Services
 
Trek and Visit Planning

Perhaps you already know where and when you want to go on your trip. Or, maybe you want to go trekking but want help figuring out where to go, what type of trek, and for how long. Either way, I can answer any questions you may have, and help you plan and customize your trip to your liking.

Treks can last from several days to several weeks or longer, and can be easy or challenging. For longer treks it's always good to have an extra day or two at the end, in case they're needed (plan for the unexpected).

While Nepal is known for the highest mountains in the world, there are also wonderful treks with spectacular views in the lower sub-tropical hills. (Nepal's latitude also passes through Florida, Morocco, and Kuwait).

There are many types of treks to consider:

  • Teahouse trek: A single person or group, staying and eating at ‘teahouses’ (lodges) along the way. You can hire porters, carry your own packs, or a combination. Lodging arrangements can be fixed, or revised day-to-day to adapt as you go. This is the most popular type of trekking in Nepal.
  • Camping trek: You trek with everything you need along the way: tents, food, cooking equipment, etc. The outfit includes your guide, porters, and cooks. Mules or yaks may be used to carry equipment. The itinerary is usually fixed
  • High-elevation treks & circuits: Many of the most popular treks take you high into the mountains, often up over one or more mountain passes. These may take you from sub-tropical valleys up through packed snow or icy conditions. The "circuits" take you around a mountain or massif, without retracing your path.
  • Hill treks: These treks stay in the lower hills and valleys that lead up to the Himalayas. They are generally less demanding and require less equipment.
  • Off-the-beaten-track treks: These treks (one of my specialties) take you to areas with fewer tourists, where the people and culture are generally more traditional.
  • Culture or "home stay" treks: Treks selected to expose you to Nepal's unique and welcoming people and culture. These are usually in areas that have been less impacted by tourists, where you can meet and stay with Nepalis, often in their own homes ("home stays"). Cultural sensitivity is especially important.
  • Technical climbing treks: These require technical gear and experience, and often require special permits and a certified climbing guide. This can be for as little as 2-3 days, as part of a longer trek.
Near Larkye pass, Manaslu circuit
Near Larkye pass, Manaslu circuit

These types of treks are often combined into an overall itinerary, which can be fixed or flexible. Whatever type of trek you choose, I can help you match the trek to your schedule and budget. I specialize in helping you customize your trek to match your style and needs.

I can also help you plan any sightseeing or visits to other areas of Nepal, which you may want to combine with your trek. This can include, for example:

  • Walking tours in Kathmandu to visit our temples, museums, markets, and other sites - many of which are UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites.
  • Day trips to some of the beautiful towns and sites of the Kathmandu valley (including a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Visits to our National Parks, such as Chitwan or Bardiya, known for their natural beauty and wildlife. These usually require several days to a week.
  • White water rafting trips.

You may also want to consider any Nepali festivals taking place during your trip. A festival can also mean reduced services, which should be planned for.

Gorka, Nepal
Gorka, Nepal
Trek and Visit Logistics

Once you have planned the schedule and budget for your visit to Nepal, here are some of the logistics I can help with:

  • Getting necessary permits and visas, saving you time when you get to Nepal.
  • Reserving a hotel in Kathmandu (or your arrival city), in an area that suits you (busier tourist area vs. quieter and removed, proximity to cultural sites, etc.).
  • Meeting you at the airport with transport to your hotel.
  • Renting or buying equipment, as needed. It's inexpensive to rent equipment in Nepal, as much equipment has been left by others.
  • Arranging transportation to and from the trailheads, and for any sightseeing.
  • Arranging for porters or other additional trekking staff, as needed.
  • Withdrawing or exchanging money. Usually ATMs can be used, though the withdrawal limit may be lower than expected.
Purna with German clients, 2007
Purna with German clients, 2007

Once we are on the trail, I can handle the day-to-day logistics during the trek:

  • Arranging lodging, often by calling ahead to the next destination for flexible itineraries.
  • Translating between English and Nepali, with lodge staff (who often speak no or very little English) and other Nepalis.
  • Planning for lunch - at a village along the way, or a picnic lunch prepared by the lodge that morning.
  • Helping to order meals - menus are generally available at tea huts, but I can make sure your orders are understood, to avoid confusion.
  • Paying for food and lodging (see more on costs below).
  • Arranging visits to temples or other cultural sites, which are sometimes accessible only by special request.
  • Arranging spontaneous side trips or walks.
  • Keeping track of conditions ahead on the trek, by talking with other guides and Nepalis along the way.
  • Assuring that all porters and other trekking staff are well provided for.
  • Helping with any decisions to adjust the trek itinerary or schedule.
  • Handling the unexpected.

See the FAQ Page section on my Trekking Guide Services.

Near Soti Khola, Gorka
Near Soti Khola, Gorka
Arranging My Services

Typically I arrange my services with you through an exchange of emails. I will gladly answer your questions and help you to consider options and make any decisions about your trip. Together, we can work out a plan for where you want to go trekking, when you want to start, for how long, and what services you want. If you already know where and when you want to go, then I can confirm if I am available, and will let you know of any additional options or logistics to consider. ​

We can also talk on the phone as desired while engaging my services.

See the FAQ Page section on my Trekking Guide Services.

Above Dharamsala, Manaslu circuit
Above Dharamsala, Manaslu circuit
Costs

I try to keep my prices as reasonable as possible, while assuring that you will have a worry-free and totally enjoyable trek and trip. One advantage of working with an independent guide is that you typically pay less than you would with a big trekking agency.

Trekking can be a relatively inexpensive part of your visit to Nepal. For many visitors, getting here is the largest cost for your trip. The actual costs during a trek can be relatively small, though this depends on the length of your trek and your trekking style.

I do not charge for the initial trip planning. Once I know the size of your group and understand the trek you want to take, and any other sightseeing or touring you would like me to arrange, I will give you a cost quote for your trip. I will provide you with an itemized list of the services to be included.

Normally I will give you an "all inclusive" quote for the cost of all services, including the cost of lodging and meals along your trek. This way you can eat all you want, and do not need to worry about the cost of meals during your trip.

Tea house breakfast
Tea house breakfast

There are no hidden costs to your trip. The fee includes the cost for food and lodging for myself and any other trekking staff. However, the following items are generally not included in my fee:

  • alcoholic drinks and other bottled drinks
  • teahouse lodge fees for WiFi, electricity, device charging, or hot water (when available)
  • items you chose to buy from stores along the way, including snacks.

If you choose to hire me, I will ask you to provide a retainer to secure required permits and reservations for your initial stay. The balance can be paid after you arrive. Many clients bring cash for my payment, and I can often accept foreign currency. International payments are typically made by bank transfer or by Western Union.

Trail to Ripchet, Tsum Valley
Trail to Ripchet, Tsum Valley