Trekking Arrangement in Nepal

There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choice depends on time available, budget, experience and personal preference.Some of the travel agencies abroad in collaboration with the Nepalese trekking agencies book trekking packages for Nepal in advance. Trekkers who are alone or who do not have much time can book with these overseas agencies. One can also contact trekking agencies by mail, internet or contact them personally on arrival in Nepal. There are quite a few government recognized trekking agencies, which have professional staff to handle trekking activities. Columbus Treks and Expedition, a fully equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical arrangements including porters, guide, cook, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from trekking starting points, flight arrangement, permits, and staff insurance and so on. We also provide a choice of itineraries and necessary information on trekking health care etc. The cost of an all inclusive trek ranges from US $ 25:00 to US $ 100:00 per person per day depending upon the quality of service, number of days and number of persons in the package. This style of trekking is relatively expensive compared to that of backpacking but a few extra dollars guarantees comfort and security eliminates time-consuming ordeal of organization and ensures a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where an individual can undertake a backpacking type of trek.

A companion guide is helpful in the remote wilderness and is enjoyable to talk to on the route. It is strongly advised not to employ free-lance guides or the services of any agency not recognized by the government.

List of Clothing Equipment & Personal Effects

Lightweight walking boots. Also bring spare laces. A pair of track-shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when boot is wet. Warm Jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate (necessary during winter). Woolen shirt or thick sweater. A rain proof jacket with hood or a poncho. A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Thermal underwear (excellent to sleep at night). A track -suit. 1-2 pair of loose fitting shorts/skirts. 2-4 cotton shirts. A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. A pair of gloves, leather with lining and woolen are best. Two pairs of thick woolen socks.

Equipment

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking. Day pack, this is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film, towel , soap etc. Water bottle. Snow glasses and sunglasses. Small head lamp or torch. Snow gaiter essential during winter. An umbrella, can be used as a walking stick. Reading materials, camera & film, note books, diary, pen/pencil, small air pillow for head rest. Thermal rest (optional) an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photograph. Personal medical supplies.

Money Matter

Nepal has modern banking facilities and some of the International Banks have their own offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counter are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counter. These facilities to change money are quicker and more convenient. It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/travelers cheques (except in Namche Bazaar, Jomsom, Salleri, Okhaldhunga,Pokhara etc.) in the mountains. One must therefore change required money for the trek always ask for small denominations and be careful of torn banknotes. The people in the village may not accept them.

Appeal to Trekkers and Nature Lovers

In your trek, you will be exposed to many village schools. Please communicate your conservation ideas, knowledge and experience with the local school teachers so that a multiplier effect of conservation messages could be radiated to all the children. If possible, please also try to make the children know how to respect nature and natural resources. Never encourage children to beg. It might give you momentary satisfaction but the begging child could also turn a professional beggar tomorrow.

Try to be friendly with your porters & guides. You will enjoy your trip more.

While taking photographs be sure that you are not intruding onto public privacy.

Respect the villagers and their traditions. In return, they will give you warm hospitality.

When you trek, ultimately you enter wilderness. There you are alone with your porters and the fragile nature. The slightest negligence and misunderstanding on your part can directly have a jarring cumulative impact on the delicate balance of nature. Please do not spoil this natural heritage by thoughtless negligence.

Carry enough kerosene or fuel for your cooking. Never buy fuel wood from the villagers, it will encourage cutting down more trees and stocking them unnecessarily.

We discourage the use of camp - fires, if you really need one, you can ask your porters to collect dead branches and twigs from the ground. Be sure the fire is out and the refuse is buried before leaving the campsite.

Never buy any wildlife trophies animal products from the local poachers.

Do not collect any wild flowers, plants, fossils, orchids, rocks, etc. unless you have the permission from the concerned office for scientific research. Cutting trees, shooting wildlife and fishing without licenses is strictly prohibited. Always camp at the prescribed sites. If there is not arrangement as such, then camp on open ground or on the bank of a river. Do not camp inside a bush cutting away branches of trees.

Never pollute the clear mountain water or litter the path with cigarette butts, tin cans, toilet papers etc. Please bury them. Do not mark initials on trees and rocks. Nature is more beautiful when left under filed by human hands.

In some areas, local communities have established their own conservation practices. Please make an effort to understand them and to observe them.

Finally, we sincerely request you to enlighten your porters, sherpas, guides, villagers to respect nature and how to conserve it. With your help, our natural beauty will be alive for generations. In turn, Nepal's gift to you will be vibrant living memories.