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~ Classification of trekking routes and expedition ~ Grading of trekking ~ Preparing for a trek ~ Fully organized (camping) trek ~ Teahouse (lodge) trek ~ Camping equipment ~ Washing & toilet facilities ~ Precautions ~ Trekking season ~ Trekking permits ~ National park fee ~ The benefits for being with us ~ Our team and services ~ A day on the trail
Nepal has only been opened to the West since 1951 and despite the veneer of westernization in the cities; it still remains a very traditional, religious and tolerant society. As guests, one must respect this and respond sensitively. Most trekking in Nepal does not require any climbing experience. Anyone with good health and a love for the outdoors can go trekking. Though a day`s trek can involve a fair amount of uphill trails & descents, the trekkers are free to set their own pace walking along village paths enjoying a close contact with rural people, breathing the crisp mountain air & viewing the magnificent Himalayan peaks. There are many trails, many of them are old trade or pilgrimage routes, leading through terraced hillsides, forested ridges, river banks, paddy fields connecting with picturesque hamlets and villages. This is actually the best way to see and know Nepal, its unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation and wildlife. Top CLASSIFICATION OF TREKKING ROUTES AND EXPEDITION 
The trekking routes can be classified into roughly four categories. The northern region comprises mainly Helambu, Gosaikund and the langtang Valley; the eastern (Everest region) includes not only Everest Base Camp but also Namche Bazaar and the whole of Solukhumbu; the central region encompasses all treks whose starting point is Pokhara, for example, Jomsom, Muktinath, Manang, Mustang and the Annapurna sanctuary; and the western region includes Surkhet, Jumla, Dolpa and Rara Lake. The length of the treks in Nepal can vary from one or two days to those that last for days, even a whole month. Mountaineering is an entirely different kind of excitement that Nepal offers. Tailor-made for the daring, diehard adventurer, mountaineering can be done in two ways. The first is by climbing what are known as expedition peaks. This means that formal expeditions can climb them after getting a special permit for a specified route. The rest are classified as trekking peaks, which range in height from 5,587 m to 6,654. The trekking peaks are mostly concentrated in the Khumbu and Annapurna regions. The Khumbu region contains a number of peaks that can prepare you for higher mountains. Top GRADING OF TREKKING 
Treks are graded into three categories on the basis of challenge and difficulty level to help you choose the item you want. The classification is determined according to a variety of factors like altitudes covered, length of trek, degree of difficulty, and the number of hours of walking required each day. 01. Easy Treks (E) Himalayan standards are generally between 900m and 2,000m and the number of the trekking days are shorter. There are always plenty of `ups & downs` everywhere in the Himalayan and clients need to be regular walkers to get full enjoyment from their experience. 02. Moderate Treks (M) These treks involve walking about 5 to 6 hrs, up to 4,000m (3,000m in the Annapurna region and 4,000m in the Everest region) Some treks included here will, in part, be well away from villages on ill-defined mountain trails. 03. Strenuous treks (S) On these treks, you will be walking about six to seven hours each day. The altitude will occasionally reach above 5,000m and the treks may be of several weeks’ duration often in remote alpine areas. You have to be in very good physical shape and there will be some really arduous days on the trail. A strong program of physical preparation is recommended. Top PREPARING FOR A TREK Even on an easy trek, the trekkers will require to walks about 4 to 6 hours daily on uneven terrain and therefore they must be used to regular exercise. Those with any cardiac or pulmonary history are required to obtain their physician`s clearance before participating on any form of trekking. Above all mental preparedness for trek is most important, as it is important to remember, our people especially in the mountains have different values and attitudes than those of the western world. They should therefore, accept this as a part of a trekking holiday experience. Approaching the mountains with preconceived ideas or values and attitudes is not advisable and could lead to disappointments during treks. Top FULLY ORGANIZED (CAMPING) TREK 
This is a massive arrangement, rather expensive but the only way to enjoy the trekking in real sense. We provides all camping and kitchen equipments, porters (yaks or ponies) for carrying camping gears and foodstuff; Sherpa`s to set the camp, cook and serve meals with the Sirdar, the leader to take controls all administration. All you have to carry is a small daypack with whatever you think you might need during the day. This way we are able to set our own pace and travel through places untouched by mass tourism. When you reach camp, efficient support staffs pitch the tents, the cooks fix delicious semi-Western type meals, and the trek leader acquaints you with the local culture and customs. Top TEAHOUSE (LODGE) TREK On some very popular trekking routes (Annapurna, Langtang and Everest region), there are local lodges/ inns where accommodation and meals can be arranged which is refer as "tea house treks". This treks are cheaper compare to the organized one. These lodges are quite basic offering twin sharing small room and may not have proper shower/toilet facilities. All meals will be provided in the same lodges cooked by the lodge owners during trek. The food could be simple and less variety but hygienic. These treks are operated with a guide (Sirdar) and porters (as per requirement). to carry your personal belongings. As it is not possible to book these lodges in advance from Kathmandu due to lack of communication facilities, the guide will look for the best available lodge as they arrive the designated village stop. The guide decides for meals and the lodges for overnight stay. In winter and summer lodge treks are better to avoid the inclement weather. In autumn and spring the lodges are overcrowded so the clients may also have to be accommodated in dormitories when it will be difficult to find a place to throw in. Note: It is to be informed about the weight of the personal baggage that is maximum 15 kg. per person on a fully arranged tented trek and 8 kg. for backpack or Teahouse trek. Top CAMPING EQUIPMENT 
All our camping-treks are outfitted with the highest quality equipment available. Comfortable waterproof tents, sleeping bags (a good idea to bring own), cotton inner-sheet, foam mattress, dining tent with camp chairs & tables and a toilet tent are standard equipment on all our camping holidays. We recommend participants to bring their personal items along, such as; For Strenuous Treks Optional Trek boots Sun hat Down Jacket/pants Snow goggles Warm thick trousers Sun cream Thick jogging suit Lip-salve Thick full sleeve shirts Hot water bag Wind Cheater Toilet kit Full thermal underwear Insect repellent Thick woolen socks Personal medicines Thick woolen gloves First aid kit Underwear (4 changes) Camera & Films (20 rolls) Bathing suit & towel Duffel bag Rainwear (poncho style) Ruck sack Water bottle Flashlight & batteries Pillows and sleeping bag For Medium/Easy Treks Optional Trek boots/Sport shoes with ankle support Sun hat Down Jacket Sun glasses Warm trousers/jeans Sun cream Thick jogging suit Lip salve Full sleeve shirts Hot water bag Wind cheater Toilet kit Light Underwear Insect repellent Thick cotton socks Personal medicines Light gloves First aid kit Underwear (4 changes) Camera & films (15 rolls) Bathing suit & towel Duffel bag Rainwear (poncho style) Ruck sack/day pack Water bottle Flash light & batteries Pillows and sleeping bag Toilet kit: (must contain the followings) Toothbrush & toothpaste Soap & Shampoo Premoistened towelettes A sewing kit & spare buttons Spare set of prescription glasses Hand/face towel Swiss Knife Safety pins Top WASHING & TOILET FACILITIES A bowl of warm water for washing will be provided each morning and often we camp or have lunch next to a spring or stream where clients can bathe or wash clothes. We highly recommend that clients bring biodegradable soaps, shampoos & washing liquids/soaps. At each night`s camp, a hole will be dug and a small toilet tent erected over it. They must always use the toilet tent, when it is available. During the day ensure that toilet stops are made off the trail and that all toilet paper is burnt. Sanitary napkins & tampons should be kept in a double plastic bag & personally brought back to Kathmandu. Deforestation is Nepal`s greatest environment problem. We use kerosene as an alternative to wood on all treks. We do not have campfires & we strongly discourage trekkers from buying wood-fueled hot showers in lodges along the trail. It is our responsibility to minimize our impact. Sharing Campsites: Occasionally in some areas it will be necessary to share campsites & latrines with other groups due to shortage of camping fields particularly during farming time. Please respect the needs and privacy of others. Personal Expenses: While all meals, camping equipment and support staffs are included in our arrangement; the clients are expected to pay for all soft drinks, beer & foodstuff purchased from shops along the trail. In case they wish to stay a couple of nights at local inns/tea-houses due to rain/low temperatures, they should settle the charges directly. Top PRECAUTIONS 
The main precaution to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high too fast giving plenty of time to acclimatize for body. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) refers to the effects of the thin air at high altitudes that can be very dangerous and may even result in death. If you get initial symptoms like nausea, dizziness, swelling in the face and breath lessens, descends to a lower elevation immediately and seeks medical help. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised to cover emergencies like helicopter rescue and medical treatment in case of accidents on the trail. Causes / factors of Altitude Sickness: - Low Oxygen - Low pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure - Rapid Ascent - Possible Dehydration - Hypothermia / Low temperature Types of Altitude Sickness: 01. AMS Acute Mountain Sickness (Mild symptom feels like hangover / not feeling well) 02. HAPE High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (Moderate symptom / lung problem by water in the lung) 03. HACE High Altitude cerebral Edema (serious symptom / water in the head) Prevention of AMS: Acclimatization: After 1000m ascent stay one more night for acclimatization Do not make rapid ascent No alcohol, no sleeping pills, no smoking, no sex Drink more: about 3-4 liters day-clean water (boiled, filtered or medicated), tea, coffee, soup, and juice No heavy backpacks Climb higher, always sleep lower Ascent less than 300m a day above 3.000m of altitude Never trek alone Treatment of AMS: Descent is the best remedy; do not wait for the helicopters or medical help. Three medications have been proven useful: Diamox Nifedipine (ordinarily used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure) Descomethasone (an important drug to carry for emergency use). Top TREKKING SEASON Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. The most popular seasons are spring and autumn. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attractions to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:
Top TREKKING PERMITS 
All trekkers require a trekking permit to visit Nepal`s interior regions, which are not connected by highways. Recently the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest regions have been declared "permit free"; the National Park or Conservation Area fees are still applicable.
Top NATIONAL PARK FEES Most of the trekking regions are also National Parks, Wildlife Reserves or Conservation Area. A separate fee of NRS 1000 (approximately USD 15) is required to pay for National Parks and Wildlife Reserves and NRS 2000 for the Conservation (Annapurna Area, Kanchanjunga Area and Manaslu Area) Area. Subject to change in fees. NOTE: - Trekking Permits and National Park Fees and National Park Fee will be included in our package rates wherever applicable. Top THE BENEFITS FOR BEING WITH US 
We offer a full range of Himalayan treks of varying lengths and difficulty levels to suit all preferences, age groups and levels of experience from an easy trek of a few days’ duration to a full-scale mountaineering expedition. You have a choice of treks in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan with us. For the smooth operation of our treks we are well equipped, stressing ahead of each client`s optimum safety, providing guides who have knowledge of the routes, friendly and above all committed to conserving our natural and cultural diversity Top OUR TEAM AND SERVICES The Sirdar, trek leader is responsible for the smooth running of any trek, leads the trek team. They will be able to communicate fairly well in passable English only, so trekkers should not expect them to conduct any in depth or intellectual discourse. We then have the Cook and Kitchen Boys to assist him. Cooks who are well trained in modern cooking hygiene prepare meals. Deforestation is Nepal`s greatest environment problem. We use kerosene as an alternative to wood on all treks. We do not have campfires, and we strongly discourage trekkers from buying wood-fueled hot showers in lodges along the trail. We recommend that each trekker keep a small plastic bag in their daypack to collect personal rubbish on the trail & in camp such as film covers, chocolate wrappers etc; Our trail staffs are trained for correct disposal of waste. Each morning a small fire will be made for burnable rubbish. Any non-burnable or non-biodegradable like batteries & plastic bottles should be taken back to Kathmandu. A team of junior Sherpa Guides and Porters depending on the group size will carry all camping equipment and clients` belongings. Client has to carry only his daily uses. As the Sirdar is overall in-charge, the clients must respect him as such and heed his warnings and advice during any difficult situation that could arise during treks. Trekking in Nepal is by no means trekking in wilderness; trails generally pass through inhabited villages. However, once the trek is underway, communication with their home or Kathmandu is either very difficult or impossible. Therefore, the trekkers should be prepared for any eventuality. Our staff will always do their best to help you. Top A DAY ON THE TRAIL 
A trekking day usually keeps to a pattern. But this may vary drastically on days when you are crossing a pass or climbing a peak or when local conditions force changes in the itinerary. 6-6.30 am: A typical day on the trail begins with a hot cup of tea and a bowl of warm water for washing. 7 am: Time for breakfast. It generator consists of local bread of toast, biscuits, musli, granola, cereal, eggs, and tea of coffee. 7.30-8.00 am: We hit the trail and walk for three to four hours. The pace is leisurely, no rush, and there will be plenty of time to explore local villages and take photographs on the way. 12noon: We break for lunch, which generally consists of local breads with butter, cheese, potatoes, a hot vegetables dish, meat, and drinks. Lunchtime is spent beside a river or in a peaceful mountain meadow. 1.30-3 pm: We resume walking and reach our campsite by mid-after-noon. The rest of the day is free to wander around, fill in your diary or visit a nearby village. Meanwhile, the staff will be setting up camp and preparing dinner. 6-6.30 p.m: Dinner is served in the mess tent. After a delicious meal, the sun goes down and so does the temperature. Some retire to the warmth of the sleeping bag while others hang around the mess tent to recount tales of the day. Top |