Life on the Trek

Trekking staff
Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organise the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples. The sirdars are very experienced men, some being previous Everest mountaineers and they are experts in trek organisation, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the sirdar in organising the logistics of the trek. On camping treks there will be a full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

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.

The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing

Food
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
A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset, rather than any Western time schedule. The day starts with an early wake-up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The sirdar will already be organised and have assigned loads to porters and/or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village.

The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

General

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.

Preparing for the Trek

Immigration Requirements

A visa is required to enter Nepal. This can be obtained by application to the Nepalese Embassy in your own country. Alternatively a visa can be obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. You will need US$30 in cash and one passport sized photograph. Please ensure that you have enough cash in denominations of 10s and 5s since the Immigration Officers require the exact money.

Insurance

We INSIST that an appropriate insurance policy is taken out which covers travel in isolated and mountainous areas, and which also includes helicopter rescue. We recommend that you consult a reputable travel agent or insurance specialist.

Health Issues

We recommend that all clients consult their doctor to discuss the health issues associated with their trek. We also recommend that clients bring their own personal first aid kit to supplement the comprehensive first aid kit carried by the Trek Leader.

Vaccinations Required
Please ensure that you allow at least 1 month completing a course of vaccinations. Whilst your personal doctor will be the final authority, we recommend the following:

• Poliomyelitis
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Meningococcal
• Immunoglobulin (for Hepatitis A)

Malaria
Nepal is listed as a country for which malaria prophylaxis is advised. We will not be visiting any malarial areas on the treks; however you may wish to consult your doctor about the need to take malaria pills. Trekkers who plan to do rafting and jungle excursions are advised to take the necessary medication to protect against malaria.
                               
Money
The unit of currency in Nepal is the rupee. In May 2008, the exchange rate was

1 US Dollar = 68.30 rupees
1 UK Pound = 134.67 rupees
1 Euro = 106.46 rupees

Foreign currency can be exchanged in most hotels, banks and at money changing stalls and all major currencies are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted in most tourist shops (at a 3-5% surcharge). Joint venture banks – Standard Charted Bank, Nepal, Nepal Arab Bank, and Himalayan Bank - will advance cash against credit cards. The ATM in The Kathmandu Guest House also advances local currency against a credit card.

We recommend that all trekkers carry some rupees, in small denominations, with them on the trek to cover their personal expenses. However the preferred currency in Nepal is the US dollar and this can be used to pay for personal expenses on most of the popular trekking trails. We recommend that you bring this currency in small denominations.

In order to help you budget for additional expenses that are not included in the trip price, the following list gives an indication of what is required:

• Visa - as already mentioned US$30 is required for the Nepalese Visa, if gained upon entry.
• Meals in Kathmandu - accommodation at the hotel are bed and breakfast. Allow a total of US$20 per day for meals whilst in Kathmandu.
• Sightseeing and transport in Kathmandu - an allowance of a further $10 per day will certainly cover transport costs in and around Kathmandu.
• Personal expenses on the trek - again $10 per day will cover items such as soft or alcoholic drinks and chocolate bars etc.
• Gifts - many visitors to Nepal like to take home gifts. Many wonderful momentoes can be purchased cheaply and usually paid for by credit card.
• Tips - this is entirely optional, but most clients will want to tip the local team of porters and other staff. The amount is a purely personal decision but on average is around $2.50 per trekker per trekking day. Note that there is usually a slighter higher tip given for a succesful ascent to the Sherpa climbing guides.
• Kathmandu Departure Tax - on flying out of Nepal there is an airport departure tax of R1695.

Clothing & Equipment

Recommended Trekking Kit
The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognise that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

• Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn-in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof
• Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking and/or for travelling
• Warm socks for colder areas
• Gaiters, in case of rain or snow

Legwear

• Loose, casual trousers for trekking
• Thermal leggings for colder areas
• Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
• Waterproof trousers

Body

• Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton
• Thermal shirt for colder areas
• Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas
• Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper
• Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes
• Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings; can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head/Hands

• Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
• Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
• Warm gloves

Other items

• Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
• Day sack to be carried personally
• Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag
• One litre water bottle
• Personal first aid kit to include essential items
• Sleeping bag, 4 season
• Torch, ideally head torch
• Camera and film ! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya
• Toilet items and towel
• Large handerchief/bandana for neck

Optional items

• Binoculars
• Books (see Recommended Reading)
• Altimeter
• Compass
• Playing cards / backgammon / chess set

Prices

All of the prices include the following:

Transfers from and to Kathmandu International Airport, and also Kathmandu Domestic Airport as indicated by the itinerary.

Hotel accommodation based on double occupancy. We use a variety of high standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Please note that this    is bed and breakfast only and the additional cost of meals is your responsibility. Please allow $20 per day for this.

Internal transport within Nepal. This is as indicated by the itinerary and includes domestic flights where necessary. Note that bad weather in mountainous regions can cause flight delays. If you are delayed by bad weather prior to trek departure we will meet your accommodation costs. If the delay is extended by two days it may be necessary for us to re-route the trek, perhaps to an area more accessible by road. If you are delayed by bad weather at the end of the trek we will meet your accommodation and food costs for the basic tour dates. Unfortunately we cannot accept responsibility for charges incurred as a result of missed international flight connections. However we will help you to organise your ongoing arrangements. In this situation we would recommend that you make a claim against your insurance policy.

» Accommodation on the trek as indicated by the itinerary

» Provision of all meals on the trek (see section Life on the trek).

» All trekking and climbing related fees as required.

» Provision of appropriate trekking and/or climbing staff (see section Life on the trek).

» Prices exclude:

» International air fare to Nepal.

» Meals at airports and whilst in Kathmandu/Pokhara - allow $20 per day.

» Entry Visa fees - at present $30 on entry in Nepal.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In addition to the items mentioned above for trekking, the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

• Plastic or leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit
• Fleece trousers or salopettes
• Additional mits and gloves suitable for climbing
• Ice axe, and ski poles (note - ice axe can be hired in Kathmandu)
• Climbing harness
• 2 x tape slings
• 2 x screwgate karabiners
• Descender/abseil device
• Ascender