Do I need a medical certificate to join this experience?

Yes. Mountain biking at high altitude is arduous! A medical practitioner will be required to complete a pre trip form clearing you to participate.

What is the group size on the tour?

The riding group will be between 15-20 excluding guides.

Do I need a visa for Nepal?

Yes. All foreign travellers entering Nepal must obtain a tourist visa. This can be obtained by visiting https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/onlinevisa-mission/application . Alternatively, a tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival in Kathmandu using the kiosks within the terminal. If you choose to obtain a visa prior to departure we recommend leaving plenty of time to do so as you will be required to send your original passport to the embassy in Canberra.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your experience. It's a requirement of travelling with Experience Not Felt Possible that you have comprehensive travel insurance. You must have travel insurance that includes full medical coverage, emergency evacuation and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance and insurance against any other potential travel mishaps, such as flight cancellations or delays, luggage loss and theft, or trip interruption. We will require you to provide us with your travel insurance policy number prior to departure.

Are international flights organised for me?

No. International flights are not included. This will allow you flexibility with the airline of your choice and to accommodate pre/post trip travel plans.

What type of food will be available? Can varying dietary requirements be catered for?

Food options in the Upper Mustang vary between local Nepalese/Tibetan dishes and well known western options. Vegetarian options are readily available. Breakfasts include porridge, pancakes, omelettes, boiled/fried eggs, and various breads. Often you can get them with jam, honey. Lunch and dinner include pastas, soups (thukpa), momos (dumplings), fried rice, curries and the classic Nepalese trekking dish Dhal Bhat!! Western snacks like chocolate bars, biscuits and chips are available as are soft drinks like Coke and Sprite. Beer, rum, apple brandy and local rakshi are often available. The locals are very accommodating and will endeavour to fulfil requests however due to cultural differences/understandings severe allergies may be at risk.

I would like to arrive before the tour or stay on afterwards. Is this ok?

Of course. This is one of the reasons we do not book or include your international flights, allowing you pre and post tour flexibility.

Will there be a support vehicle?

All of our bags will be transported between villages in jeeps. Sometimes the jeeps will be close by and accessible and other times we will not see them for extended periods due to the remote nature of some trails. The jeeps can not be relied upon to be used as ‘rest days’ or to take a break if your legs are tired.

What do I carry with me on the bike each day?

A small day pack/riding pack is all you will require. It needs to be big enough to carry a water bladder (2L minimum), spares, snacks and additional clothing layers.

What is the water quality and where do we get water from?

We do not recommend drinking the local water without treating it first using your preferred method. Bottled water is available at all villages.

What happens if I get injured or fall ill on the tour?

Emergency management protocols are in place to take good care of you on the tour. Support vehicles will be on hand the entire duration of the tour. It is worth bearing in mind, we are visiting remote destinations with limited healthcare facilities. Depending on the details of the situation your condition might require you to spend time in the support vehicles or in more extreme circumstances you may need to leave the tour to seek treatment.

Do I need to bring any medical supplies?

It is your responsibility to consult with your GP on any pharmaceuticals or treatment you require for your trip. A good travel Doctor will be able to advise you. If you are travelling with medication, check with Nepal’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions.

What if I can’t ride all of the technical trails?

There may be some short sections of trail that you will feel uncomfortable riding. There will be no problem in getting off your bike and walking these sections. Additionally there may be sections of trail that are considered too risky to ride and you will be asked by your guide to walk your bike through these sections also. The sections of the trails that are deemed too risky to ride by the guides are not optional and all riders will walk their bikes through these sections.

I am concerned I will hold the group back. What if I am too slow?

There will be times where individual riding speeds will vary and the group will spread out. Our guides will never leave individuals behind and there will be plenty of time for breaks to soak in the spectacular Himalayan views and reconvene. We will have a guide at the front and back of the group at all times. It’s not a race!

Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real risk in the Himalaya. Physical fitness offers no protection from AMS. Everyone, regardless of their level of fitness, is susceptible to AMS. However, the trip is designed to ascend at a rate that allows for acclimatisation and to minimise the risk of developing AMS. There are certain medications (Diamox) that can be used prophylactically to prevent altitude illness. We recommend discussing this with your personal travel Doctor before you leave.

What is the highest altitude we will go to?

Thorung La Pass at 5416m. This is higher than Mt Everest base camp!

Can you use credit cards in Nepal?

Yes. The accepted cards are Visa, Master Card, Maestro, Diners Card, Cirrus, and American Express. If you want to pay using your credit card, there is a service charge of 3.5%. Card facilities are only available in the larger towns. We will be travelling remotely so you will need to carry local currency for purchases of food and beverage and any souvenirs you may buy along the way. Taking plenty of small denomination notes is best.

What type of currency should I bring? Where can I get Nepalese Rupee?

There are many money exchanges in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can also often exchange money in hotels and guesthouses but you will not get the best rate. You will be able to exchange AUD and USD readily.

If I need to withdraw more money in Nepal is this possible?

You can use your credit/debit card to withdraw cash at many ATM’s in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Will you give me a gear list?

Yes. This will be part of your rider hand book that will be provided to you.

What will the weather be like in Nepal? Will it be cold?

October is Autumn in Nepal and Upper Mustang and Annapurna sees very settled weather with clear skies and warmer days. The monsoon disappears and awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas are revealed. The daytime temperature will vary from 12-20 degrees Celsius and nights can vary from -2 to -7 degrees Celsius.

What is the accommodation like? Will I be sharing with others?

Your accommodation will be in local guesthouses/teahouses. They provide an authentic experience. Guesthouses often have bright inner courtyards and warm atmospheric dining rooms decorated with traditional lamps, candles and colourful paintings on the walls. You will feel very welcomed! You will typically be sharing with one other person in a room. Some guest houses have rooms with their own bathrooms and others have shared facilities.

Will I be able to shower/bathe?

Showers are available at most guest houses but we can’t guarantee they’ll always be warm!! The guest houses heat their water with either gas or solar and striking it lucky can depend on the time of day and of course, if it’s solar, whether or not it’s a sunny day.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

A sleeping bag is not essential as all guest houses have blankets or doonas supplied that are usually warm enough. You may wish to bring a sleeping bag if you are a cold sleeper or for hygiene reasons. We recommend bringing your own pillow case and a sleeping bag liner.

What is the time difference in Nepal?

Time zone in Nepal (GMT+5:45) Nepal is 4hrs 15min behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Is there mobile phone coverage/internet where we are going? Do I need another SIM card etc?

4G sim cards and packages can be bought at the airport, or from numerous vendors in the Thamel area of Kathmandu, or from shops in Pokhara. Data connection works very well in the city but as soon as you leave the coverage is patchy and drops to 2G/3G. Nepal Telecom (NTC) is your best bet for data connection in Upper Mustang, but it’s safe to say it will be limited and slow. WiFi is not widely available in guesthouses in Upper Mustang. When it is, it’s usually via an expensive satellite connection which is often slow and may be unreliable.

Are there expenses not included in my trip price?

International airfares Nepal Visa Meals (other than breakfast in Pokhara and Kathmandu) Bikes and biking gear Emergency evacuation Tour departure costs due to sickness etc Mobile phone connections / internet etc Tips to guides etc Additional entry fees to sightseeing locations not included in itinerary Other costs that may arise that are not in the ‘included list on the ENFP website’ Additional transport costs associated with batteries if bringing an ebike Excess baggage costs Travel Insurance

How much do I tip the guides/porters?

Although most of Nepal doesn’t have much of a tipping culture, many of the guides and porters in Nepal depend on tips from tourists to supplement their income. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision and your tip amount should reflect your opinion of your guide’s performance. A good guide is to allow $5 USD per guide per day. Traditionally it is given in an envelope in total at the end of the trip.

Do the guides speak English?

Yes. All our local guides speak very good English.

I am injured and can no longer attend the tour. Can I get a refund?

Please see our T&Cs.

What is your COVID-19 policy for cancellations/inability to travel?

Please see our T&Cs.

Toilets in Nepal. What do I need to know?

In tourist areas you will likely find Western toilets. Generally toilet paper is not to be flushed down the toilet - the sewerage system cannot handle it. Put it in the bin beside the toilet. Outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara you will find squat toilets. Beside them you will find a bucket of water and/or tap. Use this to flush the toilet and wash your nether regions whilst remaining squatting over the toilet (left handed only). If toilet paper IS supplied, place it in the bin beside the squat toilet. We advise that you bring your own toilet paper with you.

Will I be able to charge my mobile phone/electronic equipment?

Yes. All tea houses we stay in will have access to electricity to charge your electrical devices. The supply can be limited and unreliable at times so we suggest bringing a power bank as back up.

I have a solar charger. Can I bring it?

Yes you can. Placing a solar charger on the outside of your pack during the trekking day is a great time to charge your phone or device.

Can my family contact me in an emergency situation?

Yes. Prior to leaving for your experience we will provide your next of kin with contact details for our Australian office. Mobile phone coverage is available in many places in the Upper Mustang but can be weak and unreliable. All of our groups will carry satellite communication devices that they will be able to be contacted on in emergency situations.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes of course you can bring your own bike. We would prefer it. Please see our recommendations on bike specifications for this trip. If you are intending to buy a bike specifically for the trip we have recommendations for budget, intermediate and top end options.

Do I need bike insurance?

Bike insurance is not included in the cost of your experience. Bike insurance is not mandatory to participate in your experience however it is highly recommended. Please see our FAQ section for links to companies that provide bike insurance to travellers. Experience Not Felt Possible is not responsible for any damage to your bike during the Experience, including during times of cycling, bicycle storage or bicycle transportation by road or air.

Will I need to allow for excess baggage on internal flights?

There is a strict weight limit for the internal flight from Pokhara to Jomsom - 10kg for checked in and 5kg for carry on. More weight than this will be charged as per kg of weight. Current charges between Kathmandu and Pokhara are NRS 95 per kg and between Pokhara and Jomsom NRS 120 per kg.

What baggage allowance will I need for international flights?

This can depend on the weight of your bike eg. An ebike is going to weigh considerably more than a carbon fibre hardtail. We have found in the past that something around 30kg will allow for your bike and the remainder of your required gear.

What kind of bike is best for this trip?

We recommend a well maintained dual suspension “trail bike”. Your bike should have between 130 – 160mm of suspension “travel”. A hardtail mountain bike is also suitable if it has the same travel in the fork. - LOWER: Merida BIG.TRAIL 500 - $1795.50 - LOWER: Trek Rosco 7 - $1,800 - MIDRANGE: Trek Fuel EX 5 - $3499.99 - MIDRANGE: Norco Fluid FS 2 29 - $3199 - PREMIUM: Specialised Stumpjumper Expert - $9800 - PREMIUM: Norco Sight C1 29 - $8799

Can I ride an ebike?

Yes you can but there are some extra considerations. There may be days when the electricity supply is unavailable to recharge your battery. If it goes flat you could be stuck riding up mountains with a very heavy bike. Unfortunately, the air transportation organisation IATA has forbidden the transportation of eBike batteries on passenger planes. You can send your bike’s battery by cargo aircraft, but be warned, this can come with considerable cost. You may like to investigate battery hire options in Nepal. If you choose to ride an ebike it is your responsibility to organise your battery management.

Can I hire a bike instead of bringing my own?

Yes you can. Bikes are available to hire for between $50-75 USD per day, however we do not recommend it. We would rather you bring a good quality well maintained bike that you have trained on.

Do I need bike insurance?

Bike insurance is recommended but not mandatory to attend. Here are some links to bike specific insurance companies. You may be able to insure your bike on your home and contents insurance. You should do your own research to find cover that suits you and your bike. Here are a few options: https://cyclecover.com.au/ - https://velosure.com.au/ - https://www.bikesure.com/ - https://insurance.wiggle.com.au/

How do I transport my bike?

You can choose to transport your bike in a bike box or a purpose built bike bag. Your bike will remain in it’s bag/box until we arrive in Pokhara. Your bike is transported out of its box to Jomsom. At the end of the trip bikes are returned to Pokhara by jeep where your bag/box will be waiting for you to repack your bike to go home.

Where do I get a bike box?

Your local bike shop is a great person to talk to regarding this and they often have boxes their new bikes came in that you can have – for free! Bike boxes can also be bought online through specialty providers.

What size bike box do I need if I use a box to transport my bike?

This is dependent on the frame and wheel size of your bike. Your local bike shop is a great person to talk to regarding this and they often have boxes their new bikes came in that you can have – for free! DO NOT leave this until the last minute. Start the conversation early with your bike shop so they can put one aside for you. Your local bike shop can also package your bike in its box for a fee.

What is the difference between flat pedals and clipless pedals?

Flat pedals are “normal” pedals that do not require special shoes to use. “Clipless” pedals are the ones that you “clip in to” or “click in to” using metal cleats on the underside of cycling-specific shoes.

Do I need to bring spares for my bike?

Yes. We are travelling to remote places without access to spares! As there are many different standards used on bikes these days we recommend bringing some essential spare’s SPECIFIC to your bike. We will provide you with a list of spares that we recommend.

Is there a bike mechanic on the trip?

Our local guides are do-it-all bike ninjas. Rest assured if you are having any issues with your bike, they will be on hand to get it running smoothly again. They know how to make repairs under the most difficult remote situations. In addition they will clean and re oil your chain daily.

What do I need to pack for this trek?

You will be provided with a comprehensive packing list in your Athlete Guidebook upon booking.

What will I need to carry?

This Experience is a supported trek designed so that you only need to carry a day pack. You will need a 25-35 litre day pack that is comfortable and has a good waist strap. You will need to carry your day's water, snacks, extra clothing items and any personal items such as phones and cameras.

How big should my day pack be?

25-35 litres. Backpacks come in different torso sizes and you should ensure yours is well fitted. A good outdoor store will be able to fit you properly.

How much water do I need to carry each day?

We recommend carrying 2-3 litres of water on the trail. A 2 litre water bladder/reservoir in your pack and an extra 500ml-1l reusable water bottle as back up is a good guide.

What are gaiters and do I need them?

Gaiters are a protective garment worn around the lower legs for extra protection when trekking. They provide protection against prickly, scratchy flora, often have a waterproof membrane to stop water entering the top of your footwear and provide an extra layer of insulation. This trek does not require protection from abrasive flora, however a pair of low cut gaiters may be of benefit to prevent loose debris entering the tops of your footwear and increase your comfort on the trail. Gaiters provide limited protection against snake bite and snake bites are extremely rare on the Annapurna and Mustang trails.

How do I train for this trek?

If you decide to join our Upper Mustang Experience we will provide you with a training program that will build your strength and endurance to be able to enjoy your trek in this awe inspiring part of the world.

Do I need walking poles?

Walking poles are a personal choice. You may want to give them a try before you go ahead and purchase any. There are some clear advantages of using them. The extra points of contact can help on slippery or narrow trails and they can help take the load off your knees going up and down hill. Collapsable poles that can be put in your pack when not wanted are best. There is an option to use one or two poles - this is very much a personal preference.

What sort of footwear do I need for this trek?

This is always a difficult question to answer as everyone is different and has their own preference. We do recommend a sturdy full cut hiking boot that provides good ankle stability. They should be worn in and not give you any “hot spots”, still have plenty of grip and not have any movement in the heel.

I don’t like wearing hiking boots. Can I wear trail runners or sneakers?

At the end of the day, your choice of footwear is up to you. We do have our recommendations as set out above, however if you choose to wear a trail runner please factor in protection for your toes and good grip for loose/rocky surfaces.

What sort of socks are best for trekking?

Good quality socks are a game changer when trekking. Natural fibre close fitting socks made specifically for hiking/running are ideal. Socks made from merino, bamboo or a wool blend will wick moisture away from your feet, resist odour and reduce the chance of blisters. There are also some new technical fibre socks that will also perform these functions. A good outdoor store will point you in the right direction.

I have suffered from blisters. Could this be a problem?

You bet it could be a problem! Blisters can turn a trek into a hellish nightmare for some people. As is usually the case, prevention is better than cure. If you start to feel a ‘hot spot’ developing on any part of your foot, stop and treat it immediately. Don’t wait! If you know you are prone to blisters make sure you carry plenty of your favourite treatment tape!