Khopra Ridge Trek
- 11
days
Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the newest treks in the Nepal Himalaya. Lying off-the-beaten-path, away from the popular trails in the Annapurna Region, the Khopra Ridge Trek route goes through a secluded and serene trail filled with awe-inspiring views of Dhaulagiri (7th highest mountain in the world), Manaslu (8th highest mountain in the world), Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri Himal and other peaks. Khopra Ridge Trek offers you the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Nepal Himalaya as well as contribute directly to the welfare of the mountain communities living along the trail.
Khopra Ridge Trek was introduced in the Annapurna Region as a community trek to help raise the economic standards of the villages lying on the Khopra Danda trail. As most of the villages lying on this route were receiving no tourist traffic and thus struggling economically, this new route was introduced to improve the economic condition of the villages situated on this trail. This is a community teahouse trek and the profit collected from these teahouses goes to fund local schools and health clinics. Mahabir Pun, a local of this area and a renowned educationist and social activist has been promoting this trail since it was introduced. He has received the Magsaysay Award for introducing wireless computer technology in the remote mountain villages of Nepal.
Filled with jaw-dropping Himalayan views, typical Nepalese villages, terraced fields, and lush jungles, Khopra Ridge Trek is your classic Nepal trek. You begin your trek from Kimchi after taking a short drive from Pokhara. The trail passes through quaint Gurung villages and dense rhododendron forests. It is a delight to walk this trail in spring as splashes of pink and red rhododendron blooms cover the trail. The highlights of your trek are the hikes to Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill. The Khayer Lake trail takes you to a sacred high-altitude lake and brings you very close to Annapurna South. You can view this mighty peak up close and feel the sacred vibe of this magical place. Khopra Ridge Trek can be done by novice as well as experienced trekkers.This trek is also ideal for families traveling with kids. An experienced guide will be with you throughout your trek.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Clark Maxwell
|
March 04, 2024
Leong Ming En
|
November 05, 2022
Leon Thomson
|
October 27, 2022
Freddie James
|
October 27, 2022
Loh Kai Xin
|
April 14, 2022
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) - Transfer to hotel & Trip Preparation |
| Day 2 | Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kimchi and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,365ft) - 25 minutes flight , 2 to 3 hours (52km) drive and 1 to 2 hours (2.5km) trek |
| Day 3 | Trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) - 4 to 5 hours (6.5km) trek |
| Day 4 | Trek to Dobato (3,350m/10,990ft) - 4 to 5 hours (6.5km) trek |
| Day 5 | Trek to Khopra Ridge or Khopra Danda (3,660m/12,006ft) - 6 to 7 hours (11km) trek |
| Day 6 | Hike to Khayer Lake (4,500m/14,762ft) and return to Khopra Ridge - 8 to 10 hours (11km) trek |
| Day 7 | Trek to Swanta Village (2,214m/7,263ft) - 5 to 6 hours (10km) trek |
| Day 8 | Trek to Ghorepani (2,858m/9,376ft) - 4 to 5 hours (5km) trek |
| Day 9 | Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise view, descend to Hile and drive to Pokhara - 4 to 5 hours (10.5km) trek and 2 to 3 hours (50km) drive |
| Day 10 | Afternoon Fly to Kathmandu - 25 minutes flight |
| Day 11 | Final Departure |
Route Map for Khopra Ridge Trek
If you arrive during the daytime, you will be greeted by a wondrous sight of rolling hills and mountains. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Kathmandu valley from the plane. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to pick up and drop you at your hotel. Once you have checked in to your hotel room, take some rest. There will be a trip briefing later in the day. During the briefing, you will meet your guide and get to know some important dos and don’ts about your trek. There will be a final gear list check. If you have missed out on anything from the list, you can buy or rent from one of the numerous trekking gear shops in Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Ghandruk Village - one of the most famous Gurung villages that has preserved the culture and traditions of the Gurungs, an ethnic mountain community
You catch the first flight to Pokhara.During the flight, you can enjoy awesome views of the Himalayas. As you approach you will get to enjoy awesome views of the famed Machhapuchhre(Fishtail Peak), Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. Once you reach Pokhara, board a vehicle take a short drive to Kimchi, a small traditional settlement. Your trek begins from Kimchi. It’s a pretty short trek of about one or two hours (depending on your pace) on a well-maintained trail. You climb up a series of stone steps to reach Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village. After reaching Ghandruk head to your teahouse and have some refreshments. After resting for a while, you can explore the village and interact with the locals. Learn more about this community by visiting the Gurung Museum and a Buddhist Monastery that lies at the edge of the village.
Ghandruk falls on the Gurung Heritage Trail and is one of the most famous Gurung villages that has preserved the culture and traditions of the Gurungs, an ethnic mountain community. Most of the men from this village and other Gurung villages on the Annapurna serve in the British or Indian Army.
Overnight in Ghandruk.
Colourful rhododendrons bloom on the way to Kopra Danda Trek
Trek begins through beautiful Ghandruk village and traverses lush Rhododendron forests. You will see many small streams and stunning natural views on the way.
The colorful prayer flags greet you as you arrive in Tadapani, a village at the foot of Machhapuchhre. Locals revere this mountain, and climbing it is forbidden. Make your way to a teahouse and take a much-needed rest.
Overnight in Tadapani.
Wake up early and hit the trail to Dobato after breakfast. You climb more of the steps. Walk through past a dense rhododendron forest. During spring, the forest is ablaze with pink and red rhododendron blooms, a wondrous sight to behold. A beautiful walk on a ridgeline filled with inspiring views of the mountains and green valleys brings you to Dobato, your stop for the night. After a hard day's walk, putting your feet up and relaxing at the teahouse feels excellent. Retire early as you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise.
Overnight in Dobato
Annapurna South
Wake up early and head to Muldai Viewpoint to enjoy a Himalayan sunrise. The golden sun rising over the white snow-covered peaks is a sight you will remember for years to come. After this magnificent view, head down to the teahouse, have breakfast, and proceed to Khopra Danda or ridge. The trail follows an up and down trail through rhododendron forests and breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world. Though strenuous, this is an amazing walk, especially during the spring season, when the trail is literally covered with rhododendron petals and wildflowers. You feel as though you have entered a mystical mountain kingdom. Except for a few yaks and mule trains, the trail is secluded, and you can enjoy the serenity and be one with nature. After a long walk, you reach Khopra Danda. Head to a community-run teahouse and take a rest.
Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
Wake up at the crack of dawn to enjoy a magnificent Himalayan sunrise. The sun rising over the snow-covered Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiris, Fang, and other peaks is a sight to behold. Be ready with your camera to capture this glorious view. Later have breakfast and make your way to Khayer Lake. The hike to Khayer Lake is one of the highlights of your trek. In order to reach the lake, you need to make the hike up to the slopes of the Annapurna Massif. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, Khayer Lake is a sacred high-altitude mountain lake. Hindu shrines dot the periphery of the lake. Locals believe that a dip in this lake purifies you and cleanses your sins. Located at a distance of about 6km, Annapurna South looms quite close to the lake. After taking pictures, retrace your steps back to your teahouse at Khopra Ridge.
Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
Dhaulagiri Range - View from Swanta Village
After savoring the breathtaking Himalayan panorama for one last time from Khopra Ridge, hit the downward trail to Swanta Village. Descend carefully as it is a steep downhill. As you walk down, the chunky spire Dhaulagiri looms majestically on the horizon. Enjoy the typical Nepalese mountain landscape filled with terraced fields and ridge-top villages. When you reach Swanta head to a teahouse and take a rest. The village filled with traditional houses lies on a gentle hill slope surrounded by paddy and potato fields. If you are not too tired you can explore this picturesque village and enjoy the grand view of the neighboring hills.
Overnight in Swanta Village.
Take the downward trail past paddy fields and a lush jungle. When you reach the river close to the river, there’s a local water mill that you can visit. Walk on a swaying suspension bridge and get to the other side of the river. From here, head up to the village of Chittre and walk on the busy Ghorepani trail. There will be other trekkers and mule trains on the trail. Climb the well-laid stone steps to reach the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani means “Horse Water” in Nepali. This was actually the watering hole for caravans journeying through the ancient Tibet trade route. Head to a teahouse and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Poon Hill - one of the most magical Himalayan sunrise viewpoint
Wake up early and hike up to Poon Hill to catch one of the most magical Himalayan sunrises. Poon Hill is one of the most popular Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal. From here you get a 360-degree view of the Himalayan giants- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. Catch the dramatic view of the golden sun rising over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks lighting them up in pink, red and golden colors. It is a magical sight, one you will cherish forever. Later hike down to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and proceed towards Hile. It is a steep downhill walk filled with inspiring nature views. Once you reach Hile, board a vehicle and take a scenic drive to Pokhara. You will be driven to your hotel, which lies close to Phewa Lake. Once you have checked in, you can take a well-deserved rest or take a stroll down the Lakeside.
Overnight in Pokhara.
You have an afternoon flight, so you can spend the first half of the day as you wish. Relax at your hotel or stroll down the lakeside and take a boat ride by yourself. You can also visit the city’s major sightseeing spots (Davis Falls, Gupteshwar Cave, Seti Gorge) if you want. But be sure to check out of your hotel on time to catch your flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Our representative will drive you to the international airport on time (3 hours before your flight departs) to catch your homeward bound flight. If you want to explore more of Nepal or Bhutan and Tibet do let us know. We have a selection of exciting itineraries that might interest you.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons to trek to Khopra Ridge. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, which makes it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed views of mountains. The days are warm and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.
The trail to Khopra Ridge passes through a thick forest filled with rhododendron trees which get covered with a burst of colorful pink, white and red blooms during spring. Walking past the hills covered with wildflowers and rhododendron blooms against the backdrop of the snowy Himalayas will seem heavenly.
Autumn is the most popular season for Khopra Ridge Trek. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around late September or October will allow you to experience the most important festivals of the Nepalese, Dashain, and Tihar. These festivals celebrated by Hindus last for several days. Expect good food, merry-making, dance, and music at the villages along the trail.
You can also opt for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds. Trekking during these times will let you enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses that remain mostly empty. But you should be ready to face some discomforts (rain, leeches, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times.
First, you need to travel to Pokhara, which can be done by taking a flight or driving overland. Many private airline companies operate daily flights on the Kathmandu- Pokhara route. Taking a flight may be expensive, but it saves you time and is more comfortable. In less than 30 minutes, you reach your destination.
If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to travel by tourist coach or a local bus. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours. The tourist bus to Pokhara departs daily from Sorahkhutte and Thamel at 7 AM. If you want to travel like locals, then you need to go to Naya Bus Park in Gongabu and get yourself a bus ticket to Pokhara. There are also micro vans or Hiace vans that leave for Pokhara at an interval of 1 to 2 hours daily. Private vehicles are also available on hire. The vehicle comes with a driver, and rental charges vary according to the size and type of the vehicle.
As per our itinerary, you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa by flight. Due to the mountainous terrain, aircrafts used for domestic flights in Nepal tend to be small and light. You will be flying either in a 70 to 47 seater ATR, 30 seater Jetstream, or 18seatersr Beechcraft. The 25 minutes flight lets you enjoy incredible views of Himalayan peaks.
On reaching Pokhara, you board a private vehicle and drive to the trailhead of your trek, Kimchi. The drive, on a pitched highway, lasts for about an hour. From Kimchi, you trek all the way to Khopra Danda and return to Hile, from where you will be picked up and driven to Pokhara.
The permits you need for Khopra Ridge Trek are
Both Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and TIMS Card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.
To get these permits, you need to provide the following documents and information:
Permit Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit: NRS 3000 per person for foreigners, NRS 1000 for citizens of SAARC countries, and NRS 100 for Nepalese.
TIMS Card: NRS 1000 if you are trekking with a guide. NRS 2000 for free individual trekker (FIT). For SAARC country nationals, NRS 300 if trekking with a guide and NRS 600 for a solo trekker.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
Khopra Ridge Trek takes you very close to the Annapurna Massif. The highest point of your trek is Khayer Lake, located at 4,500 meters above sea level. The low levels of oxygen in such an environment will sometimes make breathing difficult.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2,000 meters. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay.
One should take necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
Experts and veteran guides have designed this itinerary. The trek is well-paced and allows your body to gradually get used to low oxygen levels in the mountain air.
The chart given below will give you a rough idea of the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.
|
Altitude |
Oxygen Level |
|
1,000m/3,281ft |
88% |
|
2,500m/8,202ft |
73% |
|
3,000m/9,843ft |
68% |
|
3,500m/11,483ft |
64% |
|
4,000m/13,123ft |
60% |
|
4,500m/14,764ft |
57% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluid.
To tackle the menace of plastic waste in the Annapurna region, the sale of bottled water has been banned since 2015. Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will find several safe drinking water stations. We highly recommend you to carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled and filter drinking water at an additional cost. Charges vary according to altitude (the higher you reach, the more expensive it will be) and quantity. You will be charged from USD 1 to 2 for a pot of hot filtered drinking water.
Internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Annapurna Region. You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. Teahouses charge extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot, but you can enjoy free wi-fi at Khopra Danda Lodge in Khopra Ridge.
You can also buy a local sim card (Ncell or NTC) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data to use on your trek.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment for this adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Khopra Ridge Trek:
These are only some of the essential items. Find a more Packing List For Trekking In Nepal.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.
Khopra Ridge Trek takes you close to the Annapurna Massif, which is made up of some of the highest peaks in the world (Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, etc.). Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book a trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
For Khopra Ridge Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest point you reach is Khayer Lake at 4,500 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment, and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.
Walking in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking adventure.
Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have trekked on this route innumerable times.
To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days have been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort him/her and will follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.
If they feel alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to a lower elevation or get airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you may have to walk 5 to 6 hours daily. Day 5, which involves a long hike of about 9 to 10 hours to Khayer Lake, could possibly be the toughest day on this trek. Day three’s hike from Ghandruk to Dobato is also tiring as it involves climbing staircases, steep inclines, and a ridgeline walk for about 7 to 8 hours.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful about throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environmentally friendly.
If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.
Please do note that if you are traveling in a group, a member falling sick won’t disrupt your trip. While the sick person will be taken care of, the rest of the group will be able to continue with the trip.
If someone becomes ill on the trail your trekking guide will take the sick person’s condition on account and decide he or she shall continue with the trek or return to a lower elevation and wait for the rest of the group. If his or her condition is serious then the person will be flown by air ambulance to Kathmandu or Pokhara for expert medical attention. An assistant will take care of the sick person, while the rest of the group shall proceed onwards and complete the trip as per the itinerary.
If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
Each day you can expect 5 to 7 hours of walking, covering around 10 to 14 km. However when you reach 3500m, you will be walking around 5 to 7 hours but the distance covered will be less as you will be walking slowly at higher altitudes. We want you to know that all our itineraries are flexible and can be altered by weather, geographical and physical condition of the individual participants.
The permits needed are - Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and TIMS(Trekkers’ Information Management System fee).
The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is pretty good and most of them offer facilities like western toilets, hot showers (may charge cost) and a wide range of items on their menu. The rooms are usually furnished with two separate beds with mattress, pillows, blankets and bed sheets. Most of the teahouses are family or community run establishments. Teahouses are like an extended home and have a warm and cosy feel to them.
We provide sleeping bag and down jacket but you need to bring your own personal gear. We can recommend some good stores where you can hire or buy new ones.
Teahouses offer boiled and filtered drinking water to trekkers for a price. Though you can purchase bottled water, we discourage the use of plastic bottled water on the trail because of the adverse effect on the environment. You can bring along with you a reusable bottle nd fill it up with drinking water.
Your guide will check the condition of the water of the filtered water before you purchase it. Please be assured that our guide will thoroughly check whether the water has been boiled and treated properly before you drink it.
Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one. But in popular trails like Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp trail one can expect luxury standard accommodations too.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
Yes, single supplement will be available in the cities and at lower elevations while trekking. At higher elevations there are very few teahouses. During peak season when there is high demand for rooms, it will be difficult to book single rooms. However if you are travelling during off season a single room can be arranged at all places.
Most of the guides in our adventure company come from the mountainous areas. They are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. We provide guides that are experienced and fluent in English. With the objective of sustaining local communities, we employ guides from different ethnic backgrounds who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora and fauna, geography and history of Nepal.
Our guides have the required government license to guide tourists. They have all gone through intensive training programs like wilderness first aid, trekking guide training, eco training workshop and rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.
We carry a first-aid box with us while trekking. But if you want you can carry along some essential medicines like ibuprofen, codeine, paracetamol, lozenges, anti-diarrhea tablets and diamox for AMS.
Please do note, all our trekking itineraries incorporate adequate number of acclimatization days. You will get an extra day’s rest at a lower elevation to prepare your body for a walk up in the higher reaches.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness usually occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere in high altitudes. Our body is not used to walking in high altitude and it requires a lot of time to adapt to thin air in the mountains. Technically there is no way of stopping AMS but you can surely prevent it by following the given tips:
We would recommend all our clients to purchase travel insurance before booking any of our treks. Trust us you will have a pleasant holiday knowing that you have a good insurance cover. In the event of any sickness or injury while trekking in the mountains, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation will be considerable. Therefore, traveling with an insurance cover is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up for any of our trips. But be careful while choosing a policy as some policies make special exceptions for adventure travel.
Do read the fine print. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel itinerary and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken during the trip. Such as if you are planning to trek or climb (mountaineering expedition) in the Himalayas, your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tour in an urban area, insurance cover of air ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory. While booking a trip with us you need to send us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come for the trip.
No, you cannot get insurance in Nepal. Please also note that Third Rock Adventures does not arrange or sell insurance.
If you have to leave the expedition due to ill-health or injury, an emergency air rescue will be arranged whereby an air ambulance/helicopter will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain rescue. If you are able to walk down, one of the assistant guides will guide you down to a lower elevation where you can wait for the rest of the team or fly out to Kathmandu ahead of the group. Whether for health or personal reasons, please do note refunds for the unused days of your trip will not be given. Even if you leave the expedition beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters, and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired.
KEEP is a non-profit organization that works for the welfare of guides and porters as well as raises awareness about the environment. The organization with its office in Kathmandu runs several environments and mountain tourism-related projects and workshops, including free training and education for guides and porters. KEEP has been instrumental in helping, guiding, and improving the lives of the least valued workers in the tourism industry, the Porters. The organization also has a clothes bank that provides free clothing and equipment to needy porters.
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