Muir's Tours - Planning Notes

Trekking in Nepal

The Different Trekking Styles

                   Style
            \
Aspect

Tea House Trekking

Group Tented Camping

Remote Area

None or few tea houses

There is always a camp site

Popular Area

Choice of location, if beds are available

There is always a camp site, some are better than others

Food Hygiene

Check it first, if possible

Mobile kitchen - better control

Interacting with local people

You may have a guide / porter to liase for you, but you get frequent interactions

The group may be shielded from some local interaction as they may be seen by locals as less approachable.

Socialising with other trekkers

Meals are taken in the tea house and it is a good chance to make new friends. Spontaneous entertainment. 

You may meet new companions along the trail.

Meals are taken as a group in a mess tent or out in the open. Structured entertainment possible.  You do not normally get the chance to select who is in your group, so you need to be gregarious and a little flexible (can't always have it your way). 

A - Tented Camping
 Tented Camping is the only option in the remote areas of Nepal and is favoured by some trekkers for any area, as quality control of food hygiene should be easier. 

Our local staff look after you in respect of route guidance, load carrying, gossip/culture and provision of food, you just enjoy the scenery, etc.

B - Tea House Trekking
This is making use of local accommodation and food outlets. This is possible on the more popular trails in Nepal as the local people have set up many lodges in the villages and a few in between. Staying in the smaller lodges sometimes gives the opportunity to learn more about the local people, if you make the effort. On the popular routes a porter alone is sufficient, on some other routes, technical route knowledge is needed and a local guide is recommended. 

We can assure you that we have spent time, carefully recruiting our guides and that they can be relied upon and are properly equipped.

All our staff / temporary workers are paid fair wages and are trained / being trained in respect of environmental and technical matters.

Flying to Nepal

 International airfare: Approximately £430 (June - September & January to early March) - £600 - £650 (April - May & October - December) from the UK, dependent upon choice and timing.

Airport departure taxes:  About £40 from the UK and 1100 Nepalese Rupees (c. £9 / $15) on departure from Kathmandu at present.

Inoculations & Medical Aspects

Please refer to your GP/ travel clinic. We provide guidance notes to each person, but there is a need for professional advice.

Travel Insurance

A well designed comprehensive policy is essential. The policy should have a no nonsence section covering search & rescue.

We recommend the British Mountaineering Council's policies.

Visa

£20 / $30 for first 60 days (first time in Nepal). Extend the visa in Nepal for another 30 days for about £0.70 / $1 per day.

Gear List

Each Person is issued with a personalised gear list, as conditions vary so much from area to area and with the seasons. The general requirements are...

* Anti excitement tablets :)

* A sleeping bag and a liner (the liner on its own may be enough on some nights and on others you may need both). You only need these if you are likely to be concerned about the cleanliness of the blankets supplied in the lodges.

* Towel (buy a pack of 2 / 3 highly absorbent washing up cloths from the supermarket. Look out for the ones that absorb about 10 times it's own weight, they are very cheap but work just like the "special" ones sold in outdoor shops for 10 X the price. You can use one of these for 3 or 4 weeks of daily use without having to dry it out if kept in a small plastic bag. Compared to a wet towel these are very light to carry. (Please dry out the used ones and take back home for recycling).

* Biodegradable soap & toothpaste, plus your toothbrush.

* "Well worn in" walking boots, with good ankle support. Water proofed.

* Lightweight shoes / sandals for rest periods.

* Hiking socks, two / three pairs (tried and tested on your feet).

* Personal first aid kit.

* Sunscreen.

* Sunglasses, hat and light clothing. 2 maybe 3 changes of clothes. Man made fabrics generally are better at wicking away the moisture and they dry faster after washing.

* Two (1 medium and 1 light weight) fleece tops for the cool nights and mornings. At times you might need both on at the same time.

* A lightweight waterproof top & trousers.

* A medium sized back pack (yes that's right you should cut back). Two bags are fine - one can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu, with your city clothes.

* One simple inexpensive lightweight camera and lots of film.

* Swimsuit.

City Restaurants

The detailed itineraries will specify in many instances, that certain meals are not included, this allows you the freedom of choice.  There are many  restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Hotels - Kathmandu & Pokhara

Please note that our standard hotels provide clean comfortable accommodation, but we are able to arrange budget through to luxury, please ask for details.

Budget rooms: Prices from £4 / $6 per day.

Standard rooms: Prices from £14 / $20 per day.

Luxury (only Kathmandu and Pokhara): £37 - £230 / $50 - $320 per day.

Any other questions - email for help