Getting your trek organized

Today, trekking in Nepal is more accessible than what it used to be a couple of decades ago. This is specially so after the introduction of different social media. Information relating to trekking, trail and facilities are so abundant that quite lot travelers manages to trek independently. Popular destinations like Everest ,  Annapurna and  Langtang route are no more remote. There are just few routes left declared as remote and restricted area or  far western newly opened trekking zone where the foreigners are supposed to trek only with certified guide as organized by the agency.

But is it really so easy for everyone to self-organize trek independently? NO!!! The other side of the coin is actually not that smooth. Trekking independently means, the travelers will need to handle other formality which are often hectic. For example- they must have extra days to line up for issuing trekking permit, extra hours for pondering on guide books or different sites in mobile to acquire information. This will definitely make their holidays "a working holiday!”.

Therefore, our sincere advice is to go in organized way. There are numerous benefits of taking guides. They can be clearly listed as follow:

1. Taking guides means your direct contribution in generating more jobs for Nepalese people.
2. A local guide can play a role of catalyst to familiarize you with local people and culture. Nothing is greater than to feel at home away from home!
3. With the help of guide, you can get your permit made without any hassle. You can relax in Hotel or take an extra tour in heritage sites while your guide finishes permit formality.
4. When you are with guide, you don't have to worry about getting lost. You can fully focus on the beauty of nature, take pictures, and make paintings or keep records for your memoirs.
5. You get the helping hands ready if in case you go through some adverse situation like falling sick, getting lost, or get trapped in bad weather.
6. Most importantly, it is worth having a person explaining you about the place and people you are amidst.

Why trekking in Nepal?

Along the trails winding up, down, over and around (Nepalese Flat!), it takes you through serene villages brooded under the scintillating mountains. So, it is definitely an experience cherished for lifetime, both, of beholding the hypnotic beauty of nature and meticulously tackling the challenges in the treacherous yet tantalizing mountain regions. Imagine, celestial clouds forming below while the canopy of magnificent peaks of mountains are towering over you!

Most of the trails you walk on are still used predominantly by Nepalese people for everyday travel and trade. So, it is common to meet Nepalese porter carrying supply like groceries or lengths of corrugated roofing iron slung from a jute strap (namlo) around the head or a sick relatives being carried in a basket (doko) in the same manner to the nearest medical facility. Trekking means you will be involved in a way you could never be in a car, bus, train or airplane. But, you can enjoy the friendliness of the people; feel the spell of the mountains and their culture. A trekking trip can be of any length you choose. There are a number of short treks around the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys which only take a day to complete. There are two or three day treks or treks from a week to a month. For those with enough time can combine a number of treks and spend months just walking around.

Camping Trek 

Trekking through the Himalayas is for those who prefer a less cosseted vacation. On the camping trek, we get up and go to bed with the daylight, and relax in warm sunshine after a leisurely lunch. – We provide all camping and cooking equipment. These treks are staffed by a full local crew, including a main guide, porters, cook and assistants. Your main baggage is carried by porters.

In camping trek, it's our crews’ job to perform all the camp work, including leaving the sites clean. Food on trek is a mixture of Western and local dishes with plenty of choice. Our menu is based on fresh food to provide three nutritious and tasty meals a day. We can cater for specific dietary needs if we know in advance. All trekkers are pleasantly surprised at the quality of the meals.

• We use airy and comfortable tents. There is also a latrine tent. A shower tent and dining tent set up at each campsite.
• Your only job is to do the walking and take photographs, while our trek staff takes care of the camp duties and carrying.
• The benefit of a camping trek is that we are not limited to use the trails more frequently travelled and there is a greater opportunity to get ‘off-the-beaten-track’.

Trekking Gears 

Hardware For all Treks Essential: 

• Water Bottle 1 liter min
• Day pack
• Money belt
• Sunglasses
• Wrap around
• Bag Liners, Stuff and Rubbish Bags;
• Sewing Kit
• Toiletries. Bio-degradable;
• Tissues, plenty! The toilet paper provided isn’t suitable or easily replaced on trek
• Towel. Light weight or pack towel
• Headlamp
• Penknife, Swiss Army style
• Batteries. Long life even these have a shorter life at Altitude
• Disposable Lighter
• Personal First Aid Kit.

General : For Trekking in September, October, March, April and May

• Walking Boots : Lightweight, waterproof, with plenty of toe room, well worn in
• Socks : 3 pairs each thick/thin to be worn in combination-boots should be big enough!
• Running / Tennis shoes / Sandals : For evenings and and to relief the feet
• Waterproofs : Thigh length jacket with a hood.
• Pants :Lightweight, loose, long, trouser, short or skirt. Jeans are unsuitable.
• Jackets : Pile/Fleece,and/or SWEATER. Lightweight, Duvet Jackets are provided on request
• Trackpants : For evenings and colder days;
• T-shirts : 2 OR 3
• Shirt : Lightweight, long sleeved, with collar, to protect sensitive areas from the Sun;
• Hats : 1 wool/pile “beanie” with ear flaps. 1 peaked sun hat , “Legionnaire” style;
• Gloves :Wool /pile
• Scarf : Wool /pile
• Underwear : As required
• Swimsuit : Essential for outdoor bathing.
• Snow Gaitars : To keep pants and Boots dry

The GUIDE or Trek Leader is in charge of the entire trip. He is trained to co-ordinate with the entire crew members to ensure that you are well facilitated. He manages the team to look after you during and after the Trek.

The SHERPAS assists the leader. The Sherpa guides your trek. We have a set itinerary, but they often have to make minor variations because of trail conditions etc. They also assist the leader distribute loads to the porters.

The PORTERS carry your duffel bag or rucksack and equipments. They carry all the trekking gear, equipment and food (in camping trek) from tea house to tea house. Once you perch at a tea house their job is done till next day. Porters are usually hired only for the duration of the trek.

Who you should communicate?

If you have a problem or concern about any aspect of your trip, please take it to the Guide immediately. If you let it fester, a minor irritation may well become a huge, unsolvable problem, which could spoil your holiday. Your Guide is professional and caring, but not a mind reader. In Kathmandu, see our Tour officer or call the responsible contact person. The earlier we know about your problem, the sooner we can fix it.

Your Trek is an opportunity to spend time with locals; one of the great delights of Trekking. They may be a little shy in the beginning, but a smile goes a long way and you will find them excellent company and great fun.

What is Trip Grading?

The grading system for all our trips may not be accurate because it is based on generalized experience collected from the trekking guide, porters and travelers. Therefore, different traveler may have different feeling according to the level of their age, physical strength and personal interest. Sometimes, the travelers' expectation varies according to the geographical situation and their cultural background. Nepal can be a completely different world for many, especially if they are used to living up with a full proof system in their country.

So, we request to kindly bear all that in mind when preparing for your trip, both physically and mentally, and consider the following fact, as well.

• No trek or walk in the Himalaya is an afternoon stroll: they all involve going up and down above at least 2000 meters.
• Spending extended periods of time at altitude, particularly when it's a new experience, affects everyone differently.
• Even if you live in a flat place you will benefit from some preparation before you come. No matter what your age you should at least walk up and down stairs in your trekking boots. If you're not doing some aerobic activity like- cycling, swimming or brisk walking
• Smokers may find it harder than the expectation.
• Alcohol and Altitude are never in harmony.
• The unpredictable and changeable nature of conditions in the Himalaya can make even the easiest trek harder;
• We rank our trips in 8 grades. It means, the higher the grade, the more challenging the trip is.

FOOD AND BEAVERAGE IN TREKKING

While in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can find authentic restaurant for Pure Nepalese Cuisine, continental, Chinese, Thai, Mexicon, Indian and many more. While on trek, Nepali Daal Bhat is the basic that the tea houses offer everywhere (Daal bhat Power, Twenty-four hours!). However, there are enough restaurants in the lower elevation. They use local fresh product, but when it's not available they rely on packet food.

In the tea house, the menus may look very extensive, but the best food we recommend for trekking is high-energy foods based on rice and vegetables. There are some local specialties like Apple pies you must try! Remember that the milk will be powdered (added to water) so always ask for hot milk or drink lemon tea! If you see fresh fruit offered in lodges, make sure you can peel it and avoid salads or raw vegetables, unless you are 100% sure that they have been soaked in iodine water!

Your day begins with a hot drink in your tent or at the tea house. Breakfast usually includes cereal, porridge, pancakes and eggs in different styles, coffee, tea and bread with jam and butter. Lunch typically includes a choice of chapattis, vegetable salads, soup, fruits, beverages and local snacks. On other occasions lunch may consist of fried rice, noodles, other pasta dishes or sandwiches.

Tipping /Gratuities

Tipping is very common in Nepal but Nepal Trek Ways stresses that it is completely personal.

Our Suggestion is:

In Town

100 Nepalese Rupees for the bellboys and waiter/ress.

500 Nepalese Rupees per day for driver.

500 to 1000 Nepalese Rupees for assistant/Porters

1000 or above Nepalese Rupees for Trekking/Tour guide per day

After Trek:

Early expeditions were staggered by the work the Nepali staff did and their willingness to provide everything possible under the worst conditions. This hasn't changed, and tipping field staff has become an enjoyable ritual for clients and staff at the end of the trek.

Rafting and Jungle Safari:

500 Neplese Rupees to be shared among the river guide and assisstants.

In Jungle Safari

100 Nepalese Rupees after each activities.