Trip Note for Trekking

Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of fellow travelers can all contribute to changes. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

Nice to know:

Visa for Nepal

All nationalities except Indians require a visa for Nepal which could be obtain from Embassies abroad or on arrival at Tribhuwan international airport in Kathmandu.

You need to have one passport Photo and following fees in US dollars to obtain the visa on arrival.

1. USD 30 for Tourist visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days.

2. USD 50 for Tourist visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days.

3. USD 125 for Tourist visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days.

4. USD 2 per day for visa extensions.

Please note: The visa regulations and fees for visa changes frequently so it is advisable to check the current rules with your nearest Nepalese Embassy or Consulate.
 

Introduction: 

Nepal has the widest altitude range of any country on the earth. Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to Arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes of temperature and weather!

If you are going to Nepal for trek/Climbing then there is mainly two season's autumn (September- November) and spring (March-May). In autumn the air is clean by the monsoon thus the visibility is high and the high passes are open and in spring it's the time for flower to bloom.

Where ever you choose to trek in the Himalayas there are always uphill and downhill walk as a part of journey to greet you.  Forget all the hard work which needs to be done; just imagine what nature will offer you up in the high Himalayas.

What to bring:

As you are going into the high Himalayas and the weather is subjected to change anytime so warm cloths are recommended all year round.  You could leave all the unnecessary items at your hotel or contact us to be storage. Just pack all your trekking gears in one bag which will be carried by our carrier and make a small day bag for yourself to carry the things which you might need during the day and for your valuable belongings.

Please check the checklist carefully for details of what you need to bring on the trek:

Check list:

BODY WEAR

• Loose comfortable T-Shirts
• Long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Trousers
• A warm jacket and a fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• Water and wind proof jacket
• Water and wind proof trousers
• Woolen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woolen or fleece hat
• Scarf     

FOOT WEAR

• Warm woolen socks
• Comfortable and warm trekking boots
• Gaiters ( if snows)

ACCESSORIES

• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, and travel towel etc
• Sun block and lip balm
• Personal first aid kit and any personal medications you need to take
• Camera, music and books
• Rucksack for your cloths and other accessories
• An airtight ‘dry bag’ is great for storing your dirty laundry!
• Sleeping Bag, Down jackets
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 liters of water and have bottles that can handle `      boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH!
• Batteries for camera, torch etc..
• A big smile for all and your sense of humor and adventure!
• Walking sticks (if needed)

Note: These days most of these items can be purchased in Kathmandu. There are now several leading brand stores selling their own equipment and there are many stores selling cheap imitations and some well established local stores selling under their own labels. Ask us if you’d like some advice about where to go to get any gear. If you need to do any shopping for gear, please let us know with enough time to do this before leaving for trek!

INSURANCE

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. Helicopter evacuation is provided in emergency cases but please make sure that you insurance cover the cost of the evacuation. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.

THE TRAILS

Trekking trails vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!

Flight

The flight to and from mountain section of Nepal  are with small aircraft and the flight depends on the weather condition, so there are chances of flight being delays for hours or even cancelled due to the weather. You will only be allowed to carry 10kg as luggage and 5 kg as a hand bag and extra charge will be charge by airlines for excess baggage. Therefore it is always recommended to have some extra day just incase if your flight got cancelled due to the weather or likewise then you still could catch your flight back to your next destination.

ALTITUDE AND PREVENTING ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.

Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).

Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS. Data indicates that drinking 3-4 liters of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process. Never try to attempt to go higher up if you have altitude sickness, stay either in the same elevation or if got worse trek to the lower elevation.

The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice.

You will be given a comprehensive briefing about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
 

TIPPING AND CASH REQUIREMENTS

In Kathmandu and major cities it is possible to get Nepalese rupees from your visa/credit card in ATM machine or in Bank. If you are carrying cash USD/EURO or like wise then there are plenty of money exchange counter in major touristic area or you can exchange it in Banks.

Do not forget to bring some Nepalese rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way while on trek. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice.

Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no strict rules about how much the tip should be. You could tip if you are satisfied with the service.

CONSIDERING THE ENVIRONMENT

While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.

There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some simple tips:

• Pick up any litter along the trail

• Burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source

• In camp, when using a toilet tent, you may deposit paper in the hole, but ensure the hole is at least 30cm deep and make sure it is at least 50m away from any water source

• Do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires; your crew uses kerosene stoves to help conserve the local forests

• Drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic is not recycled

• Stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora

• Ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate)