Frequently Ask Questions
Why venture with Sherpa Mountain Travel?
What is Sherpa?
How long have you been in business?
Is previous hiking experience required to go on Trek?
What is a Camping Trek and how it is organized?
What kind of food prepare on the camping trek?
What happens if I get sick?
What is altitude sickness?
What equipment should I bring?
What kind of money should I bring on the trek?
Do you have any customer referrals?
Is communication possible while on a trek?
Are Sherpa Mountain Travel crew members insured?
What are the drinking water arrangements on the trek?
Who carries our equipment on the trek?
What is the best season for trekking In Nepal? Can I go trekking in the months of June and July?
What is the weather and temperature like?
Will someone come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
What are the payment terms?
Does Sherpa Mountain Travel accept credit cards?
What’s included with the trip cost?
What’s not included with the trip cost?
Why venture with Sherpa Mountain Travel?
Sherpa Mountain Travel specializes in leading treks into areas of the Himalaya where you are less likely to encounter large groups of tourists. There you will meet local villagers and observe their traditional way of life and customs. We are Sherpa Mountain Travel are dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural ambience and heritage of Himalaya. We operate out treks with the utmost respect for the environment while ensure all of your trekkers have a safe enjoyable trip. Sherpa Mountain guides and staff are native experienced Sherpas so they are a link for both eastern and western cultures. Our Sherpa staff and guides understand American palates and stomachs, and ensure that all meals are deliciously prepared to be easily enjoyed by all on the trek.
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What is a Sherpa?
The word “Sherpa” means “People from the East” in Tibetan. It is an ethnic group originally from Tibet, who settled high in the Himalayan mountains a few centuries ago. They have a beautiful culture and are accustomed to living at very high altitudes. Sherpas are world renown for their stamina, strength, work ethic, and generosity. The first time that Mt. Everest was summited, was by Sir Edmond Hillary in 1953, with the assistance of Tenzing Sherpa. Since then, Sherpas have been hired by tourists to assist them in successful summits of many peaks as well as leading treks throughout the Himalayan Mountains. Sherpas have their own language, Sherpa, and they speak Nepal’s national language, Nepalese. Sherpas are known for their expertise in adventure guiding and hard work. All of your Sherpa guides and staff work to ensure you have a safe wonderful Himalayan adventure.
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How long have you been in business?
We have been serving in this field for over a decade and are trustable and government registered trekking agency. To read about and hear our testimonies, click here.
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Is previous hiking experience required to go on a Trek?
No, as long as you are in good physical shape, we do not require any hiking experience for short treks. However, if you are planning a trek longer than a week, some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, and hiking is recommended before you embark on a trek.
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What is a Camping Trek and how is it organized?
A camping trek is a fully organized and supported hiking and camping adventure, complete with a team of guides, cooks, and porters who accompany you on your trip. Our porters carry all the trekking gear, food, fuel, and personal belongings. Our cooks prepare hot delicious meals that will satisfy your palate as well as your stomach. Trekkers need only carry a small bag of personal items (such as a camera or bottle of water) as required for the day. At night our staff will set up tents for dining and sleeping. (We provide tables, dining seating, tents, and mattresses.)
In a typical camping trek, we start the day around 6 a.m. with a cup of hot tea. You are then given a bowl of warm water for light washing. Then trekkers enjoy breakfast with fresh hot tea before leaving camp. The trek begins around 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. depending on the day.
Trekkers can set their pace for pausing and sightseeing. The walk to the lunch spot will normally take 3 hours. A hot meal is ready for you to enjoy when you arrive at the lunch spot. The afternoon trek usually takes 3 to 4 hours to arrive at your evening camp around 4:00-5:00pm. Tea & snacks are served while our staff readies the camp. Dinner is served around 6:00–7:00p.m. in the dining tent, lit with lanterns and comfortably furnished. The food is healthy, wholesome and hygienically prepared so you can eat a delicious meal without worry.
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What kind of food is prepared on the camping trek?
Our Chef and kitchen crew prepare delicious meals every day for your dinning pleasure. We serve Nepalese and Sherpa traditional meals, including continental (European and American) dishes throughout the trek. You will have a variety of foods each day. Our Chef (who has extensive knowledge about food handling and preparation) selects only foods which are high quality to keep Trekkers healthy during the entire trek. All staff members are fully trained on how to hygienically prepare food to ensure trekkers are strong and healthy during the trek. Also we buy fresh organic vegetables everyday along the trail. We ensure that the water Trekkers consume is healthy.
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What happens if I get sick?
We always do our best to keep all trek members healthy for the duration of the trip. In case someone gets a minor sickness (such as cold or minor cough) we encourage to him/her to take a good rest and our staff will pay extra attention to that trekker’s health. If necessary, our staff can provide basic cough or pain relief medication. Our staff will assist you in obtaining medical care or if the illness is too serious, being evacuated to a good hospital. We recommend every trekker to purchase trip health insurance that covers such events.
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What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is caused by going from a lower elevation to a high elevation without adequate time for the body to acclimatize to the different oxygen levels. It can be from a slight headache and dizziness to affecting cognitive abilities. Normally a headache is not a danger, but if someone has breathing or lung problems, this can be a serious danger in the mountains. Our guides are trained to watch for this condition and keep constant check on all trekkers. If necessary they stop or slow the trek as necessary.
Altitude sickness is mostly avoidable if you follow a few simple rules:
- Trek high and sleep low, walk at a steady gradual pace,
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day (not including beer or soft drinks!), and
- BE SENSIBLE (don’t over do it).
If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or dizziness, tell your guide or staff immediately. They can help you heal before get seriously ill. Often your guide will tell you to lie down, rest, or drink water. If you are still feeling unwell your guide or staff member may take you down to a lower elevation. Do not ignore your symptoms. A descent of a few hundred meters or overnight rest may be enough to make you fully able to start trekking again.
What equipment should I bring?
To see the list of equipments list we recommend, click here.
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What kind of money should I bring on the trek?
On arrival at Katmandu you can convert your currency to Nepalese rupees at the hotel or your guide can assist you with this before the trek begins.
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Do you have any customer referrals?
Yes, we have many satisfied and return trekkers. Please visit www.sherpamountaintravel/testomonial to read about their experiences.
You may also watch video testimonial placed at our site www.sherpamountaintravel.com/video.
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Is communication possible while on a trek?
There are telephones and internet service available in many villages along the popular trekking routes from which you can make international calls or check your email. There are computers available at internet cafes.
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Are Sherpa Mountain Travel crew members insured?
All of our staff members, including porters, are insured through a reliable insurance company.
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What are the drinking water arrangements on the trek?
You should bring two (2) one-liter water bottles (plastic or metal) with you on the trek. We prefer that you purify water yourself using iodine in order to save scarce fuel. We can provide a limited amount of boiled water that you can use to fill your water bottle in the evening. Please see the recommended list of equipment for name brands or visit your local outdoor gear store for more information. We will ensure that you have clean water to drink, but need you to bring iodine along.
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Who carries our equipment on the trek?
Sherpa Mountain Travel hires local porters or yaks to carry the camping gear and equipment for the entire trek.
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What is the best season for trekking In Nepal? Can I go trekking in the months of June and July?
The best time for trekking in Nepal is October to early December and March or April. It is not very good trekking during the monsoon season from June to August except treks in the Himalayan rain shadow like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kailash.
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What is the weather and temperature like?
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. Of course, at night it is generally cold, and in winter the days can be quite beautiful if the sun is out. There can be snow or rain storms any time of the year. Trekking in spring (March – April) is particularly lovely as the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and the mountains still have plenty of high snow to enhance your photos. You need to be aware that it can get pretty hot and sunstroke can be a risk. Good polarizing sunglasses or glacier glasses (not trendy fashion ones) for high altitudes/winter treks, and a large brimmed hat are a necessity. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected!
At elevations between 1000m (3,281 feet) and 3500m (11,483 feet) the temperature could be as from a low of 5 deg C (41º F) low to as high as 20 deg C (68º F). At higher altitudes, the temperature ranges from -10 deg C (14º F) to 20 deg C (68º F). During winter it is around 10 degrees colder that these estimates.
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Will someone come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our Airport Representative will come to the airport to pick you up. Outside of Terminal Hall, he/she will be displaying a Sherpa Mountain Travel sign with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.
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What are the payment terms?
To know about payment terms and condition please click here.
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Does Sherpa Mountain Travel accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard for payment. We recommend that you pay in cash, Travelers cheques, or personal check as the bank charges for credit cards are quite high.
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What’s Included with the trip cost?
- A fluently English speaking, experienced, local guide
- Nice hotel Accommodations in Kathmandu
- Camping accommodations and all trek arrangements, including all meals on trek guides, porters and cook staff, gear and equipment (comfortable and roomy two- person tents, full length comfortable foam sleeping pads, kitchen and dining tents)
- Three healthy tasty meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu (as noted in the itinerary)
- Ground transportation
- National parks entrance fees and permits
What’s Not Included with the cost?
- Hotel accommodations en route to Katmandu, Nepal
- Meals not noted on itinerary (Meals while in Kathmandu and snacks during trek are trekkers responsibility, any alcohol purchases during trip is responsibility of trekker.)
- We strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Sherpa Mountain Travel, which includes trip cancellation insurance. Or check with your insurance company for overseas travelers insurance.
- Tips are not included in trip price.
Tips to lead trekking guide and Sherpa staff; visas; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; entrance fee at historical site in Kathamandu, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations; items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). We list suggestions of items to bring on website.
*Depending on your choice of air carrier, you may need to overnight in Bangkok or Delhi en route to Kathmandu. We will be happy to make hotel reservations for you.
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