Four Brothers Adventure Travel

FAQs

Is it safe for tourists to travel in Nepal: Yes. In the past, Nepal has experienced political unrest, however since November of 2006, the signed Nepal Peace Agreement, between the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) has brought this unrest to a close.

The U.S State Department has continued to warn travelers of its travel advisory stating: "Americans living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website".

What essential documents do I need to bring with me: You should bring a valid passport (must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour; keep an extra photocopy just in case), a copy of your travel insurance, cash and traveler’s checks (keep numbers and proof of purchase separately); flight tickets, emergency contact numbers of T/C’s, banks, insurance and family members and any medications.

When is the best time to visit Nepal: The best season to visit Nepal is after the monsoons that end in August until mid-December, before the winter sets in. Also, from mid-February to early June are the most preferred months by visitors. During these two periods, the rains wash the dusty tracks and the valley looks magnificent with blooming flowers. Mountain views are clear most of the time. It is humid in plains at this time but it is still better than the scorching heat of the summer.

It is best to visit hilly areas in summer; that is, the months of May and June. The average temperature at that time is around 22-25 degrees Celsius. Nights are a bit chilly in the lower Himalayan region but are comfortable. Mountainous areas are extremely unsafe during the monsoon season, which are very common. The persistent rains make the hilly tracts slippery.

In winter, most of the hilly areas become threats due to very heavy snowfall and avalanches, but if you are fond of snowfall then you can opt for the lower Himalayan regions that look beautiful covered in blankets of snow.

What is Trekking Holiday: Our trekking holidays generally involve 5 - 8 hours of hiking per day, including a rest for lunch and tea-time stops. The trail varies from easy hiking on the lower elevation to the strenuous walking over 5000 meter in the Himalayas. A common misconception is that if you are a slow walker you may hold people back – not so! During the day group members often ‘string out’ and there will usually be an hour or two between the first to arrive and the last. You walk at your own pace and stop when you feel like it. There will be always our trekking guide at the front and rear ensuring no-one gets lost.

How is the Trekking Day: Trekking days are designed so that the walking is enjoyable and safe. The companionship of other trekkers and staff`s positive attitude creates great company and many memorable events. The day begins early at around 7.30-8.00 in the  morning with a cup of tea. Before breakfast, pack your gears into duffle bag by keeping some essential things in your day pack. After breakfast, we are usually on the trail by 8.00 am and following a good morning's walk, we stop for lunch. We take about 1 - 2 hours lunch break that allows for the group meal, enjoy the surroundings, and catch up on your diary or reading. We reach our camp or tea house by 4 pm as the afternoon walk is generally shorter than the morning one. Having afternoon tea, side trips, games or other activities (optional) are generally organized. You can opt to relax, read, write your diary, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with staff and local people or fellow trekkers. Dinner is normally served around 7.00 pm.

Who leads the trip and are they trained and experienced: We have a policy of employing competent local Trekking Group Leaders and Guides, who care the fragile environment, know Nepal better and have empathy to porters and staff. They are fluent in English and have undergone extensive Trek lead and Guide courses, wilderness first aid, mountaineering, eco-trekking training etc to ensure that they are fully competent in all aspects of trekking, climbing, nature conservation etc and etc. All of them have year’s long trip leading experience and high dedication on rendering the qualitative services.

How is the meal on Teahouse trek:

We offer the OPEN AND CHOICE MENU in our teahouse trekking where you can select the food you like on your breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the hygienic, plentiful and nutritious food. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. Properly boiled water is served for drinking on breakfast and dinner time.

How is the meal on Camping expedition: We have our own experienced trek cook on all of the camping trips. We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines so all our food is hygienically prepared, cooked and served. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. Dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh products as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. Your trek leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. Properly boiled water is served for drinking.

What is the Teahouse like? Can I have my own room: We book clean and comfortable tea-houses which we know very well. Our standard trips are based on twin bedded sharing accommodation. We can book private room for you if you like, at an additional cost as per your requirements.

What arrangement is being made for the safe drinking water on trek: We are aware on the protection of fragile environments while organizing trekking and climbing trips. We discourage in buying the plastic bottle mineral water as currently there are no provisions for disposal of these in Nepal. We do provide properly boiled drinking water on all trips.

Does the trip offer the Best Value? Any Hidden / Extra cost: No, This means we can offer top quality service and facilities at a competitive price to exceed your expectation. No hidden or extra cost. Trip cost includes from your accommodation, local flight , private transportation, tours, trek permit, National park or conservation fees to all meals ( all breakfast, Lunch, Diner) while on trek, link to cost includes and excludes. In every detail, we set the highest possible standards, from safety to the high quality / type of gears and food provided to meet the international standard. We balance of exploration and relaxation, comfort and adventure at its best.

How fit do I need to be: Fitness is perhaps the key factor in the trek. Most people of average fitness for their age could complete the adventure trekking in Himalayas. On all holidays, physical preparation is useful and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential. You can take your time, set your own pace and enjoy the most fascinating surroundings. Most first-time trekkers are concerned that they won't keep up. They soon discover that a steady and moderate pace will have them in destination well before they would have expected. Trekking is not walking competition, but walking holidays in own pace. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it, and you will have enough energy for extra activities. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hill.

Are the staff is being taken care of? What about Insurance: We are committed on the welfare of our staff from Trek Leaders / Guides to Sherpas, Cooks and Porters. We ensure good wages, salary, provident fund, proper insurance to the equipment and clothing needed for all staff including porters. They are our kith and kin as well as the backbone of adventure industry in Nepal.

What insurance do the trekkers need to get: You need general travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as rescue insurance. Read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking or climbing, depending on what trip you have booked, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.

What happens in case of emergency: In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.

I am worried about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): 4batravel's trip itineraries have been professionally designed to minimize the effects of High altitude sickness. Extensive medical kits are carried on all our trips. In addition, Portable Altitude Chamber (a life saving device) is being carried as a safety backup on high altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All our trekking group leaders / guides are well trained in Wilderness First Aid Course who are competent to diagnosis it and to act accordingly on the very spot.

What Safety arrangement is being prepared for the trek: Safety is our Top Most Agenda while organizing trips in Himalayas. All our trekking group leaders / guides have undertaken the Wilderness First Aid Medical Course and years of experience have taught them to deal with any adverse situations from diarrhea to Acute Mountain Sickness. We carry Portable Altitude Chamber (hyperbaric bag) along with a comprehensive medical kit. We plan adventure travel trips so that safety and comfort are not compromised.

Do you have airport transfer facilities: Definitely! Our airport representatives will come at the airport to welcome and transfer you to your hotel. Do check the MOUNTAIN MOANRCH clip board on your arrival in Kathmandu airport outside the arrival terminal hall. Make sure you have provided your flight details to us in advance.

Are a hot shower and washing facilities available on trek: Trekking in Nepal`s Himalayas is an adventure holiday, thus don’t expect a shower each day.  However, some of the teahouses up to 4000 meters have hot shower facilities depending on the trekking regions. Laundry services are available at limited places during the trek.

How much weight do we carry on the trek: You will be carrying your day pack with warm clothes, drinking water, snacks, sun block, camera etc you need for the day. Generally it will be light at around 3 – 5 Kilos.

What is the best way to get to Nepal? From US? UK? Australia / NZ: Most airlines fly direct to Bangkok from North America, Europe and Australia / NZ. From there Thai Airways fly direct to Kathmandu 10 times in a week. Silk Air (Singapore Airlines) and Cathy Pacific ( via Hong Kong) also has regular flight and there are many daily flights via Doha, Qatar, New Delhi, Hong Kong etc to Kathmandu.

Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave: All our trips Itinerary have an arrival & departure day from Kathmandu so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program day. You are also welcome and encouraged to arrive a day earlier or leave Nepal a day later to have a look around the vibrant Kathmandu valley. Mountain Monarch will arrange airport transfer, hotel booking or any extra activities as required.

Can we recharge camera batteries on trek: Available almost each teahouse at a cost of usually about 2-3 US$ per hour for re- charging batteries. We use the voltages 220-240 volts to power their appliances and two points plugs are recommended to bring.

Do I need to take trekking poles: If you are used to walking with trekking poles then take them with you as there are some narrow, steep, rocky sections. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them.

Can I buy some of the trekking gears in Kathmandu: Yes. There are dozens of trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu or lakeside of Pokhara. Our trekking guide / staff will be happy to assist you on this matter if needed.

Will my mobile work while in Nepal: If you want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on. You can also get the local mobile sim card in Kathmandu.

What is the weather and temperature like: It is notoriously difficult to predict the weather condition in Himalayas. Off course days are warm and nights are cold. There can be a snow or rain storms at any time. Between 1000 and 3500 meter 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. Good polarizing sunglasses (not trendy fashion one) for high altitude and large brimmed hat are really helpful. Expect the unexpected.

How much tipping should I budget: Tipping is an accepted part of trekking although it is completely personal matter. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Budgeting up to 10 % of the trek cost as tipping could be a guideline.

What is Trekking Peaks: Essentially, our trekking peaks allow you to climb to your chosen summit and back in a day from each Base / High Camp. The routes we use are chosen for their objective safety and sometimes involve easy angled snow slopes, straightforward ridges and occasionally minor scrambling. You will be using crampons, an ice axe, harness zommer etc; fixed ropes will be used ascending and descending. Four Brothers Adventure Travel organize Special climbing clinic Course at base camp to give a required climbing skills to summit the top safely and successfully. Trekking Peaks are carefully designed to deliver interesting treks and provide proper acclimatization. These treks are open to fit, determined walkers who have previously undertaken 'strenuous' treks; previous mountaineering experience is an advantage but not essential.