Frequently Asked Questions goes here…

What is Trekking Holiday?

Typically our trekking holidays involve 4 -8 hours hiking per day, including a lunch stop. The trail varies from easy hiking on the lower elevation to the strenuous walking over 5000 meters in the Himalayas. A common misconception is that if you are a slow walker you may hold people back – NOT SO. The group members often string out and there will 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 Sherpa, guides and porters at the front and the rear ensuring no one gets lost.

What insurance do the trekkers need to do?

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.

Are the staff is being taken care of? What about Insurance?

We are committed to 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 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.

Am I worried about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

Popular treks 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.

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 the 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 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 at 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, and jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and downhill.

What is the best way to get to Nepal? From US, UK, NZ, Austrailia?

Most airlines fly directly to Bangkok from North America, Europe, and Australia / NZ. From there Thai Airways fly directly to Kathmandu 10 times in a week. Silk Air (Singapore Airlines) and Cathy Pacific (via Hong Kong) also have regular flight and there are many daily flights via Doha, Qatar, New Delhi, Hong Kong etc to Kathmandu.

How to book the Trip with us?

To book your place on any our trips, please fill up the online booking form at our website www.populartres.com and send it to us along with the trip deposit amount, we will let you know how much money you have to send.

What is the Teahouse like? Can I have my own room?

We book clean and comfortable teahouse which we know very well. Our standard trips are based on twin bedded sharing accommodation. We can book a private room for you if you like, at an additional cost as per your requirements.

What are 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 ax, harness zommer etc; fixed ropes will be used ascending and descending.

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.

Can I buy some of the trekking gears in Kathmandu?

Yes. There are dozens of trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Our trekking guide/staff will be happy to assist you in this matter if needed.

Can we recharge camera batteries on trek?

Available almost every teahouse at a cost of usually about 2-3 US$ per hour for recharging battery. We use the voltages 220-240 volts to power their appliances and two points plugs are recommended to bring.

What is the Weather and Temperature like?

It is notoriously difficult to predict the weather condition in the 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 meters the temperature could be as high as 20°C to 5°C low. At higher altitude, the temperature ranges from 20°C to -10°C. During winter it is around 10°C colder. Good polarizing sunglasses (not trendy fashion one) for high altitude and large brimmed hat are really helpful. Expect the unexpected.

Do I need to take trekking pole?

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.

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 traveling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on. You can also get the local mobile SIM card in Kathmandu.

Is there hot shower during the trek?

Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is an adventure holiday thus do not expect shower each day. Nowadays, some of the teahouses up to 4000 meters have hot shower facilities depending on the trekking regions. Laundry services are available at a limited place on the trek.

Is trekking permit required?

Yes, you need trekking permit but it depending on trekking area you may require a special trekking permit while other areas would require only conservation/national park entry permit and Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

Where do we eat our meal?

On popular trails we will stay in lodges and guest houses and the meals will be cooked for you with continental menu meals often available as well as soups and noodles and rice dishes; on some routes there will be a limited choice and on some more remote routes only local Nepal Dal Bhat and curry or instant noodle soups will be available.

How much money should I bring to the trek?

On the trek, we provide all accommodation, food and we cover park fees, so you need to take an only small amount of money to purchase water, small snack and tea outside meals, local souvenirs, tips or donations to monasteries if you wish to donate small change.

What is Tea House Trekking?

Teahouse trekking is a trekking where your accommodation and meal are arranged in a local lodge/house with full board services.

What is Camping Trek?

Camping trekking is a trekking where we provide you with tent accommodation and full board with meals to be cooked by professional trekking cook in a mobile camp equipped with a kitchen and with adequate support staff of kitchen helpers, guides and porters

Is there any age limit for trekking in Himalaya?

In Nepal children below 18 years of age are required to trek accompanied by their parent or guardian.