If you are thinking about taking your first trip to Nepal, you will probably have a lot of questions. After all, our journeys are different from standard tours. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about our trips:

Can I get a VISA on arrival?

Yes, you can obtain your entry visa at the Kathmandu airport upon arrival or at a consulate in your home country. In either case, you need 2 passport size photograph and the visa fee. Check with us for an update. Passport & visa info

What are our trips like?

:Our trips are designed as off-the-beaten-path journeys. We do everything we can to allow you to experience the local culture and to participate in local practices. We want to give you the opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their way of life, learn some Nepali phrases, and perhaps participate with the local trekking staff as they sing and dance after a day of trekking. We consider these interactions some of the most valuable memories to take back home, along with the stunning views of the Himalayas. Nepalese are also very excited to learn more about your way of life.

Do you need a Guide?

So, is it true that you can travel through Nepal without using guides? The answer is yes, you can. However, we always recommend that you take a guide along. They act as a liaison between you and the people and without the guide you will never get in touch with the people. You will visit the place but not interact with the culture and learn from it. The guides get their licenses from the Government organization called NATHM (National Academy for Tourism and Hotel Management) and are officially recognized by the government. They are trained from time to time on issues such as first aid, Acute Mountain Sickness, rescue methods etc. Travelling in Nepal is not like in other countries where the altitudes are low. Once you cross the altitude of 3000m (and you will in almost every trek) you have to be extremely cautious. The guides are knowledgeable in methods to reduce your impact in the environment and culture of Nepal. They will help you minimize the negative impacts of your travels. They will also inform you on how to not be offending to the culture of the people. Finally, they also have a wealth of information about the area you are travelling in and about Nepal in general.

Tea House Treks

The most popular way of experiencing classic treks of Nepal is by using local inns for accommodation. Decent hotel accommodation for trekkers is most readily available in the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Region. In these areas you can operate with a bare minimum of equipment and rely on lodges for food and shelter. Though bedding is available in the lodges as a cotton-filled quilt that may not sufficiently incubate you. So it is always better to carry your own sleeping bags. A teahouse trek organized by Eco Trek is an escorted lodge trekking with well-equipped porters carrying your luggage and well-experienced guide arranging food, accommodation and dealing with bureaucracy as a part of the package.

Camping Treks

The classic style of trekking in Nepal is to camp in tents and employ Porters to carry your gears and Sherpas to set up camp, cook and serve meals. You carry a backpack with only a water bottle, camera and Jacket. In the camping treks there are numerous hidden expenses that drive up the price depending on the destination, mode of transportation and size of the group. Because of the food is carried by the porters, a variety of meals is possible. On camping trek you sleep in a tent so our itinerary should not rely on village settlements. Rather we can comfortably trek to remote regions and to high altitudes. A camping treks directed by Eco Trek caters skilled cook, required no of Sherpas and a team of insured porters all led by well-learned and experienced guide.

No Mountaineering Skills Needed

Weather you begin your trek at a road head or fly in to a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of your trek will be in the Middle Hills region at elevation between 500m-3500m. In this part of Nepal there are always well-developed trails through villages and mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used during summer by shepherds, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. You can easily travel on any trail without the aid of ropes or mountaineering skills. There are rare occasions when there is snow on the trekking trails.

I have never trekked before; can I do a trek in the Himalayas?

If you are in good health and enjoy regular exercise such as jogging, tennis, or even long walks, we have a trip designed for you. The number one qualification is a positive attitude! We have had many years of experience of treks in high altitudes, so we know how to pace a trek or climb. Each person reacts to altitude in a different way, so it is difficult to predict how you will do. But in general, with the careful pacing of our trips, allowing proper rest days for acclimatization, most people adapt well. The potential problems with altitude stem from people going too high too fast. We make sure that this does not happen. The Himalayas remains hidden behind the rain and clouds. The downpours create floods and landslides occasionally at lowlands. The monsoon ends by mid September and immediately the crispy air brings in autumn with clear blue skies.

What will the weather be like on the trip?

The ideal time of year to go to Nepal is either in the fall or in the spring. In the mountain regions, day time hiking temperatures generally range from the 50's to the 80's F. Night time temperatures drop down to 20 to 40 F. Since we carefully schedule trips to coincide with the ideal seasons to visit a particular area, we do our best to assure you "good" weather. Unfortunately, Mother Nature always has the final say. We are happy to answer your weather questions on an individual basis.

What is the food like? How is the water purified?

On camping treks we provide 3 tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelette, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a day on the trail dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at most meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and our cooks and kitchen crew maintain good standards of cleanliness and food preparation hygiene. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
All water used for cooking and drinking is purified by our camp staff either by boiling or by the use of Iodine. (At high altitudes, Iodine is safer than boiling since water boils at lower temperatures.) You can buy bottled water while in Kathmandu and you will be provided boiled or filtered water on the trek. Always brush your teeth in treated or bottled water. As an extra precaution, you can add your own Iodine tablets to your treated water while on the trek.

What equipment should I bring?

We will help you in your selection of equipment to bring, it depends a lot upon the season you arrive here or where you are going, so please see our basic equipment lists besides each tour or e-mail us for a complete gear list.

Are your staff fully equipped and what about their insurance?

All our staff has insurance and free access to equipment. The salaries are above average and our staff members are free to join any trade union. Medical care, if needed, is for everyone in the expedition. Our porters carry a maximum of 20 kilos and if a porter gets sick we will take care of him until he has recovered. This means that our clients are paying a slightly higher rate but you are supporting decent and equitable working conditions for all staff.

Trekking in Nepal

Why Trek

Trekking is a healthful activity that enables you to move through a variety of terrain by your own strength and energy or with the assistance of a guide and porter. It is usually done at a slow pace that enables the trekker to appreciate nature, scenery, and the variety of flora and fauna. The trekker uses all five senses: feeling the trail underfoot and the wind in hair and on skin; smelling the fresh air and the different vegetation; tasting the local foods; and enjoying the visuals of what is often exceptional scenery.

Why Trek in Nepal

Nepal is a great country for trekking? Most trekking trails are well away from any motorized vehicle which means no noisy engines and no air pollution. The resulting quiet makes it possible to "stay in the moment" which is difficult for so many people dealing with the stresses of modern-day life. The varied trail system is available in the tropical jungles of the Terai, the middle altitudes of the temperate and sub-alpine climates, and the challenging altitudes of the high alpine regions. Most of the world's highest mountains are in Nepal thus offering incredible scenery with huge glaciers and powerful rivers. Villages exist along most of the main routes and trekkers can stay in teahouse lodges or in tent campgrounds. Varied menus are available offering fresh produce from gardens near the villages.

Another reason trekking in Nepal is such a great experience is the Nepali people. These people come from many different cultures making a varied learning experience for trekkers. For example, there are Tibetan Buddhists in many of the high altitude regions near the China/Tibet border and Hindus and some Moslems in the low-lying areas. Many different ethnic groups are represented within these religions, each with their own style of dress.

A final reason for trekking in Nepal is the high-quality guides and porters that are available. These people are professional, well-trained and very safety conscious. They are mindful, careful and courteous with fine senses of humor. Their knowledge and encouragement smoothes the way for a safe and comfortable experiences in a unique and special part of our planet.

Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS)

With the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to control illegal trekking operations and ensure safety and security of the trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service as and when required .

The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of accidents and natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has come into force from Jan 01, 2008. Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers detail and issuing TIMS Card to trekkers.

Where & how to obtain TIMS Card ?

The visiting tourists, who are interested to general trekking areas of Nepal, are required to receive TIMS Card through any one of the following:

Kathmandu (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies), and

Pokhara (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies)

Opening Hour/s: TIMS counter at Government registered trekking Companies will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year, TIMS counter at TAAN/NTB Office will follow government working hour/days.

To obtain TIMS Card you need copy of Passport and two copies of Passport-size Photographs.

Why is TIMS Necessary?

The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS:

All important details of trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained on a computerized Database Management System that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by means of Authentic Information Service . To maintain a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders:- tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute, etc.

Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned :- trekkers, agencies, field staff, Government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.

To upgrade the service standard and contribute for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development of Nepal.

Passport and Visa Information

Note: Tourist who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport and Visa

Entry: Tourist entry visa can be obtained from the following location

1. Immigration Office, Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

2. Immigration Office, Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal) near India border

3. Immigration Office, Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)

4. Immigration Office, Kodari, SIndhupalchwok (Northern Border)

5. Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)

6. Immigration Office, Jamunaham Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)

7. Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (kailali, Far Western Nepal)

8. Immigration Office, Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western nepal)

Fees to be levied while issuing tourist visa by the Mission and entry point:For foreigners desiring to come to Nepal first time in visa year,
US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visa.
US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days multiple entry visa.
US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.
Not withstanding anything written in clause (a) and (b), no visa fee shall be applicable to the passport holder of member country of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 30 days .

Visitors can enter to Nepal through any center mentioned taking tourist visa and Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional charge .......... for more information regarding VISA of Nepal Click Here

Tourist Visa Extension:

A tourist visa can be extended up to 120 days from the department of Immigration n Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. Thereafter an additional 30 days can be extended from Department of Immigration ensuring that tourist visa cannot be extended more than 150 days.

Gratis Visa:

- Children below 10 yrs.

- Dependants up to the age of 16 years, holding foreign passports of Nepalese parents or either of their parent being a Nepalese citizen.

- Citizen of Nepali origin, after having obtained passport for the first time from a Nepal based foreign mission, until the period of his departure to a foreign country.

- Citizens of member countries of south Asian association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the People’s Republic of china.

- Any foreigner, who has lived in Nepal up to fifteen (15) days continuously, re entering Nepal during the same visa year.

- Any foreigner, tourist entering into Nepal for three days or less than that.

For further detail information please visit www.immi.gov.np , www.immigration.com

Nepalese Honorary Consulates-1

AUSTRALIA Mrs Barbara Helen Bainbridge Honorary Nepalese Consul General Level 1, 334 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland 40000, Australia Tel: 61-(07)-3220-2007 Fax: +61-(07)-3211-9885 Email: konbridge@selcon.com.au	AUSTRALIA Ms Christine Gee Honorary Nepalese Consul Level 5, Edgecliff Centre 203-233 New South Head Road Edgecliff NSW 2027. Postal Address: PO Box 474, Edgecliff NSW 2027 Working Hours: Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. or by appointment Tel: +61-2-9328 7062 Fax: +61-2-9328 0323 Email:info@nepalconsulate.org.au http://mofa.gov.np/www.nepalconsulate.org.au
AUSTRIA Mr Leopold Hannes Heimlich Honorary Nepalese Consul General Schickgasse 25, A-1220, Vienna Austri Tel: 00431-2880-0100 Fax: 00431-2880-0111 Email: consulat@nepal.at	BELARUS Dr Upendra Mahato Honorary Nepalese Consul General 45, Avenue Masherova, Minsk, 220035, Republic of Belarus Tel: 375-17-2893088 Fax: 375-17-2112873 Email: lumbini@usa.net
CANADA Dr Kunjar M Sharma Honorary Nepalese Consul General royal Bank Plaza, P O Box 33, Toronto, Ontario M5J2J9 Tel: 416-865-0200 (0) Fax: 416-865-0904	CANADA Mr Christopher M Considine Honorary Nepalese Consul General International House, Suite 700,880 Douglas St. Victoria,BC V8W 2BC, Tel: (250) 381-7788 Fax: (250) 381-1042 Email: cconsidine@tnet.net
CHINA Mr Wu Jianming Honorary Nepalese Consul Shanghai, China	COSTARICA Ms Ana Victoria Badilla V Honorary Nepalese Consul P O Box 2154, 1002,San Jose, Costa Rica Tel: 506-234-2550. 506-381-77079 (Cellular) Fax: 506-234-2550 Email: cnepalcri@hotmail.com
CYPRUS Mr Pavlos Christoforou Honorary Nepalese Consul 32 stassinos Str, Acropolis, Nicosia 2003, P O Box 20618, Nicosia 1661, Tel: 00357-2-378-969, 2-868-639(0), 00357-2-378-538 (R) Fax: 00357-2-378-432 Email: jandp@spidernet.com.cy	CYPRUS Mr. Pavlos Christoforou Honorary Consul of Nepal 32 Stassinos Str, Strovolos, 2003 Nicosia P.O.Box 20618, Nicosia Tel: +357 22 378940, 884605 (O), 378538 (R) Fax: +357 22 378432 Email: nepalcon@spidernet.com.cy
Czech Republic Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Shrestha, Honorary Consul of Nepal Jinho Franka 1714, 25601 Bemesov IU, Praha, Czech Republic Tel: 0042-0-6042 96285 Fax: 00420-272 705 710 Email: mailto:shrestha@quick.cz, rajendra.shrestha@siemens.com	DENMARK Mr Ole Janus Larsen Honorary Nepalese Consul Generalaldersrogade 3 A, 1,2100 Copenhegen Denmark Tel: 3927-3175, 3920-1247 Fax: 0045-392-01245 Email: janus@janus-as.dk Mrs Kirsten Offersen, Honorary Nepalese Consul copenhagen
FINLAND Mr Gustav Mattsson, Honorary Nepalese Consul General 7Bis, Allee Des Soupirs,Boite Postal 296 31005 toulouse Cedex 6, France. Tel: 335-6132-9122 Fax: 33-1-4453-4396 Telex: 611359 F	France Dr Benard Didier Jacques Lucien , Honorary Nepalese Consul 2rue Victor Morin, 76130, Mont Saint Aignan, France. Tel: (33) 02-3507-1812 Email: consulat.Nepal@wanadoo.fr http://mofa.gov.np/www.consult-nepal.org
GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF Mr Ludwing-Alexander Greissl, Honorary Consul General of Nepal Ottostrasse 9, 80333 Munich Tel: 089-44109259 Fax: 0049-89-45872525 Email: greissl@euprax.de	GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF Mrs Ann- Katrin Bauknecht, Honorary Nepalese Consul General C/o Stuttgarter Bank AG, Postfach 104441, D-70039, Stuttgart Tel: 0040-711-181-2683/84,0049-40-3571-3340 Fax: 0049-7110181-2683/84,0049-40-3571-3341 Dr Peter Breitholdt, Honorary Nepalese Consul Grose Theater str, 7, 20354 Hamburg
GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF Mr Bodo Kruger, Honorary Nepalese Consul Johanna, Melber Weg-4, 60599, frankfurt / Main Tel: +49(0) 69-627-00608 Fax: +49(0) 69-627-00611	GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF Mr Ram Pratap Thapa, Honorary Nepalese Consul Hohenzollerring 26, 50672 Cologne. Tel: +49-221-2338381 Fax: +49-221-2338382 Email: info@konsulatnepal.de http://mofa.gov.np/www.konsulatnepal.de Postal: Postfach 19 03 39, 50500 Cologne
Germany, Federal Republic of Dr Peter Breiholdt, Honorary Consul of Nepal Grosse Theaterstrasse 7, 20354 Hamburg Tel: 040-3571-3340 Fax: 0049-40-3571-3341 Email: info@breiholdt.de	GREECE Mr Theodore Sarantopoulos, Honorary Nepalese Consul Herodotou Str 8, Athens 106 75, Greece, Tel: (01)722-0165, (01) 721-4116, (01) 721-1879, (01)412-4731-5, Fax: 01-412-4734, Telex : 211511 Sarm GR
ICELAND MrKristjan G Kjartansson Honorary Nepalese Consul General Einimelur 7, 107 Reykhavid, Iceland Tel: 00354-5512-109, Fax : 00354-5612-673	ISRAEL Mr. Ilan Nir, Honorary Consul of Nepal 1 Habarzel, 3rd Floor Tel Aviv, Israel 69710 Tel: 00972-3-6488101, 36476569 Fax: 00972-3-6476569 Email: ilan.nir@portofinoinv.co.il
ITALY Mr Anselmo Previdi, Honorary Nepalese Consul General Piazzale Medaglie d'oro 20,00136 Rome, Italy Tel: 3545-0656-,3534-1055(0), 3545-1642(R), Email: mailto:info@mappatour.it www,sign,it/nepal,	JAPAN Mr Kunio Imanishi, Honorary Nepalese Consul General 6-9-21 Uehonmachi, Tennouji-ku, Osaka 543-0001, Japan. Tel: +81-6-6676-0120(0), +81-722-65-0707(R) Fax: +81-6-6779-3325 Mr Mitsushiko sinokuma, Honorary Nepalese Consul General 4-7-3, Momochi-hama, Sawara-ku, Fukoaka 814, Japan.
JORDAN Mr Yousef Haider Murad, Honorary Nepalese Consul General P O Box 455, Amman 11821, Jordan,Tel: 00-962-6-566-7666 Fax: 00-962-6-568-8388 Email: mailto:Nepal@firstnet.com.jo, muradinv@go.com.jo Cable: NEPALESE CONSULATE – Amman	KENYA Mr Godfrey W Karuri, Honorary Honorary Consul General of Nepal P O Box 59288-00200, Gateway Place, Milimani Road, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-2-2713131-7(0) 4348149 (R) Fax: 254-20- 2713138, 961 1 396002 Email: gkaruri@gateway-insurance.co.ke
KOREA REPUBLIC OF Mr Lee In-Jeong, Honorary Nepalese Consul General 740-10Yeoksam_dong, Kanganam gu, Seoul, Korea Tel: 02-558-3331(0), 02-517-6161(R), Fax: 02-569-9437	LEBANON Mr Joe Issa EI-Khoury Honorary Consul General of Nepal Badaro Street-Nadim Comair Bldg, Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 00961-1-386-690, 691, 396-002 Fax: 00961-1-386-690, 691, 396-002 Email: mailto:elkouryj@dm.net.lb,jissaelkhoury@ieklaw.com

Nepalese Honorary Consulates-2

LUXEMBOURG Mr Guy Aach Honorary Nepalese Consul General Rue des Capucins 9, 1313 Luxembourg Tel: 00352-22-7327(0), Fax: 00352-47-3772 Email: tapiz-hertz@team.lu	MALAYSIA S C Vadiveloo Honorary Nepalese Consul No. 115 Jalan Templer 46050 Petaling Joya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: 60-3-75-714 90 (R), 603-754 8033(0) Fax: 60-3-754-8033, Email: shali_14@hotmail,com
MEXICO Mr Sergio Jack Assael Misrachi Honorary Nepalese Consul General Avellanos, No 24, Jardines De San Mateo, Naucalpan 53240, Estado De Mexico Tel: 525-560-5568 Fax: 525-560-5568 Email: nepalcons@netscape.net	NETHERLANDS Mr Casper F De Stoppelaar Honorary Nepalese Consul General Keizersgracht 463, 1017 Dk Amsterdam Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000hrs__1300hrs Tel: 0031-020-6241-530(0), 0031-023-5270-515(R) Fax: 0031-020-6246-17390), 0031-023- 5276-795 9R) Email: Nepal.consluate@inter.nl.net
NEW ZEALAND Honorary Nepalese Consul General 278 A Remuera Road,Auckland 5, New Zealand. Tel: 64-9-5203-169 Fax: 64-9-5207-847 Mrs June Martha Mulgrew (Lady Hillary),	NORWAY Mr Bjron F Korsvold Honorary Nepalese Consul General Haakon VII's Gate 5B, P.O.Box 1483,Vika, 0116, Oslo, Norway Tel: 4722-835-510 Fax: 0047-2- 2830-443
PAKISTAN Mr Mushtaq K Chhapra Honorary Nepalese Consul General 301-302- Mehdi Tours 115 A, SMCHS, Shahrah E-Faisal, Karachi Tel: 92-21-453-361-4 (O), 452-5164 (R), Fax: 92-21-4550-001	PAKISTAN Mr Mushtaq K Chhapra, , Honorary Nepalese Consul General 301-302- Mehdi Tours 115 A, SMCHS, Shahrah E-Faisal, Karachi Tel: 92-21-453-361-4 (O), 452-5164 (R), Fax: 92-21-4550-001
PHILIPPINES Mr Jesus M Zulueta Jr Honorary Nepalese Consul General 5th Floor, Attenaeum Building, Alfaro St, Salcedo Village, Makati. Metro Manilia, The Philippines Tel: 63-2-816 2466-7 Fax: 63-2-817-2543	PORTUGAL Honorary Nepalese Consul Travanca, 4690 Cinfaes, Lisbon, Portugal Mrs Maria Teresa Matos Martha Da Cruz,
SINGAPORE Mr M N Swami Honorary Nepalese Consul No 1, Noteh Bridge Road, #18-5 High Street Road, Singapore 0617 Tel: 65-336-1677,0545 Fax: 65-337-1737	SLOVENIA Mag. Aswin Kumar Shrestha, MBA, Honorary Nepalese Consul ICPED unajska 104, PO Box 25921001, Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel: 386-1-5682331 Fax: 386-1-5682775 Email: aswin.shrestha@nepconsulate.si http://mofa.gov.np/www.nepconsulate.si
SPAIN Mr Lluis Belvis del Rio, Honorary Nepalese Consul viriato 41.b. Dcha. 28010, Madrid' Tel: 34-91-447-0987, 542-949, 34 91 541 8787 Fax: 34-91-447-1023, 34 91 542 9949 Mr Victor Gonzalez Fraguas, Honorary Nepalese Consul Agencia de Viajes, Gran Via, 66, 3 pta, Madrid 28013, Spain Mr Martin Ernest Niemoller, Honorary Nepalese Consul Crtra. Valldemossa 194, E 01720 Son Sardina Palma de Mallorca, Spain	SWEDEN Mr Claes-Olof Livijn, Honorary Nepalese Consul General Ynglingagatan 17, S-113 47 Stockholm, Sweden Tel: 303 628 Fax: 0046-8-303 034
SWITZERLAND Dr Hans Ulrich Vetsch, Honorary Nepalese Consul General Post Box (Bleicherweg 33) CH-8027 Zurich, Switzerland Tel: 0041 1 201 4515 Fax: 0041 1 201 4435	TURKEY Mr H Behic Onel, Honorary Nepalese Consul General Vali Kongai Cad. YKB Ishani Kat: 4 Nisantasi, Istanbul, Turkey Tel: 90-212-246 6104 (O), 240 5335 (R) Fax: 90-212-240 2199 Telex: 39033 ARAT TR Prof Dr Ms Fatma Gunseli Malkoc Honorary Nepalese Consul, Istanbul, Turkey
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Mr Richard C Blum, Honorary Nepalese Consul General 909, Montgomery St, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94133 Tel: (415) 434-1111 Fax: (415) 434-3130 Email: skelly@blumcapital.com	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dr William C Cassell, Honorary Nepalese Consul General P O Box 1688, Sun Valley, Idaho 83353; Tel: (208) 726-4733, Fax: (208) 726 1092 Email: wcassell@sunvalley.net
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ............................, Honorary Nepalese Consul General Boston, USA.	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Mr George M Pappas, Honorary Nepalese Consul General 4640 Admiralty Way, 5th Floor, Marina Del Rey CA 90292 Tel: (310) 305 4024 Fax: (310) 305 3804 Email: sunterragolf@earthlink.net
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Mr Marvin A Brustin, Honorary Nepalese Consul 100 West Monroe Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60603 Tel: (312) 263 1250 Fax: (312) 263 3480 Email: mablawl@ais.net	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ................................., Honorary Nepalese Consul General Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical consideration while Trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:

Nausea, vomiting

Loss of appetite

Insomnia/sleeplessness

Persistent headache

Dizziness, light headedness, confusion

Disorientation, drunken gait

Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs

Slight swelling of hands and face

Breathlessness and Breathing irregularity

Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of an appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be avoided; otherwise more serious, even life-threatening problems can occur. The only cure for Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters, and the proper amount of rest and re hydration are the best methods for prevention of AMS. If you follow the simple advice of our trained guides, you won't have to worry about complications from mountain sickness. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude sickness, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk.

The Trekkers Medical Kit The Trekker Medical Kit - The suggested list includes prescription items, so consultation with a physician is necessary.

If crossing malarial areas: Malarial prophylactics and mosquito repellent.

Wound disinfectant: Moleskin, second skin or cloth adhesive tape.

Adhesive strips: Band-aids in different sizes.

Gauze pads and rolls: elastic bandage.

Thermometer

Analgesics: Aspirin or Tylenol, Tylenol with codine.

Anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen

Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, Bactrim DS or Septra DS, Erythromycin, Gentamycin eyedrops, any skin antibiotic.

Anti-diarrholes: Lomotil, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium.

Anti-nausea drug: Pheregan, Compazine

Anthistamine: Benadryl

Decongestant: Sudafed

For High altitude: Diomax

Testimonials

Recommendation from David and Patricia Stock

I have been on one trek with members of the "Far above the Clouds" trekking agency. Last year we went on the Annapurna Circuit trek and as I type this we are preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Last year I had a wonderful experience. We had so much fun and were very appreciative of all their efforts on our behalf. Right from the start they have been very professional in working out the details and prices of the trek. They were very prompt in getting back to our emails and gave lots of suggestions about the process and how the trek would proceed. I was also very pleased on the trek with their attention to our safety at every stage. Last year we had 6 trekkers, 6 porters and guide and all the Nepalese were very personable and friendly. Most had very good English which made the experience more interesting. I am always impressed by the good group spirit all the people of Nepal have. Everyone is part of a bigger group and everyone looks out for the Others whenever they receive something like a chocolate bar or biscuits they are immediately divided among all. And so they are with us trekkers. They are very proud of their country and want you to have a very excellent adventure. I would recommend "Far above the Clouds" trekking agency to anyone looking for a good experience here in Nepal. They will take care of you royally and you will establish lasting friendships and memories for years to come. Feel free to contact me for more information at " davidfstock@yahoo.com " and I will certainly get back to you."

I am a 60-year-old female trekker from the Rocky Mountain region of southeast British Columbia, Canada. For the past six years I have been trekking with Bishnu K.C. or members of his trekking team: Annapurna Panorama, Jomsom to Muktinath Pilgrimage route, Lukla to Tengboche, Annapurna Circuit (twice), Everest Base Camp, and finally the Annapurna Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp. Due to the excellent safety considerations, professional attention to details and many kind courtesies provided by this staff,I continue to return to Nepal and this company each year for trekking. During these treks I have observed the respectful consideration the agency has for the porters by providing them with proper clothes for high altitudes and fair carrying loads. The treks I have been on have been customnized to allow careful acclimatization for porters and clients alike. I look forward to continuing my association with the staff of this excellent company. Next years' trek .... the Langtang Himals!! (Please write to me at "patriciaqstock@yahoo.ca" if you would like more information or recommendations.)

 

Recommadation from Thierry Roquet

I went to Nepal in august 2008. As I am a trekking guide in Central and South America, before my arriving, I was a little worried about services I will find during my Nepal trek. When you have used for 20 years to guide and to leader trekkers groups, it can be very difficult to feel perfectly ok being guided by another guide and having to follow instructions for several days (especially when you are mule headed). In Katmandu, my girl friend and I met our guide Bishnu and part of From Far Above The Clouds Trekking Agency's team with whom we trekked around Annapurna mountains for 12 days. They received us in their office, offered us a nice dinner, there we spoke about all details of the trek and services, in a very clear and friendly way. After we did the trek, and really it will stay for me one of my greater trekking experiences! I really enjoyed Bishnu's personality and professionalism. I found with him and his team what I was looking for: a very serious professional guide, really friendly smiles and relationship, and all information about Nepalese way of Life. For that, I warmly recommend Bishnu and his team!

Recommendation from Dorothy Jackson and Marjorie Barnes

We are friends who have enjoyed treks in the United Kingdom, Turkey and Nepal.Our first long-distance walk was the Offa’s Dyke Trail from South to North Wales.We enjoyed this challenge and it whetted our appetite for a more adventurous trek.In 2008 we ‘did’ Everest Base Camp, incorporating a large fund-raiser for the Brick Children’s School in Kathmandu.The following year we trekked the Anatolia region of Turkey which culminated in climbing Mount Ararat.May 2011 saw us camping and successfully walking Hadrian’s Wall which borders England and Scotland.At this point we decided that we were fit enough, (both of us had reached our 60th Birthdays by now!) and had the stamina for a more challenging trek – it had to be a return to Nepal!

We had been recommended ‘Far Above the Clouds and decided to do the Annapurna Circuit trek.Compared to other companies the price was so much more reasonable and all e-mails were dealt with promptly and in detail.Bishnu visited us in Dhulikhel where we were staying, before the trek, to finalise any details and answer any questions we might have.Similarly, at the end of the trek in Pokhara, Madhu visited our hotel to ensure that we had arrived safely, personally bringing our plane tickets for the return to Kathmandu the next day.We were then invited to visit the family home on our return to Dhulikhel, thus confirming the incredible hospitality and friendship that Bishnu and Madhu extend to their clients.

Bishnu was our Guide, supported by Suraj the Assistant Guide, plus our 3 Porters.There were only 4 trekkers in the group and we were extremely well looked after by all the team.Everyone was so cheerful, helpful and hard-working to ensure that we had the best possible experience.There were days when due to the altitude and tiredness we may have slowed down but there was no pressure to hurry, just patience and encouragement.The professionalism, guiding and care from the whole team was first class and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

The next observation may be of more interest to female trekkers - we were surprised and delighted that apart from just a couple of nights we always had an attached bathroom – this was pure luxury compared to our previous trek to Base Camp.It was so good to have the facility of a private toilet and whilst the shower may have been tepid occasionally it was still much appreciated, particularly at the end of a tough, dusty day.

One of the best memories we brought back was celebrating the Festival of Light outside our hotel in Tatopani where we joined in the dancing and singing – it was absolutely brilliant, there was such a good atmosphere with us trekkers being welcomed and encouraged to join in the local culture – a real privilege.The high point (literally) was reaching the top of the Thorung La – the sense of achievement (and relief), with breathtaking views made it an unforgettable experience.I think that many trekkers are fearful that they might succumb to altitude sickness at this height and have to descend but Bishnu was always reassuring, telling us to think positive, climb slowly and we’d be fine.Thank you Bishnu – you got us all up and down safely thanks to the careful pacing and rest days for acclimatisation.

The food in every guesthouse was excellent – 3 meals a day, all freshly prepared and delicious.I have been Googling ‘Dahl Baht’ since my return!

I could go on but would just like to recommend Bishnu, Madhu and their team if you want to embark on a memorable trek in Nepal, where you will be in safe hands whilst you place your feet carefully.The one thing Marjorie and I have to do now is decide where we go next!