What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?
This is strenuous trek in the Himalaya. You need good stamina for a long day effort while crossing the Larkya La pass in this trek. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or diseases must seek medical advice before considering any 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 three to four 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 bushwalking 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.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalayan Trail Blazer sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.
What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
Along the trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.
What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
There are whole lot of good restaurents in Kathmandu where you can find any delight of your choice. During your stay in Kathmandu, please note that this package doesnt include any meals.
During the camping our expert camping cook can prepare normal and special meals upon request. There is a wider variety of food available, including Western-style food, and you may request to eat at any point of the day. The camping price includes an all-you-can-eat food service.
What mode of transportation do you use?
Himalayan Trail Blazer is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks.
The transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat is by private 4WD jeep and from Besishar to Kathmandu is by the local bus.
What is the best season for this trekking?
Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November are the best time to do this trek.
What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally colder the days are generally warm. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 25 deg C to -15 deg C low.
I m a Vegeterain, is that a Problem ?
No problem at all because our camping cooks will mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.
Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us.
Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?
These facilities will be available only in few towns by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! Please bring the spare batteries.
Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.
Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?
In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.
How much additional money do I need per day?
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner.
During the trekking all the meals, hot drinks are included, however USD 8 to USD 12 per person a day will be enough to buy chocolates, few drinks during the trekking.
Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
Yes, we provide you shower facilities during your trek. We erect a shower tent and provide you with Buckets of hot water.
Is Himalayan Trail Blazer's staff insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters.
Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
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.
Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
Depending on the season. The luggage will be carried by porter or donkeys or both. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip.
Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?
YES, US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency is required to obtain Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days. Likewise, tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.
What immunizations will I need?
No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.
We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to travelling.
That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Himalayan Trail Blazer at the time of your booking.