Key Information
On this page you will find:
- What to bring with you
- How to arrange travel
- Permits
- Rates and fees
- Guides and Porters
- Tipping and Bargaining
- Cultural sensitivity
What to bring with you
Being well prepared is key to trekking in the Himalayas. While each trek has slightly different requirements, you can’t go wrong with the following:
- Backpack
- Trekking Poles
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Rain Jacket
- Clothing
- Base Layers
- Mid-Layers
- Outer Layers
- Socks
- Underwear
- T-shirts and Shirts
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Footwear
- Trekking Boots
- Electronics
- Toiletries
- First-Aid Kit
How to arrange your travel
When we have a consultation, we’ll discuss your travel plans. Most of my treks begin from Pokhara, but I can also arrange airport or hotel transfer from Kathmandu.
You are welcome to arrange your own travel to the start points of the trek, or these can be included in the package price.
Travel bookings in Nepal can be made directly with agents, at bus stations, and online.
Permits
To enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need an ACAP permit. These can be arranged in Pokhara or Kathmandu. I am also happy to arrange the ACAP permit for you – all I will need is a passport sized photo and a copy of your ID.
ACAP permits are included in all trek packages.
Rates and fees
Packages at Drop Out Treks are inclusive of all fees while trekking.
It’s entirely up to you what you’d like me to arrange and what you’d like to sort for yourself.
Packages can cover:
- Accomodation
- Transport
- Food
- Permit
- Equipment rental
- Guide fee
- Porter fee
Guides and Porters
Foreigners are legally required to be accompanied by a guide while trekking in most high-altitude areas of Nepal.
I’m a registered guide. This means I have passed a qualification and hold a license allowing me to accompany foreigners on treks in Nepal. I am a qualified first-aider, have years of experience trekking at low and high altitude, and mostly importantly am a local Nepali.
Porters can be arranged to carry excess equipment. Don’t underestimate how useful a porter can be on your trek – when walking for days or at high altitude your bags can get heavy! Trekkers hiring porters contribute a valuble source of income to local villages.
Tipping and Bargaining
It is often expected that trekkers will contribute a 10% to 20% tip to their guides and porters. This is a great way to show appreciation for a job well done in challenging circumstances. It is not usually expected to tip at a guest house.
Bargaining – while normal in cities in Nepal – is often seen as very disrespectful while trekking. Running a high-altitude lodge or tea house in the Himalayas is a difficult business, with almost everything required to be carried up the mountain on someone’s back. Prices are often higher in the mountains as tea houses make their whole income for the year from the trekking season. Please be respectful and do not haggle while on your trek.
Cultural Sensitivity
As we’ll be trekking to remote villages where people have a different way of life to big cities and other countries, it is important to respect the cultural values of the villagers and show respect to their lives.
This means:
- Do not get excessively drunk
- Try not to wear overly revealing clothing
- Keep swearing and bad language to a minimum
- Be polite and respectful of people’s space, work and homes
If you have any questions or concerns about cultural sensitivty, please get in touch. I’ll be happy to help and guide you on your trek – meeting new people and learning about other cultures is an important part of your journey!