What is trekking?
Trekking is an adventure activity, and a pioneered sport in Nepal. It is a strenuous walk that is undertaken with the intended purpose of exploring and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are different forms and kinds of trekking in Nepal. The types of trekking can be categorized based on days it takes for completing it, and way of the night stay. In general there are 4 types of trekking which is as under: - Camping Trek, Tea house trek, Long day trek, and short days trek Trekking draws people from all around the world, and appeals to different people for different reasons. Some come here for getting physical exercise, others here to soak into the culture, history and tradition of the country. While others visit Nepal with the purpose of making history, by scaling the ultimate peak of Mount Everest.
Is Nepal safe for trekking?
Yes trekking in Nepal is overall a very safe adventure activity. Every year, more than 100,000 trekkers head for the trails in the Nepal Himalaya and only a handful of them face with problems on their trek. Shepherd Holidays ensures that your entire trek is not only appealing and valued but is safe as well.
How long does it take to complete trekking in Nepal? How much do i have to walk each day?
Ideally your trekking duration in Nepal trek depends on your interest and location of trekking. Your trek can last anywhere from 2-3 days to an entire month or longer if you wish. On an average you have to walk for around 6 to 7 hours depending upon the terrain and the physical endurance of an individual on the trek. Besides that the acclimatization time is all taken into account.
How difficult is it to trek in Nepal?
Well, it depends on the location and choice of trekkers. Both difficult as well as easy treks are available. For doing long treks in Nepal, you should possess a good physical fitness levels. Whereas the shorter treks are comparatively easier and physical endurance is not required as such. Depending upon the nature of the trek and preferences porters is always there to assist and help you with your personal gears and backpack.
Where do we stay while on trek?
Your stay depends on the nature of your trek chosen by you. If it’s a camping trek you will be staying in tents, with food and other equipment provided by the company. Tea house trek involves staying in a small house at nights and eat whatever is available there and then.
Is there any age limit for trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal?
There are no specific age limits for trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal. However you should be over 18 years of age or above. In case of a minor you can still be on trek, but its best if you accompany your parents or guardians.
Will it be a problem to trek for elderly people?
No not at all for the elderly people we walk at a slow pace. We have the experience of trekking with the people in the age group of 75- 80 and beyond. They all enjoyed and were satisfied in our trekking approach and methods, as none of them complained or faced any kind of problems till the completion of the entire trekking journey.
Where do I apply to get my Visa?
You need to apply for visa is from the Nepalese embassy or a consulate in your country itself. Other than that you can get it from the Immigration office at the various entry points of Nepal during your visit.
Are there any trekking permits required?
Yes trekking permits are required, but depends upon the trekking area. Special trekking permit is required for restricted areas. Whereas other than restricted areas, conservation/national park entry permit and Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card is enough to set you on a trekking journey.
How safe is the food?
Food hygiene is always a matter of concern for us. Hence we make sure that you get the safe best cooked food. Also we have a practice at Shepherd Holiday to select the best, safest and sanitized lodges, tea houses or restaurants that meets all the food concerns thoroughly.
Is water available during the trekking trip? How safe is the drinking water?
Yes water is always available during the trekking trip. The water that you get to drink are boiled and thoroughly filtered before it is used for drinking. Hence you need not worry about the water too much.
How do you handle all kinds of emergency situations?
Trekking involves unseen and unexpected hazardous situation. Shepherd holidays understand it thoroughly, and are well adapted to counter such situations if it arises. We have a fleet of well trained and certified guides in first aid trained in first aid and can deal with any kind of sickness or injuries that occur during a trek. In case of extreme emergencies situations, you will be airlifted and reached to a safe place with the help of helicopter as well.
How much money should i bring with me when i come for trekking in Nepal?
Shepherd holidays take care of your accommodation and food when you come for trekking in Nepal. You need not pay anything extra from your pocket than the ones mentioned in your trekking schedule. If you plan to do something extra other than the scheduled program or purchase some kind of souvenirs to take back home than you need to carry extra cash with you. For how much money to bring, it is always advisable to check out various online websites that are available to get a fair idea about the money matters.
Are single rooms available?
Yes, more often than not you will find single rooms available, while trekking in Nepal, but it is not fixed. It largely depends upon the nature of the trek, time of the year and its availability. If available you can staying the single room.
Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?
Yes, you can use the appliances that you bring, from your home country, but it may or may not match with the standard voltage frequency used in Nepal. InNepal the frequency used is 230V.So it is always advisable to carry an electrical convertor and plugs to avoid any kind of voltage hassles that you might encounter. You can use the following link:-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity to get all the necessary details regarding the electric appliances and its usage while trekking in Nepal.
Can you accommodate special diets?
No, we never accommodate any kind of special diets for you while trekking in Nepal. However there is a good arrangement of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian healthy meals. Please be remembered that if you are on any kind of special diet, or you are diabetic patient for that matter, you have to make the arrangements yourself for managing your specific diets.
What kind of food do we eat while trekking in Nepal?
You will be primarily eating local Nepalese food during your Nepal trekking journey The Nepalese food includes Dal Bhat, lentil soup, rice and one vegetable dish, often comes with further accompaniments. However if you don’t want to eat the food served, you can visit the nearby restaurants located in and around your project location to have the food of your choice.
Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
Yes more often than not private rooms are available in most Lodges or tea houses except for those at very high altitudes. You will be sharing bathrooms with the other trekkers as well. Most bathrooms are shared. The bathrooms available are well maintained and its hygiene is well taken care of. The private rooms contain bed and beddings with pillow covers, they are comfortable clean and good to relax on after a tiring days of trekking.
Is prior trekking experience compulsory for trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal?
No in general previous trekking experience is not required for trekking in Nepal, unless if you are attempting high altitude trekking. You just need to practice longer walks and build on your endurance levels to attempt any kind of trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.
On an average how much does a porter carry each day?
Well, it largely depends on what kind of trekking route you are on, as well as the altitude. Normally a trekking porter is able to carry loads ranging from 15kg to 25kg, whereas the camping porter carries load that is in and around the 40kg mark.
What kinds of accessories do i need to carry with me while coming to Nepal for trekking?
Carrying accessories is always an uphill task. As it all depends on the trekking season the altitude of your trek, and the area you would be trekking on. If you are on a trekking journey to higher colder altitudes than you will need a Down Jacket, warm fleece jacket, warm thermal underwear, trekking pants and shorts, sleeping bag, trekking boots and a backpack, camera and your personal medication. If it’s a trek to the lower parts, than lighter clothes, shorts t-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen creams, sunglasses, and other things would do. You can also have a look at the website to get all the information in details. Besides it is always advisable not to carry more than what is required and overload yourself with unwanted accessories.
Why is it necessary to use a guide while trekking in Nepal?
It is always recommended to have a guide with you all the time on a trekking journey. As you will be trekking in unknown, unfamiliar, and unheard wilderness parts, as it might be prone to risks. Also at the higher altitudes and elevations what kind of safety measures are required only an expert guide can tell you. Besides that traveling through remote villages it’s very easy to lose track, and language can also be one of the main obstacles that you might encounter. Hence to avoid all such hassles it’s advisable to be with a guide for trekking in Nepal.
Do you recommend booking a trekking trip with an agency?
It is always better to book with an authorized trekking agency, even if you are on a tight schedule or have limited amount of money. Another advantage you get is you might get to travel with other trekkers and the experience can be really worthwhile. You can get a high degree of luxury and facilities that you might not get if you travel solo.
What can I bring back home from Nepal?
There are loads of things that you you can bring back with you like Pashmina, artic rafts, and many more. Besides that you can also purchase Nepali handmade papers, Khukuri/Knives, Thankas-Tibetan paintings, silver jewelries, and other accessories. All these items are easily available at any tourist shops in Nepal. However, Thamel area in Kathmandu is one of the most popular and happening place where you can find it at ease.
How is my booking processed?
For confirming your booking you have to part with a non-refundable deposit of 25% of total trip cost is required, which can be made by bank transfer or Western Union Money transfer. The remaining amount can be paid when you arrive in Kathmandu, and be at our office.
