Information/Life on the Trek
Trekking staff
Our guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after while doing trek. Every trek has an English speaking sherpa guide, also known as the sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his/her responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the staff and porters and deal with the local peoples. The sirdars are very experienced and experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition, there will be assisting guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term "Sherpa", who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the sirdar in organizing the logistics of the trek.
Accommodation
1. Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
2. Lodge treks - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, sometimes known as tea-houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.
Equipment
All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table & chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. .. . more details.
Meals
It is not necessary to take any additional food on the trek. On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well-boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialities to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent.
A typical trekking day
Early morning 'wake-up call' with tea served at your tent. Wash basins with warm water are provided. After a hearty breakfast, repack our duffel bag and leave it with Sherpas who tie them onto yaks to carry to our next destination. We are normally on the trail before 8 a.m. Trek at your own pace; all you need carry is a daypack and camera. Sherpa guides hike along to point out interesting flora, fauna and sights. Along the trail are spots to relax, purchase a snack or soda, use toilet facilities and shop for souvenirs. A relaxing lunch is always near a water source.
A typical day's hike usually ends in the early afternoon. The staff sets up sleeping tents, a large dining tent and a toilet tent. Time to read or nap before dinner. After dinner there is time to play cards, stargaze and reflect on all the wondrous moments of your day. Or you may choose to crawl in early.
Trekking Season
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:
AUTUMN (DEC.-FEB.)
This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
WINTER (DEC.-FEB.)
This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
SPRING (March - May)
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 and temperature is quite moderate.
SUMMER (June - August)
Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. these times are blessed for the keen botanist at the higher valleys and meadows blossoms with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Health and Safety on the trek
1. A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
2. We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
3. All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
4. We use tea-houses that we know have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.
High Altitude
Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimise the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatisation and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.
And finally ... it must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for the occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.
Visa Information of Nepal (Effective from July, 2008)
A Visa is necessary to enter Nepal and can be obtained for the following duration from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your country or nearest or at the Immigration office located the following Entry Points in Nepal.
- Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
- Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
- Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
- Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
- Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
- Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
- Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Single entry tourist visa can be obtained by paying US $30 for 60 days.
If you wish to leave and re-enter the country, you'll need to pay additional fees. US $25 for Single Re-entry, US $40 for Double Re-entry and US $60 for Multiple Re-entries.
If you leave and wish to Re-enter Nepal as a tourist within 150 day of the same visa year, you may pay US $50 for 30 days.
Visitors may extend their tourist visa by paying US $50 for 30 days.
Business visas with multiple entry facilities are available at a rate of US $100 for one year and US $250 for five years. Ministry of Industry recommendation is required.
Residential Visa
This visa is for those people who want to permanently live in Nepal.
For the first year a fee of US$200 needs to be paid, and then each year it's renewed a fee of US$100. It's a multiply entry visa so you can come in and out of Nepal as you like
Obtaining a Transit Visa for Nepal
A transit visa can be obtained from Airport Immigration for a period of 48 hrs. on the presentation of airline ticket.
For additional information, please contact us