Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
Trekking in the Himalayas: If you
are trekking for the first time around you will have many
questions and even more doubts. What will be some of the
requirements on your trek, what would be the essentials
you should check on before you go ahead and confirm with
your tour operator for your dream trek in the Himalayas.
This section is a pointer to what facilities an ideal agency
should be offering you on your trek and answers to some
of the Frequently Asked Questions before starting the trek.
01: What sort of experience do your guides have?
A: Eco-Trek has some of the most dependable and experienced
guides in Nepal. All of our guides have spent years exploring
The mountains and countryside of Nepal. All guides speak
English and have a deep knowledge of the various trekking
routes. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how
to react in any situation. And most importantly our guides
are friendly and enjoyable and want to share with you the
true beauty of Nepal.
02: What should I carry on my day
packed ?
Packed for yourself and carry during the day:
03: Can you just tell me types of trekking
you are running?
A: Currently we are running three type of trekking:
-
Tea House Trek: this is very budget oriented
trip that just provides the essentials for trekking. We
provide a guide and porter who show you the way and carry
the gear. You stay and eat in local tea houses along the
way.
-
Upgraded Lodge Treks: These treks also take advantage
of the many lodges along the trail. We have chosen the nicest
and cleanest lodges available and provide bed and pillow
covers to all our clients. We also provide a personal cook
to prepare all snacks and meals hygienically and with our
own cookery. In addition to your experienced guide and porter
we provide an extra porter to clean all bathroom facilities
to the standards you expect. All trips run on the classic
trekking routes are either tea house or upgraded lodge treks
due to the lack of campsites and environmental impact in
these areas.
-
Camping Treks: All of our off the beaten path
treks require us to bring our own camping and kitchen facilities.
We provide a guide, porters, a cook and a deep knowledge
of all these unique areas. This is not a backpacking trip
because we cook all meals, carry all the gear and pitch
every camp. All camping spots have the best view possible
of your surrounding environment.
04. What is the routine on the trek?
A:Trekkers normally start their walk early, after a hot
breakfast, to enjoy the morning sun bathing the peaks. Carry
a light sack for your camera, lunch box and your wind cheater.
Ask the manager to arrange for porters before hand, who
can carry your other baggage and all equipment - leaving
you free to enjoy the peace and beauty of the mountains
and valleys. By late afternoon you could reach your new destination where
a camp and the food is set up by the trek staff.
On a camping trek with group evenings generally tend to
be lively with some porter entertaining you with his tribal
song while his friends improvise musical instruments or
just having a lively camp fire discussion of your own.
Early morning, a hand stretches out with a hot mug of tea
followed by warm water for a wash. Cooked breakfast and
off you go again to your new destination.
05. Is the country politically stable and safe?
A: Nepal is one of the new democratic countries in the world
with many active political parties, ideas and leaders. As
such there might be some disturbances in some parts of the
country. But it does not effect the daily life of the residents
in other parts. Life moves on as usual, unperturbed.
06. Are the trails crowded?
A: On a off the beaten treks, you may find no other foreigners
apart from your group for days on end. At the peak season,
you may probably see some other trekkers. Even on traditional
treks there will be far less people than you would see on
a normal walking trail at home.
07. Should I purchase a lot of expensive gear to go on
a trek?
A: If necessary we will provide free the most expensive
items - a sleeping bag, warm jacket and sleeping mat. You
have to provide the other personal clothing items you need.
This will involve some expense, although you will be amazed,
by how much use you will be able to make out of clothing
you already own.
08: What photographic equipment should I take?
A: Most trekkers would like to record their trip on film.
Himalayan treks offer a wealth of photographic possibilities
and carrying a little extra photography equipment can be
worth its weight. Single reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses are most
suitable for the situations that you will encounter. Lenses
should include a wide angle (28-35 mm) for buildings and
landscapes, a tele-photo (70-200 mm) for un-obtrusive portraits
and close-ups of mountain peaks. A macro lens will help
you photograph flowers of Himalaya. Carry plenty of film as you will probably end up taking
more photographs than you planned (a roll a day should suffice).
Make sure you have waterproof covering for your camera,
equipment and extra batteries. You will need an ultra violet
and polarising filter for high altitudes.
09. What about overnight accommodation?
A: Where possible most operators prefer to organise the
stay in country side hotels or rest houses. For the major
part of the trek, the accommodation would however be tend
to be in tents on twin sharing basis. Bathroom and sanitation
facilities are improvised and made as comfortable as possible.
10. How long a trek goes?
A: 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.
11: How difficult are the treks ?
A: 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.
12: What is including on your tent/ lodge based Trekking?
A: Our lodge or camp based trek includes: 3 meals per day,
guide, porters as needed (in general one for two trekkers),
commendations, toilet paper (bring extra), washing water,
etc. Showers are usually available but may not be available
every day. Trekking price does not include any type of bottled
beverage but does include boiled water and drinks (hot)
with meals. All trekking services are included from here
till the end of the trek. On our lodge-based trek, we always
utilize the best lodge-accommodations available within the
area. This can vary dramatically with each community. (Included
flight/ transport/ and all trekking service.)
13: What are the Tea Houses like?
A: 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 They are also a
great way help support local villages.
14: Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
A: Private rooms are available in most 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.
15. What type of food is served on a trek?
Normally hot meals are served all along the trip, though
at times packed lunches may be given when distances between
stops do not permit cooking. A variety of nepali and continental
dishes are prepared with fresh vegetables depend on place.
Most of the trip have an accompanying cook to take care
of the details.
16: How safe is the food ?
A: Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign
country. Which is why we do our best to choose tea houses
and restaurants with clean and sanitary kitchens . 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.
17: Where do we get water during the trip ?
A: All tea houses have boiled 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.
18: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Your guide will be in charge of all your water needs.
He will make sure all water is boiled and treat it with
iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria
in water.
19: What clothes should I bring?
A: Choosing the right clothing is very important. You want
to have enough clothes to stay warm or cool yet not over
pack. Usually you will have warm days and cold nights. A
warm jacket either fleece or down can be nice for the evening
. Long under wear and wool socks are good for warmth too.
We encourage people to bring a light pair of pants and shorts
for hiking. Sunscreen and glasses are a must . Rain and
hail can appear on a trek so we suggest a Gore-Tex jacket.
Most gear can be purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara at one
of the many outdoor gear shops.
20: What type of shoes or boots should I wear?
A: The proper foot wear depends on the trek. Shorter treks
can be done in comfortable running shoes while longer ones
require sturdy but light weight hiking boots. Shoes and
boots are best purchased before arriving in Nepal. Proper
fit is a must for boots. And we encourage wearing your boots
before the trek to wear them in.
21: What will the weather be like?
A: Weather effects everything in Nepal and trekking is no
exception. Sudden rain storms or snow flurries are always
a possibility. The weather during the trekking season is
somewhat more stable. We pay close attention to weather
reports during the trekking season.
22. Will I get altitude sickness?
It depends from person to person, while one may get sick
at a lower altitude, the other might not get affected even
at a much higher altitude. Altitude sickness can be a worry
for many people coming from sea level. Which is why Eco-Trek
trips give our customers extra days to acclimate to the
higher altitudes. Our guides are trained to spot any signs
of altitude sickness and know how to react.
23: What happens if there is an emergency?
A: Eco-Trek 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, Eco-Trek will initially
cover the cost of an evacuation until your insurance company
can deliver payment. All trekking services are included from here till the end
of the trek. On our lodge-based trek, we always utilize
the best lodge-accommodations available within the area.
This can vary dramatically with each community. (Included
flight/ transport/ and all trekking service.)
24: How about an insurance?
A: To protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances
we strongly recommend you take out a ‘Trip cancellation
and medical insurance policy’ in your home country. The
medical policy should include coverage of transportation
costs in the event of emergency helicopter or surface evacuation
being required. We regret that such insurance policies are
not available for places like Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.
25: How much money should I bring for the trek?
A: The amount of money you bring on a trek depends on you.
Cold sodas during the day and an occasional beer after a
long day of hiking can be awfully nice. These along with
any souvenirs and film are personal expenses. We have a
safe in our office where plane tickets and money can be
kept.
26: How can we respect your culture during our trek:
A: With its diverse ethnic groups and traditional beliefs,
Nepal has numerous cultural practices that may appear unusual
to a person on his/her first visit to the country. However,
to enjoy your stay in this remarkable country of white Himalayas
and sparkling rivers it is important to take into consideration
the different cultural aspects of the country. Here is a
list of things which may be helpful to you.
-
The form of greeting in Nepal is "namaste" an is performed by joining the palms together.
-
Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
-
Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or hands being used for your eating to touch other's food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
-
Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.
-
While travelling dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
-
Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.
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Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
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Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
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Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
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Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our environment.
-
Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean
"Yes".
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Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
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