It is exciting to plan for a trek in the Himalayas. Perhaps this is your first time in Nepal, and perhaps your first time trekking at high altitude. Here is some information about various things, such as how to get your visa, altitude sickness, etc., to help you prepare.
- ACCOMMODATION
- ALTITUDE SICKNESS
- DRINKING WATER
- FIRST AID DURING YOUR TREK
- HEALTH INFORMATION
- MEALS
- RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
- SAFETY
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY
- VISA
ACCOMMODATION
Days 1–2: Kopan Monastery
- Rooms are clean and modern
- Men will share a double room with another man, and women with another woman
- Single rooms with bathrooms are available
Read more about Kopan here:
Days 3–6 and Days 12–13: Lodges
- We will be staying at lodges run by locals on our way to and from Lawudo
- Our trekking accommodation and facilities are modest
- The rooms are clean and comfortable
- There are clean bathrooms and hot showers
- Extra blankets are available, but most people bring their own sleeping bags
- Each lodge has a good menu to choose our meals from
- Some single rooms with bathrooms are available. As discussed in About this trek, first come, first served
Day 7–11: Lawudo
- Accommodation and facilities at Lawudo are modest
- We will stay in two- or four-person rooms, men sharing with men, and women with women
- Couples are allowed to stay in a room together
- Shared facilities
Read more about Lawudo here:
Days 14–15: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a 5-star hotel near the Boudhanath Stupa, set in 37 acres of landscaped grounds and created in the traditional Newari style of Nepalese architecture.
- Free internet access to all guests
- Single rooms with bathrooms available
Read more about the Hyatt Regency here:
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
It is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude at higher than 2900m/ 9200ft – regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatisation to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.
Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor.
It is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude (higher than 2900m/ 9200ft) – regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatisation to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.
Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor.
You may consider bringing medication to alleviate altitude sickness with you. Speak with your doctor about these options.
Read more about altitude sickness here:
DRINKING WATER
As a rule we recommend you don’t drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this isn’t serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it’s enough to spoil a day or two of your trip.
Consider packing a bottle filter – there are several good ones on the market – to reduce consumption of plastic. Or, you may also want to bring water purification tablets – it is best to test them out before the trip if you are not used to them.
Bottled water is widely available and we can recommend safe alternatives, such as boiled water, when available.
Water consumption should be about 3 litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.
FIRST AID DURING YOUR TREK
We have basic first aid training and our local guide is aware of the closest medical facilities. Please monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. If at any time during the trek you have any concerns for your health, please tell us immediately.
Please bring all your required medication with you. It may not be possible to buy it in Nepal.
FITNESS
Although no mountaineering experience is required a good level of physical fitness is necessary.
Our walking days are: going up to Lawudo: days 3, 4, 6, and 7; coming down from Lawudo: days 12 and 13. On four of the days there is no more than 4 hours of walking; on two days we will walk for 7 hours.
Plenty of time is available each day to get between the destinations so we do not need to rush, and you are in fact far better off going slowly and enjoying the changing scenery and views.
The better prepared you are, the more you should enjoy it.
Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller who is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We will have a first aid kit with essentials, but we recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well with any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
MEALS
All meals are included, except for lunch and dinner on Day 14 and lunch on Day 15, when we will be at the Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu. All meals at Kopan Monastery and Lawudo Gompa will be vegetarian. At some of the lodges and at the Hyatt, you can choose non-vegetarian from the menu. Please let us know if you are allergic to any food or if you have any dietary requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you. However, it is your responsibility to pack your own medication, supplements, or special food that you need for the trip.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe strongly in low impact – or rather positive impact – tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.
We reserve the right to expel any member of the trekking group who conducts or participates in any activity that puts the trek or the rest of the group at risk.
SAFETY
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
We will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your we will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any activities you undertake that are not part of your itinerary, and we make no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them.
Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that we have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is compulsory. 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.
You are responsible to organise your own travel insurance. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by us.
If you have credit card insurance we will require details of the participating insurer or underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please send us a copy of your insurance policy no later than one month prior to the start date of the trek.
Thank you!
Read more about what to pack here
THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares.
Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
VISA
Your visa is not included in the cost of the trek.
A one-month single entry visa will cost you US$50. You can apply for this online or upon arrival. Other currencies are accepted at the airport. Read more about the Visa-On-Arrival here.
Apply for your Nepalese visa online here: online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
Some of the information on this page has been sourced from: