Q. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?

A. Annapurna Circuit  trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease must seek medical advice before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.

To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.

Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
A.11 night’s Trekking Guesthouse with privet rooms, 4 nights three/four star hotels in Kathmandu.We use standard rooms from three/four star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the Everest base camp trekking routes teahouses/Lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you  Mountain Hawk sleeping bags if needed (which need to return after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. We usually provide single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. The dining room is downstairs around a fire. All food will be cooked to order in the little kitchen. You should not enter the kitchen unless asked to do so.

Q. What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
A. In Everest base camp trek most teahouses (lodges) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat(Nepali set meal), bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.

Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?
A. In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you will need to bring with you.

Q. What sort of transportation you use?
A. Mountain Hawk Trek is all about providing you with local insights as well as adventure, with that in mind, where we think you will get more out of your holiday by using different means of transport that is what we do. Using a variety of private transport is an integral part of our Himalaya tours and enhances the experience!

We use Yeti, Sita and Agni airlines  for the internal flights from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu, and private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, van or land cruiser. These small light vehicles are more maneuverable and flexible enabling us to take you through the Narrow roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

Q. What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?
A. Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler the days are generally warm. Winter (January and February) will be bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Q. Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear? Or how much can carry a porter?
A. Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only. In tea house trek 20 kg to30 kg can carry a porter.

Q. What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tour?
A. *Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
     *Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
     *Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separate
      *Flight tickets
      *Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

Q. Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
A. A hoilday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

Q. What is the best season for this trekking?
A. Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November, December are the best time to do Everest base camp trek.

Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?
A. These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring your adapters!

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls.

Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in trekking?
A. In most cities yes, to some extent, however once you leave those cities behind, all you need is cash.

Q. How much additional money do I need per day?
A. In Kathmandu, you can allocate US$ 08 - 10 for a lunch / dinner. It’s all depends on your spending habits. US$7 to 10 US$ a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and few drinks in trekking.

Q. Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
A. This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 1000 USD per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small way to show your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide.

Q. What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
A. In major places (Namche Bazar, Lukla), we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the places, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower; it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower.

Q. I would you like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
A. Yes, there are many options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Following trips are suggested for your holiday extensions.
1. River Rafting
2. Jungle Safari Package
3. Paragliding
 

Q. What immunizations will I need?
A. No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

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 Mountain Hawk trek at the time of your booking.

Meningitis: Recommended. Consult your physician.
Malaria: No problem in Kathmandu, since we are above the zone of malaria, but if you plan on traveling to lower elevations in Nepal before/after the trip then malaria chemoprophylaxis is highly recommended.

Consult your physician and visit the travel clinic at a major University Hospital or your local Public Health Department for the most up to date info on travel requirements

Q. What is the best season for this trekking?
A. Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November, December are the best time to do Everest base camp trek.

Q. Do you know about how many total miles the trek is?
A. Total distance of the entire trek is about 250 miles.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
A. Yes, our Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall, he/she will be displaying  the Mountain Hawk Trek sign with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.