1. Should I hire a porter for the trek ?
Visitors are not accustomed to the conditions in the Himalayas. This means carrying a 10 -15 kg (22-35 pounds) on your back for several days or a week can become very difficult. For a great time and relaxing trek, hiring porters is strongly recommended.
2. What would be an appropriate tip for the mountain guides and porters?
If you are happy with their service we recommend $10-15 USD per guide per day and about $7-10 USD per porter. Although guides and porters receive a fair wage, please remind yourself that their work is seasonal. The extra money goes a long way in providing additional support to families.
3. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?
There are different climates in Nepal due to the extreme altitude differences. The best trekking time is in spring and autumn. The spring season starts in March and ends in late May, with daytime temperatures of up to 22° C, although it may be a bit hazy. In April and May there are many places with wildflowers and rhododendron forests in full bloom.
The autumn season is from mid October to late November, with daytime temperatures rising up to about 25° C, while the nights are somewhat colder. The view in autumn is clearer, and the landscape is in a deep green.
Hiking tours can even be undertaken in December and January. However, it may be particularly cold at night. But the sky is almost cloudless and far fewer hikers are around.
4. What physical condition is recommedned to go trekking in Nepal?
In general, physical fitness and good health are always a prerequisite for trekking trips. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your trek. In addition to good physical condition.
<Select the right trek grade level for yourself>
We recommend visiting your family doctor before your trek, especially if you suffer from heart and circulation problems.
5. Where can I stay during the trekking trips?
There are teahouses/lodges on the most popular trekking routes. They are basic facilities. You share the toilets and shower rooms with other trekkers. Generally you will have a great experiences.
There are also comfort lodges around Kathmandu, Annapurna and on the way to Everest Base Camp. These lodges have comfortable twin rooms with electric blankets and a private bathroom with a shower. They are all in a beautiful location with a view of the mountains.
Please note that there are NO comfort lodges located at an altitude of 4,000 meters and above, only teahouses.
6. What kind of food will I experience in Nepal?
Rice is one of the staple foods in Nepal. For tourists it is generally served with various curried vegetables and spinach. Momos are also very popular. These are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, and are eaten with a spicy sauce. In addition, you can order any western dishes such as pasta, pizza, burgers, soups, etc. during your treks and other cultural tours.
7. Along the trek route, are there places for charging mobile phone and cameras?
At most of the lodges / tea houses, it is possible to recharge your camera and mobile phone batteries. At higher altitudes from 4,000 m the facilities for recharging may be limited. We recommend carrying replacement batteries. At lower altitudes it is wise to charge your batteries completely and bring extra batteries. During camping treks the options are very limited.
8. Do mobile phones gave good coverage on the trek routes ?
The network coverage in Nepal has improved in recent years, however in some places and especially on treks you may encounter problems. You can buy a SIM card with a Nepalese number at low cost which will provide you with better service. Your tour operator or guide can help in choosing the right provider.
9. Can my family and I trek independently and not hire a tour operator and guides ?
We strongly recommend NOT to trek alone without a local mountain guide. The health risks at high altitude can be very dangerous and deadly. In the event of an accident, illness or other natural disaster no one will know your precise location or be able to send help.
The high altitudes and the prevailing weather conditions also poise a serious threat. It is also recommended that you should travel only with reputable agencies / tour operators. Many travel guides list dependable travel agents.