FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)- Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & India trip info
What is trekking?
Nepal is a pioneer in the sport of trekking. A trek is a mountain walk from place to place, rather than just rambling or day walking from a fixed base. A trek is not necessarily more arduous or uncomfortable than center-based sojourns; we believe they are more interesting and rewarding. Trekking appeals to different people for different reasons. Most are drawn to the healthy exercise and magnificent mountain scenery, both of which are fully guaranteed. Because of the type of treks we operate, Himalaya Journeys Treks & Expedition particularly appeals to those who are seeking unspoiled areas and an opportunity to experience the indigenous culture, history and traditions of a region. For some- certainly not everyone the lure of trekking is the desire to take on a strenuous, testing high-altitude route.
How long is the trek and how far each day walking?
Generally the trek duration depends on your interest and location of trek. Your trek can last anywhere from 2-3 days to an entire month or longer if you wish. We can accommodate day hikes, cultural visits to local villages, and relaxing rest days on your trek. The decision is up to you.
It is difficult to reply you when you ask how far each day walking but it is best answered in terms of time rather than distance, as mileage is dictated by altitude and terrain. Walking time, including rests, ranges from four to eight hours but there is no hard and fast rule.
How difficult are the treks?
The difficulty of our treks depends on where you want to trek and how long you want to go. The shorter Treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep trails leading to amazing views. The pace at which you hike is up to you. We have friendly and dependable porters to assist you with your personal gear.
Where do we stay on trek?
Where acceptable hotel facilities exist, we normally use them. Tea houses are a way of life for almost all trekkers. They are the combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. We encourage all trekkers along the Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna treks to try our tea house treks. Our many years of experience along these routes have helped us find the friendliest, cleanest, and most enjoyable tea houses with the best views. Most tea houses have running water. Many have hot water available for bathing. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood fires due to lack of firewood in most villages. Deforestation is a big environmental concern in Nepal. These are also great way help support local villages. In remote terrain, we camp in tents. Even if you've never camped before, you don't need to worry: the tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads/mattresses are comfortable. On all of our treks there is a bathroom tent and a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening.
Where and what type of food is served?
If you are on a tea house trek you will eat breakfast and dinner at your tea house. We will stop for lunch at one of the various trail side restaurants. And snacks are always easy to find. If you are on a camping trek we will prepare all meals and snacks. Almost every tea house serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and curried lentils). All tea houses we stay at have a variety of different foods on the menu including noodles, rice, potatoes, vegetables and soup. Some have Nepalese versions of western food such as pizza and French fries too. The choice is yours. Sodas and beer are available at most of the tea houses and of course Nepalese milk tea is served every where.
How safe is the food?
Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best to choose Lodge [ tea houses] and restaurants with clean and sanitary kitchen. On our lodge treks, we provide a cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe.
Where do we get water during the trip?
All tea houses have boiled and filter water for trekkers. Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. In a camping trek, we boil water in the morning and you will have enough boiled water in your bottle.
Is the water safe to drink?
Your guide will be in charge of all your water needs. He will make sure all water is boiled and treated with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water.
What happens if there is an emergency?
Himalaya Journeys Treks &Expedition prides itself on being prepared for any emergency situation. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. But if a serious emergency occurs, then outside help is needed. Every client should have their own insurance before coming to Nepal. If an emergency occurs, Himalaya JourneysTreks &Expedition will initially cover the cost of an evacuation until your insurance company can deliver payment.
Is there a doctor on the trek?
We can't guarantee a doctor on every trekking areas, but we do try to encourage suitably experienced medical personnel to join our high altitude treks by offering a discount in return for looking after the medical needs of a group. In addition to trek doctors, our group leaders are trained in first aid.
Could you tell me how much money do I need?
This is bit of difficult to explain to you without knowing your proper holiday plan. But you can make always easy with explaining about your interest- that you like to do tour, trekking, rafting, wildlife safari, shopping etc. or with explaining about the categories of hotel that you're going to accommodate and nature of tour you're going to do, and total days for Nepal. We will tell you want cost for what! Then you will know the how much money should have to bring with you.
What sort of experience do your guides have?
Himalaya JourneysTreks &Expedition has professional, dependable and experienced guides, who all are well trained from our Government. All of our guides have spent years exploring the mountains and countryside of Nepal. All guides speak English and have a great knowledge of the various trekking routes. Our Guides will have the pleasure of guiding you in the most beautiful trails in the Himalayas, which will enhance your holiday experience and make it a real success. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to react in any situation. And most importantly our guides are very friendly and enjoyable and want to share with you the faith of Nepal.
We do the both single?
What would be when I am single or with my family? guided trek/ tour and group tour. If you are alone and willing join with other people, this is always possible. On your request we will give all the details of the member and size of the groups that you're joining. People traveling with us may be of any nationality, either sex, alone or accompanied, experienced travelers or complete beginners. Groups are always small (in general 10 or less). English is the common language, and there can be a wide age-range. We apply no upper age limit, though we ask those over 70 for their doctor's confirmation of their fitness to participate. Generally speaking, we regard our trips as being for adults: unaccompanied minors are not accepted, but of course we will accept accompanied minors. Our family Trek is designed to accommodate younger children.
Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
Private rooms are available in most Lodges or tea houses except for those at very high altitudes. Most bathrooms are shared. On our lodge treks we also provide someone to clean all bathroom facilities for our groups. Our lodge treks also include bed and pillow covers.
How difficult is the trek?
We can absolutely assure you that you do not have to be young, very experienced, or super fit to enjoy most of our treks. Our trekkers range from 18 to 39. Previous walking experience, though useful, is not essential: the great majority of our treks could be undertaken by anyone who is in good health, enjoys outdoor life, and is reasonably fit. Many of our guests casually participate in a sport such as swimming, cycling, tennis or golf. Our treks are graded for difficulty, from A (easy) to E (technical).
What we do every day in trekking?
A trek day begins around 6 a.m. with a mug of coffee or tea served through your tent flap. Hot water is provided for washing and shaving, followed by breakfast. Water is provided for your water containers. We strike camp and begin walking in the pleasant cool of the morning for 2-4 hours before stopping for lunch. This two-hour break offers an opportunity to write in your diary, read and relax. The full meal typically includes fresh fruit, tinned meat, cheese, rice chapatis or biscuits, cooked vegetables, and tea or coffee. We usually reach our campsite by 4 p.m. and have tea and biscuits shortly afterwards. There is time to rest or explore before our evening meal at 6 p.m. This is the social event of the day. It begins with an appetizer and soup, followed by the main course and dessert with tea or coffee. The variety and quality of our "camp" food will delight you. Guests keep threatening to take our cooks home with them! As we mainly camp near villages, there is usually plenty of time to visit with the locals before or after dinner and sample their home brews. As night approaches, most people retire to their warm sleeping bags and are fast asleep by 9:30 p.m.
Why should I travel with Himalaya Journeys Treks &Expedition?
There are many reasons. We In a nutshell, we go out of our way to make sure your experience is a positive one, there will be no negative impact on the region we are visiting: after all, we live here. And our safety record is unsurpassed.
We provide the most modern, lightweight equipment, specially designed for trekking & climbing and vegetarian, non-vegetarian cuisine, travel arrangements and reliable, friendly and experienced staff. We respect and follow our clients' suggestions and ideas for planning their special trips. We also provide warm clothes, good walking shoes and other necessary trekking equipment for our Guide and Porters. They will get good accommodations along the way and food same as you are having on the way. All our trekking staffs are insured.
If you would like to speak with some of our satisfied guests, we can provide you with references of someone who lives nearby and has probably even done the same trip you are considering.