Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal was officially opened in 1992. Particularly limited numbers of trekkers are only allowed each year. Thus to protect and conserve the local Tibetan tradition and the fragile environment. Mustang trek unfolds the fabled forbidden kingdom’s vast and arid valleys, eroded canyons, yak caravans. Amazing landscape, Further more the colourful – painted mud brick houses next to majestic mountain of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri ranges.

Although Aconcagua is a non-technical ascent, at just under 7,000 metres it is a long and extremely tough climb at high altitude – we’ve graded it C1 to reflect this (refer to the Difficulty Level tab for more details).

Aconcagua is a brilliant mountaineering expedition and an ideal next expedition for people who have climbed mountains like Kilimanjaro, Mera Peak & Elbrus. Previous experience of using ice axes and crampons in winter conditions would be an advantage, but it isn’t essential.

In preparation for any mountain expedition, we offer Expedition Specific Training courses in both summer and winter. This is a great chance for you to spend time in the UK mountains with an experienced Expedition Leader and learn some new skills, getting better prepared for you next big expedition objective. If you have booked on to an expedition with us already, then we offer a 10% discount on these courses.

If you are unsure if your experience is suitable for Aconcagua, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us and we’ll discuss it with you in more detail.

The itinerary below is intended as a guideline only, although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may be forced upon it by weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen events. You should be prepared to be flexible where necessary.

Day 1: Fly to Mendoza and overnight in hotel

On arrival into Mendoza Airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel. A free day to rest after the flight. Evening group meal.

Day 2: Mendoza to Los Penitentes.

After getting our permits to climb Aconcagua we then drive for about four hours to Penitentes, a small ski resort near to the entrance of the Horcones Valley. Here we will sort out our kit, splitting it into two loads, one of high altitude gear to go straight to Base Camp, and one to stay with you for the acclimatisation camp at Confluencia. We spend our final night in a hotel before the trekking begins in the morning.

Day 3: Trek to Confluencia (3,395m)

Today we walk to the campsite at Confluencia, following the big valley flanked by impressive scree slopes. Here you will also get your first views of Aconcagua. We spend two nights here in large fixed tents.

Trekking time 3-4 hours | Altitude gain: 440m.

Day 4: Acclimatisation trek to Plaza Francia (4,000m)

Today, we will take a acclimatisation trek into the Inferior Rio Horcones Valley to Plaza Francia (4,000m) and then back to camp at Confluencia (3,395m) adhering to the gold rules of acclimatisation to climb high and sleep low.

Trekking time 4-6 hours | Altitude gain: 605m.

Day 5: Trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,365m)

Today we will leave to make our way to Plaza de Mulas, Base Camp (4,365m) which is a reasonable distance away. The first half of the trek is a gentle walk until the valley splits and becomes steeper before you reach Base Camp.

In base camp, you will meet the local staff, extra guides, cooks and camp assistants, who will be looking after you on the mountain.

Trekking time 6-8 hours | Altitude gain: 970m.

Day 6: Rest day in Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,365m)

We will take today as a rest day at Base Camp to acclimatise further before our first steps on the mountain tomorrow. It is an opportunity to take a small walk, play cards, drink tea and get to know the area.

Day 7: Climb to Canada Place, Camp 1 (5,000m), return to Base Camp (4,365m).

Today we will leave after breakfast to climb to Canada Place, Camp 1, which is on a spur protruding from the west flank of the mountainside. When we arrive at Canada place we will drop off some supplies and then descend back to Base Camp for the night.

Trekking time 4-6 hours | Altitude gain: 635m.

Day 8: Rest day in Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,365m)

We will take today as a rest day at Base Camp

Day 9: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,365m) to Canada Place, Camp 1 (5,000m)

We will retrace our steps today to Camp 1, Canada Place (5,000) where we will stay the night, which is a great place to see and photograph the sunset.

Trekking time 3-4 hours | Altitude gain: 635m.

When you book with Himalayan Travellers, we want you to know exactly how much the trip is going to cost you, with absolutely no hidden extras or last-minute costs. Our fully inclusive land-only price includes almost everything from the minute you land at Mendoza International Airport until the time we drop you back off – even all your meals (no more awkward bill splitting – we take care of that!)

The following are included in our price:

• A Frecnh-speaking expedition leader who has extensive high altitude experience
• A local mountain guide and assistant summit guides*
• Return in-country airport transfers
• All in-country meals – including our celebration meal!
• 3 nights hotel accommodation: 2 nights in Mendoza, 1 night in Los Penitentes
• 17 nights camping
• Mules to carry your personal gear to Basecamp & back (max. 30kg)
• Porters to carry group equipment to High Camps
• All group equipment (tents, cookers, gas etc.)
• Showers in Confluencia Camp and Basecamp
• 60 minutes free Wi-Fi at Basecamp & 3 full charges of devices

You should also refer to the Not Included section.

* Guide Ratios –  1 Expedition Leader/Guide for every 4 team members between Basecamp and Camp 3, 1 Expedition Leader/Guide for every 3 team members from Camp 3 to the summit.

The following are NOT included in our price:

• International flights to Mendoza International Airport (MDZ)
• Aconcagua climbing permit – $800 USD*
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing & equipment – please refer to the Kit List
• Porterage above Basecamp of personal clothing & equipment
• Tips (US$150)
• Items of a personal nature – phone calls, laundry, room service, alcoholic beverages etc.
• Unscheduled hotels and restaurant meals e.g. if bad weather grounds flights or contingency days are not used
• Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early

* We’ve specifically chosen to keep this cost separate as we’ll go together to register and obtain our climbing permits in Mendoza. Please bring your money in cash in US Dollars.

Visas are not required for UK Citizens in Argentina. If your flight transits through the USA, you will need an ESTA visa.

All of our treks and expeditions come with a suggested difficulty level to help you choose the correct one. For a full explanation of the Scottish Winter, Alpine and UK Rock Climbing grading systems, this blog explains them all – Grades Explained 

Grading for UK Courses

With all our UK courses please refer to the Trip Suitability section for more specific details on course expectation and technical and physical levels required.

C1 – Intro Course: open to any level and ability

C2 – Intermediate Courses: previous experience of scrambling/rock climbing or winter mountaineering

C3 – Advanced Courses: previous technical summer or winter climbing experience

Grading for Worldwide Expeditions

With all our Worldwide Expeditions you should refer to the Trip Suitability section for more specific details on the expedition expectation and technical and physical levels required. If in any doubt please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Physical

A. Good basic fitness, as for UK hill walking and mountaineering. Average rucksack weight: 6-8 kg

B. Good cardio-vascular fitness which for most people requires some training, by running, hiking and perhaps some gym work. Average rucksack weight: 8-12 kg.

C. High level of fitness coupled with physical toughness and the ability to carry a heavy rucksack for long periods. Average rucksack weight: 12-18 kg.

D. As for C, but tougher. Climbs of this grade are exceptionally strenuous and some weight loss is inevitable. Train hard and arrive fit. Welcome to ask for advice if training specifically.

E. Hard physical effort at extreme altitude which requires thorough preparation based on your experience of previous trips. Comments for ‘D’ also apply. May cause long-term fatigue after the trip.

Technical

1. Low angle snow or straightforward scrambling on rocks. Ropes are not usually required. Previous climbing experience is not essential.

2. Ropes are used principally for glacier travel and low angle snow or ice slopes. Ice axe and crampon experience necessary.

3. Short, steep sections of snow or ice up to about 50 degrees. Previous snow and ice climbing experience of Scottish III/Alpine PD is essential.

4. Long, steep snow and ice slopes with short steps of very steep ice or low grade rock climbing. Good all-round climbing ability required to Scottish III/Alpine AD.

5. Very steep ice (Scottish III/IV or harder) or rock (Hard Severe or harder). Suitable for competent mountaineers who have climbed consistently at these standards.

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