Group size
The size of the group could vary from 2 - 16 people. Though we can manage larger groups due to group dynamics we only operate groups up to 16 people. We have limited number of people in all our departures to ensure personalized service. We try and make sure that the need of each and every client is attended to and he/she feels comfortable and can enjoy the amazing culture, landscape and people better and have a great holiday.

Responsible tourism
The ecology of the Himalayas is very fragile. Responsible and sustainable tourism has always been our main thrust and mantra so that the environment and its resources- natural or cultural – always remain intact for the future generations to savor. We strongly advise that all non-biodegradable items such as can, bottles, batteries, plastics etc to be brought back to Kathmandu for proper disposition. We discourage the use of bottled mineral water to control the plastic bottles' waste. Since water is essential while traveling at such high altitudes we advise our clients to carry sturdy water bottles so that they can fill them up with hot water that is treated with water purifiers. As a part of our responsible tourism drive we use local guides and locally owned hotels (wherever possible) so that the people can earn income from direct employment or through the distribution of work responsibility.

Health
Prevention is always the best cure. So taking care in what you eat or drink is the best bet. Travelling in Nepal does not involve major health risks provided simple precautions are observed. Drink only bottled water. Reputable brands of bottled water or soft drinks are generally fine. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if water may have been added. Do not take ice; be wary of uncooked food including salads, fruit juice and ice-cream; remember that milk is usually unpasteurised; do not bathe in freshwater rivers and lakes, and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene – wash your hands frequently and clean your teeth with bottled water.  Please remember to pay attention to sensible hygiene at all times and to follow any advice given by your guide – it is essential in avoiding illness.  Despite these precautions, the change of climate, water and diet may still cause some minor stomach upset, and you should obtain a suitable drug such as Immodium or Lomotil from your pharmacist to take with you.  If you can, obtain suppositories, as they are obviously easier to use if you are feeling or being sick.  Remember however that these drugs provide relief from the symptoms but don’t cure the problem and should not be used if you are dehydrated – the main treatment is to drink plenty of fluids: weak black tea with a little sugar and diluted fizzy drinks left to go flat are recommended. You should also take a rehydration solution such as Dioralyte in case of severe problems, and don’t eat rich or spicy food as you recover.  Previous guests have recommended taking a hot water bottle (an aluminium water bottle can serve a dual purpose such as this), which can be a great comfort to an upset stomach.  Thoroughly cooked food is the safest bet but not if it has been left to cool. Stomach upsets are the most likely travel health problem but the majority of these upsets are relatively minor. Wash your hands frequently as it's quite easy to contaminate your own food. You should clean your teeth with purified water rather than straight from the tap. Avoid climatic extremes. Keep out of the sun when it is hot, dress warmly when it is cold. Avoid potential diseases by dressing sensibly. You can get worm infections through bare feet. Try to avoid insect bites by covering bare skin when insects are around, by screening windows or by using insect repellents.

Altitude Sickness
Sometimes travelers face health hazards mainly due to the high altitude. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a frequent problem in the Himalayan region and can affect a traveler is various ways irrespective of their age, gender or health fitness. Even if you are in perfect health and peak fitness, you can still develop AMS. Previous experience of high places, pre-ascent training and good physical shape do not prevent the onset of altitude sickness - it can strike anyone of any age. Our body normally time to be acclimated to the high altitude. The body undergoes a number of physiological changes some of which are increased pulse and respiratory rate. Others appear slowly over a period of weeks like the change in acid base balance and production of extra red blood cells. These changes and the effect of intense sunlight, strenuous walks and dehydration may cause some mild or vague symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, sleeplessness, breathlessness. The condition is caused by lower than normal levels of oxygen being absorbed. If the sickness is acute, you can become confused, irrational and mentally unbalanced. The best way to counter it is prevention. You should not exert yourself or walk too fast. Drinking plenty of liquid, eating well and watching for warning sign is highly advised. Aside from following your guide's advice, you can try to eat a diet that is high in carbohydrates to build up glycogen in the muscles, avoid unnecessary vigorous activity in addition to the trek or climb and do not ascend faster than you need. Keep physical activity to the minimum and take regular doses of diamox as directed by your physician. IF the symptoms do not recede then do not hesitate to talk with our staff. Our trekking teams carry a Gamow bag (a portable compression chamber) to be used in severe cases. If you have a history of respiratory and heart problem please consult your physician before embarking on this trip. But based on our years of experience, with proper preparation and time taken to acclimatize, severe cases are relatively rare. Though we will ensure that you are safe and at worst will suffer only the mildest of symptoms it is best to listen to your body; no-one knows it better than you!

Immunisations
Immunisations currently recommended for Nepal are those for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.  Typhoid may be given in two separate injections so you will need to consult your doctor in plenty of time.  A vaccination is available for cholera but most doctors no longer consider this worth giving as it has a low success rate and tourists are unlikely to become infected if basic hygiene is observed. Ensure also that you apply insect repellent liberally and do not expose bare skin to mosquitoes after dusk.  Meningitis is a risk in certain areas of Nepal at certain times of year and you should consult your doctor as to whether immunisation is necessary. You should also ensure that your Tetanus and Polio injections are up-to-date.  The situation with regard to vaccinations and health precautions is subject to change, and you should consult your doctor for advice as early as possible.You should be careful to take adequate precautions against sunburn when out walking as you can burn very quickly at altitude, even through cloud.  Sun hats and high factor sun screens are essential. Dust can be a problem particularly in Kathmandu and during the drive in Tibet, where the air quality is poor, and you may find eye-drops such as Optrex worth taking with you.  Contact lens wearers should take their glasses, as they may find particular problems with the dust. It is important to be sure you are in good health before you travel, as medical facilities are poor, even in large towns.

Physical Fitness
Since some of our trips entail traveling at high altitude it is necessary that the client is in good health. Before you embark on any one of tour trips it is advisable to be physically and mentally fit and prepared. Prepare your self by jogging or walking at least one hour daily for a minimum period of one month. A thorough health check up is strongly recommended before the trip.   

Medical Facilities
There are many pharmacies which sells medicines and some have a doctor’s clinic. Prescription is not a requirement for purchase of harmless drugs in Nepal.
 
Insurance
         All the clients are strongly advised to have personal travel insurance covering trip cancellations or interruptions due to natural disasters or medical reasons, insurance against emergency evacuation, medical and accident insurance. In addition to the normal provisions within any travel insurance policy, your scheme should include reference to covering trekking or biking etc involved in this trip and also include cover for helicopter rescue and repatriation. An additional cover may include ‘special outbound missed departure extension’ cover, providing valuable cover for internal flight departures missed due to international flight delays or vice versa.

Drinking Water
While on trek we serve boiled and filtered clean bacteria free water everyday. All our treks are equipped with Euro Guard water filters to purify water. The water is boiled and cooled and then filtered.

Food on the trek
Our mobile kitchen crew serves Nepalese, Indian and Continental fare during camping treks. Bread, butter and jam with eggs are usually served for breakfast which is occasionally accompanied by muesli, granola and porridge. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea and juice are served. The crew could surprise you with cakes, pies and pizza.

Food during tea house treks is based on the best available food in the lodges.

Support Crew
The support crew on camping treks comprise of sirdar, cook, kitchen boys and porters or pack animals while are tea house treks are supported by a tour leader, a sirdar, sherpas and necessary porters or pack animals.

We also provide qualified tour leaders should the group require one. All our Tour Leaders have undergone leadership training and have had intensive courses on mountain medicine, first aid and are capable of handling emergency situations. They are deep understanding and knowledge of the mountain culture and are familiar with high altitude survival skills. Our support crew (except the porters) are usually sherpas who have been the backbone of the trekking industry in Nepal and the team usually has years of experience between them and so our team is prepared for all eventualities in the mountains. The preservation of the fragile Eco system is of utmost importance to us and our support staff is made well aware of the significance of preserving the environment. We conduct regular orientation programs to educate our support crew regarding the importance of conservation of our environment. We take pride in the high quality of service we render – personalized, professional and above all enjoyable. Our crew with a keen sense of hospitality will make your holiday worthwhile. You will make friends with our tour leader during the trip and find adventure that you will re-live the rest of your life.

Safety
We have been successfully treks since the inception of the company. Success of the trek is certainly a priority but we do not compromise on safety for the sake of success. Safety is number one priority for us. Our itinerary has been meticulously planned and designed with years of experience and know - how. With the help of our staff who have been supporting treks for years, we have one of the best support staff available in this region. With thorough planning, good logistical coordination and support of experienced staff ensure that our clients enjoy the trip and can concentrate totally on their climb thus improving the chances for success. Our support staff is also well equipped with communication devices so that they can get help should a situation an emergency situation arise. Moreover the Sherpa – Member ratio is also very high to ensure that everything goes well.

Trek equipment
For camping treks we provide state of the art equipment that comprises of two men North Face Tents, Mess tent, Kitchen tent, Toilet tent, Shower tents, folding chairs, tables, cooking utensils, fuel (kerosene or LPG), all cooking appliances, mattresses, shower pumps, folding toilet seats and gamow bags or pressurized chambers (for all treks that go above 3500 meters). The equipment has been carefully selected to not only protect you from the weather but also to accommodate you in comfort. Sherpas and porters are all provided with the necessary gear that they need to stay warm and dry when at high altitude. Everything is provided for except a sleeping bag which the clients would have to bring on their own.

Accommodation
We use deluxe accommodation in the cities for all our trips depending upon the requirement of the clients. Meals plans are on BB, MAP and AP basis depending upon the requirement of the clients.

Transportation
Driving is on the left in Nepal but your vehicle may be a left-hand drive, meaning you alight into the traffic – please take care.Comfortable jeeps, vans or tourist coaches will be provided for all transportation depending on the size of the group.

Baggage Allowances
You should aim to keep the combined weight of your check-in and cabin baggage to around 20 kgs.