Our essential information section replicates the headings contained in the general information section but supplies you with the essential information in regard to your specific trip with us, Please read both sections before you book.
Your AB trip to Nepal includes or precludes the following:
(unless stated otherwise in your trip itinerary or agreed by AB)
Your AB leader to Nepal will be an experienced fully qualified UK mountain leader who will work closely with our expert in country guides. You will be given direct access to your guide at the earliest opportunity after you book your trip.
Our in country provider and guides in Nepal are superb and very flexible. On our treks you will be accompanied by porters, cooks, trek guides and a dedicated experienced first aid qualified trek leader. Our in country trekking team will provide you with a 'full service' trekking experience. Ratios of in country staff to clients will be depend on the size of your group.
Hotels: The hotels we use in Nepal are 3/4 star and are very comfortable, clean and well run by friendly, amenable staff. We would say that the overall standard of these hotels are very good but this is Nepal and the standard of construction is not quite what it is at home so do be prepared for the odd leaky tap or blown bulb or two.
NB: Hotels in Nepal and Pokhara normally provide wifi or internet facilities. There is also internet facilities available on trail at certain locations i.e. Lukla, Namache, Manang.
Lodges or 'teahouse': Most of our treks are what we term 'tea house treks' where at the end of your hiking day you spend the night in a mountain lodge or 'tea house.' These can be multi storied thirty bed-roomed affairs with a nice garden, communal eating and dining area or a smaller, simpler tea house with just three to four rooms. Either way they are great places to stay but the standards will vary considerably and the standard you get will be dependant on the time of year you go and on their availability.
To give you an overview of what to expect we have broken down our lodge section guide under some common headings;
Bedrooms: As a minimum standard you will get a single bed in a clean but basic room with electric lights where you will have to use your sleeping bag. In a higher standard room you may just get the simple addition of a duvet, a plug socket and maybe a vase with a flower in it!
Food: Your food will in general be chosen from a simple but universal menu that retains the same familiar pattern in every tea house. However the choice is varied and the food in general filling and very good. In some places we have had exceptional cuisine and at worst, simply plain. See more under our 'your food' section below.
Toilets & Showers: The standards here will vary considerably and the reason we have included them both under the same heading is that in many of the lodges the shower and toilets are in the same room and use the same floor space (so take flip flops with you). The toilet is normally of the squatting variety and whilst it is not hygienically ideal to share the same toilet and shower floor space they are generally clean. Some lodges also provide hot water for your showers but in general do not expect this.
Tents: The tents provided by our providers are standard trekking tents that can sleep two to four people. If you go on one of our camping treks our in country team will set up the tents and cook your food for you.
Single supplements: Are available on request at any of our hotels but any request for single accommodation in any lodge or tea house on trail may be limited by availability. Single supplements are available on our camping trips otherwise single clients will in-ordinarily be doubled up with clients of the same gender. When ever possible we will make every effort to cater for all of your accommodation requests.
NB: If are staying in a tea house or camping you will need to bring a suitable sleeping bag.
We could write a book about driving around in Nepal. It has been likened to driving an F1 car around silverstone with traffic coming the other way...somehow though it works! The roads in Nepal are generally poorly constructed, poorly maintained, busy and on first sight appear to quite chaotic but invariably there is no choice, you simply have to travel by road.
We are particularly conscious of the inherent risks involved whilst driving in other countries so our transportation in Nepal is provided entirely by our reputable in country providers, which normally consists of a comfortable tour bus, mini bus or car. Whilst we cannot guarantee the same driving and regulatory standards as that of the UK we do specifically ask our in country drivers to supply suitable drivers and vehicles for our use at all times.
Apart from travelling by road we take a variety of internal flights. These flights are booked by our in country providers and are often delayed or cancelled by weather conditions. Should this be the case then flight monies will be refunded.
You require a variety of trekking permits and park fees for your hiking trip to Nepal but these are included in our price.
Your price will include the cost of all of your booked adventure activities outlined in your invoice. Your cost will not include the cost of any hire equipment as this will be paid locally by yourself in order that you get the opportunity to view and inspect the equipment first i.e. ice axes, boots, crampons.
Our hiking treks are designated as tea house treks and as such no group cooking or climbing equipment is required or provided.
The actual provision of food for your trip will vary depending on the destination country. As a general rule most of your meals will be included. Hotel stays in cities however will in the main only include breakfast unless otherwise stated in your itinerary i.e. the provision of hiking day lunches.
In Nepal on our tea house treks meals are provided on a set menu basis but this is wide and varied. Hot drinks will be included in your price at meal times only.
Nepalese cuisine is very eclectic. The cultural and geographic diversity of Nepal provides ample space for a variety of cuisines based on ethnicity, soil and climate. However beef is generally avoided by all, pork by many but eating lamb, fowl and fish is totally acceptable. Nevertheless Dal-bhat is the mainstay, traditional daily meal of the Nepalese and it is eaten throughout the country. Dal is a spicy/non-spicy soup made of lentils. It is served over boiled grain or bhat, usually rice, with vegetable curry, tarkari. Typical condiments are a small amount of extremely spicy chutney or 'Achaar' made from fresh ingredients or fermented pickle, sliced lemon (nibua) or lime (kagati) and fresh chilli peppers, khursani. The variety of achars is staggering, said to number in the thousands.
Apart from dal bhat, the Nepalese palette leans towards special spices and seeds like garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, chillies, onions, oils and clarified butter (ghee) along with yak butter. Fish and Buffalo meat are often used in main courses and a favourite appetiser is Momo – dumplings stuffed with minced meat which can be steamed or fried. All in all, Nepalese food is tasty and filling!
This may also be the time to highlight that meals are traditionally eaten with the right hand as the left hand is used for toilet purposes and should never touch food but may hold cups and glasses. The right hand should be rinsed before and after eating so don't be caught out on that one.
Tea House Menus: You will find that the tea house menus are very varied. They will offer you traditional Nepalese food and invariably a selection of Indian, Chinese, Italian and even Mexican food...and more.
We do ask that if any client has got any dietary requirements then they let us know at the earliest opportunity in order that we can make suitable arrangements for you.
Adventure Beyond is not an IATA bonded company and such we do not provide flight bookings. Our itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and charge you appropriately.
Flights
Regular carriers operating to Nepal include:
The national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (www.etihadairways.com).
and Qatar airways (www.qatarairways.com).
Websites to try for low cost fares include www.cheapflights.co.uk, www.opodoo.co.uk and www.dialaflight.com
Flight options and costs.
The most popular option is to fly direct from Heathrow or Gatwick to Kathmandu via Abu Dhabi or Doha with a total flight time of around thirteen hours. Expect flights to range from as low as £500 to £900 depending on the airline, time of year and availability.
The general rule will be that your lunch or evening meals at hotel stays will not be provided unless it specifies in your particular trip or expedition. If we feel that your choice of restaurants is limited then we will provide additional meals for you at your hotel. On average we provide you with over 75% of your meals.
We do not include any form of insurance as part of our price but you must have adequate and valid travel insurance. One of our conditions of accepting your booking is that you obtain insurance cover and provide us with a copy of your policy. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical costs, rescue (including mountain rescue) and repatriation in the event of an emergency. In addition we advocate having suitable cover for baggage, effects, personal liability and cancellation should you become ill and are unable to travel with us. Most good travel insurance policies will cover these items but please ensure that you are covered for your specific trek, climb or any activities that you will participate in. We find that Snowcard or The BMC provide the best policies for adventure travellers.
Nepal is an amazing place and is certainly a land of contrast. One day you can be at Chitwan national park at 100m and the next crossing over the Thorung La pass at 5,416m, so the extremes of weather can be rather obtuse. Once you book your trip we will send you a full list of equipment that you will need for your trip. The list will include the items you will need for your mountain trip and for any other activity that you will be taking part in. Each item will either be labelled up as desirable ´D' or essential 'E'. Clients are strongly advised to take with them items marked as desirable whilst those labelled as essential are mandatory and required for survival in the mountains. These lists are designed to help you choose the right equipment for the demands of that particular trip or expedition. Please ensure that have everything that is on the list.
As a precautionary note we do especially highlight the fact that clients will be expected to supply their own waterproof jackets, trousers, hiking boots and sleeping bag for all of our hiking and climbing trips and that these items are suitable for their needs. For all of our climbing and hiking trips at altitude, our general rule is that you need to be dressed and equipped for a day out in the Scottish hills in winter.
Any food or refreshment you consume that is outside the remit of our supplied itinerary will be paid for by the client. For your information however on your trek all of your meals will be supplied and this will include hot drinks at meal times.
Our overseas itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and invoice you appropriately.
Nepal Money and Exchange Rate
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR: symbol Rs) = 100 paisa. Visitors should bear in mind that foreign visitors other than Indian nationals are required to pay their airline tickets, trekking permits and hotel bills in foreign currency.
Currency Exchange: The most convenient way to obtain Rupees is through an ATM, where official rates automatically apply or at one of the many street currency bureaus. The US Dollar is accepted at most hotels and travel agencies but once out of Kathmandu you will need Rupees.
Exchange Rate: 1.00 GBP = 114.53 NPR (Nepalese Rupee) as at 25th September 2010.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATM's: American Express is widely accepted, with Master Card and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. ATM's are widely available in Nepal, however, it is not possible to withdraw cash in the mountains. Those embarking on treks should take enough cash for the duration of their trek.
Traveller's Cheques: Are accepted at banks and major hotels. If trekking, it is important to bear in mind that cash is necessary. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
The amount of spending money you take is up to you, we can only advise on this. You will need monies to pay for about 25% of your meals, any tips given, laundry or room service charges and any social expenses that you incur. Tips are also referred to in our responsible tourism section below.
Clients who are British citizens will need a full British passport that is valid for at least six months after your entry date. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply to you and you should check with the embassy of your destination country. Please note that for all of our trips we will require a copy of your passport details and an additional six photographs (two photographs will be required for your entry visa, two for your trekking permit and two to be used only in the event of an emergency).
British nationals require visas either obtained before or on entry to Nepal and we find the process of the later simpler and easier. Visas can be obtained on arrival from the immigration authorities at all entry points (with fees payable in US Dollars) provided all nationals are in possession of the valid travel documents, two photographs and the relevant fee:
Multiple entry: £20 (15 days), £35 (30 days), £75 (90 days).
If you are not a British national other regulations may apply and you should check with your destination country.
You are responsible for any necessary medical immunisations required for your respective trip or expedition. We are able to advise on health requirements but we are not medical experts. You should obtain suitable medical advice and recommendations for your travel destination from your local doctor or travel clinic at least two months in advance of your date of departure. You are also well advised to have a dental check prior to your departure. Clients are reminded that should you have to undergo any medical or dental treatment whilst abroad then the treatment may be expensive and the services not of the same standard as the UK.
Health overview for Nepal: Nepal is a very poor country and medical treatment is expensive at Western travellers' clinics in Nepal. Health care is poor in most places outside Kathmandu valley and Pokhara. You should be aware that it might be difficult to obtain rapid helicopter evacuation if you were to fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country.
Food and drink: All water should be regarded as potentially contaminated including tap water. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and advised. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Malaria: Malaria precautions are essential but only in the southern half of Nepal (click on the map below to see affected area). Most malaria transmission is in the low lying southern plains or 'terrai' districts of Bara, Dhanukha, Kapilvastu, Mahotari, Parsa, Rautahat, Rupendehi and Sarlahi.
There is no risk of Malaria in Kathmandu, Pokhara or on our mountain treks. However Chitwan national park is within the Malaria essential precaution area on the NHS fit for travel website. This being said the CIWEC travel clinic states that for short term trips to Chitwan the risk is very low but not zero. Read what they say on their website and see your doctor.
Immunisations: You should check with your local travel clinic but general advice is to;
Aids: The prevalence rate of aids in Nepal in 2008 was estimated at between 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Altitude: If you are venturing into the high Himalayas and intend to take part in our treks then you are advised to take it easy for the first few days and drink plenty of water.
Further information: For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the NHS (Health care abroad) website, its Scottish counterpart NHS Fit for travel and the health section for your destination country on the FCO website. In addition the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) also provides excellent medical information.
Any client suffering from any mobility impairment, illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or pre existing medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking.
Some of the countries we visit have higher crime rates than we do here at home. We carry out a security risk assessment for all of our trips and will give you sensible and suitable advice for your destination country. Though we will do our utmost to take care of your safety we cannot guarantee it due to the many variable factors involved. We do expect any person travelling with us to take due notice of our safety advice but in addition we also expect each person to be aware of their own personal security by behaving appropriately and taking basic sensible precautions.
Crime overview for Nepal: Crime in general and violent crime in particular is not a major problem in Nepal but there have been a number of unprovoked muggings of foreigners in and around Kathmandu, sometimes with the threat of knives i.e. Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol areas of the city. The poorly lit streets around Kathmandu do not help matters so in this respect you should avoid walking around Kathmandu on your own after dark. Most visits to Nepal however are trouble free.
Should you wish to know more about crime and security in Nepal visit Nation Master. In addition the FCO gives out excellent travel information advice on their Travel Advice by Country page and provides an excellent travel service on its Know Before You Go page.
According to the 2001 census, 80.6 percent of Nepalese are Hindu, 10.7 percent are Buddhist and 4.4% are Muslim. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs especially if you intend to visit religious areas. The following tips may help the visitors to make their stay in Nepal enjoyable and memorable:
The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe: Possession of even small amounts of marijuana can lead to a prison sentence in excess of five years, usually after a lengthy and expensive legal process.
All of our treks do not require any special skills but some hiking experience is desirable. You will be hiking at altitude but that is covered in the altitude section below.
Each of our trips are graded appropriately in accordance with our grading trips section. Clients should not underestimate the physical demands required for any of our trips. This is particular so for our mountain climbs as they are at altitude and taxing physical endeavours. With that said regular UK hikers should have the experience and fitness levels required to complete any of our trips or expeditions.
Our hiking trips to Nepal are rated as the easiest of our mountain trips to altitude technically but the physical effort involved is considerable, you should find it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Our treks in Nepal go up to a high point of 5,643m on Kalan Pattar and 5,416m at Thorung La. Invariably you will start at around 1,000m in Pokhara and 2,860m in Lukla. At 1,000m you will have 89% of the oxygen available to you at sea level and at 2,860m this is reduced to 72%. Between 5,416 & 5,643m the oxygen level will be down to 51-52% or nearly half of what is available at sea level (click on www.altitude.org for these figures). For those not accustomed to altitude then the additional effort required to gain this amount of height is very noticeable.
To reiterate our advice given in our general information section we should remind you that we are careful to allow for a suitable acclimatisation period on all of our treks and expeditions but the time allowed will not suit everybody. Some people will adapt better than others but we do anticipate that our programs will be successful in 90-95% of cases. You may also be one of the 5% of the population who adapt least well to high altitude and if so most if not all commercial climbing trips will not suit you. In addition about 10-20% of our clients may experience some symptoms such as headache and loss of appetite on our climbs.While we will do our utmost to acclimatise at our destination location it is important that clients without prior high altitude experience take heed of the above.
In any event we ask all of our clients to familiarise themselves with our in depth section on altitude.
Nepal is a very poor country with very limited facilities and infrastructure. You will find that many simple day to day facilities that you take for granted at home are not of the same standard or simply do not exist in Nepal. For example Kathmandu does not have round the clock electricity and is subjected to frequent power cuts and refuse collection is minimal at best. To make up for this shortfall in material efficiency you will simply be amazed at the scenic beauty it provides you and its wonderful, beautiful people, which in our view is Nepal's biggest asset. This is why it is such a prized travel destination with a bustling tourist industry.
Therefore whilst we endeavour to provide you with the best facilities we can, you have to be prepared for this cultural and economic difference, after all you did book with us for an adventure trip. You will also have booked to go on a hiking trek and therefore must expect to encounter a degree of discomfort and hardship during your travels with us. In this respect we must highlight that the mountains of the Himalayans are remote and not readily accessible so there is an element of risk and delay should you be involved in any rescue situation.
In addition to this some things just cannot be planned for and our itinerary may have to be changed due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We will always attempt to minimise any disruption to your trip and such incidents will be dealt with by the designated Adventure Beyond guide and in accordance with our booking conditions.
Our trips to Nepal have been formally risk assessed and our trip leaders and in country providers will direct our expeditions in accordance with these risk assessments. Each expedition group travelling with us will be briefed in full in regard to their booked activities and personal security in country.
Our mountain guides, trip leaders and our in country providers will do their utmost to ensure that you have a save and pleasurable trip. However mountain climbing and outdoor related activities in general do carry the risk of injury. On all of our trips and expeditions we have to take extra care of our clients but we cannot guarantee that we can eliminate all of the risks due to the very nature of the activity you will be partaking in. Where the risks are deemed by your guide or leader to be above a reasonable level then that activity may be cancelled or terminated.
In order to adhere to a system of continuity Adventure Beyond applies the same standards of safety to its overseas ventures as if it was undertaken by NGB (National Governing Body) organisation within the UK i.e. BMC (British Mountaineering Council), BCU (British Canoe Union).