A trek in Nepal is a fantastic experience; snow-capped peaks rising from tropical valleys, yaks grazing amidst glacial lakes, squat smoky houses on rice-terraced hillsides and colorful rhododendron forest. Nepal is a fascinating melting pot of diverse ethnic groups and an unceasing variety of walking conditions. Every day is new and exciting. People who have visited Nepal, invariably wish to go back again and again…and again!

Throughout the mountains of Nepal are villages. Linking these villages is a series of century-old foot trails which we follow on our treks. Many of these trails are well developed, although our commitment to taking you away from the main tourist trekking routes may have you venturing on some less defined trails. On these trails, a crew of Sherpa guides and porters will accompany us. You may opt to carry your camera and a small daypack only, which should contain the items that you will need to access during the day. Walking days are varied, depending on our chosen trek, but all treks have been structured to give you ample time to appreciate the beauty of this country. Each night we will sleep a little higher than the previous night, as part of a stringent acclimatization process. Elevation gains of 300 to 500 meters will be encountered on an average trek day although your total climbing and descending throughout the day may be much more.

This trek has been carefully researched to ensure that the acclimatization is safe, that we sleep at good lodges (usually with a mountain view) and that the days are neither too long nor too short.

Typical Daily Trek Routine
Due to the hard work of trekking, you will likely sleep well. Chances are, you will be woken by the sound of yak bells. Before breakfast, you’ll repack your gear with those items that you may need quick access to nearer the top of your pack and all things should be ready for the day's trek - including rain jacket, water bottle/s, appropriate warm clothes, sunglasses, hat, camera, toilet paper etc. If we choose to hire additional porters, they will commence walking straight away and stop en route for their mid morning 'brunch' and then walk through to camp. Again, your duffle bags will not be accessible during the day, so please ensure you pack any items you may require into your daypack.

We are usually on the trail by around 7:30-8:00am and following a good morning's hike, we stop for lunch by around 11 o'clock. Lunch is usually a 1-2 hour break to allow for the group meal. This enables you to catch up on your diary or reading. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 2:00-3:30pm.

Once we have reached our guesthouse, afternoon tea is usually prepared (tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits) and from then until dinner, there is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with staff and local people. Dinner is usually served between 6:00-7:00pm. You should bring your water bottles to the dining area so they can be filled. This period of your trekking day is a nice time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, the wilderness, mountains and people among it, group members, crew and people you have met along the way. Much of the enjoyment of an expedition is in the journey itself.

Depending very much on the weather and the distance to be covered, it may not always be possible to stop at regular intervals or have a lengthy lunch break (members may even carry a packed lunch for maximum flexibility). In alpine conditions, safety is first priority and we will move at a steady, efficient pace to our next camp, grouping together if necessary. Teamwork and contribution from everybody, no matter how small, is of enormous benefit to the overall success of the trip and will allow things to flow much more smoothly. Our 'team' obviously will be a medium party size with many staff to assist and everyone's wishes will be catered to as best as possible to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Please keep in mind that hiking times in trek notes descriptions are general - trail conditions, weather and the availability of guesthouses with a good water supply may affect them at any time.

Remember that a trek is not a race. There is plenty of time in each day for the walk. Don't feel any pressure to keep up with faster walkers. Try to set a pace that you can maintain. Plan for a strong finish, rather than a strong start.

Trekking in the High Himalaya
In an effort to provide maximum enjoyment and as altitude is a factor on our trek, the villages we have chosen to stay in overnight are meant to assist with the acclimatization process. Some days may be comparatively short as a result, but fear not, there is always an option for additional hiking upon arrival.

Staff
Our Nepal-based guides have offices in Kathmandu and they coordinate our whole operation in Nepal and ensure that our trip runs as smoothly as possible. Should there be any matter that you wish to discuss, please contact Bill or Kim and they will be sure to get an answer from the folks at that office. Our Nepali hosts will bend completely backwards to assist us.

Our guides have a policy of using local people as group leaders and we believe that this is the best way for you to gain an insight into the area and culture. Nepalis will lead most treks. The mountains are their home and with years of experience and sound first-aid training, there is no one better than a local to show you the Himalaya.

Our trekking staff will likely consist of your group leader, a Sherpa guide and porters. This self-contained team can take you safely to the remote regions of Nepal and affords you an opportunity to spend time with the Nepalese on a daily basis. They can be a little shy at first, but a smile and a joke will soon relax them and you will find them excellent company and great fun.

What You Carry
You should consider carrying extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rain jacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm, etc. Porters carry all group gear, which is the traditional way of transporting all goods in Nepal - the Nepalese are exceptionally strong and experienced at doing it. To us, it looks an impossible task, but to them, a 30-kilo load is quite normal. Portering provides much needed employment in the non-farming season. Your trek leaders will brief you each evening on the following day’s activities including what to carry.

If you feel tired, stop and rest. Do not hesitate to ask one of the guides to carry your day pack if you are unable to do so.