Trek FAQs

This page contains links to important documents and attempts to answer some of the more commonly asked questions.  It's still under construction, so if you have a specific query which is not addressed below, please contact us.

How tough is it?  How fit do I need to be?

What's a typical day like?

What do I need to take?

What about altitude sickness?

Do I need a visa?

What else do I need to know?

Q. How tough is it?  How fit do I need to be?

Each trek is different, some involve strenuous hikes over high passes, others are strolls along river valleys!  The itinerary will explain exactly what to expect. 

However, all involve an element of walking, usually for a few hours in the morning, and again a few hours in the afternoon.  Humla is not known as the 'Hidden Himalayas' for nothing!  The area is remote, hilly and high (2,000m-5,000m above sea level). There are no roads in Humla, the trails vary from wide dirt tracks, to steep rocky steps.  The pace may be slow, but the terrain can be tough.

Therefore you must be fit!  Allow plenty of time to get in shape with stout walking, including plenty of hills and off-road tracks.

Don't worry, we've had people from ages 17 to 70 trek with us!  It's challenging, but not impossible, just don't underestimate the Himalayas! 

Link to Medical Disclaimer

Q. What's a typical day like?

Your itinerary will have have full details of what each day entails, but expect the unexpected!  Travel in Nepal can be unpredictabe, due to weather, strikes, politics, red tape, landslides, fuel shortages, sheep on the runway, etc, etc, so a sense of humour, flexibility and a good long book may be called for!

However, if there was such a thing as a 'typical trek to build', it might look like this...

Overview

The walk in could take around a week to ten days, then you might work on a project for up to a week, then walk out again via a different route.

On the trail

> You'll be woken bright and early with a cup of tea delivered to the tent. 

> A bowl of hot water for washing appears shortly after. 

> Half an hour later, breakfast - porridge, cereals, eggs, bread, jams, tea, coffee - is served in the communal mess tent.

> Once everyone's eaten and packed, the porters pick up the bags and start off ahead.

> The trek group moves out, supported front and back by experienced and qualified local guides.

> Regular rest stops are made en-route, for water and snacks. 

> Lunch will be either a packed lunch, or if you're lucky (and beware, it might mean there's a tough afternoon ahead!) the cooks will have raced ahead and be preparing a cooked lunch in a shady spot by a river!

> After lunch, further walking, until you reach that evening's campsite. 

> On arrival you're met with hot juice and biscuits.  You have time to yourself to relax and freshen up before dinner.

> Dinner is served in the mess tent.  Soup to start, then generous helpings of tasty hot food, lots of carbs, perhaps some meat and a couple of vegetable dishes, followed by fruit cocktail, or even apple pie!  The cooks are used to catering for Westerners and all food and drinks are carefully prepared to the highest standards. 'Dahl bhat' (lentils and rice, the Nepalese staple) is available on request if you prefer!

> After dinner, you have the evening to yourself, if you have any energy left!

Q. What do I need to take?

On most treks you'll be walking for up to several hours a day, often at altitude, and with the potential for all sorts of weather! The itinerary for your trek will explain if there's anything specific that you need to consider (e.g. whether to prepare for snow). Good quality, well worn-in walking boots are a must!

We'll generally be camping on the trail, tents and sleeping mats are usually provided, but you'll need a good warm sleeping bag. Most things can be obtained in Kathmandu, but don't rely on it as brands/quality could be different to what you're used to. Come prepared, because once you leave Kathmandu there's very little opportunity to shop!

On the trek, you'll be provided with a duffel bag for your things, which will be transported for you. Pack light and pack practical. All you need to carry is a small daysack, typically with water, camera, suncream, waterproofs and snacks. Anything that's not needed on the trek can be left safely in Kathmandu.

Click here to see a suggested list of equipment.

Q. What about altitude sickness?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), commonly known as altitude sickness, is an extremely serious, potentially fatal condition.  It can occur at altitudes above 2,000m, more usually above 3,500m.  There are simple and effective steps to control the risk of AMS.  All our guides are fully trained and experienced in dealing with AMS.  Further information is available in the attached leaflet. 

Q. Do I need a Visa?

Yes.  You can get one in advance, or on arrival.  It's relatively easy and quick to get it on arrival, but if you're travelling in a group, best if everyone get's it sorted in advance to save delays at the airport.  Download a Visa application from the Nepal Embassy

Q. What else do I need to know?

Doubtless there are many other things you want to know about, and some things you may not have even thought of yet!  If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

For your interest, a general infomation leaflet is provided here.  This will be tailored to each trek, so if you decide to trek with us, you will be provided with information specifically tailored for your trek.