1 Why choose Nepal as your trekking destination?
Nepal has a lot more to offer than just a beautiful trekking
environment, it has a rich and diverse culture; it has many
Wildlife sanctuaries, for example Chitwan and it has some
outstanding architectural and religious sites.
Nepal is going through dramatic changes at present and these
changes are essential to Nepal's future development. Recently
Nepal has moved towards democracy and Tourism should be seen
as Nepal's oil. Without the revenue generated from trekking
and tourism Nepal will have a long struggle to regain financial
stability.
Your visit to Nepal will help many people and the country
towards a sustainable future.
2 Why choose Karnali?
Welcome to Karnali Excursions, your guide through the Himalayan
region! Come with us and enjoy the diverse customs of the
people of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Come and be awed by the
mountains, rivers, forests, jungles, ancient cities, palaces,
temples, monasteries and villages, and know that for a time
you are part of all this, and as you breathe the air around
you, these amazing places become part of you and change you
forever.
At Karnali Excursions, our goal is to create Himalayan travel
experiences for our guests that are second to none: that reveal
the full unique beauty and wonder of our land; that offer
adventure and reflection; that establish genuine caring connections
between people; that are hassle-free and completely affordable;
and that help support and preserve local environments and
cultures.
Karnali Excursions was founded on the principles of understanding,
respect, caring and leadership. Our staffs are all local people
who are deeply rooted in this area and share their extensive
experience and knowledge of local traditions, history, and
landmarks. Our guides are committed to taking care of our
guests thoughtfully, to make sure each person has opportunities
to explore their own interests (cultural, scenic, educational,
etc.), has the level of physical challenge they want and are
ready for, and travels in safety and good health. We tread
lightly and inconspicuously, thereby assuring you of a genuine,
fulfilling experience, and protecting the environment and
culture of sensitive areas.
Our prices are respectful to you. We don't engage in the
practice of inflating prices to take advantage of our guests.
We are able to keep our prices low because we love our work.
We have only our office here in Kathmandu to staff, and the
people we share our world with take precedence over greed.
We depend on the Himalayas for our livelihood, and we love
our lands and our people. For these reasons, we are committed
to supporting the culture and environment and improving the
standard of living in the Himalayas through our work and through
our earnings. We provide jobs to villagers as we pass through
their homeland, educate young people about the importance
of using resources wisely, pick up mountain climbers' used
oxygen bottles and return them to the city for recycling,
fund village clinics and a library, and have launched a foundation
to support many cultural and nature preservation projects.
3 How do I book?
The easiest way that you can book your Karnali Trek experience,
from any where in the world is via the web. The service is
safe, secure and above all you will receive our immediate
and 'customer friendly' attention. The site will also provide
you with a lot more useful information about the service we
provide to ensure that your experience with Karnali is trouble
free and lives up to your expectations of a high quality provider
4 What happens if I have to cancel?
Since we do not book flights into Nepal, you will have to
secure that on your own. You can purchase your plane ticket
from your local travel agent, or you can save money purchasing
through the discount air travel companies or through on-line
ticket agencies. Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International
Airport in Kathmandu, where you will be greeted by a member
of our staff, you will be taken to your hotel. (This, of course,
is at no charge.)
Kathmandu is filled with some hotels that can be a little
"dodgy", if not downright uncomfortable. This is
why, as part of most of our trek and tour program options,
we accommodate you in Kathmandu (for the duration of your
Karnali Excursion program/itinerary) is part of the program
price. However, if you have made other arrangements for accommodations,
then that is no problem. We will adjust the program cost accordingly.
Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended that you take out
a personal travel insurance policy, which contains emergency
evacuation protection (helicopter rescue) and for repatriation
in case of an accident. There are several good, inexpensive
policies out there on the Internet and through your guide
book.
5 How fit do I have to be?
All treks require a good general level of fitness and the
ability to walk for at least 3 days without a rest day. Trekking
in the Himalaya is going to be by nature a strenuous experience
with nearly all treks involving a reasonable amount of ascending
and descending, however all itineraries do have days programmed
in to them to help with acclimation issues. During these days
there will be opportunities to undertake short walks to a
slightly higher altitude but then to return to the camp of
the previous night … climb high sleep low!
6 What happens if I have to drop out of a trek half
way through?
All trek costs cover the expenses incurred during the programmed
trek. If for any reason you leave the trek you will be expected
to cover any costs associated with the evacuation. You will
be accompanied by a Karnali staff member to Tea Houses on
the route out to the nearest point of transport accessibility.
You will be expected to pay not only for your lodge accommodation
but also that of your porter. Once back in Kathmandu you will
also be expected to cover all expenses. If you withdraw from
a trek for medical reasons you will be expected to undergo
a full medical check up for which the Dr will provide a written
report for your insurance company. No insurance company will
accept a claim without a medical report so it is essential
you see a specialist before doing anything else upon returning
to Kathmandu
7 What happens when I arrive in Kathmandu?
Once you have cleared customs you will be met by one of our
staff and transferred to the hotel. According to the itinerary
you may then be briefed on activities for the next few days
in Kathmandu.
8 What happens when I leave for trek?
You may leave any items of equipment that you do not require
on trek in the store-room at the hotel. Please settle all
bills before you leave. You will then be transported as per
your itinerary to the start point of your trek.
9 How does the daily trek routine work?
Wake up call and a cup of tea will be at a pre-arranged time,
usually around 6am. This will then be followed by a bowl of
hot washing water. After your wash you will pack your kit ready
for the porters to load up for the day's trek. Remember what
ever you pack in your big kitbag will not be accessible until
you reach the next camp that evening. Everything you are likely
to require during the day must be carried in your own day
sack. This includes all personal medication for which you
alone are responsible.
10 How much money am I likely to need on trek?
This will depend greatly on the route of your trek. However
in general the trek in remote areas will not be serviced by
many shops, routes like the Everest base Camp trek however
do have an abundance of opportunities for 'retail therapy!'.
There will be the opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks
along the way as well as souvenirs, remember you will have
to carry anything you purchase! If you are on a Tea House
trek then you will require slightly more money maximum of
£20 per day. Remember you might like to tip your staff
at the end of the trek.
11 What happens to any kit I don't want to take home?
If you have any items of clothing or equipment that you don't
wish to take back home talk to your Sirdar and he will arrange
a collection and fairly distribute it to the porters.
12 Can I plan for an extension to my main itinerary?
Yes but please ask our local staff for details, if possible
before leaving on trek so that there is time to make arrangements
for you.
13 Is all food and drinks safe?
In Kathmandu all the main restaurants in the tourist area
are safe. However to make sure of good heath before your trek
you should avoid eating salads, and meat. Definitely avoid
small local eating places. It is best to drink only bottled
or treated water and definitely do not drink from streams
or local supplies while out on trek. If possible 'refill'
your drinking bottles consistently purchasing 'bottle' water
creates a waste disposal problem. All water supplied during
the trek will be treated and safe to drink.
14 What sort of food can I expect on trek?
There will be a wide selection of food available on trek,
this will consist of continental, Nepali and Chinese type
meals. However if you have any special dietary requirement
then please notify Karnali before your depart from home.
15 Are there any restrictions on Photography?
As usual you should avoid taking pictures of service personnel,
infrastructure and military installations. You should also
be sensitive to local customs, never take pictures of woman
and children without first asking permission, your porters
and men in general don't mind but it is always best to ask
first.
16 Is the political situation safe?
In all the years of trouble there has only been one incident
involving foreign tourists and that was because he was in
the wrong place at the wrong time! You may well meet political
activists along the way but they are always polite and realise
that the trekkers bring much needed income to Nepal. As a
general rule of thumb let your Sirdar deal with the situation
but if you are keen to be involved then just get advice from
your Sirdar first.
17 I am an experienced trekker what happens if I
want to go off on my own?
Karnali Insurance covers trekkers if they stay with the main
party. If you go off on your own or ignore the advice of the
Sirdar you will not be covered by our insurance. Our staff
are all highly trained and experienced; they are experts in
the area of operation and will always aim to provide you with
the experience of a life time but within good safety margins.
Please follow their advice.
18 How do I obtain the relevant Visa?
Entry Procedures & Visa Rules - Nepal
Gratis visa for all tourists who visit Nepal for 3 days or
less.
Gratis visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People's Republic
of China
Visa Fee:
Single entry - US$ 30 days for 60 days
Multiple entry - US$ 50 + US$ 30.
Visa will be extended subsequently for 30 days each upon
payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa
year (Jan-Dec). Visa can be obtained either on arrival in
Nepal or from Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other Mission
offices abroad. Two passport size photographs are required.
Indians do not require visa to visit Nepal. However, they
are required to be in possession of any one of the following
documents while traveling between the two countries.
Valid national passport
Photo identity card issued by the government of India/any
State Government or Union Territory/Administration in India/Identity
Cards
Isued by the Election Commission of India. (Except Tatkal
Identity Cards issued by the Ministry of Railways).
Children between 10-18 years age group are allowed to travel
by air on the strength of a passport or photo identity card
issued by the Principal of their school or college.
Emergency Certificate issued by Embassy of India, Kathmandu
to Indian nationals in case of emergent conditions.
Children up to the age of 10 years will not require the above-mentioned
documents for traveling between India and Nepal, by air.
For further information please refer:
Dept. of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Tel: 00-977-1-4223681/4470650
Website:
Tibet.
A valid passport is required for travel to Tibet. Karnali
Excursions (p) Ltd. will process visas for those who have
booked their trip with us. Please send the following information
along with photocopy of your valid passport to Karnali Excursions
(p) Ltd. for visa processing:
1. FULL NAME AS WRITTEN IN PASSPORT:
2. DATE OF BIRTH:
3. GENDER:
4. OCCUPATION:
5. NATIONALITY:
6. PASSPORT NUMBER:
7. DATE OF ISSUE:
8. DATE OF EXPIRATION
Bhutan
Application for a Bhutan visa can be processs by a travel/tour
agent through the Tourism Authority of Bhutan. Once the visa
has been processed you will be sent a visa number (automatically
forwarded to all Bhutan's National Air Carrier: Druk Air).
Without a visa number, you may be denied boarding Druk Air's
planes. A visa is then granted on arrival at Paro Airport
for a total of US $30 (with US $10 tax, subject to revision
by the Bhutanese government) for 14 days. You can apply for
a visa extension for an additional fee.
In order to get a visa for Bhutan, you need to forward your
passport details 4 weeks in advance to a local agent. Supply
Name (exactly as it appears on your passport), Passport Number,
Date of issue, Validity, Occupation, Nationality, Date of
Birth and Home Address.
Bhutan's National Tourism organization has embarked on a protection
campaign to preserve Bhutan's as the Forbidden Kingdom of
lore. The unofficial word is that yearly tourist numbers are
limited to 6,000. Agents serving Bhutan are required to qualify
tourists by charging a minimum of $200.00 per day for services
offered.
19 What special equipment do I require?
You will be expected to provide all personal equipment Karnali
will provide all other camping equipment. However you will
be sent a complete check list upon your booking being confirmed
19 What do I need to check with my doctor before
I come?
All our treks require a good general level of fitness and
potential trekkers should undertake a training programme to
ensure they are fit enough to enjoy their trekking experience.
If you can undertake 3-4 days trekking across a wilderness
and mountainous environment without requiring a day's rest
then you will be fit enough to enjoy your trekking experience.
If you have any medical condition that might jeopardise your
insurance then you MUST get clearance from your GP and notify
your insurance company. If you fail to do this then you might
find you have no cover when you most need it
20 Are the any special medical conditions I need
to be aware of?
The most common problems that trekkers come across are stomach
problems due to not taking the advice offered on the travel
web-site or by the trek leader. The other problem is from
altitude [AMS] or Acute Mountain Sickness. The is now guarantee
that you will not suffer from this problem but if you take
care and follow the advice of the trek leader then the problem
can be minimized of avoided altogether.
However although our trek leaders are the best in the business
they are not telepathic; if you have any sort of medical problem
on the trek inform the trek leader and he or she will take
the appropriate action or provide the appropriate medicine.
Any personal medication is your responsibility. If you don't
share your problem the trek leader can't help |
