Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Trekking?

A: Trekking means a journey undertaken on foot for sightseeing in areas where the modern transport system is not normally available. A walk of a few or more days through the hills of Nepal will not only give you a view of the mountains but also take you through remote villages inhabited by hospitable people. We invite you to join us on a visit to this remote region to see the truth of your dream.

Q: What are the Trekking Styles?

A: Trekking Styles

There are very various ways of trekking through Himalayan range of Nepal. When is planning a trek you need to think carefully about different styles of trekking available. Remember that when hiking in any major range of the mountains, it makes sense to go with at least one chosen companion, as a slip or a sprained ankle could occur at any time. It is also prudent to register with your embassy before setting off and to sign in at any police checkpoint along the way.

TEA HOUSE TREKKING

There are three major areas in Nepal where it is possible to walk very well defined trails and stay at local tea houses, which vary from two-story hotels to small family homes. The areas are Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest. You can eat, and sleep in the tea houses so you do not need to carry any camping equipment or food. You meet many other trekkers but this is a very sociable environment. All the tea houses are run by Nepalese people so do not think you are missing out on opportunities to mix with local people. This is where having a guide is a great benefit.

ORGANISED TREKS (Self Arranged treks)

An organized trek is for those of you who do not want to be on the main trails and want to experience the joys of camping in more wilderness environments of Nepal. Our organized treks involve going as a fully self-sufficient team, with cooks, porters, sherpas, and a guide.

Q: - As the Team leader of a large group, can I trek for free?

A: - Yes, providing your group size meets tour agreed minimum, we include a free place for a team leader, company representative, and teacher.

• 10 participants in a group – get free trekking packages for one leader.

• 20 participants in a group – get a free trekking package for two persons.

• 40 participants in a group – get free trekking packages for four persons

Q: - How do you minimize risk to ensure a group’s safety?

A: - The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Whilst acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than a reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff, and partners.

We aim to do this by:

• Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your group.

• Seeking medical assurance from you that medical advisor prior to trekking departure to ensure all travelers are suitable for the challenge ahead

• Ensuring that our guides are all first aid trained, carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and are fully competent in handling emergency evacuation procedures

• Ensuring that our guides carry mobile or satellite phones: Mobile or satellite phone communication is available on most trekking routes that provide direct access to our company.

• Providing a doctor to escort all school trekking groups and on request for charity challenges. Insisting that a complete risk assessment is provided prior to travel and trek.

• Requiring each client to complete and sign our risk assessment form prior to departure for a trek. Insisting that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers and trekkers. Insurance documentation to be provided prior to any trek.

Q: - How fit do I need to be and is trekking suitable for me?

A: - Most treks are suitable for anyone who is moderately fit. No previous experience is required. To condition yourself for trekking, some physical fitness programs such as regular walking, running, swimming, and hiking are recommended before you embark on your journey. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease s must seek medical advice before considering a trek. Whilst on a trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before you become fully acclimatized to altitude.

Q: - Will somebody meets me at the airport upon my arrival?

A:-Yes, our Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration, and visa requirements) He will be displaying our Friendship World Treks logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

Q: - What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and while Trekking?

A: - We use standard rooms, as per our “Price Includes” section, in Kathmandu. We serve you lodge double room available on the route in a sharing basis. This service provides as per the trekking plan you purchased with us. Lodges are mostly in the village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. For Tea House (Lodge) trekking you will get a double room, on a shared basis, as per your trekking plan.

Q: - What sort of food can I expect when Trekking?

A: -Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day, and snacks as per itinerary, is included. If you have any special dietary requirements please inform us beforehand.

Q: - What sort of Transportation do you use?

A: -Friendship World Treks is all about providing you with local insights as well as adventure. We Provide A Class Transportation during your tour and trekking activates. With that in mind, we use a mixture of local buses and taxis, private minibusses for city sightseeing and airport pickups, and sometimes land cruisers for journeys into the mountains, to and from trekking points. The choice of vehicle will also depend on the size of your group. See the “Price Includes” section for your trek’s options. All vehicles are maneuverable and flexible enabling us to take you through the narrow roads of Nepal. We carefully omit to talk about the crazy, exciting, heart-thumping driving that whips you from place to place.

Q: - When do Treks leave? How are Trek dates arranged?

A: -We plan each trek to depart at our customer’s convenience. Usually, a day or two after you fly into Kathmandu; spend a day or two in the capital, meeting the team, checking on all the gear, and then departing after breakfast on the pre-arranged day.

Q: - What weather conditions can I expect when Trekking?

A:- Weather in the Himalayas is notoriously difficult to predict: expect the unexpected. Nights are generally much cooler than the day. In winter (December to February) nights can be cold while days are beautiful (and warm when the sun is out). Snow can fall at any time of the year. Temperatures can range from -15o C to 25o C above 5000M. It is important to stay warm and dry in any conditions – so carry sufficient gear in your pack each day.

Q: - Can I charge my digital camera and other batteries when Trekking?

A:- Electricity will not always be available, especially in more remote areas. Carry a second set of charged batteries with you – and don’t forget your adapters! Your guide will know where you will be able to charge your batteries next. All will be sorted by your guide during the trekking.

Q: - Will there be any telephonic communication while we are on Trek?

A:- There are telephones in a few villages along the routes from which you can make international calls. Now mostly on trekking areas or destinations, you can use the internet or Wife so u can make a call through it. Cell phone reception cannot be relied on in the mountains and in many regions, not at all. If required, we can supply a satellite phone service. Please inform us should you need this service, which must be at your expense.

Q: - Can I use a credit card while Trekking?

A: - In most cities yes, to some extent, however, once you leave the cities behind, you can only use cash. Make sure that you take sufficient Nepalese rupees for your needs in small denominations. In some places, Dollars, Euros, and Pounds will be accepted.

Q: - How much additional money do I need per day?

A: - It all depends on your spending habits. 25 to 30 US$ a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, souvenirs shopping of local crafts when available, and a few drinks. You can buy these things only in certain villages.

Q: - Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

A: - Tips are always expected. It is good to tip trekking staff at the end of a trek. The standard recommendation for tipping is for each person, in a group of 10 or more persons, to tip the guide US$ 12 per day and each porter US$ 10 per day. For groups of one or two persons and above USD$ 12 per day for the guide and USD$ 10 for the porter is recommended.

Q: - Do I need to bring purifying tablets and filters?

A: - Please bring a water bottle to fill with purified water. We will provide you with purified water each day. So you don’t need anything unless you want to bring your own water purifier (If so, please inform us beforehand). You can also buy mineral water in some villages along the trail.

Q: - Are the FWT (Friendship World Treks) Agency's staffs insured?

A: - Yes, our company insures all our trekking staff: guides, cooks, Sherpas, and porters.

We always care about our trekking staff's insurance.

Q: - What essential documents do I need to carry with me on the Trek?

A: -A valid Passport – which must be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your tour. It needs to contain a few blank pages. Bring a minimum five copies of passport size photos to issue your arrival Nepal visa (which is payable only on USD cash) and trekking permits

- Travel insurance; keep a separate photocopy with Mountain Mart Trek and into your main baggage.

- Cash and Traveler’s Checks: keep serial numbers and proof of purchase separately.

- Flight tickets

- Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

- Passport photos:

• One for your Nepal entry visa at the airport.

• Four for your trekking permit and more photos for a multiple entry visa for onward trips to your next port.

- Visa fees are:

US$ 25/40/100 for 15 days/30 days/90 days multiple entries that are payable only in USD cash. A maximum number of days should be included in the section about extending a trek.

- Departure taxes are included in flight tickets to any destination since 2005.

Q: - Can I add extra days to my Trek?

A: - Yes you can add it whereas A a trekking holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along the route, we can add days at your request (with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation, and food if given sufficient time to make the arrangements.

Q: - Do you use Yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own Gear?

A: - Whilst on a trek, our porters will take care of your luggage service as per the “Price Includes” section. Your porter may carry a maximum of 15kg of luggage per person, in a soft bag A porter carries two trekkers’ bags (30kg). All you need to carry is your small day bag with personal belongings, camera, water, sun cream, and sufficient warm and rain clothing for the day.

Q: - What opportunities will I have to shower on the Trek?

A: - Hot showers will be available in lodges at your own expense.

Q:- I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

A: - Yes, there are many options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trek. Please browse our trip extension on the home page and the following suggestions offer a few possibilities:

-Everest Mountain Flight – A one-hour early morning flight to see Mt Everest and its surrounding peaks. A ticket Includes the flight plus transfers to and from the airport (weather permitting).

- Bhote River Rafting – A one or two-day package, including return road transport.

- Chitwan Jungle Safari Package – 2 nights 3 days. Longer trips are also available.

- Kathmandu City Tour

- Meditation Tour- 2/3 days

- Tibet Tours

- Bhutan Tour

- India Tour

- Volunteering at a School in a Village.

Please contact us for more ideas and information: whatever your interests?