes due to mountain weather conditions or any other technical problems. In such a case, we will organize the alternative available road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.The expense of the road transport will be managed from the reimbursement received from the flight ticket after the deduction of the cancelation charge (if applicable). So please note that there will be no refund for the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara if the alternative road transportation service is provided instead of the flight.Please note: Road transportation from Jomsom to Pokhara is not comfortable and it takes more than 10 hours of your journey.