HEALTH & SAFETY

FITNESS

Trekking is an energetic activity which requires a certain level of fitness.We have given each of the treks described on our TREKS page a grade, and the fitness level required for each grade is described on that page. It is obviously important that the level of fitness of each member of your party matches the grade of trek you choose.

In particular, if you have any condition (including pregnancy or obesity) likely to affect your ability to complete your trek safely, it is your responsibility to take advice from your medical practitioner or other qualified adviser. We reserve the right to amend your trek itinerary or to decline to guide you if it appears to us on meeting your party that any member of the party is not sufficiently fit to undertake your chosen trek.

INOCULATIONS

You should consult your own medical practitioner regarding any inoculations which he or she may consider necessary or desirable for your stay in Nepal, bearing in mind that, during your trek, qualified medical assistance may not be promptly available.

ALTITUDE

Trekking is not mountaineering but it is as well to remember that the Himalayas begin where other mountains finish. Whether you begin your trek at the road-side or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the middle hills region at an elevation between 1000 metres and 3000 metres (3280 to 9842 ft.). However, the trek to Everest base camp, for example, reaches 5564 metres (18,253 ft.). Most of the time you will remain within the altitude range 1500 to 2000 metres (5000 to 6500 ft.). At this height, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes.

Even at high altitude there are occasional settlements used in the summer by herders. So the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. All trails are easily traversed without the aid of ropes or any moutaineering skill. There are rare ocasions when snow is encountered, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions. There may be deep snow, but alpine techhniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in mountain areas has all the skills necessary for an extended trek in Nepal.

ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS

In order to ensure your safety, we only use experienced staff. If, however, any client falls ill or suffers an accident such that evacuation is required, we can arrange to have him or her picked up by helicopter or by whatever other means is available.

FOOD & HYGIENE

On camping treks, those of our staff who handle food are well trained in matters of hygiene, and all food we supply is washed in iodine water. If you have any dietary requirements, you should let us know when you book your trek. If, during the trek, you are offered food which you do not like or you have any complaint about food quality, please let our staff know right away. They will always be very happy to help you.

While you are trekking with us, you are not just clients, you are part of our family. If you do not let our staff know when you have any problem, they will not to be able to help!

PERSONAL SECURITY

Although there are occasional cases of theft, robbery and assault, these are still relatively rare in Nepal. There was a time not so long ago when even solitary women could trek in Nepal. Unfortunately, things seem to be changing and trekkers nowadays need to be more careful than they used to be. It is advisable to trek in groups of at least two people plus guide, but this doesn't mean that you need to incur the expense of being with one of the large trekking agencies.

NATIONAL SECURITY

The security situation in Nepal has improved dramatically following the formation of an interim government in April 2007. However, the elections planned for November 2007 did not take place and some unrest, including strikes and demonstrations, may be expected from time to time.