My name is Dammaru Niraula. I am from Kathmandu, Nepal, and have been working as a freelance trekking guide in the Himalaya of Nepal for the past 22 years. I am a registered trekking guide with an authorized government office of Nepal and have a license to guide foreigners in the mountain regions of Nepal. I have been associated with the tourism industry from 1988 and initially began work as a porter in this sector. After working as a porter More»
1. Do you have a satellite Phone?
We do not have a satellite phone but the hotel owners have satellite phones so if we have a problem, we can call from the hotel. I have a mobile phone and there is reception now in most villages in the mountains.
2. What happen if we need a Helicopter rescue?
We can manage the helicopter for emergencies, as long as you have travel insurance.
3. Do you know how to avoid A.M.S.?
Yes. This is important question for trekkers. If we follow acclimatization rules – ascend slowly- then we will avoid A.M.S. You will find in my itinerary, we always ascend slowly, usually 300m per night. This will avoid Acute Mountain Sickness.
4. What is the standard of food and accommodation?
Above 3000 meters the food is mostly vegetarian. It is advisable not to consume meat products as it may not be fresh. Accommodation is basic, but clean and comfortable. I only choose lodges that have a good hygiene reputation so as to minimize any health hazards associated with food preparation and consumption.
5. We will not be able to carry much luggage ourselves. How much will your porter carry?
No problem. You will only need to carry your small day pack with personal items. Your porter will carry the rest of your luggage; it is advisable to keep the bulk of your luggage to a weight of between 20-30kg.
6. How much extra money will we need during our trekking?
You need extra money during trekking, $10 per day is recommended, depending on how many extra drinks and chocolates you will buy.
7. Are we safe if we book ours trip with freelance trekking guide in Nepal?
You are safe hands if you book with a licensed guide as they are trained by a government agency. Be sure to check the license number that should be on the website.
8. How can I go to the hotel from the airport? Will someone pick me up from the airport?
We will always pick you up from the airport. If I am trekking when you arrive, my assistant will be waiting for you with a sign with your name and the trekking agency name. It is advisable to follow him and don’t believe other people.
9. What types of accommodation do you provide in Kathmandu?
In Kathmandu city there are many different categories of hotel. The hotels range from 1 to 5 star depending on your budget.
10.
What about the drinking water in the trekking area? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?
Bottled mineral water is available in every trekking area on the teahouse treks. On camping trips the water is purified with chemicals or boiled. Do not drink the water unless it has been boiled, filtered, purified or bottled.
11. Is the trip destinations area safe for tourists?
Your safety is own main concern. There will always be unforeseen dangers involved in adventure travel that you need to consider before booking. Our previous political problems are now over.
12. How strenuous is the trip? Am I fit enough for this kind of travel?
We have a wide diversity of trips In general the fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy an active trip. Check the trip grading, anything listed as strenuous or challenging is exactly that.
13. What will the weather be like on our trip?
It is very difficult to accurately predict the weather. We always plan the itinerary during the most suitable time of the year for comfortable travel.
14. What happens if I get sick?
We always carry a well-stocked and appropriate medical kit. You should get sufficient insurance in case you should have to be evacuated by helicopter. A slight case of diarrhea is ordinary, as well as joint and muscle aches - all a part of walking in the hills and a change of diet.
Altitude sickness is exceptionally dangerous but, it can be avoided if you follow a few simple rules: Ascend slowly, plan for about 300metres increase in altitude per day, trek high and sleep low. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day (no alcohol, as this can mask the effects of altitude sickness), and BE SENSIBLE.
If you feel shortness of breath, a headache or faintness, tell your guide and rest immediately. Lie down and drink water. If you are still feeling unwell then you may think about going down a few hundred metres.
Do not pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. A descent of a few hundred metres overnight may be sufficient to make you fully able to start trekking again the next day.
For more information, please go to: www.high-altitude-medicine.com
This informative site will tell you all you need to know, and also include a phonetic Nepali questionnaire for your porter. Porters are just as prone to altitude sickness as everyone else is.
15. What’s included?
Transport, accommodation, sightseeing while on the trek, meals, services of a trip leader and local guides, including porters.
Not included unless specified: international air fare, visas, insurance and other meals.
16. What if I take more or less time on my trek than I had planned and paid for?
A trekking holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. In fact, most of the time it isn't even about the end point. Walking in the mountains is about enjoying the beauty of the people and places. Differences of any extra costs can be made up on your return. Remember, it's your holiday and so long as you enjoy your trip the time taken is mostly irrelevant, unless of course there are flight timelines which you have to meet. You may find that weather or illness means you have to turn back, sit it out or take another route. No problem!
17. What are the trip leaders like?
Leaders are carefully selected for their personality, general travel experiences and enthusiasm for our style of travel. They facilitate the smooth running of your trip and are there to help you get the most out of your adventure. They are recruited on the basis of their resourcefulness and people skills.
18. How can I look after my porter?
Your porter can also be your friend - talk to him about his family. Most porters are students trying to earn extra cash, or married with very young families. These guys can be away from home for months on end carrying packs up and down hills. It's a hard life and small gestures of appreciation, like buying them a cup of tea, never go astray. If you do not have a guide with you and are trekking with a porter only, please keep an eye on your porter (just as he will keep an eye on you) when on the trail. A porter is also prone to altitude sickness and even though he is working for you his welfare is everyone's moral responsibility If your porter shows signs of altitude sickness, please ensure that your porter gets to a safer altitude and that medical attention is arranged. Never leave him to wander alone down the mountain. Make sure that he has sufficient food, drink and warm clothing.
19. How much money should I bring for my trip?
This will depend on the destination and you're spending habits. Our trip descriptions provide you with an idea of how to budget for additional meals, optional excursions, and extra expenses you might incur on any particular trip.
20. Will there be credit card facilities on tours and in the trekking area?
In most cities, like Kathmandu and Pokhara, yes, to some extent, Travelers’ Cheques and Credit Cards can be used. However once you leave those cities behind, small amounts of U.S.D and Nepalese cash are best.
21. If I arrive a day early, can you help with hotel accommodation?
Yes, if you are booked on a fixed date itinerary and you arrive earlier than the itinerary date, we can arrange additional accommodation.
