We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Please note: for all excursions the minimum number of participants is 4 in order for it to operate.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Nepal |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£7.60 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£12.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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An entry visa is required by UK, USA, CAN, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Nepal Visa: Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese embassy prior to travel or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and various international border crossings beyween Nepal and its neighbours. A passport-sized photograph for immigration is required - please bring this in your hand luggage. In addition, this trekking trip in Nepal requires 2 photos for the various permits required (although they won’t always be requested). Please bring a total of 3 photographs.
All visas sold on arrival are multiple entry visas and they are available to cover 3 different durations of visit ; a 15 day visa costing US$25, a 30 day costing US$40 and a 90 day visa costing US$100. Please ensure you purchase the duration sufficient to cover your whole visit including days of entry and exit. Please do note that these durations refer to each entry into Nepal e.g. 15 days for each entry.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
Temperatures at lower altitudes are very pleasant from Oct-Apr, ranging from 8°C to a max of 31°C. During the evening, night and early morning the temperatures will be lower. Views of mountains are best between Oct-Apr, and for flowers the best time will be end Mar/Apr. Monsoon rains arrive from Jun-Aug.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage: On Trek
Luggage: Airline allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Trek allowance: 22lbs/10kgs Maximum.
Main Baggage: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all items not needed on your trek in the mountains. This is stored at the hotel in Pokhara.
Trek kitbag: Supplied on arrival in Pokhara and used whilst on trek for clothing and sleeping bag carried by porters.
Daysac/Rucksack: To carry all personal effects required throughout the day’s trek, such as waterproofs, suncream etc. Carried by yourself.
Main Baggage:
Large suitcases are not recommended. You will arrive in Kathmandu with everything you need stored for the entire trip in a piece of luggage normally a holdall. This piece of baggage will become the receptacle for anything you will not need whilst on trek in the mountains and this is stored at the hotel in Pokhara. Items you will need whilst on trek should be repacked into your Trek Kit bag (which will be supplied on arrival in Pokhara) and your daysac/rucksack. Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given at the briefing in Kathmandu but it may be useful to do a trial pack before you leave home. When doing your initial packing, please bear in mind the airline weight limit for hold luggage (normally 20kg). Before leaving Pokhara there is time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Pokhara (see above). Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag, will be carried by the porters or pack animals. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. We advise that you line your kitbag with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry.
Rucksack/Daysac: During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac, which is carried by yourself, should therefore be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, fleece jacket/sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull or with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack. We advise you to line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. Your daysac could be used as hand luggage on the flight to Nepal bearing in mind that shoulder bags are not practical for the trek.
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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek
While you are trekking, daytime temperatures will generally be warm. On this trek you do not go above 2500m, so although you will need a sweater or fleece for the evenings, weather will generally be mild. However it can be chilly in the evenings, particularly between November and February, and at those times you will need warm weather clothing along with a woolly hat and gloves, and a warm down jacket.
Walking Boots Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc. do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots and these are usually satisfactory. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Ideally, visit a specialist ‘outdoor pursuits’ shop who will offer advice, and resist the temptation to buy ‘fashion’ footwear which give little support. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. We do recommend bringing a boot cleaning kit. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
Trainers or Sandals Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling. Velcro sandals are especially useful if taking the optional rafting trip.
Long Trousers For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are acceptable in the more remote areas, but to avoid giving offence in the villages, you should cover up with trousers. Although comfortable, leggings are also unsuitable as they too cause offence to local people. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.
Gloves Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening in the winter months (December/January). Thermals or similar types are most suitable.
Socks It is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. These help to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Fleece pullover/jacket You will need a fleece pullover/jacket for the evenings. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or fleece.
Track suit Comfortable around the camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
Thin Shirt/T-Shirt
Laundry Clothing may be left at the hotel in Pokhara to be washed and ironed ready for your return from trek.
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Equipment Provided: On Trek
The following equipment is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:
Sleeping bag.
Cotton liner.
Spacious 2-person tents.
Dining tent.
Foam mats.
Stools, table.
All cooking and kitchen gear.
Trek kitbag.
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Personal Equipment: On Trek
Water Bottle Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Each day you must sterilise water with Chlorine Dioxide with which to fill your own bottle. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. You MUST bring Chlorine Dioxide with you on this trek. For environmental reasons, we do not encourage the purchase of bottled mineral water nor the boiling of water due to fuel and power shortages.
Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things in your tent, going to the loo in the night etc. Head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, bio-degradable soap, small towel, small nail brush and toilet rolls! ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up in your tent, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!). A ‘J’ cloth is a good alternative for a ‘flannel’.
Binoculars Useful for game viewing in Chitwan.
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare.
Sun Hat, Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at higher altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Personal First Aid Kit Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but no prescription medicines. You should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit, plus any other items you or your doctor feels advisable. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet.
Whistle To attract attention in an emergency.
Trekking poles Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.
Swimsuit
Spare Laces
Chlorine Dioxide for water purification
Anti-bacterial handwash
Ear Plugs- some may find it more comfortable to bring ear plugs with them so that while in hotels and camping they are not disturbed at night.
Insect repellent
Travel Pillow - pillows are not supplied on trek so a travel pillow, or a rolled up jumper will come in useful.
Old Clothes for rafting - If you wish to partake in the rafting on the Trisuli River a pair of shorts and a thirt you don't mind getting wet will be useful.
Neutral coloured clothing - For Chitwan National Park neutal coloured clothing is more suitable.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
General Information
The paths we follow during our trek are largely made up of sections of stone steps which is typical of the Annapurna foothills. The steps do vary in size and it can be hard on the knees. Walking poles can make things a little easier, particularly when descending.
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Country info
Area: 147,181 sq km.
Population: 24 million.
Language: Nepalese, Hindi.
Religion: Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim.
Local Time: GMT + 5.45 hours.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. Type C and D.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Obtained in Kathmandu.
Recommended Books: The Rough Guide to Nepal; Nepal – A Travel Survival Kit (Lonely Planet); Insight Guide to Nepal; Kathmandu & the Kingdom of Nepal (Lonely Planet); Tiger for Breakfast (Michel Peissel); The Mountain is Young (Han Suyin).
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