Trekking in Nepal

Nepal’s unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural riches reveals itself only to those who walk. With eight of the world’s 12 highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountain vistas. Rather than gazing at them from a distance, trekkers walk and live amid the mountains for weeks at a time. The leisurely pace creates a sense of intimacy with the land that goes far beyond that of a day hike or a wilderness weekend. Mountains may be the main lure, but there are surprises along the way. For one thing, there are people amid this spectacular scenery - all sorts of people, living in a world nearly untouched by modern development. The realities of the Third World can be eye-opening; few westerners have an opportunity to view how most of the world lives. We offer a wide variety of different treks to suit both novices and experienced trekkers. Whether you have 2 days or 2 months to spend in the mountains, we can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your needs. For many of our treks you can choose between staying in tea houses or camping.

1. How FIT do I have to be to trek ?

As there is no strict rules here. Depends on what kind of trekking you are looking for . Since you get the longer, shorter, tougher, and softer types of treks. If you enjoy a day’s walking and can walk up and down hills, you will be fine. If you participate in any sport, you will be fine. The trek has an easy grading although everyone will be out of breath at times. We would suggest some program of exercise starting one two months prior to your arrival in Nepal. 

2. What Kind of footwear should I need ?

You will require a lightweight pair of boots that have rubber soles with thick tread and good ankle support. Hi tech and Nike produced good walking shoes. 

3. How long do we walk per day and how high?

A typical day in a trek:
A cup of bed tea will be served to you in the morning. This is followed by a bowl of water to wash. The kit bag to be packed before breakfast that porters will take to be carried to the next camp. The day pack to be carried by yourself the things needed for you during the day. The walk after breakfast will be about 4 hours (subject to nice spot) for lunch. Two to three hours will be walked for overnight campsite. Afternoon tea and biscuits are provided once the camp is established and preparation for dinner begins, while you have leisure time. The maximum latitude reached during the trek will be 7000 feet or 3000meters. However , everyone suffers shortness of breath on some uphill sections. 

4. What kind of food will be served during the trek ?
A cup of bed tea will be served to you in the morning. The following is the samle food menu.
Breakfast: Cereal/ Muesli, Porridge/ Eggs/ Tomatoes/ Toast/ Jam/ Honey/ Tea/ Coffee
Lunch: Salad/ Spring Rolls/ Pizza/
Dinner: soup/ Curry/ Pasta/ Dumplings/ Vegetables/ Cake/ Fruit fritters 

5. Do I need to be inoculated ?
No international certificate of vaccination regarding current inoculation against Cholera, Typhoid or yellow fever and Malaria. You better consult your doctor who will have an updated list. However the most important are Hepatitis and Tetanus. 
6. What happens in the event of Emergency?
On trek, a helicopter will be made available but this might take minimum of 05 hours to reach you. then will make you fly to Kathmandu with your guide. Apart from the above you will be taken back to Kathmandu by road. Ensure that your insurance is strong enough to cover such incidents. For this you got be insured at your own place. 

7. How hot and cold does it get ?

Weather: Climate ranges from Tropical in the low lands to Arctic in higher altitudes.Seasons:
 Winter (December-February)
 Summer (March-May)
 Monsoon (June to August)
 Autumn (September-November)


Monsoon: Mostly rains at night, making the following days crispy clean and fresh. Most of the northern belt of the Trans-Himalayan Zone is rain -shadowed and ideal for trekking.

Wears: Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons can be good choice year-round in the Kathmandu valley. From October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar warm outfits are necessary. Short or long sleeved shirts are good in March through May from June to September light and loose garments are advisable. 

8. What are the seasons in Nepal?

Trekking Seasons

It is possible to trek at any time of year in Nepal: the trick is tailoring your route to the season. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The main season begins

Autumn (Oct. -Nov). The weather is indeed divine, with minimal rainfall and crystal-clear mountain views.

Winter (Dec.-Feb) freezing above 4,000 meters and high passes may be snowbound, winter is an ideal season for a lower trek.

Spring (MAR – May) marks the beginning of the spring trekking season, which peaks around mid-April. Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent.

Monsoon (June-August)

This is Nepal’s rainy season, although fascinating for those interested in the flora and fauna of the country. Day time temperature about 30 degree Celsius through out Nepal with low around 21 degree Celsius. 

9. Should I bring my own medicine ?

You better follow your local doctor and he will advise you. If you are taking any particular medicines it is recommended you bring them with you. 

10. How do I travel - Do I travel light ?

Yes you travel light. We suggest that you bring to Nepal in which you have a zip down doffel bag and small duffel overnight bag. You can deposit the suitcase in your hotel in Kathmandu. The duffel bag is used for trekking /rafting and jungle activities. the small overnight bag is used for rafting . 

11. Do I have to know the list of things I need to pack for the trek ?

Yes, here is the list.

a. Walking boots tennis shoes,/sandals/sport shoes
b. Woolen socks
c. Long sleeve t-Shirts- 3
d. 02 pairs of shorts made of strong cotton
e. Sun hat/glasses/sun cream/lip guard
f. Woolen hat
g. Down sleeping bag/ jacket/ wind breaker/ rain poncho (summer)
h. One track suit
i. Camera and films
j. Flash light (extra batteries)
k. Rucksack/Day pack
l. 3-4 pairs of socks
m. 3-4 pieces of underwear and one swimming costume
n. 3-4 t-shirts
o. 2-3 pairs of shirts
p. 2-3 pairs of pants
q. Water bottle, water purifier (iodine tablets)
r. Pocket knife
s. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, lighter etc)
t. Walking sticks
u. Binos if you prefer
v. Walkman (with extra batteries) books, games (chess, cards etc if you prefer).
w. First aid kit (hydrogen peroxide, iodine, bandage, tape, aspirin, diamox, cipro etc)

12. Can I buy or rent trekking gears in Kathmandu?

yes, you will get them on rent or you can buy them. They are easily available. 

13. Is there any thing additional required for peak climbing expeditions?

a. Extra food for one to 3 days
b. Hames/ jummer/ figure 8/ gaiters/ rope min 90 meter c.carabine (2 per person)/ mess kit/ down pants boots (complex) thermal gloves/ dome tents/ crampons/ ice axe (per person), down jacket. 

14. What is Tea house Trek and Camping Trek?

We offer a wide variety of different treks to suit both novices and experienced trekkers. Whether you have 2 days or two months to spend in the mountains, we can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your needs. For many of our treks you can choose between staying in tea houses or camping.

A tea-house is a local run guest house, but standards vary enormously. In popular areas such as Annapurna, tea houses are more like hotels, with hot water, western food and private rooms, whereas in more remote areas, they are far simpler and more authentically Nepali. Tea house trekking is less expensive than camping, and is suitable for small groups. We are committed to trekking in a way that does no harm to the local environment and providing the best possible value for money.

Camping treks : You will be given accomodations in tented camps. Food and tents will be carried out the place you are trekking. Food will be served by local Sherpa cook. Any where you want, camping trek can be commenced. Technically these are considered the complicated one. Need more menpower and a lot of technical things required. 

15. What are the things included and not included in Tea house and Camping trek? 

Teahouse Trekking included:

1. Trekking Permit
2. National park entry fees
3. Land transportation to and fro
4. All meals and accommodation in local lodge/ teahouse along the way
5. A guide and required porters (a porter between two)
6. Most essential equipments ie. sleeping bag/ jacket/ rain poncho

Camping trek included:

1. Trekking permit
2. National park entry fee
3. Food three meals a day
4. Accommodation on tented camps (twin sharing)
5. All necessary equipments: tent, down sleeping bag, Down jacket, Mattresses, rain poncho, ice axe a guide, Sherpa, cook, kitchen boy and required porters.

Not included Teahouse and camping trek both:

1. Airfare to any destinations of trekking unless otherwise mentioned.
2. Expenses of personal nature and drinks
3. Other royalties for the government specific regions.
4. Emergency evacuation/Insurance
5. Private transportation

16. How much extra money do I need when I am in a trek?

You will need very little during the trekking , says about 200 bucks US. This should be carried in small denominations as change is hard to come by in the villages. There are good deals to be found in the hills in some craft items and jewelleries. how ever, when shopping in Kathmandu travellers cheques/ credit cards are accepted in leading stores. 

17. Can I drink water ?

Do not drink tap water or stream water. All lodge/ hotel water has been boiled and filtered and is safe. Local mineral water is also provided and perfectly safe to drink. We appreciate your willingness to get the bottled water ( mineral water) for the safe side. 

18. Can I phone or fax when I am in a trek?

In some villages when you walk for hours telephone service is available. Overall we would say no telephone facilities when in a trek. A good standard telephone system is readily available in Kathmandu, Pohara, Chitwan and Lumbini. Apart from this fax, e-mail, internet services are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

19. Can I get visa on arrival ?

Yes, you can obtain your entry visa at the Kathmandu airport upon arrival. For this you need two passport size photo and visa fee. Reconfirm the visa fee before you leave. 

20. What is the policy on excess baggage?

Even if your originating ticket states you are allowed 2 bags at any weight, the airports in Asia have their own regulations which are strictly enforced. For international flights , you are allowed 20 kilos or 44lb. per person anything after that is charged. For domestic flights in Nepal 33 lb or 15 kilos is the limit. Excess baggage is permitted but it is charged.