Can I hire a porter?
Yes. Porters carry your main bag, and the weight limit depends on arrangements with your operator. Ask about it when you book.
Can I rent a sleeping bag or jacket?
Yes, in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Check zips, warmth and cleanliness before you take them.
Where can I leave extra luggage?
Most hotels in Pokhara store bags while you trek. Confirm this when you book.
Is there mobile coverage on the trail?
Coverage is patchy. It is better in larger villages than in remote valleys, and data speeds vary. Buy a local SIM if you need to stay in touch.
Where can I charge devices?
Lodges offer charging for a fee. A power bank reduces your reliance on it.
How much cash should I carry?
Carry enough for the whole trek in small notes, because machines are scarce on the trail. Your operator can advise on daily spending.
What are the toilets like?
They range from flush toilets in lower villages to simple outdoor ones higher up. Bring your own paper and sanitiser.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are helpful on steep stairs and descents, and many trekkers find them useful throughout.
What footwear is best?
Broken-in boots with ankle support and good grip. Avoid new shoes on a long trek.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping guides and porters is customary. Many groups agree on a pooled tip at the end of the trek.
What is the best size for a daypack?
A pack of about 25 to 35 litres suits most trekkers. It should hold water, a rain jacket, a warm layer, snacks, sunscreen, a camera or phone and your documents. Choose a pack with a padded hip belt and a chest strap so that the weight rests on your hips. Try it on with a load before you buy.
Do I need a sleeping bag liner?
A liner keeps a rented or borrowed sleeping bag clean and adds a little warmth. It is light and easy to wash. If you use your own bag, a liner is optional, but many trekkers like the extra comfort and hygiene. Silk and fleece liners are common choices.
Is it better to take cash in small notes?
Yes. Small notes are easier to use in lodges and shops that may not have change, and they reduce arguments about prices. Break large notes at a bank or a shop before you start walking, and carry the money in a waterproof pouch.
Can I send my luggage ahead or onward?
For some routes, such as the Annapurna Circuit, operators can arrange for bags to be stored in Pokhara or sent to the end point, depending on logistics. Confirm the arrangements and whether there is a charge. Keep valuables with you.
How do I keep my camera and phone working in the cold?
Keep devices close to your body, use a warm pouch and switch them off when not in use. Cold drains batteries quickly, so carry spares and keep them in an inside pocket. Avoid taking a cold device into a warm room immediately, since condensation can form.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“They took utmost care of our group of 5 friends from Kathmandu airport upto the completion of the trek”
