Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the Alpine Asian Treks & Expedition FAQ page! Here, we answer the most common questions about planning, booking, and enjoying your adventure in Nepal.
Booking & Planning
Q: How do I book a trek, and what is the booking process?
A: Booking with Alpine Asian Treks is simple and secure. Once you confirm your custom itinerary with us, we require a 40% deposit to secure your reservation. Upon receiving your deposit, we will send an official booking confirmation email containing a detailed receipt and essential details about your guides, hotels, permits, and transportation etc.
Q: What is included and excluded in the tour price?
A: Transparency is our core value. All inclusions (such as local permits, guides, porters, domestic flights/transfers, and guesthouse stays) and exclusions (such as international airfare, Nepal entry visa fees, personal travel insurance, and personal expenses) are clearly detailed in your customized itinerary proposal before you make any payment.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: We recommend booking as early as possible ideally 2 to 4 months in advance for peak trekking seasons (Spring: March to May and Autumn: September to November). Early booking guarantees the best availability for experienced guides, preferred mountain lodges, and internal flights/permit arrangements etc
Q: Do you offer custom or private itineraries?
A: Yes! Custom-tailored journeys are our specialty. Tell us your travel dates, physical fitness level, and interests, and our manager will design a personalized itinerary that fits your vision perfectly.
Q: What is the best season to trek in Nepal?
A: The two main trekking seasons in Nepal are:
• Spring (March to May): Warm temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendron forests.
• Autumn (September to November): Crisp mountain air, stable weather, and the clearest mountain views.
• Note: Rain-shadow regions like Upper Mustang and Dolpo are also great for summer/monsoon trekking (June to August).
Q: What fitness level is required for trekking in Nepal?
A: Most classic treks require a standard level of physical fitness and the ability to walk 4 to 7 hours a day on uneven terrain. Prior hiking experience is helpful but not mandatory. We match your fitness level with the right trek and offer pre-trip advice to help you prepare.
On the Trail Experience
.Q: What is a typical day on the trek like?
A: A typical day begins around 7:30 to 8:00 AM after a hot breakfast at your lodge. We hit the trail by 8:15 AM, walking at a steady, manageable pace while enjoying the mountain views. We stop for a hot lunch at a trailside teahouse around noon, then trek for another 2 to 3 hours to our destination. You will arrive by mid-to-late afternoon with plenty of time to rest, explore the local village, and enjoy dinner and night rest.
Q: What type of accommodation and meals are provided?
A: On standard teahouse treks, you will stay in clean, comfortable, locally run guesthouses (teahouses) with twin-sharing rooms. The freshly cooked meal, high in energy, ranging from local staple dishes like Dal Bhat to continental, Indian, or Chinese items. We cater to all dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) with advance notice.
Q: What is the average group size?
A: We specialize in private, tailored trips for individuals, families, couples, and friends. For open join-in group trips or technical peak climbs, we limit group sizes to ensure safety, personal care, and high service quality.
Q: How much weight will I need to carry?
A: You only carry a light daypack (5-8 kg) containing your daily essentials (water bottle, jacket, camera, sunscreen, and cash or etc). Our porters carry your main duffel bag (maximum 12.5 to 15 kg per person).
Q: Is drinking water provided on the trek?
A: We encourage eco-friendly travel by asking trekkers to bring reusable water bottles or hydration bladders. You can buy boiled or filtered water at every teahouse, or use water purification tablets/filters with local tap water.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi and electricity on the trail?
A: Yes, most teahouses on popular routes (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang) offer electricity for charging camera batteries and phones, as well as Wi-Fi access, for a small extra fee ($2-$5 USD per device/day). Bring a high-capacity portable power bank as electricity costs rise with altitude.
Pre-Trip Preparation & Gear
Q: What should I pack for my trek?
A: After booking, we send you a comprehensive, trek-specific packing advice list tailored to your route and season. Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, layered thermal clothing, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, and personal medical supplies.
Q: Can I rent or buy trekking gear in Kathmandu?
A: Yes! If you prefer not to carry heavy gear from home, you can easily buy or rent high-quality trekking equipment (down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles) in Kathmandu at affordable daily rates.
Q: Do I need a visa and trekking permits?
A: Nepal Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a Tourist Visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, or apply online before arrival.
Trekking Permits: All national park permits and restricted area permits are arranged by Alpine Asian Treks and included in your package.
Q: What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
A: We advise consulting your doctor or a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations typically include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. You should also consult about altitude sickness prevention medication.
Safety, Altitude & Medical Emergencies
Q: What happens if I get Altitude Sickness (AMS)?
A: Our itineraries are carefully planned with gradual ascent to allow proper acclimatization. Our licensed guides are trained in recognizing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms. If mild symptoms appear, we pause and rest; if symptoms worsen, the primary safety rule is immediate descent to a lower altitude, escorted safely by our staff.
Q: What safety measures and emergency procedures do you have in place?
A: Your safety is our top priority. All our lead guides are government-certified, experienced in mountain safety, trained in wilderness first aid, and carry general medical kits. In the event of a severe medical emergency, we coordinate to helicopter evacuations with your insurance provider.
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all clients. Your insurance policy must specifically cover high-altitude trekking (up to the maximum altitude of your chosen trek) and emergency helicopter rescue/evacuation.
Policies & Payments
Q: How are trip payments handled?
A: A 40% deposit is required upon booking via wire transfer or online payment. The remaining 60% balance can be settled prior to trek departure in Kathmandu using cash (USD, EUR, GBP, NPR) or credit card (Visa/Mastercard).
Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A: More than 30 days before departure: Full deposit refund, minus non-refundable expenses already paid (e.g., permit fees or non-refundable domestic flight deposits).
30 to 11 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost is forfeited.
10 days or fewer before departure: Non-refundable.
Q: What if I cannot complete my trek due to personal or health reasons?
A: If you must shorten or interrupt your trek due to health, injury, or personal reasons, we will assist you with lower-altitude accommodation or return arrangements to Kathmandu. However, payments for unused days, pre-arranged permits, guide/porter wages, and lodges cannot be refunded. You may claim these expenses through your travel insurance.
Trust, Safety & Ethics
Q: What is your company’s experience and credentials?
A: Alpine Asian Treks & Expedition P. Ltd. is a fully licensed and registered trekking agency under the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation. Operating successfully since 2006, we are active members of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDA), Tanahun Tourism Promition Society (TTPS)
Q: Is it safe for solo female travelers?
A: Yes, 100%. Nepal is widely recognized as a safe and welcoming destination for women, and we regularly host solo female travelers.
Q: How do you ensure ethical and sustainable travel?
A: We practice responsible tourism by paying fair wages, providing proper clothing/equipment, and securing full medical insurance for all our guides and porters. We follow “Leave No Trace” environmental principles.
Q: Should I tip my guide and porter?
A: Tipping is a traditional and deeply appreciated way to show gratitude for the hard work of your mountain crew.
Q: Do you provide free airport transfers?
A: Yes! We provide complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off transfers for all our clients. An Alpine Asian Treks representative will greet you at the Kathmandu airport arrival gate with a name banner and transfer you directly to your hotel.