FAQs
If you are thinking about taking your first trip to Nepal, you will probably have a lot of questions. After all, our journeys are different from standard tours. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about our trips:
Why Alpine Everest Guides Nepal?
Alpine Everest Guides Nepal is your unbiased expert in helping you find the perfect adventure. We make it easy for you to find all adventure trip options "under one roof", so you only have to make one call to explore the Himalaya of options. We help you navigate through hundred of trips to find the one that best matches your desired budget, timing, destination and activity level. And, if we cannot find the perfect preset package, we will help you customize one.
How many miles do we walk per day?
This varies with each trip of course. In the mountains we measure hikes in hours, rather than miles. On most treks, we hike 4–7 hours per day, with a lunch break of 1–2 hours in the middle. We encourage you to walk at your own pace. There is no need to rush or "stay up" with others during the daily hikes. There will always be a guide at the back of the group to make sure that you arrive safely to camp. We know that much of the fun of trekking is maintaining a pace which will allow you to fully enjoy your surroundings.
When is the best time to come?
The peak trekking seasons are Spring (March to early May) and Autumn (late September to November). The winter months can provide great trekking but heavy snowfall, particularly in late winter, can block high passes. Generally, the monsoon is not the best time to come. Rain makes the trails slippery, there are leeches and cloud cover blankets the mountains for much of the time. Certain areas that receive little rainfall in summer are possible. Ask us for details.
What is a lodge Trek?
Lodge trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge.
We eat at lodges and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potato, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season.
What is a camping trek?
Camping means sleeping in tents, normally we provide a two person tent for one client, and large three person tents for a couple. These treks normally go to more remote regions where there are no tea house facilities. You will have a full staff of guides, cooks and porters to take care of you on these treks.
Do I have to carry a backpack?
No. But you have to carry a light day-pack containing your water bottle, camera, an extra layer of clothing, sunglasses, a rain coat or wind breaker, and snacks. Porters or pack animals will carry all of the heavy gear.
I have never trekked before; can I do a trek in the Himalayas?
If you are in good health and enjoy regular exercise such as jogging, tennis, or even long walks, we have a trip designed for you. The number one qualification is a positive attitude! We have had many years of experience of treks in high altitudes, so we know how to pace a trek or climb. Each person reacts to altitude in a different way, so it is difficult to predict how you will do. But in general, with the careful pacing of our trips, allowing proper rest days for acclimatization, most people adapt well. The potential problems with altitude stem from people going too high too fast. We make sure that this does not happen.
What equipment should I bring?
We will help you in your selection of equipment to bring, it depends a lot upon the season you arrive here or where you are going, so please see our basic equipment lists besides each tour or e-mail us for a complete gear list.
Why use a Guide?
They act as a liaison between you and the people and without the guide you will never get in touch with the people. You will visit the place but not interact with the culture and learn from it.
They are trained from time to time on issues such as first aid, Acute Mountain Sickness, rescue methods etc. Traveling in Nepal is not like in other countries where the altitudes are low. Once you cross the altitude of 3000m (and you will in almost every trek) you have to be extremely cautious.
The guides are knowledgeable in methods to reduce your impact in the environment and culture of Nepal. They will help you minimize the negative impacts of your travels. They will also inform you on how to not be offending to the culture of the people.
Finally, they also have a wealth of information about the area you are traveling in and about Nepal in general.
What is the minimum group size?
Normally we take groups of at least four people. If you want our services for a smaller group or if you want a customised itinerary, then please contact us.
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