Q. What is the minimum and maximum group size on the trek?
We prefer to have a minimum of 2 clients and a maximum of 15 per group. This allows for better management, high-quality service, and personalized care for each client. However, if someone wishes to trek privately, we can organize individual or custom treks as well.
Q. Is a private trek available?
Yes, private treks are available. We offer customized trips for families, office groups, and friends. For these treks, itineraries can be rearranged, and dates can be customized to suit your needs.
Q. Do I need previous trekking experience to trek in the Himalayas?
Previous trekking experience is not required for most of our treks. However, participants should be physically fit and mentally prepared, especially for more challenging treks. We recommend following our training guidelines based on the trek's difficulty level. Each trek package includes detailed descriptions of the trek’s difficulty, helping you assess fitness requirements.
Q. Who will be my trek guide?
Our trek guides are government-licensed professionals with excellent English and French-speaking skills. They are experienced, well-trained, knowledgeable about first aid, local cultures, and traditions, and are dedicated to ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the trek.
Q. What about the assistant guides (Trekking Sherpas) and their ratio to clients?
We employ government-licensed assistant guides (Trekking Sherpas) who speak good English and French. They are trained in first aid and knowledgeable about local customs. Typically, we maintain a ratio of 1 assistant guide for every 4 trekkers. While some agencies offer fewer assistant guides to cut costs, we prioritize your safety and provide the right number of staff to offer assistance when needed.
Q. How many porters will be on the trek?
The number of porters depends on whether the trek is a teahouse or camping trek. For teahouse treks, the standard ratio is 1 porter for every 2 trekkers, with the porter carrying duffel bags. For camping treks, the number of porters depends on the trek's duration and group size. Rest assured, we always hire an adequate number of porters to ensure a smooth trek.
Q. Will I have to carry a lot of weight?
No, our porters, horses, or yaks will carry most of the heavy gear. On teahouse treks, you will carry a daypack (30L-40L) weighing around 5-7 kg, which includes items like your water, snacks, and personal gear. On camping treks, all camping and kitchen equipment is carried by the porters or yaks.
Q. What is the maximum allowed weight for my luggage?
For all trekking trips, the maximum weight per client is 12 kg for the duffel bag and 5 kg for the daypack. This is in line with the weight limits of domestic flights to the mountain regions, which allow a total of 17 kg (12 kg + 5 kg) per person.
Q. Who carries the duffel bag and daypack?
Porters will carry your duffel bag, while you will carry your daypack.
Q. What should I pack in the duffel bag and daypack?
The duffel bag should contain all your heavy trekking gear, such as a sleeping bag, down jacket, and extra clothing. In your daypack, carry essential personal items like a waterproof jacket and pants, warm layers, gloves, water bottles, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and snacks.
Q. Is a local SIM card useful during the trek?
Yes, a local SIM card (like Ncell) works well in many trekking areas. You can easily purchase a SIM card at cybercafes or at Kathmandu airport upon arrival. You'll need a passport photo and a copy of your passport to obtain one.
Q. How are the toilet facilities during the trek?
Toilet facilities vary depending on the trek location. In popular areas like Everest, you’ll find common toilets in teahouses. In remote regions like Kanchenjunga, toilets may be located outside and are more basic. On camping treks, we provide a toilet tent for more privacy.
Q. What meals can I expect on the trek?
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Teahouse Treks: Meals vary by region. In popular areas like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, you can expect a wide variety of dishes, while in remote regions like Manaslu or Mustang, options are more limited, typically Nepali-style meals such as "Dal Bhat" (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables).
- Breakfast: Eggs, porridge, cereal, pancakes, toast, etc.
- Lunch: Dal Bhat, rice with chicken curry, fried noodles, etc.
- Dinner: Soups, Asian or European dishes, apple pie, and other desserts.
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Camping Treks: Our experienced kitchen staff prepares nutritious, high-quality meals. We boil or use chemicals to purify fresh vegetables for safe consumption.
Snacks outside the three main meals are extra and must be paid for by the clients.
Q. What is the accommodation like during the trek?
- Teahouse Treks: Accommodations are typically twin-shared rooms with basic wooden beds and foam mattresses. In more remote areas, accommodations may be more primitive, and at times, tents may be required.
- Camping Treks: We provide high-quality North Face tents with foam mattresses. Clients can choose single or twin-shared tents.
Q. What is the provision for drinking water during the trek?
On teahouse treks, we use SteriPEN or water purification tablets to treat tap water. We recommend all trekkers carry personal water purification tablets. For camping treks, we provide boiled water for safe drinking. Avoid drinking untreated tap water during your stay in the cities and opt for bottled water.
Q. Should I bring my own first aid kit?
Yes, we recommend bringing a personal first aid kit based on your needs. Our guides carry a group first aid kit in case you need additional medical supplies. This kit is also available for use by our local staff.
Q. What happens if I get sick or injured on the trek?
Our guides are trained in first aid and will take care of you. In the event of altitude sickness (AMS) or injury, the guide will manage your condition and, if necessary, arrange for evacuation. We advise all trekkers to purchase travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations.
Q. Do I need travel insurance for the trek?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for most of our treks. Your policy should cover emergency evacuation, medical treatment, and repatriation. Ensure that your policy covers the maximum altitude of your trek and any climbing activities if applicable.
Q. How do I obtain a Nepal entry visa?
You can either apply for a visa at a Nepalese consulate in your home country or obtain a visa upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Visa fees are as follows:
- USD 30 for a 15-day visa
- USD 50 for a 30-day visa
- USD 125 for a 90-day visa
You'll need cash (USD, Euro, or AUD), a passport photo, and a completed visa application form.
Q. How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, or AMS, is a common concern above 3,000 meters. We schedule our treks to allow for gradual acclimatization, with rest days and shorter hiking periods. Our guides monitor clients for symptoms, and we provide medication and strategies to manage AMS if needed. Always inform your guide if you feel unwell.
Q. Can I trek if I have a medical condition?
Consult your doctor before participating in a trek. If approved, please provide us with a fitness certificate. If a trek is too strenuous, we can recommend easier treks or alternative activities.
Q. Is there a refund if I am unable to complete the trek?
Refunds are generally not provided if you cannot complete the trek, as per our booking terms and conditions.
Q. What should I pack for the trek?
A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. Generally, we recommend sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing, a daypack, a trekking pole, and other personal items.
Q. Should I tip the local staff?
Tipping is encouraged and appreciated by local staff. It motivates them to provide excellent service. Tipping amounts vary based on group size, and specific advice will be provided in your trip notes.
