Please ensure that you have at least two spare Passport photos with you in Nepal, as these are needed for your TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Permit.

These will be collected at the pre departure meeting on Day 1

Kathmandu. (1310m/4298ft) For those clients that have provided us with their flight arrival details, our airport representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The hotel is 7km from the airport and the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Please meet in the hotel foyer at 5.00pm for the pre-departure meeting which will be held at a local restaurant followed by a welcome dinner. The briefing will cover the itinerary and collect necessary documentation, and confirm city tour departure time on Day 2.

Kathmandu - Fly to Pokhara  (910m/2986ft) .    We transfer to the airport for our flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On a clear day there are spectacular views of the Himalayas.

On arrival we transfer to the hotel, and then visit the International Mountaineering Museum, David Falls & Shiva Cave. These places are some of the highlights in Pokhara.

Trek Marpha to Kagbeni.   After breakfast in the morning, we trek to Kagbeni. The trails follow the Kali Gandaki river valley with Kagbeni being situated at the confluence of the Jhong Khola (river) and the Kali Gandaki River. Kagbeni is a delightful old village at the edge of the Mustang restricted area, and also the junction where the trail splits for the Muktinath pilgrimage temple and for Upper Mustang (Lo-Manthang). Kagbeni is the northernmost village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang. It is a fascinating village with many Tibetan influences. Kagbeni is the gateway to the Upper Mustang trek.

Trek Chele to Shyangbochen (3780m/12396ft).   We start ascending to Samar and the trail climbs up to the Bhena La (3840m). We then climb another pass Yamdo La (4010m) from where Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda with wider views can be seen. We then descend steeply following a ridge to the small village Shyangmochen.

Trek: 13kms approx

Trek Ghame to Tsharang (Charang) (3780m/12396ft). We start hiking and cross the Ghame Khola. We pass by the side of the longest Mani wall (Buddhist stone wall) in Mustang. We ascend through scenic landscape and reach Choya La (3850m), and then a gentle descent will bring you into another significant village - Tsharang. Here we visit the red Gompa which is one of the famous Gompas in Mustang to observe the collections of statues, paintings and Thankas.

Trek: 12kms approx

Day Tour around Lo-Manthang.  Today is spent visiting the major highlights and amazing sites in Lo-Manthang (the Raja’s Palace, the red Thubchen gompa, Jampa Lhakhang, Choprang gompa and Chodey gompa).

Lo-Manthang to Ghami Via High Route.   We start ascending through the high route. The trail climbs a ridge at 4070m, crossing alpine meadows, and continues ascending to the Chogo La (4325m) which is also a highest place on the tour. The trail then descends to Ghar Gomba Monastery via Lo-Geker to reach Ghami.

Trek Samar to Kagbeni.  We start descending and reach the Kali Gandaki valley where conditions may be windy before our return to Kagbeni.

Kathmandu. The tour ends this morning after breakfast. 

An airport transfer is also included so please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight details in advance.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler.

You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

NB* Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

Your local guide has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. We also recommend you take water purification tablets with you.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Information on Altitude sickness.

Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known
as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical
consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude illness rarely
occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the
oxygen available as at sea level, on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-20 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks, hot and cold drinks and showers whilst trekking etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling, although in Kathmandu most major currencies can be changed into Nepal Rupees. 

US dollars cash are needed to pay for visas on borders

Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable.

It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.

Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning.  In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns.

Some Hotels will also change money.

Whilst treking, Nepal Rupees are essential - small denomiantions are preferable. You will not be able to use or exchange foreign currency whilst trekking.

Pleae note that if you prefer not to purify water using water purification methods, but instead buy bottled water, then this will add to your expenses. particularly whilst trekking. 

How much should I take?

·          Please bring strong walking boots or summer hiking boots, and a day sack for the Nepal Trek. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Be prepared for all weather conditions during the day while walking. 

·          Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kgs. Please note too that there is a 15 kg limit on domestic flights, so please be prepared to leave items not needed for the trek in Kathmandu, or be prepared to pay the excess charge on the flights.

·          A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.

·          A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions, and vital for any trekking. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. Whilst trekking, valuables not needed for the trek can be left at the hotel safe in Kathmandu. All valuables that you decide to take with you on the trek including money, passport, camera, and other documents should be carried by you in your day pack, or in a money belt.

Recommended equipment for trekking:

Head:
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
Upper Body:
* T-shirts (2)
* Light and expedition weight thermal tops
* Fleece jacket or pullover
* Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
* Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
* Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands:
* Lightweight gloves
* Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof   shell outer
Lower Body:
* Underwear (4)
* Hiking shorts (2)
* Lightweight cotton long pants
* Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
* Fleece or wool pants
* Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
* Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
* Hiking boots with spare laces
* Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
* Gaiters
Accessories:
* Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F, plus sleep sheet
* Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
* Basic First Aid Kit
* Water bottles and water purification tablets (Micropur recommended) 
* Walking Poles

* Toiletries

Kumuka provide all trekkers with a kit bag to keep their trek gear and clothing in whilst trekking, which is carried by our porters. We also supply quality down sleeping bags and jackets for use whilst on the trek, which are essential for trekking at such high altitudes.

http://www.kumuka.com/Nepal-Trekking-Information.aspx

Please note that if you choose to borrow a sleeping bag, it is still a good idea to take your own sleep sheet, for use within the sleeping bag.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!                

Trekking Grading: It is difficult to classify as it depends a lot on personal abilities.

Consider the following just as a general guide to our trek grade that should help you prepare for your trip. However, if you still have doubts please contact us for more detailed information. Remember that the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself!

Grade: Moderate to hard.

Trekking in Nepal is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. Some trekking experience is recommended. Acclimatisation days are used and the pace is steady, but you need to be aware of the effects of altitude sickness, as your body needs time to adapt to the high altitudes encountered in Nepal.

We do suggest doing some fitness activity before joining the tour in order to enjoy your holiday more. Regular aerobic exercise for the months prior to the trek is recommended if clients are not already physically fit. Also stair climbing, bush walking and pack carrying is a good idea. However, this walk should be suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility, that is those who normally lead an active life.

Passport Photos: Please ensure that you have at least two spare Passport photos with you in Nepal, as these are needed for your TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Permit. 

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

The Nepalese are vegetarian and meals usually consist of a dish called ‘dal bhaat tarakari’ which means lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables. Restaurants in tourist areas and on major trekking trails cater to the westerners with varied menus. In Chitwan, your meals will be prepared in the hotel restaurant. Here they serve a variety of meals with Continental, Chinese & Nepalese food.

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for, however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

Please provide us with your flight arrival details so that we can arrange a free transfer to the meeting point hotel.

Please be aware of hawkers at the airport who will try to carry your bags for you and direct you to specific guesthouses. Please carry your own luggage, and do not give money to anyone at the airport. Our Local Representative will be outside the terminal hall, and will be holding a Kumuka sign.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com