Before Departure Checklist

We suggest you to pack your luggage as lightly as possible. The main things you will require are a down sleeping bag, down jacket, day pack bag (30-40L), duffle bag, trekking clothes, thermal base layers, trekking boots, fleece layers, hats and gloves, sunglasses and first aid kit with personal medication.
Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be done according to your needs and interests.  

Head

• Sun hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Lower Body

• Under Garments (trousers)
• Lightweight cotton long pants
• Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
• Waterproof pants

Upper Body

• T-shirts
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket

Hands

• Lightweight gloves wool or fleeced

Feet

• Thin inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Hiking shoes with spare laces
• Running shoes or sandals for evening

Accessories

• Down Sleeping bag rated to zero DC *
• Torch or headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
• Trekking Bags/Duffel bag *
• Prescription drugs if you may be taking daily
• Daypack bag (30-40L)
• Trekking Poles/ sticks
• Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Litre

Personal Hygiene

• Light weight towel
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti bacterial hands wash
• Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small mirror
• Wet wipe

Extras

• Reading/writing material
• Camera & Binoculars
• Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
• Umbrella especially in summer (May to September)

Note:

• An asterisk (*) are also provided by Himalayan Smile Treks and Adventures Pvt Ltd. in the service but if you want to use your own private piece, we encourage you to bring it by you.
• If any equipment is not available in your place, you can easily buy them in trekking shops in Kathmandu, Nepal before going trekking.

Trip FAQs

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. You get Nepalese visa from Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Can I get a VISA on arrival at Kathmandu airport?
Yes, you can obtain your entry visa at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival.

What do I need to get my visa?
You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and the visa fee.

How much should I pay for visa?
Visa Valid for Fee
15 days US$ 25
30 days US$ 40
90 days US$ 100

Where are we receive after arrive at Kathmandu airport?
You are met just outside the arrival lounge of the Kathmandu International airport by our officer.

How do I identify your Officer?
Our officer can be identified easily. They are standing with your name play card. After meeting you are taken to our private vehicle then transfer to the hotel. He also helps you in the hotel check in formalities.

Do they carry their luggage themselves?
According to airport rule as the visitors can meet our officer only outside the arrival lounge, you have to carry your luggage in the trolleys through the custom lobby up to the exit point on your own. After meeting our officer you can hand over it to him. He takes care of your luggage till your check in at the hotel.

Whom should I contact during their stay in Nepal?
We assign one of our officers to look after you, who constantly stay in touch with you during your stay in Nepal. We give you his mobile number. Or you may directly contact to our office number also.

Am I fit to Trekking? Should I do prior preparation to trek?
In fact you don't need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles to enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of mountain journey and like walking, you are always qualified for any trekking in Nepal. You do not need any previous experience. However we suggest you some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking before you embark on journey.

What is tea house trekking? How is it organized?
Almost in all popular trekking trails in Nepal (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang), local villagers have built tea-house lodges. In tea house trek you stay at those mountain lodges and have breakfast, lunch and dinner in their restaurant. Normally the tea houses are more like hotels with hot showers, continental and Nepali food and comfortable private rooms (twin sharing). If you stay in local hotels, you will also get an opportunity to interact with local hoteliers and their family members and get information about their lifestyle and culture.

What is Camping Trekking? How is it organized?
In a camping trek you will sleep in our tents. The tents are roomy. The sleeping pads/ mattresses are comfortable. All food are prepared and served by our camping crew. Food you get is hygienic and fresh.

What equipments should I bring?
You should bring your personal wear like walking boots and sand shoes, sandal, a water-and wind-proof jacket, woolen shirts, T-shirts, a thick pullover, shorts/skirts and trousers/track suits. Thermal underwear is necessary for high altitudes and cottons are best for lower and warmer altitudes. Also don't forget a water bottle, sleeping bag, gloves, walking stick, knife and sewing kit, torch light with spare batteries, extra boot laces, sun glasses, sun cream, rain coat and personal medical supplies. Bring a duffel bag to put your clothing and equipments in. We provide you porter to carry your kit bag.

What kind of food will be served while on trek?
You will be served freshly cooked food during trekking. In all tea houses/ lodges along trekking trail Western, Continental and Nepali dishes are available. Three meals a day will be provided you in full board (Gold) package.

How long do we trek per day and how high?
Up to a maximum of 5-6 hours a day with lunch breaks along the trail. The maximum altitude is depends upon which trek you are going. In Nepal normally the maximum altitude of most of the trekking falls between 3500m to 5000m.

What is the best season for trekking in Nepal? And can I go trekking in the months of January- February and June- August?
The best time for trekking in Nepal is from mid September to early December and from March to April.

Beside them in other months also you can do trekking in Nepal but in selected regions.

In January and February the climate is colder. So, at that time high altitude trekking is not recommendable. For January and February, we suggest Langtang trekking, Ghorepani trekking, Jomsom Muktinath trekking.

Likewise June July August is the rainy season in Nepal. During this time here occurs heavy rain fall. Mountain views are not clear. For this period we recommend Upper Mustang, Dolpo trekking. These are rain shadow areas where rain falls very little.

June July August is also the best time for Tibet/ Lhasa Tour, Mt. Kailash Tour.

What happens if I get sickness during trekking?
To some trekkers when they go over 3000 m they may feel some affect of altitude sickness like shortness of breath and possibly a light headed which is fairly common. Sometime they may also get diarrhea as well as sprains and muscle aches. In such case our guide who is experienced in first aid treatment and high altitude sickness will advise you about any health requirements and also treat you. Altitude sickness is dangerous but it can be avoidable. If your follow a few simple rules you will not suffer from altitude sickness. Rules are trek slowly with your guide, drink at least two liters of water per day (not including beer or soft drinks),
If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or dizziness, tell your guide and rest immediately. Lie down, drink water. If you are still feeling unwell you may consider going down a few hundred meters. Do not pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. For further information of altitude sickness.

What happens in the event of an emergency?
Normally trekkers rarely have emergency case like serious mountain sickness. Because our staff do not let you have it. Sometime if there is an emergency incident a helicopter will be called to the spot. You will then be flown with our staff to Kathmandu and taken to the Hospital for treatment. But Helicopter rescue is costly. So we suggest all trekkers do travel insurance covering helicopter rescue and medical.

What about Travel Insurance?
It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. We also let you know that Nepalese Insurance Company does not have travel insurance for foreign nationals. They have travel insurance only for Nepalese nationality. We advise you when you come to Nepal, please bring legal documents with you.

Is Himalayan Smile Treks Company’s trekking crew insured?
We have insured all our trekking staff (guide, sirdar, porters and others).

What alcoholic beverages are available in?
Nepal produces different types of bottled beers, which are excellent. They are very much like a lager. Some lodges have a good supply of local as well as foreign whisky, gin, vodka, rum and soft drinks. A local "wine" is produced in the hills which is served hot and resembles sake. If you have a special preference, buy it at a duty free shop on your way to Kathmandu.

What kind of footwear will I need?
You will require a light weight pair of boots that have rubber soles with thick tread and good ankle support. Hi-Tech and Nike produces good walking comfortable shoes.

How hot/cold does it get in a day?
As general rule, it is hot enough during the days to wear an open-neck shirt with shorts and you will not be cold. During the evening, it gets cold so, long trousers and a warm jersey is essential.

Is a Trekking permit required?
The government of no longer requires a trekking permit for Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and some other regions. However, conservation permit or National park permits are required for these regions. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal, where trekking permits are required. But for trekking in any area you require to get TIMS Card. TIMS means Trekker’s information Management System. It costs USD 10 if you make it through trekking company. Otherwise it costs USD 20. We manage TIMS card to all trekkers going trekking with us.

Should I bring my own medicine?
Please consult your local doctor and follow his advice. However, if you are taking any particular medicines, it would be best to bring them with you.

Is it possible/easy to get equipment on hire?
There are trekking shops at Thamel, in Kathmandu, where you can easily rent or buy items like sleeping bags, down jackets, walking sticks, rucksacks, duffel bags and other equipments on reasonable price.

How many extra days should I allow in case of flight cancellation?
If you are flying from a remote mountain airstrip like Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot, Taplejung and Dolpo, you should keep at least two spare days before your departure for home.

Is communication to home possible while on trek?
Trekking areas like Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, all most tea houses/ mountain lodges have telephone facilities. From there you can make international calls to your home and friends staying any part of the world.

Will my tickets be reconfirmed while I am on trek?
Now most of international airlines tickets do not need reconfirmation. If your tickets require reconfirmation, please inform our representative before you go trekking or tour. He collects it for reconfirmation and return to you after you come back from trekking or tours.

Is this trip safe? Are there any dangers in the trip?
Nepal is absolutely safe country to travel. Our staffs do take every precaution to ensure the comfort and safety of the trekkers. Before 2006 when Maoist movement was going on, there was a kind of fear in few trekking destinations. But today they have also come to peaceful political stream. So there is no more any fear and need to give donation for any party.

How will be our trekking guide and porter, up to how much one porter carry?
We offer you an experienced trekking guide. He is in charge of your overall trekking. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. He is well trained in all aspects of trekking, high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedure. He is selected in terms of his professionalism. Remember that trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics. About porters, they carry your luggage. They are also local citizens. Normally one porter carries 20 to 25 kg of stuff. Normally we provide one porter for every two trekkers.

Accommodation in Kathmandu
We have chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria: standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. Normally for trekkers we give three star level hotels in Kathmandu as well as in Pokhara (For Annapurna Trekking). All accommodation is based on twin sharing with breakfast.

How many hours prior to the departure flight are we picked -up from the hotel?
You are picked from your hotel 2-3 hours before the time of your departure flight.

How are we assisted in our transfer?
During the day of departure at the appointment time our officer meets you in the lobby of the hotel where you are staying. He will help you to transfer to the airport.

High Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from you travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects

There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.

1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.

• Periods of sleeplessness.
• Occasional loss of appetite.
• Periodic breathing.
• The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
• Runny nose.
• Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)

2. Mild AMS Symptoms: Don't go higher
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.

• Mild headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Sleeplessness
• Dry Raspy cough
• Fatigue/Tired
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose
• Hard to breath

What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?
If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop, have rest, drink plenty of water and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms.
If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying, it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse.

3. Serious AMS Symptoms: Immediate descent

• Persistent, severe headache.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
• Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
• Mental confusion or hallucinations.
• Liquid sounds in the lungs.
• Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
• Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
• Severe lethargy/fatigue.
• Marked blueness of face and lips.
• High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
• Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
• Dangerous cases of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

Tips of prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

• Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
• Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
• No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
• Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
• Climb high and sleep low.
• Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
• Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
• Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
• Never leave or descent sick person along.
• Avoid getting cold.
• Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.

Travel Insurance

We advise travel insurance to all travelers are interested of trekking in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal is walking in the trail (path) of mountains. In mountain areas health treatment facilities are not standard. There are less available of good hospitals and doctors. So if in case the trekker suffers from severe sickness, he should bring to Kathmandu by helicopter for better treatment. And the helicopter charter fare is expensive in Nepal. If you have already travel insurance, your money will be saved.

When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We Himalayan Smile Treks and Adventures Pvt. Ltd. shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects.

We also let you know that Nepalese Insurance Company does not have travel insurance policy for foreign nationals. They have this policy only for Nepalese citizens. So we advise you do your travel insurance with Insurance Company in your own place.

If in case the insurance company in your place do not have such insurance police you may contact Ihi Bupa, the Insurance Company based in Denmark. They sell such insurance policy to foreigners. You may visit their website: http://global.ihi.com and contact them online. You can buy their policy online.

Comments about the Trip