"Trekking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on trails in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness. "
Camping means sleeping in tents, normally we provide a two person tent for one client, and large three person tents for a couple.
On the trek we provide 3 tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelets, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread.
Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a day on the trail dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert.
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at most meals.
We use as much fresh produce as possible and our cooks and kitchen crew maintain good standards of cleanliness and food preparation hygiene. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
Teahouse trekking means that you stay and eat in private lodges along the established route. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, no blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge.
We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potato, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season.
Acute Mountain Sickness (Altitude Sickness) is a group of symptoms usually appearing together, with variations among individuals. It appears in people who have recently arrived at high altitudes or have just gained altitude, and may start anywhere from a few hours to a few days after ascending. High altitude is commonly defined as altitudes greater than 3,000 meters.
Anyone trekking or climbing to, and in, high altitudes is at risk of developing AMS. Susceptibility varies from individuals and with the same person from time to time. Ascending quickly will increase its likelihood, and those who had it previously have a greater chance of getting it again. Physical conditioning has absolutely no influence on susceptibility. In fact, fit individuals tend to go faster and therefore may have a higher incidence. Overexertion and dehydration contribute to Altitude Sickness and may be a predisposing factor. The key is to move at a slow, steady, comfortable pace, stay well hydrated and listen to your body.
The big concern here is dehydration, which can lead to rapid weakness and the inability. The following are the most common symptoms of AMS:
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascend should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious problems can occur which can even cause death within a few hours. The only cure for altitude sickness is to descent to a lower elevation immediately. Acclimatization by ascending no more than 300 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of Altitude Sickness.
Acclimatization is a state of physiological "truce" between the body of a visitor and the hostile low-oxygen environment of high altitude. This truce permits the trekker to ascend gradually. This is distinct from "adaptation" - permanent change to the organism, perhaps over thousands of years, perhaps even at a genetic or evolutionary level, to facilitate survival at altitude. Scientists are trying to decipher if Sherpa or Tibetans have made such an adaptation.
For acclimatization to take place the single most important step is hyperventilation- the trekker unconsciously breathes faster and more deeply than normal, even at rest, to make up for the lack of oxygen. However, hyperventilation also leads to loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, making the blood more alkaline, and it turn depressing ventilation. However, 48 to 72 hours after exposure to high altitude, the kidney comes to the rescue and begins to excrete alkali from the blood to restore a more balanced environment in which hyperventilation can continue unabated.
Nepal has a typical monsoonal two - season a year. There is a dry season from October to May and there is the wet season, the monsoon, from June to September. September to November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of the year in Nepal. When monsoon just ends, the countryside is green and lush. Nepal is at its most beautiful and during this season there are plenty of colorful festivals to enjoy.
Clothing depends on place and time, however, it is recommended to have both light and warm clothing. Medium-weight and easy-to-wash cottons and/or synthetic 'quick dry' febrics are a good choice year-round in the Kathmandu Valley. From October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other outfits are essential. Short or long sleeved shirts are comfortable for March to May. From June to September, light and loose garments are advisable. In the mountain areas warm clothes are generally required. Down quilt jacket and under trousers are recommended for high altitude trekking area.
Personal travel insurance is a must when traveling to Nepal. In most cases you cannot go trekking without it or partake in other activities such as rafting and paragliding. Please, when you take out your insurance policy, make sure it covers trekking in mountain regions, evacuation and any other activities you may want to undertake in Nepal. Please make sure that you bring a copy of your policy with you when you travel to Nepal.
Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken through the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows
| TREKKING SEASON | |
| Autumn (Sept- Nov.) | 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 (Mar-May) | Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 3000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and higher elevations over 3000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. |
Climatic factors are very important in deciding when to visit Nepal. October-November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of year: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect and the country is lush following the monsoon. February-April, the tail end of the dry season, is the second-best period: visibility is not as clear as in October-November because of dust, but the weather is warm and many of Nepal's wonderful wild flowers are in bloom. In December and January the climate and visibility are good but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow.
Except in some places, photography is generally allowed everywhere. However bring or buy plenty of film/memory cards in the bigger cities and take this with you. It can be hard in the remote areas to acquire any film/memory cards. .
Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information on a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the book shops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a check-up before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.
All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 300 meters in one day above 3000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best way to avoid risk while trekking is through planning, playning by the rules and realizing human limitation. If you do plan on going alone you should have sound mountain experience.
Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are observed. When with us most contingencies are handled by agency staff. However, one could get lost or hurt and have no one to ask for help when trekking alone. Therefore trekkers going alone should either trek with us or hire reliable guides if trekking in smaller groups.
The best way to avoid risk while trekking is through planning, playing by the rules and realizing human limitation. If you do plan on going alone you should have Sound Mountain experience and be well advised on trail and weather conditions. Also you must register at various check points along the way to help record your progress with the relevant authorities.
When trekking with our company, in case of misfortune, a short detailed message will be dispatched to a reliable source. After which the individual will be immediately rescued or rescued as soon as possible. If communication facilities are unavailable, normal first aid principle will be implemented by our highly trained guides till help arrives.
Some of the safety rules we suggest you to abide by are:
There is always the possibility of flight delay or postponement for notorious weather in Himalayan regions particularly, in Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpa, Simikot and Jumla region etc.
Trekking in the remote areas described above, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays and avoid frustrating consequence. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you need to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.