Q. How fit do I have to be and is trip for me?
A. Climbing Peak provides the most adventurous experience with spectacular scenery through remote glaciated valleys and passes. This trip requires you to have an above normal level of fitness which will assist with climbing Peak. Any person suffering from a per-existing medical condition or diseases must seek medical advice before considering this trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bush walking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
A. Yes, our Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall, he/she will be displaying an Himalayan Trail Blazer sign with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
A. We use standard rooms from three/four star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes teahouse /Lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you sleeping bags if needed (which need to return after the trip) but it is good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. We usually provide single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. The dining room is downstairs around a fire. All food will be cooked to order in the little kitchen. You should not enter the kitchen unless asked to do so.
Toilet Facilities - On trek, common toilet facilities are available at Tea Houses.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
A. Most tea houses (lodges) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhaat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.
During the Camping, our export camping cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to tea houses.
Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Q. What sort of transportation you use?
A. Himalayan Trail Blazer Trek and Expedition is all about providing you with local insights as well as adventure, with that in mind, where we think you will get more out of your holiday by using different means of transport that is what we do. Using a variety of private transport is an integral part of our Himalaya tours and enhances the experience!
We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, van, land cruiser. These small light vehicles are more manoeuvrable and flexible enabling us to take you through the Narrow roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.
Q. What is the best season for this trip?
A. The best time for this trip is October to November and March to May.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?
A. Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler with the days being warmer, and in winter (January and February) it will be bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be snow any time of year. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?
A. These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls.
Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in trekking?
A. In most cities yes, to some extent, however once you leave those cities behind you will only need cash.
Q. How much additional money do I need per day?
A. In Kathmandu, you can allocate US$ 10 - 25 for a lunch / dinner. It’s all depends on your spending habits. US$10 to 20 US$ a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and few drinks in trekking.
Q. Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
A. This is a difficult thing to judge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 1000 USD per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small way to show your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide.
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?
A. In most places bottled water is readily available. But it is important for you to drink normal water, so bring purifying tablets with you. During camping we provide boiled water to drink.
Q. Are the Himalayan Trail Blazer staff insured?
A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, Sherpa and porters.
Q. What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tour?
A. *Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
*Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
*Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separate
*Flight tickets
*Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.
Q. Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
A. A trekking holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Q. Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
A. Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
Q. What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
A. In major places, we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the places, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower; it would cost you extra about USD 5-8 per shower.
