|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Trekking |
| |
Trekking refers to multi-day hiking trips through rural, often rugged territory. It tends to be less-structured than other sort of travel, as weather conditions and topography help influence travel plans more than plane flights or hotel availability. In contrary to general perception that trekking is a hard-core outdoor activity, it is actually an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. In our terms, trekking simply refers to walking on trails and sometimes stoney steps in a natural environment. You can be a novice with no trekking experience but have a desire to trek or you are an experienced mountain walker looking for wider options. Ascending the heights and being a part of the Himalayan landscape is an experience beyond comparison. Above all, trekking in the Himalaya is often a mix of adventure, pleasure and self realisation.
At Divine, you will be spoilt for choice in our wide variety of trekking packages. Our treks in Himalayas range from easy adventures for the family to strenuous ones for those seeking high adventure! On our treks and climbs, we have very skilled and experienced guides who will take care of you every step of the way.
More often than not, trekkers return yearning for more adventure and looking forward to their next trip!
We are often asked some very common questions with regards to our trek arrangements and what to expect. We have compiled some of the basic answers for you. The list of FAQs is not exhuastive as going on an outdoor trip encompasses so much preparation and of course, excitement!
If you cannot find any answers to your questions here, you can email us or send in your enquiry online.
Group Size
We do not organise groups to go on a trip together. We only make trek arrangements for private groups i.e you get to form your own group. If you ask for our opinion, we recommend two-to-go so you have some company to gasp at the majestic sights along the way. We do not exactly have a maximum but we have brought groups of 40 persons a trek. For those who wish to form a small group of friends to go together, we recommend a group size from 4 to 10.If you wish to travel alone, we will still make the same trekking arrangements for you including a chief guide and a porter. There have been very independent men and women whom we arranged to trek alone. They still enjoyed the trip immensely and came back feeling refreshed. Well,they are not exactly alone as their guide and porter would have been great company on the journey!
Cost
We do not practise tiered pricing as our groups are mainly private groups. That said, we can work out a group rate for a large group of 20 persons and above.
Trip Extension
Most of our trek itineraries do not include long stays in Kathmandu or in other areas. If you wish to explore other areas before or after your trek, do contact us for a customized itinerary and we can help plan it to your preference. If you wish to extend your trip after the trek, it would be better to plan ahead especially during the peak seasons (Sep – May) where flights can be really full.
The Trek Arrangement
Trekking in Nepal is very comfortable as compared to other places. Each trek arrangement includes guides, porters and cooks who handles the logstical aspects of the trek. Your guide shows you the way and makes decisions with regards to safety and accommodation. Your porter carries your backpack while you carry your small daypack. And of course, the cooks satisfy your tummies with their professional cooking skills.
Accommodation
You can opt for either tea house or camping arrangement. Tea houses are on twin sharing basis and without heater. There are tea houses with a central fireplace where trekkers gather to keep warm and share snippets of their adventure. For a camping trek, you sleep in good quality tents which help keeps you from the cold. Sleeping bags with fleece inner liner are provided on both types of treks.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. For tea house treks, you stop over at the tea houses for all meals. The cooks will come along only for camping treks and all meals will be cooked by them. You will be amazed what they can make out of the limited resrouces in the mountain! Food is never a problem with most trekkers – from children, adults to the seniors as the cooks can be creative with their menus and cuisines. For those who traveled with us a few times, we almost know their food preferences at our fingertips!
Apparel
Upon your trip confirmation, we will share with you a general guideline for packing list depending on the season you are going. If you are trekking in the cold season and do not wish to invest in a down jacket, we do have rental of jackets available.
Physical Fitness and Training
Everyone can go on a trek and have a wonderful time if they are well prepared physically and mentally. During a trek, you are walking at a higher altitude and this makes a lot of difference in how your body reacts as compared to being in low lands. For easy treks, we recommend that you do intensive walking and climb some stairs at least once a week about 1 to 2 months before the trip departure. For medium treks, we recommend that you do intensive jogging and climb stairs at least once or twice a week about 2 to 3 months before the trip depart.
Trekking Gears and Equipment
The trekking gears and equipment may vary depending on which trek you are going. You can never go wrong with a good windproof jacket with fleece inner line, thermal wear, walking stick and most importantly a good pair of trekking boots. You can never prepare enough to go for a trek but you should ensure self-sufficiency in what you put in your backpack. We will provide our best advice when you decide on the trek route.
Medical Condition
If you have special medical condition, it is good to check with your family doctor if you are fit enough to trek. If you are declared unfit to trek, we would advise you against trekking as it will not be worth taking the risk and most times evacuation can be costly. However, do not despair. There are many other ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas without risking your health e.g. Mt Everest flights, ultra light aircrafts, lounge out in Pokhara and watching the gorgeous sunrise from Sarangkot!
Insurance
As for any travel activities, there is always a minimum risk factor. We will do our best to avoid putting anyone at risk at all times during the trek but we strongly advise everyone to take up insurance coverage that includes unlimited evacuation and outdoor sports protection. We are able to assist you with insurance purchase that suits your travel needs. Contact us if you require our assistance.
Here is an overview of what our trekking packages include and exclude:
Package Inclusions
- Domestic air travel & airport transfers at destination
- All land transfers
- Domestic air transfer(s) where applicable
- All Camping equipment (2-man tent, foam mattress, Toilet tent)
- All Cooking-Dining equipment (Dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, kitchen equipment, eating utensils )
- All meals during trek
Full trekking staff (English-speaking Guide, Cook, Sherpa crew, kitchen helpers, porters)
- Full trekking crew (English-speaking Guide, Cook, Sherpa crew, kitchen helpers, porters)
- National Park Entrance & Conservation Area Fee
- Standard Hotel on B&B basis before and after trek
- Pre-trip briefing
- Packing list guidelines and travel information will be given
|
Package Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa fees and application
- Airport departure taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry
- Telephone bill
- Tips for trekking crew
- Personal expenses
- Pre-trip Medical Checkup and Immunisation
- Mineral water, soft drinks & alcohol
- Liabilities of loss, theft and damages
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Items not specified in the itinerary (e.g. down jackets, sleeping bags, duffel bags which provision is subjected to the trek destinations & countries)
|
And finally…
We have provided this information so you know what to expect when you sign up for a trip with us. It is important for you to keep in mind that you are trekking in relatively undeveloped Third World regions. In any adventure trip, there may be occasions of delay or change to itineraries, logistical breakdowns, or due bad weather which would result in various inconveniences to participants. Occasionally, things that happen may require changes to be made. In such instances we will do our best to minimise the impact any inconveniences may have on you.
Also, remember that you are traveling to a foreign country that has a different lifestyle, culture and customs. Do set your expectations right and embrace this difference with an open-mind. Do keep a traveler’s integrity and have a good sense of humour. In doing so, you will then be able to truly appreciate the journey and the adventure that comes along with it. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
