Once you have chosen your ideal journey and you are ready to confirm your tour you need to fill in the following booking form: http://www.langtang.com/reservation.php?ntrek=everest1. If there are any details you are unsure of we are on hand to provide the answers, just send us an email or give us a call.
Yes, our staff will welcome you at the airport, they will hold a sign with your name on, they will then take you to your hotel and check you in. Here your guide will formally introduce him/herself and discuss the up and coming trip with you. You will be asked for 2 passport sized photos and a photocopy of your passport for the park permit.
In the city areas we will offer you a choice of hotels, depending on your requirements and your budget, we have a wide range of options and can discuss these with you. In the trekking areas we use the local lodges/tea houses/homestays if required we will arrange for all necessary camping equipment. Most properties in the trekking areas are simple with basic facilities. We use those we know to be the best offering in terms of comfort, food and facilities.
Yes, we are a licensed agency, we registered in 1991 with the Nepalese government, TAAN, we are also members of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). You are in safe hands travelling with us.
Our cultural tour guides and city guides are quite proficient. Our trek guides/sidar and assistants speak good English and are able to explain about your surroundings, they culture and any sight that catches your eye.
Teahouses are generally built using local materials and are quite comfortable. Often family run, the usually provide single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. The dining room is downstairs and often houses a fire. All food will be cooked to order in the family kitchen. The toilet facilities will be separate, sometimes outside. Most lodges provide a mattress and a quilt or blanket. It’s a good idea to always have a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat may be useful 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 lodge owners; security is more of a risk around other Westerners.
Along the way there are a few ‘up market’ places to stay, or even just relax for lunch: Everest View Hotel (Syangboche), Gokyo Resort (Gokyo), 8000 Inn (Lobuche) and Jomson Mountain Resort (Jomson). 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 takes 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. You 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.
Single supplements are available although there is a supplement payment required. This can be avoided if you are happy to share a room or tent with another same sex solo traveller. We are happy to work with you if you have any questions relating to this.
Yes, we do. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). Cost for private trip is fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange TREKS FOR SINGLE WOMAN. If none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you, you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about making it solo trip. We assign local guide, porters etc who you can trust your life with.
All our trekking programs are classified into THREE different categories according to the level of difficulty. Soft Adventure treks are only about a week to 10 days in duration. They generally don't go above 4000 meter and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. While moderate are a little harder and more challenging treks which take you right into high mountain country. These can be physically quite tiring, involving approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. Strenuous treks are longer treks that go far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists. Physically challenging, these may involve 7-9 hours trekking and likely to include unfavourable weather conditions and strenuous activities. Definitely not for beginners.
Most teahouses cook a good 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.
On camping trek, our staff will boil and cook meals treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. On tea house trek, you will be able to buy safe hot drinks and mineral water in the tea house however to help conserve our environment and reduce porters loads we recommend you bring water purification tablets or a steri pen.
Security and safely are a high priority, there are often risks associated with adventure travel, particularly 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. However in trekking all our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Nepal Government. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on 'camping trek' please do not leave your bags unattended for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa each night to guard the campsite. If you are on 'Tea house trek' arrangement, you will be sleeping in local tea house. You have to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended.
Most of our trips require active participation, in general the fitter you are the more likely you are to enjoy the trip. We grade each of our treks taking into consideration the altitude, number of days and general gradient. Baring in mind you will be in the Himalayas you do need to have a degree of fitness, if you wish to discuss any of the details further with us we are more than happy to help.
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict however, Nepal does have a pretty reliable climate. In the mountains nights are generally cold; depending on the altitude you will find extra layers, often a down jacket useful. Winter brings with it cold days but when the sun is out it is quite beautiful and often warm enough for t=shirts to be worn. 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!
If unsure about the weather conditions on the trail ask your guide.
Minor stomach upsets are common due to changes in diet and climate but are usually brief and some day may have the problem of high altitude sickness.
Our guides carry a small first aid kit and are trained in its effective use but it is never the less a good idea for you to carry some of your own, do remember to bring any prescription medication you may require and if you are taking anti malarial bring sufficient amounts. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress.
In alphabetical order, we have compiled a list of items we think could be useful but don't think you need to haul all these items along with you every time - there's a difference between a trip to Thailand and a stay in Nepal. Think through the trip and buy what you need in sufficiently small portions. Don’t forget medicines in your first-aid kit have a limited lifetime. If unsure ask your pharmacist for advice to ensure the contents of your kit remain effective and safe to use. It is particularly important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant as many suggestions below may have adverse effects.
Allergies
Antihistamine tablets and creams are effective against allergies, itching, skin rashes and insect bites. Be aware that some do cause drowsiness, so caution will be required when driving.
Constipation
Unfamiliar food and travel can cause constipation. A laxative can be used in the short term. Constipation is best prevented with a high-fibre diet and fluids.
Diarrhoea
If you have diarrhoea when travelling it is important to keep hydrated by drinking oral rehydration solutions such as Dioralyte. In an emergency many travel health professionals also recommend taking the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (e.g. Ciproxin), a prescription-only medicine, and you should discuss its use with your doctor before leaving for areas where it might be needed.
Medicines such as lope amide (e.g. Imodium) can be used for short-term treatment of mild diarrhoea, and are useful when travelling.
Heartburn and stomach acid
If you have a tendency to suffer from stomach acid, heartburn and a burning sensation when you consume sharp-tasting foods and drinks, take an antacid with you.
Infection and inflammation
If you think you may need antibiotics when travelling abroad; you should discuss this with your doctor before you leave. Your doctor can prescribe what you need. In Nepal and India antibiotics are available without prescription and without visiting a doctor, but as far as possible you should consult a doctor before taking antibiotics.
Pain
Painkillers are indispensable for headaches, muscle pain, toothache and menstrual pain. Take a remedy containing aspirin (e.g. Aspro clear), paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen).
Blister packs are preferable, because loose or effervescent tablets may absorb moisture from the air and become ineffective.
Syringes and needles
Having your own syringes, needles and possibly scalpels ensures a high level of hygiene can be achieved if you have to be admitted to hospital particularly in Asia where standard of hygiene are lower than in the Western world. Most travel clinics and large pharmacies have packs with sterile needles.
Thermometer, scissors and tweezers
A small digital thermometer is handy if you suspect a high temperature. Scissors and tweezers may also prove useful.
Travel sickness
The discomfort caused by travel sickness in the air, car or at sea can be prevented with the use of antihistamines. A pharmacist can advise which ones are suitable for your circumstances.
Sores and blisters
Take a skin-disinfecting agent with you to clean sores, e.g. a small bottle of chlorhexidine. Antiseptic wipes are also useful. Bandages and plasters are useful to have at hand in case an accident should happen. Blisters can be helped with a special plaster, available from pharmacies.
Sunburn
Sunburn is prevented with a sun block cream that has a high sun protection factor (SPF). A natural remedy with aloe vera may alleviate any redness after sunbathing. Local anaesthetics and painkilling gel may be useful in dealing with problems caused by too much sun. Discuss such treatment with your pharmacist.
Vomiting
As with diarrhoea, the important point is to replace lost fluids. Frequent small drinks, if possible using ones that contain salt and sugar, are preferred.
Water purification tablets
Water purification tablets can be purchased from pharmacies or outdoor pursuit’s stores around the world. Excellent containers that act as physical and chemical filters are now available from large chemists and travel clinics.
If you are Travelling to Himalaya (High Altitude Sickness)
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical consideration while Trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters.
You may want to consider taking some Diamox which helps the body absorb Oxygen more efficiently but again do talk to your doctor to get the most up to date recommendations and dosage.
The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia/sleeplessness
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness, light headedness, confusion
- Disorientation, drunken gait
- Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
- Slight swelling of hands and face
- Breathlessness and Breathing irregularity
- Reduced urine output
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of an appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be avoided; otherwise more serious, even life-threatening problems can occur. The only cure for Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters, and the proper amount of rest and re hydration are the best methods for prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
In case of Emergency a Helicopter is operated for Rescue
Most importantly, 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 3 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 meters. Do not pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. A descent of a few hundred meters 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 include a phonetic Nepali questionnaire for your porter. Porters are just as prone to altitude sickness as everyone else is.
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.
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.
On all our Camping treks we provide the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A frames and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables and stools, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent.
We have a fleet of mostly Japanese made Toyota vehicles of all types and sizes, from small two-seater luxury cars to large capacity luxury tourist coaches.
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.
In most cities, yes, to some extend however Nepal does suffer from long power cuts and generators are not always in use particularly during the day, therefore it may not always be possible to use credit cards. In remote and less developed areas you cannot use your credit card at all.
Tips are not included but are greatly appreciated by your guide and porters. This depends on your budget and level of appreciation but 10% of your tour cost is a good guideline
In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, we will arrange a helicopter evacuation. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before signing for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to go to the nearest communication point, he/she needs to call our office and let us know the details. While asking for the helicopter, we will need your exact location and details of the casualty. Do not move from your location, the helicopter will be with you as soon as possible.
Yes, we will be delighted to help, just let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do what we can.
