FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

Does one need to be extremely fit in order to trek ?
Not at all. One just needs to be reasonably healthy and have a liking for walking in the wilderness with a sack on your back. This basic level of fitness can be easily achieved by moderate exercise for about 15 minutes on a regular basis. Thats all it takes! Being moderately fit also means that you will enjoy the trek more.

Do you arrange private tours / treks?
Yes, we do arrange private tours and treks, according to your will and wish.

How long do we Trek / Ride each day?
Trekking programs are in three different categories: Soft / Moderate / Strenuous. Accordingly, you will trek for 4- 5 Hrs / 6- 7 Hrs / 8-9 Hrs.

What kind of clothes should one wear?
Cotton garments, which are not very tight, nor so loose that you end up getting entangled in them while walking, are preferred. Avoid synthetic garments as they will not absorb sweat and not allow your skin to breathe. Avoid jeans as they can be a nightmare to carry around in case they become wet.

What about protection from the rain or snow?
You need to carry good quality rain proof clothing to protect yourself from the rain. While trekking, it is more important to protect your sack and its contents than yourself from rain. This is because if all of your clothes get wet, the rest of the trek will be a nightmare. A simple solution to keep yourself AND your sack dry is to use a 'poncho' or an 'irla'. These basically comprise of sheets of plastic which are large enough to cover yourself and your sack at the same time. They also make you look mighty funny in photographs ! They are also great to slide on the snow during Himalayan treks without getting a very cold and wet rear end.

Is previous hiking experience necessary to go on a trek?
As long as you are in good physical shape, you do not require any hiking experience for short treks. If you are planning a trek longer than a week, you should work out or do long day hikes at home for practice.

What equipment should I bring?
Trekking equipments check listing (Personal Items to be brought by Clients)The list of items as given below gives a general idea of the personal items to be brought by a trekker to trek in Nepal. Actually, the personal items are of individual interest, choice and the luxury he/she wants to enjoy and the most important fact he/she must consider is the time of the year, trekking days, region and altitude as per the situation,

Foot Wears: Hiking boots with some ankle support Training type shoe Flip - flop or slippers for use around the camp.

Clothes: Cotton shirts, T- shorts, jeans, etc. for day use. Socks and underwear 4/5 that can be easily washed and dried on daily basis. Trekking suits, light sweater, a wind proof jacket or lightly padded jacket, down jacket umbrella, sun hat, waterproof gear, etc.

In a supported trek, porters carry heavy personal items and the trekkers are required to carry minimum items only to make their walk easy. They carry what they might need during the daytime. So, they are briefed to pack their items in two different bags before the commence of the journey.

What happens if I get sick?
The most important thing is “DON’T PANIC”, you should always ensure that you have a well-stocked and appropriate medical kit as well as sufficient insurance just in case, you should have to be evacuated by Helicopter. A slight case of diarrhea is to be some times expected, as well as sprains and muscle aches - all a part of walking in the hills. Altitude sickness is extremely dangerous but mostly avoidable if you follow a few simple rules: trek high and sleep low, drink at least 2 liters of water per day (not including beer or soft drinks!), and be sensible.

If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or dizziness, tell your Sardar fro safety. Lie down, drink water as much as possible. If you are still feeling unwell. After that may consider going down a few hundred meters. Do not pretend you are all right, and do not go down alone. A descent of a few hundred meters overnight may be enough to make you fully able to start trekking again next day. For more information, please visit at www.high-altitude-medicine.com. This excellent site will inform you all you need to know, and also include a phonetic Mountain porter questionnaire for your porter. Porters are just as prone to altitude sickness as everyone else is.

What are your payment terms?
We prefer 25% advance deposit of total price of a tour in order to conform your reservation before you arrival. And rest of the payment can be made after your arrival.

Do your charges vary with the increasing / decreasing number of heads?
Cost always comes down with the increasing number of heads.

What arrangements for drinking water are made while on trek?
You should bring water bottles with you on the trek. We prefer that you filter water yourself using iodine in order to save scarce fuel. We also provide a limited amount of boiled water that you can use to fill your water bottle in the evening for next day’s journey.

What is the weather & temperature like?
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult and hard to predict. Of course, it is generally cold at night, and in winter, the days can be quite beautiful if the sun is out. There can be snow or rain storms any time of the year. Trekking in spring (March - April) is particularly lovely and beautiful as the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The mountains still have plenty of high snow to snap your photos.

You need to be aware that it can get pretty hot and sunstroke can be a risk. Good polarizing sunglasses or glacier glasses (not trendy fashion ones) for high altitudes/winter treks, and a large brimmed hat are a necessity. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! Between 1000m and 3500m the temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to 5 deg C low. At higher altitude, the temperature ranges from 20 deg C to -10 deg C. During winter it is around 10 deg colder.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our Airport Representative will come to the airport to pick you up. Outside of Terminal Hall, he/she will be displaying a play card of Cross Culture Trekking Agency to welcome you with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel or our office.