FAQ about Nepal Trekking (most frequently asked questions)

Is trekking for me?
If you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you will find a trek in the brochure to suit you. Normally the shorter treks tend to be easier whilst the longer ones often require a better standard of fitness. All treks in the brochure have been graded. It is also worth remembering if we are tailoring your tour, you can choose the pace and direction of your experience.

When is the best season for trek?
The best seasons for trek are half of February to First week of June and September to early December.

Half of February to First week of June: From the half of February until the first part of June temperatures are relatively warm, 10° to 15° warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The rhododendron forests in springtime are spectacular, with color displays that are "Himalayan" in beauty. June is warm and green with many fewer people - the sense of solitude is much greater than other seasons.

September to half of December: September to early December is an ideal time for the best mountain views. The days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold.

Note: July to August is the Monsoon period in Nepal. However, it is possible to do trekking in rain shadow area like Mustang, Rara, Dolpo, Annapurna circuit, Lantang valley, Jomsom Trek, Everest base camp and Gokyo valley respectively.

How can I trek?
There are two basic types of accommodation in trekking; Teahouse and Camping. All the treks are lead by our professional guides, who all are well trained and licensed by the Government.

CAMPING TREKKING (TENTED CAMP):
On a camping trek you will sleep in tents. The staff includes a guide, cook, Sherpa and sufficient porters to carry all trekking gear. Even if you have never camped before, there is no need to worry that you won’t enjoy the experience. The tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads/ mattresses are comfortable and international style food of a high standard is freshly prepared and served. On all of our treks a bathroom tent is provided as well as a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening. How Camping trek is operated?

NEPAL TEA HOUSE/LOCAL LODGE TREKKING:
In Nepal on the more popular treks, enterprising villagers have built tea-house lodges.

In popular areas such as Annapurna, Everest and Langtang, Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route.

Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
What kinds of meal do we get in tea house?

On trek you are guided by an English speaking local guide and all main baggage is carried by porters, yaks or horses.

Option C. GUIDE AND PORTER HIRING SERVICE

This is another way of doing trekking in Nepal. For economy treks, we provide a guide as well as a sufficient number of porters as per your demand so that our clients can be relieved of carrying the majority of their possessions and bask in the glory of this majestic environment.

Does the food / water safe to eat / drink?
Hygiene when trekking generally has improved considerably over the last ten years; our guides have the local knowledge to choose the lodges which maintain a high standard of hygiene. All meals are prepared to high standards, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. And as well as it is possible to buy of bottled.

WHAT KINDS OF MEAL DO WE GET IN TEA HOUSE?
While on trek you can expect to sample a variety of local foods including such items as Tibetan fried bread, soups, momos (steamed dumplings), daal bhat (lentils and rice), tarkari (steamed,fried, or curried vegetables), potatoes (prepared in dozens of ways), pastas and even a version of pizza. Meats are rarely eaten although you may have canned tuna or sardines and the occasional yak stew. Breakfasts typically consist of eggs (prepared in many ways), hot porridge, muesli, toast, peanut butter and honey. Hot tea is served at every meal. Although food is looked upon as "fuel" rather than a "culinary art", your cook will occasionally surprise you with such delights as banana fritters and apple crisps! You may want to bring your a few of your favorite trail snacks.

What is our daily routine while in trekking?
We wake-up call at 7 am an early morning. After a breakfast, we repack our duffel bag and leave it with our Sherpas.
We are normally on the trail before 8 a.m. Trek at your own pace; all you need carry is a daypack and camera. Sherpa guides hike along to point out interesting flora, fauna and sights. Along the trail are spots to relax, purchase a snack or soda, use toilet facilities and shop for souvenirs.
We will have lunch about 11:30 am to 12 :30 am.
A typical day's hike usually ends in the early afternoon. Time to read or nap before dinner. After dinner there is time to play cards, stargaze and reflect on all the wondrous moments of your day.

What about water - are they available at each teahouse? I know we supposed to bring iodine tablets.
Regarding about the water, we get mineral water, boiled water or filter water during the trekking. If you are going to bring iodine tablets, it would be great. necessary to take Malaria prevention medicine unless you will be visiting a Jungle Lodge.

Is there electricity during the trekking?
Most of the areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Dhaulagiri, Mustang and Manaslu, we get electricity.

Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
There are telephones in many villages along the popular trekking routes from which you can make international calls.

What is altitude sickness?
Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. Altitude illness rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft ) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the oxygen available as at sea level; on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.
What happens to the body during altitude illness? Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain and/or the lungs, creating mild or severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms usually resolve by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsens descent to lower altitudes is warranted..

If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is also necessary to descend.
More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headache, vomiting,, loss of coordination, shortness of breath, cough. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours.

Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness :
• Alcohol
• Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
• Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses

To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three litres of liquids a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
• A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
• Marked nausea and repeated vomiting
• Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
• Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
• Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
• Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
• Swollen ankles and hands
• Confusion
• Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.

Prevention of Altitude Illness:
- What happens to the body in altitude illness? Fluid accumulates in between cells in the brain and/or the lungs. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness or AMS are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms can resolve once someone is acclimatized e.g. by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude or symptoms may worsen needing someone to descend to lower altitudes.

- When mild symptoms develop, it is a signal that you must stay at that altitude until symptoms have gone away. Usually within one or two days you will feel well and can continue your trek.

If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is necessary to descend. Worsening symptoms of AMS including increasing tiredness, severe headache, vomiting, and loss of coordination. These are signs of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). HACE can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours if progressive symptoms are ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.

- Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following medications can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness (these may be safe in non-ill persons, although this remains controversial):

-Alcohol
-Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
-Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
- Drink plenty of liquids (at least three litres a day)
- Avoid getting cold.

- Altitude sickness can, to a certain extent, be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day from one day before ascent until two days after reaching the maximum height. Some experts suggest that to get to know the possible drug side effects it is wise to give it a two-day trial before the trip. This is an unlicensed use of this medicine, which is also only available on prescription, so it should only be undertaken on the advice of a doctor. Possible side effects include nausea: taste disturbance, tingling hands and feet, frequent and copious urination, visual disturbances and skin rash. However, taking Diamox SR does not mean people can ignore advice about slow ascent.

Note: We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist you with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk

What type of insurance should I have? Can I get there?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company; we will arrange travel insurance for you.

What equipment should I bring?

Note: If you do have Sleeping bag, down jacket and walking stick, we will provide you.

What type of insurance should I have? Can I get there?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company; we will arrange travel insurance for you.

What happens if there is an emergency?
All of our guides are trained in basic first aid and can deal with the basic ailments that may occur on trek. In the event of an emergency Unique Path trekking will cover initial expenses of any rescue operation. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for such an event as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. In the more frequented regions there are health posts, which have been established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel. Unique Path trekking is associated members of The Himalayan Rescue Association.

Are the Unique Path Trekking Agency's staffs insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters are insured. Please, click here (We take pride in the fact that every single porter and guide employed by us is not only well paid but also protected by a life insurance policy. They are provided with warm clothing and proper shelter on all high altitude treks. All our treks benefit the village economics by using local services (manpower, produce, lodges and other services). We ensure that all our staff is well paid, insured and properly equipped).

Could you give us some information about the guide?
All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patient and supportive teaching styles and great personalities. Our guides are trained by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, the Ministry of Tourism and at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes and since they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can better care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and can assist you with basic first aid treatment.

Is trekking permit required?
The government of Nepal no longer requires a trekking permit for Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and some other regions. However, conservation permit or National park permits are required for these regions. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal, where trekking permits are required.

Trekking permit is a special permission given to you by the Nepalese government to visit the restricted areas. Trekking permit is required for the following regions.

Fee for Visiting conservation/ national areas:
Annapurna Conservation Entrance Fee is a big 27 US$, National Parks about 14 US$ respectively.

What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?
Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

How safe traveling alone women with your company?
We ensure all safety and security for individual woman traveller while with us, we are more confidence for this issues, believe us. We have train our guides, the way our clients want. We give you personal room on lodge trek and personal tent for camping (tented camp) trek.

What happens if I need to leave the trip early?
Communication is sometimes difficult in the mountains. However our guides and local staff will make the necessary efforts to obtain the necessary transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if for any reason you need to depart early.

If I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging?
We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs.

Does your company arrange domestic and international flight and other services?
We are Nepal based company. So we suggest you to arrange your destination International flight from your hometown. Domestic flight ticket is included in our packages tour.

Additional help will be provided for you different activities like river rafting, city guided tour, Mountain flight, jungle safari etc according to your requirements.

Is someone going to meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?
Yes, our Airport Representative will come to the airport to pick you up. We will be displaying a play card of Unique Path trekking company with your name on it. Airport transfer is included.

How much spending money should I bring?
This will depend on the destination and you're spending habits. However our trip dossiers will give you an idea of how to budget for additional meals, optional excursions, and extra expenses you might incur on any specific trip.

Does Unique Path trekking accept credit cards?
We accept American Express, Visa and Master cards. If you are paying in person in Nepal, we request that you pay in cash or Travelers cheques as the bank charges for credit cards are quite high.

What if I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging? Is there a single room option?
We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs.

Can I bring some food from home?
You may bring power bars, Gu, Power Gel, cereal bars or similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.

Is it necessary to take precautions against Malaria?
It is not necessary to take Malaria prevention medicine.