What if I have altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness (AMS) is common at high elevations but manageable with proper acclimatization. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Our guides are trained to recognize these signs and know exactly how to respond.

Our approach: We build in acclimatization days, maintain a slow pace, and ensure proper hydration and nutrition. If symptoms worsen, we descend to lower altitudes immediately. We also carry oxygen and have emergency evacuation procedures in place, including helicopter access if needed.

Most trekkers with our company experience mild symptoms that resolve within a day or two. Your safety is our absolute priority.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

No prior trekking experience is required for most of our treks. What matters is your fitness level and mental preparation. We offer treks for all abilities—from easy cultural walks to challenging high-altitude expeditions.

For beginner-friendly treks like Mardi Himal or Ghandruk, a reasonable level of fitness (ability to walk 4-5 hours daily) is sufficient. For challenging treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, we recommend 3-4 months of training beforehand.

Our guides are excellent at pacing and will adjust the trek to your comfort level. We'll help you choose the right trek for your experience and fitness.

What's included in the trek price?

Our trek packages include:

• Professional, licensed guide (one guide per 4-6 trekkers)
• Experienced porter(s) to carry your main pack
• All accommodation (tea houses, lodges, or camping)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• All required permits and national park fees
• Emergency evacuation insurance
• Route planning and logistics support

Not included: International flights, visa fees, personal gear, travel insurance, tips for guides/porters, and optional add-ons (helicopter return, private guide, extra acclimatization days).

What's the best season to trek?

Best seasons: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May) are ideal for most treks. Weather is stable, visibility is excellent, and temperatures are comfortable.

Autumn: Clear skies, crisp air, moderate temperatures. Popular but crowded. Oct-Nov recommended.

Spring: Blooming rhododendrons, clear views, warm days. March-May recommended.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Monsoon rains, lush landscapes, fewer trekkers. Lower prices but higher altitude clouds.

Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, snow at high elevations, clear views from lower altitudes. Good for lower treks like Langtang.

How do permits work?

All trekking regions in Nepal require government permits. We handle all permit applications and processing as part of your trek package.

Common permits:

• TIMS Card: Trekkers' Information Management System (required for all treks). $20-30 USD.
• National Park Entry: Sagarmatha (Everest), Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu. $30-50 USD per park.
• Restricted Area Permits: For remote treks like Manaslu or Kanchenjunga. $50-100 USD.

We'll provide a detailed permit breakdown in your quote. Processing typically takes 2-3 days with your passport photo and information. We can arrange permits before your arrival or upon arrival in Kathmandu.

What should I pack?

Pack light but smart. A porter carries your main pack, so you only need a small day pack (20-30L) with essentials.

Essential items:

• Layered clothing (base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket)
• Sturdy hiking boots (broken in before arrival)
• Warm hat, gloves, and sun hat
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
• First aid kit (we provide basic supplies)
• Medications and personal toiletries
• Passport and travel documents

We provide a detailed packing checklist with your trek confirmation. Many items can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu if you prefer not to bring them from home.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements depend on the trek difficulty. We rate each trek as Easy, Moderate, or Challenging.

Easy treks: 3-5 hours walking per day on gentle terrain. Suitable for all fitness levels with basic conditioning.

Moderate treks: 5-7 hours daily with elevation gain. Requires regular exercise (30 mins, 3-4x weekly for 2-3 months).

Challenging treks: 6-8 hours daily at high altitude. Requires serious training—running, cycling, stair climbing for 3-4 months.

Our guides can recommend training routines and will adjust pace to your fitness. Most trekkers are surprised by how much they can accomplish with proper preparation.

What are the accommodation options?

Most Himalayan treks use tea house accommodation—simple, family-run lodges in trekking villages. Rooms are basic but clean, with shared or private bathrooms.

Standard amenities: Bed with blankets, basic heating (wood stove or electric), hot water bucket showers. Internet and electricity are available in many lodges but not guaranteed at higher elevations.

Camping: For remote treks like Manaslu or Kanchenjunga, we use camping with tent accommodation. We provide all camping gear.

Private vs. shared rooms: Most packages include shared rooms. Private rooms are available at a supplement cost.

All accommodation includes meals. Our guides choose lodges known for cleanliness and good food. You'll experience authentic Nepalese hospitality.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers:

• Medical expenses and altitude-related illness
• Evacuation and helicopter rescue (critical for high-altitude treks)
• Trip cancellation and delays
• Loss of baggage and personal items

Our trek packages include emergency evacuation insurance, but personal travel insurance is your responsibility and provides broader coverage. Many insurance companies offer trekking-specific policies at reasonable rates.

We can recommend trusted insurance providers. Don't skip this—it's your safety net.

Can I customize my itinerary?

Absolutely. We specialize in custom itineraries tailored to your interests, fitness level, timeline, and budget.

We can customize:

• Trek duration (shorten or extend standard routes)
• Difficulty level (add extra acclimatization days, choose easier routes)
• Starting dates (flexible departure dates)
• Add-ons (helicopter return, cultural tours, wildlife safaris)
• Group size (private treks for individuals or families)
• Accommodation preferences (private rooms, upgraded lodges)

Simply tell us your preferences, and we'll design a trek that's perfect for you. Our team in Kathmandu will work with you to finalize all details.

What's the cancellation policy?

We understand that plans change. Our cancellation policy is:

• More than 60 days before trek: Full refund minus 10% booking fee
• 30-60 days before: 50% refund
• Less than 30 days: No refund (deposit is non-refundable)
• After trek starts: No refund (unless cancellation is due to company error)

We recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation for added protection. If you need to reschedule, we can move your trek to another date with minimal hassle.

Contact us immediately if circumstances change—we'll do our best to find a solution.

How many porters and guides will I have?

Guide ratio: One experienced guide per 4-6 trekkers. For private treks or smaller groups, you may have a dedicated guide.

Porter ratio: One porter per person (or shared if you prefer to carry lighter loads). Each porter carries 15-20 kg.

Our guides: All are licensed by the Nepal Tourism Board, trained in first aid and altitude management, and fluent in English. Many speak additional languages. They're not just logistics—they're storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and your safety champions.

Porter welfare: We ensure fair wages, proper food and accommodation, and reasonable load limits. Treating porters with respect is core to our values.

You'll form real connections with your guide and porters. Many trekkers stay in touch long after the trek ends.

What's the maximum group size?

We keep groups intentionally small for safety, environmental responsibility, and personal attention.

Standard groups: 4-12 trekkers per group. Smaller groups move at a more comfortable pace and have better interactions with guides and local communities.

Private treks: 1-3 people. You get a dedicated guide and porters, complete flexibility, and personalized attention.

Large groups: If you have a group larger than 12, we'll arrange multiple guides and porters to maintain the same quality experience.

Smaller groups are better for wildlife sightings, photography, and cultural interactions. We'll match you with trekkers of similar pace and interests when possible.

What's the cultural etiquette for respectful trekking?

Respect for local culture is essential. Here are key guidelines:

• Greet respectfully: "Namaste" (palms together) is the traditional greeting.
• Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially in villages and religious sites.
• Ask before photographing: Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
• Respect religious sites: Remove shoes in temples and monasteries. Don't touch prayer flags or religious objects.
• Walk on the left side of trails: Porters carry loads; stay out of their way.
• Don't give gifts carelessly: Money and candy can create dependency. Our guides recommend appropriate gifts.
• Learn basic Nepali: "Dhanyabad" (thank you) goes a long way.

Your guide will teach you proper etiquette throughout the trek. Locals appreciate genuine respect and curiosity about their lives and traditions.

How can I trek responsibly and help the environment?

The Himalayas are fragile. Here's how to minimize your impact:

• Pack out all waste: We carry out everything we carry in—plastic, batteries, everything.
• Use biodegradable products: Bring eco-friendly toiletries and sunscreen.
• Conserve water and fuel: Hot water is precious. Take quick showers.
• Support local lodges: Buy from local shops and eat at tea houses (not packaged food).
• Avoid single-use plastics: Bring a reusable water bottle; we'll fill it at lodges.
• Stay on marked trails: This protects vegetation and prevents erosion.
• Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance; never feed them.

Our company is committed to sustainable trekking. We work with local communities to protect the environment for future generations.