What is trekking?

A trek is a mountain walk from place to place, rather than just rambling or day walking from a fixed base. A trek is not necessarily more arduous or uncomfortable than center-based sojourns; we believe they are more interesting and rewarding. Trekking appeals to different people for different reasons. Most are drawn to the healthy exercise and magnificent mountain scenery, both of which are more or less guaranteed. Because of the type of treks we operate, Chhomolangmu Trekking & Expedition particularly appeals to those who are seeking unspoiled areas and an opportunity to experience the indigenous culture, history and traditions of a region. For some - certainly not everyone - the lure of trekking is the desire to take on a strenuous, testing high - altitude route.

How difficult is it?

We can absolutely assure you that you do not have to be young, very experienced or super - fit to enjoy most of our treks. Our trekkers range from 17 to 70. Previous walking experience, though useful, is not essential: the great majority of our treks could be undertaken by any one who is in good health, enjoys outdoor life, and is reasonably fit. Many of our guests casually participate in a sport such as swimming, cycling, tennis or golf. Our treks are graded for difficulty, from A (easy) to E (technical). To choose the trek right for you, see Trip Grades under the title General Information.

Where do we stay on trek?

Where acceptable hotel facilities exist, we normally use them. In remote terrain, we camp in tents. Even if you have never camped before, you don’t need to worry: the tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads comfortable. On all of our treks there is a bathroom tent and a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening.

Do I have to cook and set-up camp?

No, Chhomolangmu Trekking & Expedition operates full-service treks: we do the work, you do the walking. On all treks we look after portage, make and break camp, and attend to all the camp chores and cooking.

Who will be in my group?

People travelling with us may be of any nationality, either sex, alone or accompanied, experienced travellers or complete beginners. Groups are always small (usually 10 or less). English is the common language, and there can be a wide age range. We apply no upper age limit, though we ask those over 65 for their doctor’s confirmation of their fitness to participate. Generally speaking, we regard our trips as being for adults: unaccompanied minors are not accepted, though we will usually take accompanied older teenagers. Our Family Trek is designed to accommodate younger children.

Who will be our trip leader?

The leader is key to enjoying your trip. We choose ours for their travel experience, personality and mountain leadership skills. We make every attempt to involve staff from the villages you will be visiting.

How far do we walk each day?

The question is often asked, but not easy to answer. It is best answered in terms of time rather than distance, as mileage is dictated by altitude and terrain. Walking time, including rests, ranges from four to eight hours - but there is no hard and fast rule.

What is a typical day like?

A trek day begins around 6 a.m. a mug of tea or coffee served through your tent flap. Hot water is provided for washing and shaving, followed by breakfast. Drinking water is provided for your water containers. We break camp and begin walking in the pleasant cool of the morning for 2-4 hours before stopping for lunch. This two-hour break offers an opportunity to write in your diary, read and relax. The full meal typically includes fresh fruit, tinned meat, cheese, rice, chapattis or cookies cooked vegetables and tea or coffee.

We usually reach our camp site by 4 p.m. and have tea and cookies shortly afterwards. There will be time to rest or explore before our evening meal at 6 p.m. This is the social event of the day. It begins with an appetizer and soup, followed by the main course and dessert with tea or coffee. The variety and quality of our "camp" food will delight you. Guests keep threatening to take our cooks home with them !

As we mainly camp near villages, there is usually plenty of time to visit with the locals before or after dinner.

Is there a doctor on the trek?

We cannot guarantee a doctor on every trek, but our group leaders will have first aid box for general treatment. You may bring yours.

What about altitude?

There is no real need for you to worry about altitude, but you should be aware that it does affect most peoples’ performance. No one can foretell how they will react to high altitude. The vital factor is ascending at a safe pace to give people a chance to acclimatize, with the result that none of our trekkers have ever had serious problems.

Please remember!

Ours are adventure holidays: the area in which we operate are remote, the life style very different, and event less predictable than at home. However good our organization is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected. In many of the countries and regions in which we operate, local health, safety and operational standards are not up to western levels. This particularly applies to hotels, transport and airlines.

For the same reasons, the outline itineraries given in this brochure are statements of intent rather than promises. Local weather, politics, airlines, transport or a host of other uncontrollable factors can mean a change in itinerary or means of transport. It is unlikely the itinerary would be substantially altered, but if changes are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative after consulting the group. Where a delay or change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effects, but we cannot be held responsible.