Tour faqs
Safe Drinking Water in Trekking
We suggest you drink Euro-guard filters water now several guest houses have this system or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. Also, boiled filter water is available in the tea house they are using gas or electric boiler. For water ask to lodge people which might cost little during the whole period of trekking. Although mineral water is available in most places which is a better choice and there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, we encourage the guests to do what they can protect the environment
About Tour Guide
We offer you an experienced tour guide. He is in charge of your overall travel packages. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns, and questions. He is well trained in all aspects of the tour, first aid, and emergency procedure. He is selected in terms of his professionalism.
Equipment
We suggest you bring the following equipment when you come to Nepal for the tour. The list can be adjusted according to your needs, name of tour and time of your tour.
Checklist
- Hand sanitizing lotion
- Reading/writing material
- Camera & Binoculars
- Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, and snack foods.
- Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets
- Money: traveler’s cheques/cash/credit card
- Spare Boot Laces
- Sleeping Bag
- Lightweight Towel
- Toiletries
- Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
- Torch/flashlight – headlamp style is ideal
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Refillable water bottle – Min 1 Litre
- Hat
- Gloves – wool or fleeced
- Scarf
- Sewing Kit
- Wind and Waterproof Jacket & Pants
- Umbrella especially in summer (May to September)
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Running shoes or sandals for evening
- Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Lightweight
- Fleece Jacket
- T-Shirts 2 or 3 – Long Sleeved
- Pants – lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
- Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination – ensure boots fit
- Medicine (Prescription drugs if you are taking daily, lip salve, aspirin, band-aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea)
Note: If you don’t have good equipment and are not available in the home country, it can be bought or rented from trekking shops in Kathmandu, Nepal. The equipment is often top quality. Although daily rental charges are reasonable, a large deposit may be required.
Weather & climate
Weather and climate vary as per season in Nepal.
Autumn (mid-September to end-November)
Autumn is the most popular time to trek. During this time, the weather is clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. However, in the higher altitude, the nights drop into freezing temperature. In this season, the mountains views are clear.
Winter (end-November through March)
It is also possible to trek during winter, from December until the end of February. Daytime temperatures will be cooler; however, the nights will often be very cold. The days are generally clear but occasional winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m. Early October through late November is also the busiest period for trekking. But in mid-winter (January through March), trekking is more challenging in the high altitudes with semi-regular snowfall followed by more winter storms, which break the long fine periods. The mid-December to mid-February is the coldest time.
Spring and early summer (mid-March through May)
During this period the mornings are usually clear but afternoon cloud build-up brings occasional showers. The days are a mix up with warm and rain, which displays wildflowers like rhododendrons. The whole country is lush and an abundant green at this season. This period instigates the second most popular and pleasant trekking season as this is rice-planting time. Late-march into April is especially beautiful. It is also a good time for climbing as the high passes are usually snow free and the mountain views are still clear in April. Up to May, the weather becomes hazy and disturbed with the clouds.
The monsoon (June to mid-September)
From June to early September, is the monsoon season. Generally, the morning is cloudy and cloud wisps form on random ridges and peaks. Trekking at this time of year is generally difficult and uncomfortable as the weather is hot and it rains almost every day. The trails become muddy and are often leech-infested and the mountains are usually obscured by cloud. During April and May, there is an expectation of thunderstorm, hail shower and strong winds among the fine periods. There are, however, possibilities for summer trekking in the trans-Himalayan regions of Mustang, Dolpo, and Tibet. These regions lie in a rain-shadow and therefore receive significantly less precipitation than the more southerly areas.
Re-charging Batteries of Electronic Items on the Trek
You can recharge your batteries with electricity or solar power sources. In Nepal 220 – 240 volts 50 MHZ (50 Cycles per Second) power is supplied. Just need to have a plug adaptor in case of socket fitting, which you can buy in Kathmandu before the trip since the plugs in Nepal might be different. You might have to pay a small amount fee/hour for recharging facilities.
Risk & Liabilities
We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a lifetime journey in this connection, we perform our duties honestly and seriously to make your journey very smooth and pleasant. The entire programs are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of the country’s own policies.
Himalayan Smile Trek and Adventures Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstance such as govt. restriction, Landslide, road blockage, and flood and other natural calamities, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident. Any extra cost due to those reasons incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the sports.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of our trips. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Himalayan Smile Treks and Adventures Pvt. Ltd. shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. We also let you know that Nepalese Insurance Company does not have a travel insurance policy for foreign nationals. They have this policy only for Nepalese national. We advise you when you come to Nepal; please bring your insurance documents.
Health & Vaccinations
For trekking Nepal, you don’t need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of mountain journey and like walking, you are always qualified for any trekking in Nepal. You do not need any previous experience. However, we suggest you some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking before you embark on the journey. We advise you to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information before departure. We recommend you to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. We advise you to carry sufficient drugs which you are taking daily for specific health problems.
Passport and Visa
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. Nepalese visa can be obtained from Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your home country or it can also be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. Most of our guests take Nepal Visa after they arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. To get Nepalese visa you should bring a valid passport and two passport size photos. The validity and visa fee is as follows:
Visa Valid Fee
15 days US$ 25
30 days US$ 40
90 days US$ 100
