How difficult is the trek?
Trekking in Himalaya can sometimes be challenging as it requires strength and a will to reach the destination. You might have to walk for about an average of 5-8 hours a day depending upon the trek grades. The up and downs the trails in the Himalayas requires certain strength. If you are physically fit then you can join any of the treks. We will make sure that you get proper amount of rest and adapt to the challenging mountain environment. Our itineraries are prepared in such a way that you will get proper amount of rest and is also flexible as there can be few changes made subject to the guide’s suggestion and clients wish.
How fit should I be?
Every trekkers despite of their respective ages should be moderately fit and used to some kind of exercise. If you are medically fit, you can trek to any of the regions of Nepal even if you are not used to walking.
What is the age limit for trekking?
There is no any hard and fast rule regarding the age limit for trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal. However, children under the age of 18 are compulsory to be accompanied by their parents or guardian. Besides the mentioned above, trekkers need to be healthy and physically fit.
What does trekking grade mean?
Nepal offers different category of the treks from short and easy trekking to the long and exhausting treks. The grades also depends upon the area of interest. The trekking in the Himalayas is divided into four types, namely Easy, Moderate, Difficult and Strenuous. The challenge in terms of both technicality and geography increases as we move higher in that order.
Easy Treks
No previous trek experience and any physical preparation are required to attempt this trek. An interest in walking will be enough to take up such treks. Such treks usually vary from 2 days hike to 5 days trekking and can reach up to an altitude of 3000 m. Treks usually on well-maintained paths and passes through ridges and involve walking up to 5 hours a day.
Moderate Treks
Moderate Treks will require at least 6-7 hours of walking every day, crossing 4000 m above high altitude passes, and long and exhausting walks through often rough trails, rocks and boulders. Therefore, you will require physical and mental fitness, positive attitude and interests and previous hiking or camping experience is preferred. You should prepare to face high altitude.
Difficult Treks
Previous trekking experience and technical knowledge is essential in Difficult Treks. Besides walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours and crossing high passes as high as 5000 m, you will also be glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air with low level of oxygen and continuous walking over huge stretch of Himalayan valleys. Positive attitude and perseverance is required.
Strenuous Treks
Strenuous Treks involve long days, long hours of challenging walks, high altitude passes above 5000 m, difficult terrains and glacier and snow walking. No doubt you need to be mentally and physically fit and in excellent health condition. As part of technical requirements, you will require to have rock and ice climbing experience with the knowledge of use of ice axe and crampons. You should consider joining one of the rock climbing and glacier walking classes prior to heading for Trek.
What is FOT?
On FOT or Fully Organized Trek yours eating and sleeping arrangements will be fully organized by the support crew. FOTs are also known as CAMPING TREKS. On camping trek you will be sleeping in tents. A trekking crew consists of one sirdar, one cook and kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the sirdar (the local trek leader), the crew consists of several Sherpa assistants who will ensure you don't take the wrong path, a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals and the porters to transport all the gear from camp to camp. Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The ratio of both Sherpa guides and kitchen crew to group members is generally 1:4 and the ratio of porters to group members is around 3:1 at the beginning of the trek, but this decreases as food is eaten and loads become smaller. For bathroom facilities we carry a toilet tent. Your camping staffs dig a deep hole in the ground for excrement and cover the hole with soil after the business is done.
What is T House Trek?
TH trek means tea house trek. Some of the popular trekking routes are served by lodges making it possible for you to stay at local Tea house (mountain hut) during your trek. Tea house treks are less expensive then Camping trek and are largely suitable for small group. Usually during busy seasons if private rooms in smaller villages are fully occupied you might have to sleep in dormitory. Price includes accommodation in lodges, guide, porters and all meals.
What is GAP Trek?
This is an abbreviation of Guide Accommodation and Porters (GAP). This option of the trek is for those who want basic support from us. This is the most economical way to do trekking in Nepal. We provide an English speaking local Sherpa guide, book and pay for the accommodation in local lodges during trek and arrange required porters and trekkers pay for meals directly to the local lodge owner. This option works only in certain routes in Everest, Langtang and Annapurna regions where trekking routes are served by local tea house or lodges. You pay for your own meals. We take care of all expenses of our staff.
What type of food to expect during trek?
On a CAMPING TREK we provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and western dishes. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. On the Tea House treks we provide standard breakfast, lunch and three course dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive.
How do we get safe drinking water?
On camping trek, our staff will boil and cook meals treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. On a GAP trek and T House trek, you will be able to buy safe hot drinks in the tea house. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills. On the trail, water from the streams is safe if away from settlements.
Why is a guide necessary? Can’t I trek myself?
Trekking alone in the Himalayas is not advisable. Trekking is always hassle free and enjoyable while with a licensed and experienced guide. A knowledgeable guide with all the information about the wilderness, remote countryside, and high elevations - from an aspect of pure safety is always good.
Additionally, very few locals in Himalayan villages speak English. Should you get lost (and, with many paths crossing through many, many villages, this is more a likelihood than a possibility), it would be difficult to communicate directions or obtain food and shelter. Besides, it is highly dangerous to go it alone.
Is previous trekking experience a must?
Anyone with a moderate fitness and a strong will can do the trekking. It is not compulsion for a person to have a previous trekking. Our well trained and experienced guides shall take well care of you while on a trek.
Are permits required for trekking?
It depends on your specific area of the trek. Some trekking areas require a special permit for trekking, while as others require only permits to enter conservation or national parks. Most require a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card. We handle all permits for you, so you have one less thing to worry about!
What happens if I get sick during Trek?
While you are on a mountain, the major reason of oneself getting sick is due to Altitude Mountain Sickness. We do not look forward for such unforeseen circumstances, however, we cannot guarantee when and to whom, it might happen even the regular trekkers could get the sickness. Hence, we always suggest slowing down the trek and following the guide. Meanwhile, in case of any altitude sickness or injuries, we first look for the first aid.
In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform office about requirement of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send name of the sick person and give exact location from where helicopter can airlift you. Do not leave the place although you are getting better once you have ordered Helicopter.
Do the lodges have electricity for charging our equipment’s?
Yes, normally the lodges in the developed trekking route have electricity supply. Electricity in Nepal is 220-240 volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. A voltage converter is needed for a device that does not accept 220-240 volts at 50 MHz. Sockets in Nepal accept only round three or two pins. So if your electrical device uses flat pins, we would suggest you to kindly bring a universal electric plug adapter.
Are credit cards accepted in the lodges? If not where can I exchange money?
Generally credit cards are not accepted at the lodges in the trekking route. The lodges accept only Nepalese Rupees cash. You can exchange your currency in Kathmandu or in other major cities where modern banking facilities are available. You can also get your money exchanged at your hotel or we can recommend you the better place where you can get better exchange rates.
How will I be able to recognize you upon arrival?
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will be there waiting for you at the arrival gate of the airport holding the placard with your name and the name of the company. We believe it will be easier for you to find our representative so kindly look for your name at the arrival gate of the airport.
What is the limitations of luggage weight for the domestic flights?
There is certain weight limitations for your luggage while flying to the remote sectors of Nepal. As per the domestic flight regulations passengers are allowed to carry 10 kgs of luggage and 5 kgs of hand carry. For the extra baggage, it is mandatory for all to pay the excess baggage charge as per the sector wise excess baggage rate.
Can I get my clothes washed during trek?
It is difficult to wash your clothes during your trekking period as you will be staying at different lodges on different days.
What are the necessary gears for trekking?
The necessary gears for trekking are:
Duffle Bag:
For all the treks your gear that is carried by the porters or yaks it is best to be packed in a strong kitbag. A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best. We shall provide a duffle bag as a souvenir to our guests.
Sleeping bag
Down-filled bags are better (i.e. 4-5 season) because in the high altitude nights will be cool. Good down is fluffy, light and thick. A muff (an extra section around the neck) makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag. Reasonable sleeping bags are cheaply available for rent in Kathmandu. Alternatively add a fleece sleeping bag liner to add warmth to a 3-4 season bag.
Sleeping bag liner
Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Kathmandu and cost around $15.
Daypack
This should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends.
Trekking Poles
Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.
Water bottle
Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles, are best. You need AT LEAST 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle in addition to a Camelback or hydration system.
Water Treatment Tablets: Iodine or Chloride Dioxide tablets. A small bottle or multi pack is sufficient. Taste neutralizer tablets remove iodine taste. Chloride Dioxide formulas will not discolor water.
Pee bottle
Very useful on cold nights! Can buy a cheap one in Kathmandu.
Torch / Flashlight
Petzl Tikka's and other similar torches with LED bulbs rule. They are adequate for climbing although many people prefer a second torch. Most of the teahouses still don't have lights in the rooms, so headlamps are ideal for reading in bed. Also essential for trips to the toilet at night!
First Aid
Personal First Aid Kit (small and simple): Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive tape, Band-Aids.Drugs/Medications/Prescriptions: Climbers should bring Mupirocin (Bactroban) cream, excellent topical antibiotic for scrapes and cuts. Cirprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for travelers diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Loperamide (Lomotil) or Immodium for diarrhea. Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250mg tablets for alltitude sickness. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches, sprains, aches, etc. Excedrin for headaches. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg tablets for stomach sensitivity.
Toiletry Bag: Include toilet paper, soap, towel, and toothbrush, Wet wipes 1-2 per day and hand sanitizer: Hand moisturizer.
Plastic bags (5): For lining stuff sacks & pack to keep gear dry. Trash compactor bags work best.
What are the necessary clothing equipment’s for trekking?
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
The clothing you bring will need to allow for both the warmth of the days and the chill of the nights. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm.
Boots
For a happy trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots.
Socks
In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.
Camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops
A luxury for your feet at the end of the day. Sandals or running shoes. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Kathmandu, are a necessity for showers during the trek.
Fleece jacket/vest
Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get almost any sort of fleece you need.
Wind/rain jacket
Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack for warmer days.
Nightwear thermals
Silk-weight is lightest and warm, mid-weight is perfect. Great for warm nights in the sleeping bag!
Fleece/sweatpants
Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better (except for when the stoves in the teahouses really heat up!). Readily available in Kathmandu.
Day-wear shirt
T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two or three so you can swap damp for dry.
Trekking pants
You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is best. You can survive with only one pair, although two is better.
Wind pants
If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.
Underwear
4 to 7 pairs.
Warm hat/balaclava
Nice for the evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days. Joel brings at least 5 wool hats; you might get away with fewer!
Neck gaiter
For winter trekking they are really the best for staying warm!
Sunglasses
Suitable for snow, it’s bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.
Mittens/gloves
A good pair of wind-proof gloves is essential. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don't have a pair.
