Booking & Planning
Q: How do I book a trek? What is the booking process?
A: Booking with Alpine Asian Treks is simple. Once you have finalized your itinerary, we require a 40% deposit to secure your spot. You will immediately receive a booking confirmation email with a detailed receipt and all relevant information regarding your hotels, guides, transportation, meals, and more
Q: What is included and excluded in the tour price?
A: Transparency is our priority. Our package inclusions and exclusions (such as international flights, personal expenses, or certain meals) will be clearly outlined in your final itinerary proposal before any payment is made.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak seasons (spring and autumn) and popular treks. Early booking ensures the best availability for our most experienced guides, preferred lodges, and necessary permits, securing your ideal adventure.
Q: Do you offer custom or private itineraries?
A: Absolutely. Tailor-made journeys are our specialty. Share your available time, interests, and fitness level with our experts, and we will design a unique, personalized itinerary that perfectly matches your dream of the Himalayas.
Q: What is the best season to trek in Nepal?
A: The prime trekking seasons in Nepal are spring (March to May), when the hills bloom with rhododendrons, and autumn (October to November), which offers crystal-clear mountain views and stable weather.
Q: What is the physical difficulty of trekking in Nepal? What fitness level is required?
A: What fitness level is required? A: Trekking in Nepal is accessible to anyone with a good level of general fitness and the ability to walk for several hours a day. Difficulty varies significantly by trek, altitude, and season. Our experts will match you with a suitable route and provide comprehensive advice to ensure you are fully prepared.
Q: What is a typical day on the trek like?
A: A typical trekking day starts with an early breakfast at the lodge. We then walk at a steady, manageable pace, enjoying spectacular scenery. A hot lunch is served at a trailside teahouse. We usually arrive at our destination village by mid-to-late afternoon, allowing plenty of time to rest, explore, and enjoy dinner.
Q: What type of accommodation and meals are provided?
A: On most classic treks, you will stay in clean, comfortable local guesthouses (teahouses) with a private room, though bathrooms are often shared. Meals are hearty and nutritious, chosen from the lodge menus, with a focus on energizing local and international dishes. We can accommodate all dietary needs with advance notice.
Q: What is the average group size?
A: We primarily operate private tours for individuals, couples, and small private groups. For certain demanding climbs or treks, we may organize small join-in groups, which we limit to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure personalized attention and a quality experience.
Pre-Trip Preparation to Trek in Nepal
Q: What should I pack?
A: What should I pack? A: A detailed, trek-specific packing list will be provided upon booking. What you need depends entirely on your chosen trek, the season, and the altitude. You can also find general packing advice on our website or by contacting us directly.
Q: Do I need a visa or permits? Can you assist?
A: Yes, most treks require specific permits, and all foreign visitors need a tourist visa for Nepal. We handle all necessary trekking permits and national park fees as part of your package. You can easily obtain your tourist visa upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport.
Q: What are the recommended vaccinations or health precautions?
A: We strongly advise you to consult a travel health clinic or your doctor at least 8 weeks before departure. Common recommendations include vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Discussing altitude sickness medication (like Diamox) with your doctor is also recommended.
Trekking with Alpine Asian Treks, Policies & Safety
Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A: Our standard policy offers a full refund (minus any non-recoverable costs like domestic flight tickets or pre-booked permits) for cancellations made more than 30 days before departure. Cancellations made 30 to 11 days prior forfeit 50% of the tour cost. Cancellations within 10 days of departure are non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.
Q: What safety measures and emergency procedures do you have in place?
A: Your safety is our paramount concern. All our lead guides are licensed, certified in wilderness first aid, and carry a comprehensive medical kit. We operate with reliable communication equipment and have established emergency evacuation protocols. Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation is required for all clients.
Company & Trust
Q: What is your company’s experience and credentials?
A: Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition is a fully licensed and registered trekking company with the Government of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, operating successfully since 2006. We are proud members of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and other professional tourism bodies, adhering to the highest industry standards.
Q: How do you ensure ethical and sustainable practices?
A: We are deeply committed to responsible tourism. This includes providing fair wages, proper clothing, and full insurance for all our trekking crew, operating on a “Leave No Trace” principle on trails, and partnering with local communities to ensure our treks provide a positive economic impact.
Additional Important Questions
Q: What happens if I get altitude sickness (AMS) while on the trek?
A: Our guides are highly experienced in recognizing the early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our primary strategy is a careful, gradual ascent to aid acclimatization. If symptoms appear and persist, the first and most effective treatment is immediate descent to a lower altitude, guided safely by our staff.
Q: Is drinking water provided on the trek?
A: Staying hydrated is critical. We recommend trekkers bring their own reusable, eco-friendly water bottles. Safe drinking water (boiled or treated) is available for purchase at the lodges. If you wish to treat water from local taps, we recommend bringing purification tablets or a reliable water filter.
Q: How much weight will I need to carry?
A: On our standard teahouse treks, you only need to carry a small daypack (5-8 kg) with daily essentials like water, camera, sunscreen, layers, and a jacket. Our porters or yaks will transport your main luggage duffel bag, which is typically limited to 12.5 kg per client..
Q: How are trip payments handled?
A: TTo confirm your booking, we require a 40% deposit of the total trip cost. The remaining balance is due before your trip departure, payable in Kathmandu via cash, credit card, or other agreed-upon bank transfer methods.
Q: What if I cannot complete my trek for personal or health reasons?
A: If you cannot complete the trek due to illness, injury, or personal reasons, we will make every effort to provide alternative arrangements (such as accommodation and care in a lower village or Kathmandu). However, please note that we cannot offer refunds for unused services, as costs for guides, porters, permits, and accommodations are paid in advance. This is why comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Q: Is it safe for a solo female traveler to trek with your guide?
A: Yes, absolutely. We regularly host solo female travelers and assign professional, respectful, and fully vetted guides. Your safety, security, and comfort are our top priorities, and we take full responsibility for ensuring you have a wonderful and secure experience in Nepal.
Q: Should I tip my guide and porter?
A: Tipping is a traditional way to show appreciation for the hard work of your trekking crew. It is highly appreciated by guides and porters who work hard to ensure your safety and comfort. We can provide general tipping guidelines based on your group size and trek duration before you arrive.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi and electricity to charge devices on the trail?
A: Most lodges on popular trekking routes offer Wi-Fi access and charging facilities for a small extra fee (usually a few dollars per device or per day). Please note that as you go higher into the mountains, the connection may become less stable and charging costs may increase. Bringing a portable power bank is highly recommended.
Q: Do you provide airport pick-up services?
A: Yes! We provide complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off services for all our clients. An Alpine Asian Treks representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal holding a placard with your name and transfer you safely to your hotel.