Nepal Trekking – FAQ
What is the best time of year to trek?
You can find good places to trek somewhere in the Himalayas at anytime of the year. However for most regions the best time is from October to May, with Oct-Nov having best weather for trekking. During the autumn nights are cold in the high Himalaya, but the bright sun makes for pleasant daytime temperature (20 degree centigrade to 5 centigrade in the night). Above 3500m temperature range goes down to -10 degree centigrade, and in winter (Dec-Jan) it is about 10 degrees colder.
How fit do I have to be to do a trek?
Whilst you do not need to be super-fit, you need to be fit enough to comfortably walk for 5-6 hours per day in the mountains on reasonable trails. Most of our customers have an interest in walking in the hills or countryside of their homeland and are used to similar daily trips.
What is a typical group size? Will I fit in?
We pride ourselves in our small group approach to Adventure Travel. Small groups allow you to share great company without crowding your experience. Our typical groups range in size from 2 up to 8. One of the attractions of such a trip is the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and personalities
What if the dates for the group treks don’t fit my itinerary?
If this is the case, we can organize a personalized trek for you. Additionally if you want to spend more time in Kathmandu before or after a trek we can organize the hotels and quote you a price.
Are your tours guaranteed to run?
If you are group of two and more the trip is guaranteed to run.
Do I need to buy special equipment?
Usually our clients simply bring their existing clothing and equipment and if necessary supplement this with some extra items purchased cheaply in Kathmandu.
Is Nepal safe to travel?
The Maoists since June 2006 have come out of the armed conflict and have begun the process of peace talk with the Government, which just recently culminated by them joining the Government. The Maoists now have 5 ministers in the government and around 75 parliament members. As per the peace accord the Maoists has been surrendering their arms to the UN peace monitoring team. Most of the foreign missions have lifted travel warning to Nepal. Please note even in height of conflict (year 2000-2005) no single tourist was attacked or killed by maoists.
What gear to bring?
Passport (with photocopies)
Photos for Nepal visa on arrival
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
Day pack for daily personal items
For Trekking:
Walking boots
Light sandals or plimsolls to wear in the lodges
Rucksack
Warm jacket (ideally a duck down jacket)
2 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of walking socks
2 warm shirts/ thin fleece
1 pair of thin thermal under trousers.
Long trousers for walking (or long skirt for women)
T shirt
Shorts
Swimming costume (for the hot springs in Tatopani)
Gloves (it’s cold on the Thorung La, Laurebina Pass and Cho La)
Warm hat which covers your ears (for the Kali Gandaki and Thorung La – it’s windy)
Base ball cap or broad brim hat to keep the sun off (Australian Barmah recommended)
Sunglasses (vital)
Sun cream
Soap and soap dish
Small towel
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Map
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizing lotion
Alarm clock
Head torch
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Moisturizer, Lip balm
Tampons – hard to buy in rural areas
Ear plugs for light sleepers
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sheet of plastic (Use as a poncho if it rains)
1 roll of toilet paper. You can buy more on the way.
2 large plastic bag. One for smelly clothes, one for things which must be kept dry.
Small good quality padlock
Waterbottle
Iodine tablets for water purification
Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Note. All of the trekking items are available in Kathmandu at nominal prices. However we suggest you bring hiking boots from your home country if you decided to purchase these items in Kathmandu .
Can I store stuff that I do not use on trek?
Most of the hotels provide storage facility for free.
Do I need travel insurance?
Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. It is a condition of booking a tour with Green Lotus Trekking, and your responsibility to ensure for type of tours you are undertaking; the policy must include satisfactory cover for repatriation, high altitudes, trekking and climbing, and helicopter rescue. Please forward your insurance details (e.g. policy number, 24-hour emergency telephone number, name of insurance company) to Green Lotus Trekking when available.
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Yes. You can apply in your home country thorough Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or obtain it at the airport on arrival by paying fee as below:
Multiple entry 15 days: US $25
Multiple entry 30 days: US $40
Multiple entry 90 days: US $100
Note. You also need passport size photo, and suggest you to bring the exact change.
VISA fee and rules effective as per 16 July 2008:
Tourist Visa Extension
Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
Gratis (Free) Visa
Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
I am a single trekker. How does this work?
Normally single trekkers have no problems fitting in with a group. Normally single trekkers share rooms or lodges with other trekkers of the same sex, but if we have an odd-number we ensure that a room or lodge is organised accordingly.
How will my booking be processed?
To confirm your booking we will require a non-refundable deposit of 200 Euro for treks and 300 Euro for a peak climbing which can be made by bank transfer or online through paypal.com (leading transaction site). The balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash or traveler cheque. Alternatively this can be made by bank transfer shortly before arriving in Kathmandu.
Beside deposit payment what information do I need to forward?
Following details is needed to process your trekking permit, national park permit, flight booking etc.
Full name as it appears in your passport
Passport number, expiry date and place of issue
Nationality
Date of birth
Occupation
Emergency contact name and phone number
Passport photo copy
Details regarding any medical or dietary requirements
Your arrival details (time, date, flight no., airlines)
All above info can be sent electronically via email attachment.
How far do I trek each day?
You will typically walk 4-9 miles (5-8 hours) each day. Some days may be rest days for impromptu exploration. In high and steep areas, you may move more slowly. Most people begin to feel the effects of high altitude over about 2000 meters and your trekking pace is always adjusted to permit safe acclimatization. Our treks follow established trails used by local people. You will probably carry only a light day pack.
How flexible is the trekking day?
You can hike at your own pace, stopping when you wish. There is ample time to cover the necessary hiking distance each day with lots of stops. If you are on a private trek, you may wish to take more or fewer days to cover a given distance, or add in rest days. If you like to hike fast, your guide will be concerned that you acclimatize to high altitude effectively. You may wish to reach camp at a measured pace, but take a side hike after camp arrival. Your guide is always interested to learn about your personal interests and to accommodate those interests as the trip permits.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia/ sleeplessness
Persistent headaches
Dizziness, light headaches, confusion
Disorientation, drunken gait
Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs, slight swelling of hands and face
Breathlessness and breathing irregularly
Reduced urine output
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of the appearance of any of the above symptoms, any further ascent should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious problems can occur which can cause death, sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS.
Will I be able to deal with the high altitude?
Our itineraries are designed so that our clients ascend at a sensible and safe rate. The effects of altitude are felt by everyone, even the Sherpas, but most people find that gentle acclimatisation allows them to reach their high point without any problems.
What are normal meals like on trek?
You will have three meals each day plus snacks. Breakfast usually includes a choice of toast, eggs, hot cereal and hot beverages. Lunch may be prepared hot or served as a picnic always with a choice of beverages. Dinner is a major meal with 4-5 main courses usually including salad and/or soup, several vegetable dishes and a meat dish. There will be a fruit desert and hot beverages. We gladly cater for vegetarians. We combine elements of Western and Asian cuisine.
What is teahouse and camping treks?
Tea House accommodation: There are a number of lodges along the popular trekking routes in Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. These lodges are called Tea House Lodges and managed by local people. These lodges have basic requirements for over night accommodation like private rooms, dormitories, toilets, shower room with hot and cold water, and one attached restaurant. The quality of food offered might vary from lodge to lodge but most serve simple and hygienic meals. The teahouse trekking provides you an opportunity to feel the warm hospitality of friendly Nepali hosts. The money you spend goes to the local community.
Camping Trekking
In a typical camping trekking, each pair of trekkers will sleep in a spacious mountain tent with a durable rain, fly, and full insect netting. The tent is fitted with foam mattresses. When your campsite is near villages or lodges you may be invited to sleep in the lodges or homes of local people.
What are the typical foods on the treks?
Mornings begin with a hot drink in your tent. Breakfast usually includes cereal, porridge, and eggs in different style, coffee, tea, and bread with jam and butter. Lunch typically includes Indian-style bread (chapatti) vegetable salads, french fries, fruits, beverages and local snack food. On other occasions lunch may be fried rice, noodles, macaroni, or sandwiches. You will have afternoon snacks such as trail mix, popcorn, or cookies and tea. Dinner includes soup and a full hot meal including rice or potatoes, cooked fresh vegetables, and a lentil or other sauce followed by dessert.
What is your guide like?
Our trekking guides are carefully selected for their ability and are generally from Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and other communities from remote mountain villages. Each guide is trained and has abilities in eco-friendly trekking methods and safety. They help to maintain your health and your happiness as well as his crew members. Our guides are committed to making sure that all our trekkers have an enjoyable trek, come back safe and are overwhelmed by their experience. Your guide will be a friend and companion, who takes pleasure in showing you his country’s specialties and, perhaps, meet his home and family too.
What about the Porters?
Services of porters and pack-animals to carry your luggage and equipment are hired at the beginning of a trek to make sure that most of the costs our clients pay go directly into the local community where you trek.
How much should I tip the guides and porters?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from $2- 5 dollars per day for the guide and $1.5 to 3 dollars per day for the porters.
What is your Kathmandu contact address in case if my family needs to contact me in case of emergency?
Please have them contact at any of the following numbers:
Cells: +977-9841250258, +977-9841269376
We check email frequently throughout the days so you could also write to our email: info@green-lotus-trekking.com if it’s not urgent.