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FAQs
The two main trekking seasons are: Spring (3rd week in February to end 1st week in May) and Autumn (3rd week in September to early December). This applies to all trekking routes. The most popular trails such as Everest and the Annapurnas are very crowded in March-April and more so from mid October to the end of November. During the Monsoon months, the weather in the rain shadow regions behind the High Himalaya is warm with flowers on alpine meadows. Mustang can be explored all year round, but is cold from mid December to 1st week in March. For Dolpo consider 2nd week in August to 1st week in October. Snow is likely from the 3rd week. In July. Flowers are abundant in the Langtang Valley – but cloud can limit mountain views.
During Winter (December to February), short treks in the lower southern regions, such as Poon Hill in the Annapurnaas or Helambu north of Kathmandu can be cold at night, but very rewarding. The Annapurna Sanctuary (Base Camp), Manasalu and Everest Base Camp treks are possible in winter: but will be very cold and the high passes can be tough. Landmark Discovery Treks offers a selection of treks that can be safely and enjoyably undertaken in every season.
To Travel by Road
Autumn, winter and spring are good times to choose. Comfortable temperatures and clear skies are at their best after the monsoon months. October to December is our busiest tourist season.
Winter is a good time to explore the Middle Hill and Terai region's landmarks: visit Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha.
During the monsoon, flooding and damage to mountain roads can cause major delays. Leeches (whilst curious creatures) can add discomfort to wet lower trails. But Monsoon trekking can also be an adventure and unique experience.
To Experience the Culture and Festivals
Despite recent earthquake damage, the Kathmandu Valley still has much to show of its rich cultural and architectural past. Hindu and Buddhist shrines and architecture abound throughout the region.
Whether trekking or driving through Nepal, the warmth and friendliness of the people is evident everywhere. 'Home Stay' tours and treks invariably include an evening in a family home – usually followed by cultural dances and displays.
The main Hindu religious festivals of Dashain and Tihar are held during October and November: when optimal temperatures and clear skies tend to prevail. (This is crowded high season).
The Buddhist Losar Festivals are held at different times: January for the Gurungs in the Annapurna and Manaslu Districts and Tamangs in the Lantang and Ruby Valley Districts. February for the Sherpas in the Solu, Khumbu and Helambu Districts.
You may get shaken by the ground, but the cities, villages and trails are everywhere safe. Kathmandu's streets are seething with people and vehicles and progress is slow. But courtesy and kindness is universal. Take the normal precautions with wallets and cameras and be more vigilant at night.
Passport
A passport, valid for six months beyond date of entry, and with blank pages for the visa is required.
Check that your passport is correctly stamped on arrival and departure to avoid possible complications. Also check the passport number and visa dates – so as not to overrun the dates.
Visa
Visas can be purchased on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Complete the visa form, provide one recent passport size photo and pay for the visa in foreign cash.
NB: Visas can only paid for in foreign notes: Preferably US$, but other major currencies are acceptable. Offer the correct amount: change is not always available!
A single entry visa, valid for 15/30/90 days will cost US$ 30/50/125
Visas may be extended, (only at the Immigration Offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara) to a maximum of 150 days in a calendar year. A minimum extension is US$30/15 days (to be paid in Nepalese rupees).
Visa applications can now be pre-registered on line – but the system is not always in operation.
Read the requirements and have a photo and all requested details available before starting the process. http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required.
Spare Passport Photos and Document copies
Bring 6-8 recent passport photos for use on the Visa application, Visa extensions and Trekking Permits – that vary depending on region.
Make Copies of your passport, including your visa pages. Leave a copy at home and carry a set with you (or trekking partner). Consider secure online data storage. Without copies, passport replacements can be very time consuming! Copies are also used for trekking permits.
Our guides are trained in first aid, carry a comprehensive medical kit and can deal with most of the problems encountered on treks. However, in the case of a serious accident outside help needs to be available. Thus, comprehensive insurance is essential and obligatory. We cannot take you trekking without full insurance cover; purchased in your home country. Such insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal. You need to have full, personal, travel insurance that covers personal belongings, trip cancellation plus medical rescue and evacuation insurance (for air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). You must carry the company's insurance policy certificate with you: it must include your name, address, policy number and the contact numbers and procedure for the company's rescue department.
In case of a serious trekking accident: the insurance company will be contacted and they will take over the rescue process: sending in the necessary ground or air support. Without it, your trekking team would have to try to carry you out; possibly exacerbating your injuries. We will not risk that. Landmark Discovery Treks staff are covered by our own full accidental and medical insurance cover. Trekking documents Entry permits are required to each of Nepal's National Parks and Conservation Areas. The range from Rs 1000 – Rs 3000/entry. Additional trekking permits are required for Restricted Region treks. We will organise the permits for you on arrival. There are five Restricted Regions, all along or close to the Tibetan border that were opened to limited trekking post 1990. The aim: to conserve fragile environments and the cultures of the various Tibetan communities that had settled there. Fees are high and range from US$90 – $500 for a week or 10 days, then stiff daily amounts. These treks may only be undertaken with a professional guide and a minimum of two trekkers. Your original passport and extra photos are required. (These are for Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Tsum and Manaslu, Kangchenjunga)
Successful treks call for a slow, steady walking pace. People who trek too quickly or climb too high in a day are most likely to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Expect to walk for 5-6 hours a day. Stops for rests and a leisurely lunch are added to this: 07:30 – ~16:00 is common. With a porter carrying your main luggage, you should only carry 3-5kg of warm or rainproof gear, water, sunscreen and a camera.
Treks below 3 000m/9 850ft are unlikely to cause problems (Annapurna's Poon Hill ...). We schedule rest days (with local walks) to assist with acclimatisation for treks over 3 000m. Then walk more slowly, for shorter distances as the altitude continues to rise.
So, if you are able to walk for a few hours in hills at home; you should be able to trek to our homes, landmarks and spectacular scenic highlights. A regular walking or jogging programme, say three times a week, for a few months before your trip will ensure your readiness.
NB: Our Budget Treks for people with limited time may be 'faster' than normal. Pre-fitness and stamina is called for.
Kit is best packed in "quiet" plastic bags inside the duffle bag to ensure dryness. (Bring spare bags)
Sleeping bag: lightweight with stuff bag [ideally for –10 °C for high altitude nights.(We also provide sleeping bags, which must be returned after use.)
Teahouses provide a base sheet and pillow and can usually offer duvets.
Personal belongings
Thermal wear on high altitude treks
Socks (thick and thin)
Boots – with good treads and ankle support for long treks
Spare walking shoes Spare laces
Shirts 2 (or 3)
Shorts, Long trousers
Track suit, Windproof jacket
Rain gear (top with hood – pants can be useful)
Down jacket: for high altitude treks
Hat, Scarf and gloves: especially for high altitude treks
Dark glasses (particularly important for possible snow work)
Additional items
Duffle bag and day pack (plus inner plastic bags for waterproofing)
Sunscreen, Toothbrush and paste, razor(?) ...Soap – and a face cloth can be useful (with a bowl of warm water)
Small towel (quick drying)
Personal medication and bandages
Biodegradable soap and pegs for clothes
[Leech oil to 'control' leeches from May to October??]
Ankle/knee guards (if used)
Toilet paper (only supplied in city hotels)
Tissues/handkerchiefs
Hiking poles (if used)
Spare shoe laces
Head torch, Cameraand power bank(depends on which trek you are going)
Short treks need less clothing; not less warmth!
Acute mountain sickness is caused by your body's reaction to a shortage of oxygen. At 5 000m/16 400ft air contains half the oxygen present at sea level. A slow, steady ascent from comfortable altitudes generally allows your body sufficient time to 'acclimatise' – adjust your breathing to take in more oxygen. From 2 800m upwards, some people start to feel the effects of altitude.
Symptoms are first noticeable in the brain or lungs and include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing and fatigue. Admit to your symptoms – rest; don't continue climbing higher to sleep. If the symptoms get worse while resting, descend to a lower altitude. Rest until you feel better and then continue upwards slowly. Abandon your trek (not your life) if necessary. Tell your guide if you are not feeling well – and act on his advice.
The prescription drug, Diamox, can assist with the prevention of AMS symptoms. It is a diuretic that increases respiratory rate and breathing depth (also urine flow); assisting acclimatisation by reducing headaches, nausea and improving sleep. Take ½ a tablet (125mg) or 250mg in 12 hours (fingers and feet may tingle; don't worry).
