Nepal FAQ
Nepal: Everest FAQ
What is the difference between trekking and backpacking?
How long do we hike each day?
How shall I get in shape for my Everest trek?
How do we get from Kathmandu to Lukla?
What sort of accommodations will we stay in?
What time will we get started each day?
What are the trails like?
What kind of food do you prepare on trek?
What’s the toilet situation on trek?
Where will we be camping?
Who will I be traveling with?
Is it safe to travel in the Himalaya?
What do you do to prevent Mountain Sickness?
What happens if I get Mountain Sickness?
What is the difference between trekking and backpacking?
Several factors distinguish trekking from backpacking. First, American backpackers carry a heavy backpack, cook their own meals, set up and break down their own camp each day. On a Himalayan trek, loads are carried by porters or pack animals, three hot meals are provided each day by a kitchen crew, and camps are set up and broken down each day by the Sherpa staff.
Secondly, American backpacking takes you through remote wilderness areas. Conversely, in most areas of the Himalaya, we venture into inhabited mountain regions peopled with a kaleidoscope of indigenous cultures. People live in villages and farms that dot the countryside. Along the way, we explore these villages, homes, monasteries and other aspects of day-to-day life in front of a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Finally, American wilderness trails have usually been engineered by Federal, state and local governments for recreation. In the Himalaya, trails are ancient highways of commerce and culture that are still used today by both the indigenous residents and foreign trekkers.
How long do we hike each day?
A typical day hike is usually 4-6 hours or 2-3 in the morning and 2-3 in the afternoon; while some days may be as long as eight hours or four/four. While it is difficult to translate distances into miles due to the ups and downs of the terrain, we estimate that you will be walking no more than eight miles in any given day.
Acclimatization days are built in along the way where we stay at camp for an extra night. During this day, you are welcome to explore side trails.
How shall I get in shape for my Everest trek?
Being in good cardiovascular shape is the key. We encourage you to walk steps and stairs each day as the best conditioning before you depart. If you work out at a gym, focus on the Stairmaster although walking actual stairways is probably more effective for your overall training.
For those of you who are already in great shape – trail runners, marathoners and triathletes – you should know that while you’re in great shape physically, you won’t have much advantage to those in your group who aren’t when it comes to acclimatization. You won’t be able to ascend any faster than the group. Whatever your level of fitness, you should adopt the mantra: Trekking is about the journey not the destination… and remember that we take it slowly to properly acclimatize.
How do we get from Kathmandu to Lukla?
Lukla is the mountain airport serving the Khumbu Region. It is located at an elevation of 9,300 feet and is accessible from Kathmandu via commercial flights. Most airlines serving Lukla use Canadian-made DeHavilland Twin Otter aircraft. These planes, which seat 21 passengers with two-engines and fixed landing gear, are the work-horses of remote destinations worldwide. Upon arrival in Lukla, you will be met by your trekking staff and get underway descending to the first night’s camp. The first night will be spent in Phakding which is at 8,300 feet.
What sort of accommodations will we stay in?
For camping, we use expedition class mountain dome tents from top-of-the-line manufacturers such as The North Face and Mountain Hardware.
What time will we get started each day?
Most days begin around 6:00 am with hot washing water, coffee and/or "bed tea" delivered to your tent by our smiling staff who greet you with "Good Morning!" You pack your gear before enjoying a breakfast often served al fresco among stunning Himalayan views illuminated by the rising sunshine. The trek staff will be disassembling the tents and packing loads for porters while you eat. We usually hit the trail by 8:00 am.
What are the trails like?
In most cases, the trails are well developed and well worn from use. Himalayan trekking should not be confused with mountaineering. There are no areas where you will be required to scramble on "all fours." Most bridges have been replace by either German or Austrian engineered structures which are strong enough for a long yak train to cross loaded with salt and other heavy commodities. Any remaining primitive bridges will be crossed carefully and with the guidance of your Sherpa staff.
What kind of food do you prepare on trek?
Your cook will prepare three hot meals a day with tea and biscuits in the afternoon. For example: Breakfast consists of hot porridge, granola/cereal, pancakes, yogurt, coffee and tea. Lunch is eggs, dried meats, sandwiches and vegetables. Dinner starts with soup, followed by the main course and dessert. Dinner fare incorporates Indian, Nepalese, Tibetan, Bhutanese and Continental cuisines (depending on the region). Fresh meat is infrequently served. Trekking meals are hearty and basic. Main staples consist of rice, noodles (egg and wheat), potatoes, lentils, eggs, cheese, nan (bread from the subcontinent which resembles tortillas) and vegetables. Condiments such as catsup, chili, chutney, peanut butter, jelly, sugar, salt and pepper accompany every meal. If you are vegetarian or have other dietary needs, please let us know so we can best accommodate your request.
What’s the toilet situation on trek?
We have fully upgraded to Dutch-made environmentally-friendly, portable chemical toilets on our treks in Nepal and Tibet. These are secluded within a small tent, which is set away from camp.
Where will we be camping?
Campsites vary throughout the region and are handpicked by your Sirdar and Sherpa staff. They may be along riverbanks, in pastures, atop glacial moraines or on the property of someone’s home or tea house. Each day, the Sirdar will send a Sherpa ahead of the group to find the night’s camp.
Who will I be traveling with?
We have taken trekkers ranging in age from 21 to 78 as high as Kala Pattar (18,200') and Everest Base Camp (17,500'). Our trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 12 members to guarantee quality and personalized service. Small group travel fosters intimacy with the local cultures and the land and ensures quality for each trip member. Our guests come from a remarkable cross-section, ranging from full-time students to physicians, business executives, computer programmers, stay-at-home moms (and dads), writers, etc. In addition, your trekking entourage includes a staff which will number approximately 2:1 or 24 staff members. Along the way, your trekking staff will introduce you to their family and friends putting you on a first name basis with teashop owners, traders, porters, farmers, schoolteachers, and curious children.
Is it safe to travel in the Himalaya?
The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly far less than in North America despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Himalayan countries are known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.
As for current political unrest in Nepal: We have been dealing with the Maoist issue in Nepal for six years now. In spite of the Maoist efforts, we have continued to operate trips in the Nepalese kingdom each year and we are confident that Nepal remains one of the most beautiful, compelling and welcoming places on earth. As of November 1, 2003, we have had no reports about security or danger from any of our guests who traveled to Nepal this year or from our Nepal-based crew.
The major concentrations of Maoists are in the districts 180 miles to the west and southwest of Kathmandu and 100 miles to the west/southwest of Pokhara. Their major concentrations are in areas which have had little or no tourism (investment, hard currency, etc) which is one of the reasons that their message has played well in these very poor districts. By comparison, the Everest Region is a very wealthy and worldly part of Nepal. The Khumbu is a beacon for trekkers worldwide and the Maoist message has not been well received there. Once you leave the Kathmandu Valley for the major trekking regions, like the Khumbu, there is virtually no Maoist activity.
That said, whenever you travel in Nepal (or anywhere in the world for that matter), you should definitely use personal caution. We avoid any known dangerous situations. While strikes can complicate transportation through the city and could temporarily disrupt your schedule, we have managed to deal with Maoists-called strikes for the past few years without any major interruptions.
We monitor political situations posted by the US State Department, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and ground reports from our staff and network of contacts. As when traveling in any country, make sure to keep an eye on your possessions and take certain common-sense measures to prevent theft or dangerous situations.
What do you do to prevent Mountain Sickness?
Most people have concerns about altitude –– either from bad experiences while skiing in the Rockies or out of fear of the unknown.
- We exercise carefully measured increments in altitude gain on the trail and we practice the maxim “climb high, sleep low.” While many trekkers feel that our pace is often slow, this approach is both responsible and has proven effective.
- Our guides have experience at high altitude and they are mindful of the symptoms of Mountain Sickness so that they carefully monitor our guests and keep them from overexertion.
- Hydration, hydration, hydration.... we make sure you’re drinking plenty of liquids. In addition, we urge our guests to discuss the diuretic Diamox with their physician and bring it if appropriate.
- As a precaution, we take along a Portable Hyperbaric Chamber (PHC) or Gamow Bag for trips ascending above 11,500 feet. This device can be a life saver in extreme situations.
What happens if I get Mountain Sickness?
Most people report that they have some mild symptoms of Mountain Sickness ranging from headache to sleep apnea to loss of appetite above 12-14,000 feet. While these symptoms are not of great concern, they are monitored closely by the Expedition Manager and staff. If symptoms become more serious, there are two options:
- Descend to a lower elevation – possibly resuming the trek once symptoms subside.
- Go into the Gammow bag.