What is the sole purpose of trekking and how can one get most out of it?

The best way to experience Nepal’s is walking on your own foot and explores every niche of this country’s unbeatable combination of natural beauties and cultures. Off the beaten trekking trails or on the high land virgin tracks, Nepal is known only as a trekker's paradise. The very organic rhythm of foot travel is a wonderful way to explore and make significant contact with the country and its inhabitants. On average, trekking is made up of walking daily odd 5 to 7hrs. In other words you can say 9 to 14 kilometers on a series of ascending and descending trails of the mountains. The great contrasts in altitude and climates found here supports an equally spectacular mix of lifestyle and wildlife. Nepal is a pioneer in the sport of trekking ground. Known as the Himalayan Kingdom, Nepal has possessed eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains, including Everest. Each one is over 8000 meters (26,000ft). In all, there are 1,310 peaks of 5000 meters (16,900ft) or more. In each round year there are more than 200,000 tourists come to undertake trekking in this beautiful landlocked tiny Himalayan kingdom nestled serenely beneath the shadow of Himalayas. You will experience unbeatable panoramic views of mountains, a diversity of landscape, flora and fauna, colorful cultures, friendly people and long gone ancient history. Trekkers leave Nepal with grand tales to share with their family and friends.

Tea house trekking: what actually it refers?

A tea-house or lodge-to-lodge trek, where you can share you every evening during the trekking with local inn owners. They are always willing to share their happiness and sorrow of the hard life on their own accounts with the every visitor. You are only requested to he nice on them. Your smile brings you back the same.

In popular areas such as Annapurna, Everest and Lang tang Tea-house are more like Hotels, with hot shower, attached bathroom and delicious cuisine prepared by trained lodge owners. In the remote region Tea House Trekking is simply not possible has there is no inns and lodge available because of comparatively less visitors. Things are getting better shape these days. They are for simple and more authentically Nepalese. Tea-house trekking is less expensive than Camping and preferable it is recommendable to the small groups but also the Large groups can enjoy with unique experience.

Is camping trek worthy undertaking?

On a camping trek you are treated as the king and queen. Every thing will be handle by the company right from you get in Kathmandu, every details of your personal choice will be recorded and prepare the trekking as you wish for. You sleep in tents and every thing will be provided in your door if you are not willing to get gather with other people. In a Camping trekking a team a large crew of trekking staffs accompany you, which includes: guide, cook, and porters who carry all trekking gears. Even if you've never camped before, you don't need to worry: the tents we provide are spacious even for the two people to accommodate comfortably, the sleeping pads/mattresses are comfortable and international style food of high standard. On all of our treks there is a bathroom tent and a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a snuggly, friendly atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening.

I want to go on a trek. When and where can I do so?

There are numerous treks you can try when you are in Nepal depending on the time of the year, amount of time and money you have to spend, and the amount of experience you've had. For limited time and money, the best trekking routes would be the Langtang-Helambu trek just north of Kathmandu, and parts of the Annapurna region trek north of Pokhara. If you have more time, a trek in the Everest region or the full Annapurna circuit can be rewarding. A more difficult trek is the Kanchanjunga area trek in the far-eastern Nepal.

Where Can I get more information and maps?

trekkingguidenepal.com is best for more information. Maps are available in this site.

What is the minimum and maximum group size that you can lead?

On all of our scheduled treks we take only a minimum 1 to maximum of 15 clients per trek. But we also arrange the big group trek for school and university students with discount.

Is someone going to meet me at the airport?

Yes, one of our airport representatives (guide) will welcome you at Kathmandu Airport with a banner and drop you to your Hotel. After check-in at the hotel and refreshments, your guide will formally introduce himself and provide a trip briefing. You should bring 2 passport size pictures to issue the trekking permit.

Is it okay to trek alone?

While trekking alone can be a great way to get to know the country, deciding to trek alone deserves a second thought. Safety-wise, it is generally okay to trek alone on popular trekking route. Incidents involving trekkers do occur occasionally (and probably is on the rise). But as a general advice, you should team-up. Teaming-up can also be of great help if you ever need some medical help. During the main tourist season, you will run across other trekkers who will not mind you joining them. Also, you can find posters in the main tourist areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara looking for trekking partners. An option is also to hire a trek guide or a porter to go along with you.

Should I trek with an agency?

Trekking with an agency can be worthwhile for those who are very tight on schedule but not on money. A trekking agency can organize a trek for you for anywhere in the upwards of $45 - $60 a day depending upon the nature of your trek. The deal normally comes with food, shelter, porters and guides. You will be traveling with other similar trekkers. While traveling with an agency offers you a degree of luxury that may not be available if you go independently, it also has its own limitations. You have to stick to the group schedule; you will not be able to design your own plans; the trip is fairly expensive and your interaction with the local culture will be limited.

Should I hire a porter and/or a guide?

Hiring a porter and/or a guide can add greatly to your trek experience in Nepal, especially if this is your first time, and if you are traveling on less frequented trails, thus having to carry a heavy load (tents, food etc). An independent porter costs about $12-$15 a day, and a guide costs about $15-$18. Make sure you agree upon the wage before hiring one. You can ask your hotelier or a local trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara to find one for you. You can also find them in bigger settlements along your trekking route.

If you decide to hire a porter and/or a guide, remember that you are their employer and thus should take full responsibility. You must make sure they have adequate clothes and other gear necessary for the trek. It is your responsibility to rent the gear for them. It is also your responsibility to take care of their medical requirements if they fall sick during the trek. Remember that many porters hired in the lower lands of Kathmandu and Pokhara may not be aware of the problems of trekking in high altitudes.

Do I need a trekking permit?

Except the trekking areas such as the Everest, the Annapurna and the Langtang, one requires trekking permit to visit other trekking areas. Your visa is not good enough. Trekking permits are issued very easily by the Department of Immigration Office in Kathmandu and Pokhara.You need your visa, trekking fee and two colored passport-sized pictures to get your trekking permit. Remember that you require different trekking permits to different trekking areas. Note, however, that a trekking permit does not allow you to go anywhere in the country either. If mountain-peak climbing is your desire, it falls under a whole different category, and will require a different permit.

How Should I dress during a trek?

Nepal is conservative with clothes, and your reception by locals can vary greatly on the way you dress. Men should always wear a shirt (don't go around bare chested) and long pants. In view of local customs, men should try not to wear shorts, and women should avoid them altogether. For women, a skirt of mid-calf length is preferable to slacks or pants. Slacks with sarong or skirt over them, and a (at least half-sleeved) blouse or shirt are probably most appropriate.

Besides the issue of culturally sensitive dressing, it is also important for you to make sure you have appropriate clothing to meet your needs during a trek. Good shoes are of great importance. You will be walking for up to eight hours a day. They must be sturdy and comfortable. Bring along sneakers --or if you have one, a well-broken-in pair of hiking boots-- they are sufficient for most treks. For higher altitude treks where you may have to tread snow for long hours, good boots are available for rent in Kathmandu.

Also bring along a couple of pairs of warm wool, corduroy or jeans pants (for men), a warm sweater (you can also buy beautiful ones in Nepal for a bargain) and a padded jacket, a couple of T-shirts and/or shirts. Thermal underwear can be great especially between November and February. Bring plenty of woolen and cotton socks.

Anything more specialized than all this can be easily rented or bought in Nepal for a good price.

What else should I bring along in a trek?

Most of what you need during a trek is available in Kathmandu, and you can buy them or rent them once you are there. Most books on trekking will list them, check one out before you embark on your trek. If you do not have a book yet and plan to get one only once you are in Nepal, there are some things you may want to bring from home. Bring ear-plugs to help you sleep in spite of barking dogs. A battery operated short-wave radio can be helpful to listen to weather reports or the news. Also bring along a pocket knife, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, photographic equipment, binoculars, a compass, a good watch with possibly an altimeter, and a day pack. Others, you can buy or rent in Kathmandu for reasonable price.

When I go for treks, can I store my luggage somewhere?

Generally your Travel Company, hotel or lodge will let you store your luggage with them for some nominal or no fee. As long as you lock up your bags, they are normally safe.

Any health precautions that I need to consider during my trek?

Get a good travel book to guide you on health matters. There are plenty available in Kathmandu, if you can't find one in a bookstore near you. Stephen Bezruchka's book called Trekking in Nepal addresses health issues in excellent detail. Don't forget to take a first-aid kit: the details of which are also mentioned in most trek books. All of what you will need to take along can be purchased in Kathmandu, so don't bother carrying stuff from home. Read the health guidance in Health and Insurance section and Dining and Drinking section for more details.

Besides minor ailments stomach problems, blisters, cold and headaches, the most important health problem you may run into is altitude sickness. You will not have to worry about it in Kathmandu, Pokhara or other lower places. But once you are on the trekking trails and above 3000m in altitude, watch out for its symptoms. Refer to a good travel book for details on how to recognize altitude sickness and what to do about it. As a suggestion for travel planning, you may want to plan for "rest days" at about 3,700m - 4,300m altitude levels. This means sleeping at the similar altitude for two nights. Also remember that you should not try to climb too high too soon: about 450m per day is the recommended amount.

What do I do in case of emergency?

Though in general, you are not likely to face any emergency, you can never tell. Once again, a good book on trekking will give you details on what to do in case of emergency. In cases of non-urgent situation, you may have to be carried to the nearest health-post or airfield. If the situation is more serious, send word to the nearest village with radio service for a helicopter evacuation. It costs in the neighborhood of $1200 - $2000 for a helicopter evacuation, and generally a guarantee for payment is required before the helicopter actually takes off. Registering with your embassy can greatly speed the process.

Can you help with hotel accommodation, if I arrive early?

Yes, we can arrange additional accommodation if you plan to arrive early.

Do you offer any other trip besides trekking?

Yes, We offer other adventure, gentle and relaxing trip beside trekking such as peak climbing, wild life safari, river rafting, bird watching, hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, mountain & motor biking, hotel reservation, historical places of Nepal & Tibet.