The trail on this Trek is well walked. We are walking over rough ground with rock steps to ascend steeper hill areas. There is no rope, hand climbing or rock hopping. It is a typical bush walk.
People aged 5 to 95 have walked this trail at different paces. Children under 10 years old require a personal porter with carry attachment so they can be carried at any time. People over 80 sometimes have the same facility. Horses often carry those who are unable to complete certain sections of the walk.
For the most part, hills are gradual and switchback trails make them easy for porters to carry loads wearing rubber flip flop shoes.
Occasionally, there are rains or snows. So, we carry provisions for both in the form of rain (goretex) jackets and Down parkers. Parkers are available in Kathmandu very cheap.
Altitude affects everyone. We acclimatise at a fixed rate recommended by the Himalayan Mountain Rescue Association and therefore have little to worry about. Rapid ascent will cause Altitude Sickness. Some clients have found even the lowest ascent rate taxing, so we always have contingency plans just in case acclimatisation is not proceeding as planned. This is all proactive. We have a very good track record of safety.
We carry a personal blood oxygen meter. We use this (non invasive) measure to check oxygen levels each day. We also have ready access to emergency back up in case we need to take preventative steps to reduce altitude or increase oxygen for any client.
Sore knees are common. Once in a while a sprained ankle is possible. This is normally the result of excess personal weight or inappropriate footwear. Good simple trek boots prevent most of these problems from becoming trek stopping.
Sleeping environments range from self sufficient tents all the way to five Star beautiful accommodation with spectacular views. This is a cost consideration.
Each day we walk between three and five hours. Rarely more. However, the emphasis is "each day." There are few days when no walking is done. Even a rest day - of which there are four on any trek - is considered an opportunity to explore a hilltop monastery or nearby village. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to understand that it is not a single day sprint, but a daily, moderate challenge back to back that builds to good preparation.
Porters carry the load. Each individual carries a small day pack for camera and water. This means that there is a minimum of "overload" on backs and joints during the walk.
At night, sleeping bags containing "Down" are used. For those people with dust allergies this has been known to cause some reaction including coughing and sneezing. Please check this before arrival. Other sleep options are available.
We are guided by one Himalayan Rescue Guide for each group of four people. This guide is of Sherpa Nationality and therefore resident of the area in which we trek. This is a great local presence. Each guide is assisted by two assistants for each four clients. Two porters are utilised for each four clients as well. This means that we have an excellent staff client ratio and good safety measures.
Hydration is often a major challenge for people. Drinking enough water to replace the massive urination rate associated with acclimatisation is sometimes overwhelming. We recommend hydration salts along the way such as Endura or Gatoraid. These must be bought from outside Nepal.
Medical supplies are bought by us. However, we always recommend self sufficiency for headache, muscle fatigue, and sunscreen. This, along with goods for personal hygiene are available in light, easy to carry packs.
Children are always welcome. This is an exceptional opportunity for learning and growth. By bringing a child under the age of fourteen, the trip is significantly changed to accommodate a shift in interest and to be more cautious about proactive acclimatisation (not the usual feedback systems). In this way, we consider this trip to be a brilliant opportunity for youth twelve years and older. However, an adult trek and a youth accompanied trek are considered very different journeys. (pace, side trips, and places of interest).
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