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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Is
someone going to meet me at the airport?
Yes, Langtang RI Representative will welcome you at
Kathmandu Airport with a banner and drop you to your
Hotel.After check-in at the hotel and refreshments, LRT
office management and guide will formally introduce
themselves and provide a trip briefing. You should have
handled International flight tickets reconfirmation and
submit 2 passport size pictures and Passport copy to the
office management.
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What types of hotels do you use?
In City area we can provide different categories of
hotel as participant requirement but in Trekking area we
offer
A variety of local style accommodations are used
including hotels, guesthouse, home-stays and of course
camping. Most hotels are budget style, offering clean
secure accommodation but with few amenities.
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sort of accommodation can I expect in trekking ?
Teahouses are generally locally built of timber and are
very comfortable. They usually provide single and double
rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. The dining
room is downstairs around a fire. All food will be
cooked to order in the little kitchen. You should not
enter the kitchen unless asked to do so. The toilet
facilities will be outside. Most lodges provide a
mattress, and a quilt or blanket. It’s a good idea to
always have a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and perhaps an
inflatable pillow. Most places will provide you with a
lock for your room, but you may prefer to use one of
your own. Theft is almost unheard of from the
lodgeowners; security is more of a risk around other
Westerners.
Along the way there are a few ‘upmarket’ places to stay,
or even just relax for lunch: Everest View Hotel (Syangboche),
Gokyo Resort (Gokyo), 8000 Inn (Lobuche) and Jomsom
Mountain Resort (Jomsom). For an extra charge we can
arrange a night’s stay at any of these before you leave
Kathmandu, or you may just like to wait till the urge
overtakes you on the trail - don’t forget those US
dollars!
If you choose a camping trek, a tent will be provided if
you do not have your own. We provide a kitchen tent,
dining tent and toilet tents for all camping treks. We
should bring your own sleeping bags, mats and whatever
other home comforts you need. We usually camp in or near
a village, which allows you to buy luxury items such as
chocolate, beer or soft drinks, which we do not carry
with us. We also provide a limited amount of toilet
paper and facilities for hand and face washing before
meals. You will also get a bowl of hot water each
morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.
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Can I have a single
room/tent? Do I have to share?
Single supplements are only available on a few extension
trips and lodge/tented camp accommodated safaris. On
most of our trips if you are travelling alone you will
share a room or tent with another same sex solo traveler
and will not be charged for or have the option, of a
single supplement
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What sort of food can I
expect in trekking ?
Most teahouses cook a delicious range of mostly
vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes,
eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety
depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple
pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at
custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu
because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every
day. In many larger villages you may find some meat on
the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot
lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like
chocolate and crisps.
If you are on a camping trek the cook can prepare
specially requested food if you advise before leaving
Kathmandu. In any case, you will have similar fare to
teahouses, except that along the way we may buy some
fresh local produce such as fish, chicken or cheese to
supplement the supplies. And the cost of all the food we
prepare is included in the price of the camping treks –
you can eat as much as you like.
Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that the
food is fresh, nutritious and tasty.
If you have any special dietary requirements please
advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary
arrangements.
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What's the food like?
I'm a vegetarian is that a problem?
The food is one of the greatest experiences when you
travel. Trip leaders enjoy sharing their local
recommendations. When camping, crew and tour
participants prepare meals. Accommodating special diets
is not normally a problem .On some hotel trips when
meals are taken in restaurants and cafes, food choice
may be more limited for vegetarians.
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Is the water OK to
drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter
In most places bottled water is readily available. On
camping trips the water is purified with chemicals or
boiled.
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Are the trip
destinations safe?
Security and safely are a high priority, however there
risks associated with adventure travel, and travel to
overseas destinations, that you should consider before
booking .Our trip operators constantly monitor their
areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if
they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to
travel to a particular country or region is a personnel
one.
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How strenuous is the
trip ? Am I fit enough ?
We have a wide variety of trips that require active
participation to a greater or lesser degree. In general
the fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy an
active trip. Check the trip grading, anything listed as
strenuous or challenging is just that.
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What will the weather
be like on my trip?
It depends where and when you are travelling but most
trips are planned to operate when we expect the weather
conditions will be good for travelling.
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What’s the weather
going to be 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 polarising 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 !
If unsure about the weather conditions on the trail ask
your guide.
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Will I get sick?
Minor stomach upsets are common due to changes in diet
and climate but are usually brief.
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What happens if I get
sick?
The most important thing is DON’T PANIC. You should
ALWAYS ensure that you have a well-stocked and
appropriate medical kit as well as sufficient insurance
in case you should have to be evacuated. A slight case
of diarrhoea is to be expected, as well as sprains and
muscle aches – all a part of walking in the hills.
Altitude sickness is extremely dangerous but mostly
avoidable if you follow a few simple rules: trek high
and sleep low, drink at least 2 litres of water per day
(not including beer or soft drinks!), and BE SENSIBLE.
If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or
dizziness, tell your porter/guide and rest immediately.
Lie down, drink water. If you are still feeling unwell
you may consider going down a few hundred metres. Do not
pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. A
descent of a few hundred metres overnight may be enough
to make you fully able to start trekking again tomorrow.
For more information, please go to:
www.high-altitude-medicine.com This excellent site will
tell you all you need to know, and also includes a
phonetic Nepali questionnaire for your porter. Porters
are just as prone to altitude sickness as everyone else
is.
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What's included?
Included is transportation within the itinerary,
accomodation, sightseeing where specified, meals where
specified,services of a trip leader and local guides
where specified.Not included are international
air,visas,insurance and most ,meals.
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What if I take more or
less time on my trek than I had planned and paid for ?
A trekking holiday should never be about making it to
the final point quickly. In fact, most of the time it
isn’t even about the end point. Walking in the mountains
is about enjoying the beauty of the people and places.
You pay the porter/guide per day, and any differences
can be made up on your return. Remember, it’s your
holiday and so long as you enjoy your trip the time
taken is mostly irrelevant. You may find that weather or
illness means you have to turn back, sit it out or take
another route. No problem !
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What are the trip
leaders like?
Leaders are carefully selected for their personality,
general travel experiences and enthusiasm for out style
of travel. They facilitate the smooth running of your
trip and are there to help you get the most out of your
adventure. They are recruited on the basis of their
resourcefulness and people skills, rather that for
expert knowledge of a destination.
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How can I look after my
porter ?
Always make sure that your porter has enough warm and
waterproof clothes – if he does not ask us to provide
some. Keep an eye on your porter (just as he will keep
an eye on you) when on the trail. The porter is working
for you and his welfare is your responsibility – if he
is unwell give him the day off and watch him. If he
shows signs of altitude sickness you must be firm and
take him down to a safer altitude. Never leave him to
wander alone down the mountain. Make sure that he has
sufficient food and drink.
Your porter can also be your friend – talk to him about
his family. Most porters are students trying to earn
extra cash, or married with very young families. These
guys can be away from home for months on end carrying
packs up and down hills. It’s a hard life and small
gestures of appreciation, like buying them a cup of tea,
never go astray. Langtang Ri is a member of IPPG
(International Porter Protection Group) – go to their
website at www.ippg.net for more information.
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What if the
guide/porter leaves me alone the trail ?
Sometimes the porter/guide may go on ahead if you are
walking slowly on an easy trail, usually to find a good
place to eat or stay the night. However, this doesn’t
mean that you have been abandoned. Langtang Ri porters
or guides will NEVER leave you for long periods and will
never steal your bag or belongings. Guaranteed.
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How much spending money
should I bring?
This will depend on the destination and you're spending
habits. However our trip dossiers will give you an idea
of how to budget for additional meals, optional
excursions, and extra expenses you might incur on any
specific trip.
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Can I use credit cards
in the places visited?
In most cities yes, to some extent. However once you
leave those cities behind, no. In some more remote, less
developed destinations, you cannot use your credit card
at all.
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If I arrive a day early, can you help with hotel
accommodation ?
Yes, we can arrange additional accommodation at the
joining hotel if you plan to arrive early. |
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