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Essential Information
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Updated 22 Sep 2010, v3
Quick links to subjects: Passports and Visas, Money, Local Payments, Group Size, Fitness, Age, How Far?, Clothing and Equipment, Altitude, Weather (and the cold), Weather (delays), Accomodation, Single rooms or tents, Travelling Alone?, Freedom of Travel, Food and Water, Rest and Recouperation, Vaccinations
Stuff You Need To Know
The following is designed to give you as much generic background information as possible to answer many of the numerous questions that immediately come to mind when thinking about embarking on adventurous trips. If you are in any doubt or need a specific question answering, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail.
International Flights
International flights are not included in the price of our trips (except flights into Bhutan). Through experience, we do have a good knowledge of the flight routes and airlines and can assist you in choosing the best option that suits your requirements. Download Travel and Trek’s guide to flying to Nepal.
Internal Flights
In the vast majority of cases, internal flights are included in the price of the trips; please refer to the exclusions on any specific trip.
Passports and Visas
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of departure. Visas are required for most countries that we operate in and in most cases details will be provided on precisely what you need to do to obtain one.
Money
Credit cards, traveller’s cheques and local currency cash are all generally accepted in the cities/towns we visit. Be aware of being reliant on plastic cards, especially in Nepal. Some forward planning may be required for your time in the hills (ie small denominations). More specific advice is given with the Trek Briefing Notes.
Local Payments
Travel and Trek does NOT use any form of 'local payment' to make the advertised prices appear lower than they actually are!
Group Size
No group will exceed 16 people (including the Group Leader). Treks will run with a minimum number of people, clearly stated with each trek summary.
Fitness
Fitness, or perceived lack of(!), is the first concern of most non-regular trekkers. Provided that you can walk for several hours over varied terrain for several consecutive days carrying a daysack containing essentials such as water, camera, sun screen, etc..., then you should be perfectly capable of completing any one of these treks. Whilst it is best to be as walking fit as possible, the pace is self controlled and you will undoubtedly find a group of like paced walkers. The weekend training gatherings are an excellent way to gauge if this is for you BEFORE you book.
Age
Age is no barrier provided you feel fit enough. The age range to date has been between 18 and 72. Most people join these treks because they have a passion for this type of travel and will therefore be very like-minded with all the other members of the group. It is a great advantage to have a good age range as it provides a good base for varied conversation.
How Far?
Distance in mountainous areas is generally measured in time, not miles or kilometres. Expect to walk between 4 and 8 hours and occasionally more on a daily basis dependent on numerous factors. Between 5 – 6 hrs is normal. These treks are not a test of endurance; sufficient rest is factored in and flexibility is key. Expect summit days on treks such as Island Peak, Thorong La (Annapurna Circuit) (both Nepal), Kilimanjaro and Mgoun (Morocco) to be in excess of 10 hrs.
Clothing and Equipment (non trekking peaks)
Whilst the amount of specialist clothing or equipment required for these treks is not high, the items can be expensive. A good sleeping bag, daysack, boots and a duvet jacket are the items that I would single out for special attention.
All of those items will be used time and time again and are therefore worth the time on research and money spent. Do not underestimate how important boots are on your feet or how comfortable a rucksack needs to be or how important a good, warm nights sleep is to you over time. Ask about our money saving guide.
A comprehensive kit list is provided on booking. Feel free to call and discuss any items that you feel unsure of. Again, the training weekends are very useful to gain ideas of what suits you and what is required.
Trekking Peaks
Some basic climbing equipment is required for all of trekking peaks. Ice axes, crampons, harnesses for example will all be required for safety. If you do not have your own equipment, it can be hired either in country (inexpensive) or in the UK prior to your departure. We have sets for hire, pre-positioned close to Island Peak in Nepal. Even if you do have your own equipment, you may consider hiring to save weight. More advice is given in the trek notes or call Travel and Trek.
Altitude
Whilst some of these treks attain a significant altitude, do not be overly concerned. Provided that the rate of ascent is controlled responsibly and in accordance with general guidelines, then serious problems should not occur. Your Guide/Leader will be well versed in the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and will help and advise you as you progress. Should you experience serious symptoms, then descent is the safest and only option. Additional advice is contained in the Trek Briefing Notes. Why not download my own guide to trekking at altitude.
Weather (and the cold)
Weather conditions are unpredictable, we all know that!
The vast majority of treks will be undertaken in the trekking seasons when the weather patterns are generally good. But that is no guarantee that it will be.
Generally, expect warm if not hot conditions during the day and much colder at night.
As soon as you add altitude, the temperatures will significantly drop at night.
Minus 10 - 15 deg C is not uncommon overnight close to Everest Base Camp.
You should therefore be equipped for trekking in warm conditions with the ability to add layers at night. Don't forget waterproofs.
We will provide you with a comprehensive clothing and equipment list on booking.
Weather and Delays
Whilst this could apply generally, this brings your attention to Lukla's airport in Nepal. Due to its location, it is prone to delays due to the weather. Whilst we do factor in a spare day in Kathmandu on the end of your trip, any prolonged delays may put you at risk of missing your international flight. You may wish to consider extending your trip when you book or have a contingency fund to get you down by helicopter should it be necessary. Please also ensure that your travel insurance covers missed departures.
Accommodation
Accommodation used is a mix of hotels, B&B's, mountain refuges (some dormitory), tea-houses or occasionally tents (Morocco and Bhutan only). Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. All accommodation is clean and comfortable. Most of the trekking accommodation is basic with communal ablution facilities. Do not expect heating in mountain accommodation, although most lodges will have a fire in communal rooms.
Single Rooms or Tents
In general terms, trips of this nature do require you to be prepared to share accommodation with a fellow group member of the same sex. We will try and accommodate those who prefer to be accommodated singularly without financial penalty. Availability will depend on which trip you have chosen. Should you wish to take up this option, please call and discuss your requirements.
Travelling Alone?
Over 50% of bookings are from people travelling by themselves. It is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life. You can remain as independent as you wish on trips of this nature and yet feel safe as part of a group.
Freedom of Travel
Everyone will have his/her own agenda of what they want to see and do. Through experience, it is on that basis that I allow as much freedom as possible for you to do as you wish throughout the trip. The framework is there for all within which to work and I will assist you as much as you require but should you wish to do so, when the opportunity arises you may explore as much as you wish.
Food and Water
Please check each itinerary to see what food is included on your trip; it varies from just breakfasts to all meals on trek.
Our policy of not providing evening meals on treks in Nepal is borne out of experience and for very good reason; altitude. Altitude has a suppressing effect on your appetite. At times, you may not want to eat at all. As you progressively ascend above 4000m, many get nauseas even at the thought of food.
In order to maintain your energy, you need to eat and if it means only eating cornflakes or chocolate bars, then so be it, at least it is food.
Budget around £10 per day for food and water (excludes breakfasts, which are included).
If you purify/filter your own water instead of buying it in plastic bottles, those figures may reduce.
Points to remember:
This method gives you control over your diet (what food (good mix of local and western dishes), how much and when)
This method gives you control over your budget
This method is practical, flexible and cost effective
If the whole group eats the same food; the whole group can go down with the same sickness
Water can be obtained from tap sources but must be purified/filtered. The alternative is to buy mineral water in plastic bottles (it has to date proven perfectly safe to drink). The DIY option is recommended as it reduces the amount of plastic bottles in the region; far better environmentally.
Download Travel and Trek's Guide to Safe Drinking Water to see what options are open to you.
Rest and Recuperation
Whilst without doubt the primary aim of most of my trips is the trekking, there is always a balance to be struck between work and rest. The itineraries will show where those rests are, which generally come towards the end of the trip but will occur at other times, should the need be there.
Vaccinations
Travel and Trek is not a professional medical organisation and therefore cannot formally advise you of which vaccinations you should have. You should therefore consult your local medical centre and/or visit one of the numerous websites that offer such advice such as the excellent www.traveldoctor.co.uk
Through experience however, the following are a good indication of what you should be considering for all countries that Travel and Trek operate in:
Tetanus, Polio/Diphtheria, Hep A, Typhoid. Consider Anti-Malarias and Rabies dependant on the area that you are visiting and the time of year.
If you are travelling for longer than 1 month, seek further advice.
