Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

Read details information before booking your trip to Nepal

• Please kindly request some further more questions and answer on this section regards your trips - trekking tour holidays in Nepal. I hope this will be helpful for you before booking your trip to Nepal. If you have any question, please drop us e-mail or call us at any time from any corner of the world

 How can I enter into Nepal?

• You can enter into Nepal both by land and flight. Several Airlines have direct flights to Kathmandu from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Osaka, Shanghai, Moscow, Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong, Karachi, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Paro, Dhaka, Lhasa and Varanasi

 Do I need a visa to travel Nepal?

• All foreign nationals except Indian require a visa to enter Nepal. Please, keep in mind that all countries

What if I decided to stay more than 60 days in Nepal? Where and what should I do to extend my Tourist visa?

• The Immigration department of Kathmandu or Pokhara can extend the tourist visa. Indeed the visa can be extended for a total of 120 days, an additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the Immigration Office. Nevertheless, tourist cannot stay in Nepal under tourist visa for more than 150 cumulative days.

Can I charge Camera batteries along the trek?

• Yes, most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek. It costs US$ 1-2 per hour for charging while you are doing Trek in Everest region

Is it ok to take photographs of people of Villages?

• Yes, it is ok and they really get a kick out of seeing themselves in print. So if you take photographs, please take copies and post them back that will make sure they get delivered back to the people on one of your treks. But it is better to take permission from them before taking photographs. Sometimes they may angry in taking photos without asking them

Do I have to tip my guide/porter?

• Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers you use. Recommendations for tipping guides/porter would range from 5 -7 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the services

How much weight do I allow for my porter?

• We provide one porter for every two travelers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry is 10 Kg per passenger. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla only allows for a personal weight limit of 5 Kg for hand luggage. Some of your luggage can be left in Kathmandu

Should I feel embarrassed expecting a porter to carry my pack?

• Definitely not, If you can afford a personal porter it is highly recommended. It gives wages to the people who earn a living for trekking. This is the terrain where they grew up. Hence they make walking up and down mountain look easy.

 How fit do I have to be for Trekking?

• You don’t to be a marathon runner or training for the Olympics. But you do have to be healthy fit and mentally prepared for trekking in Nepal. Depending on your walking/trekking speeds, you may have to trek for 5 to 7 hours per day on a trek, and no mountaineering skills needed for Nepal trekking

 How do I book my trek?

You can book trekking with us from anywhere in the world. Booking can easily be made online using our secure booking engine accessed from each tour page on this website. You can contact our office by phone or by email. Please email us for further information if you are unsure how to book with us.

 Why should I travel with Himalayan Magic Treks?

• Himalayan Magic Treks has been the clear "Vision" on Eco tourism and green tourism since decade long. Through green tourism, we have the experience and the commitment to provide you with the trip of lifetime. We can offer you a quality holiday at an affordable price and we will show you places you could not see while traveling alone.

 Are there any age restrictions?

• No, there is any age restriction. We can design trek for children/teenager/ pensioner. For children and pensioner, we offer short and easy trek around Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley. For adult and teenager, we offer moderate to hard trek to Everest Base Camp/ Manaslu/ Dolpo/ Mustang/ Annapurna/ Langtang etc.
•  Can you arrange flight tickets?

Of course, we arrange all domestic and international flight tickets

Do I need travel insurance?

• Yes. Insurance is compulsory on all trek regions for your safety. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 10,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects

 Is Communication to home possible on trek?

• There are telephone and internet in many villages along the popular trekking routes from which you can make international calls. We inform daily trekking report to your relatives to home

Do I get Nepal Visa on arrival?

Foreigners other than Indian citizen, who intend to visit Nepal, must hold a valid passport prior to apply for a Nepal visa. The passport must have six months validity from the date of arrival. Travelers can obtain a Nepalese visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, or at a border immigration office. One recent copy of a passport size color photo is required to apply for Tourist Visa to Nepal. The fees payable only in USD dollars for obtaining a visa on arrival at any border are as follows:

• A Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days: US$ 25 payable only in USD dollars
• A Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days: US$ 40 payable only in USD dollars
• A Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days: US$ 100 payable only in USD dollars

 How fit do I need to be on Nepal trekking?

• Most treks are suitable for anyone who is moderately fit. No previous experience is required. To make fit for trekking in Nepal, some physical fitness programs such as regular walking, running, swimming, and hiking are recommended before your journey. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or diseases must seek medical advice before considering a trek. Whilst on a trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before you become fully acclimatized to altitude.

Can I charge my digital camera and other batteries on trekking?

Electricity will not always be available, especially in more remote areas. Carry a second set of charged batteries with you – and don’t forget your adapters!  Your guide will know where you will be able to charge your batteries next. But most of the places in Langtang, Annapurna and Everest Trek, you can charge battery but need to pay extra cost.

 Is it possible to communicate while we are on trek?

There are telephones in a few villages along the routes from which you can make international calls. Cell phone reception is not reliable on in the mountains and in many regions not at all. If required, we can supply a satellite phone service. Please inform us if you need this service, which must be at your expense.

 Can I use a credit card while on trekking?

In most cities yes, to some extent, however once you leave the cities behind, you can only use cash. Make sure that you take sufficient Nepalese rupees for your needs in small denominations. In some places, Dollars, Euros and Pounds will be accepted

How much extra money do I need per day?

It all depends on your spending habits. 15 to 20 US$ a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, souvenir shopping of local crafts when available and a few drinks. You can buy these things only in certain villages.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

• Tips are always expected. It is good to tip trekking staff at the end of a trek. The standard recommendation for tipping is for each person in a group of 10 or more persons, tip to the guide US$ 10 per day and each porter US$ 3 per day. For groups of one or two persons and above USD$ 12 per day for guide and USD$ 5 per day for porter is recommended

Do I need to bring purifying tablets and filter?

• Please bring a water bottle to fill with purified water. We will provide you with purified water to each day. So you don’t need anything unless you want to bring your own water purifier (If so, please inform us beforehand). You can also buy mineral water in some villages along the trail

Where do I store my unnecessary trekking stuff and how much does it cost?

• All stuff what you have, not necessary to take to trekking as this makes your porter extra heavy and things can be lost and damaged during the trek. You can leave such stuff at your Hotel in Kathmandu or our office store. Luggage storage facility is absolutely free of cost

When do the treks leave? How are trek dates arranged?

We plan each trek to depart at our customer’s convenience. Usually, a day or two after you fly into Kathmandu, spend a day or two in the capital, meeting the team, checking on all the gear and then departing after breakfast on the pre-arranged day

What essential documents do I need to carry with me on the trek?

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your tour. It needs to contain few blank pages. Bring minimum five copies of passport size photos to issue your Nepal visa on arrival which is payable only on USD cash and trekking permit. Travel insurance; keep a separate photocopy with Mountain Mart Trek and into your main baggage, Cash, Flight tickets, Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts, Passport photos: One Nepal visa at the airport and four for your trekking permit and more photos for a multiple entry visa for onward trips to your next port

Is all your staff insured ?

• Yes, our company insures all our trekking staff: guides, cooks, Sherpa and porters

Do you use Yaks/porters on the trek or do we need to carry all of our own gear ?

•  On a trekking, our porters will take care of your luggage as per the “Price Includes” section. Your porter may carry a maximum of 12kg of luggage per person in a soft bag.  A porter carries two trekkers’ bags (25kg). All you need to carry is your small day bag with important personal belongings like camera, water, sun cream, sufficient warm and rain clothing for the day

What weather conditions can I expect on trekking in Nepal ?

• Weather in the Himalayas is difficult to predict: expect the unexpected. Nights are generally much cooler than the day. In winter (December to February) nights can be cold when the sun is out while days are beautiful and warm. Snow can fall at any time of the year. Temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C above 5000m. It is important to stay warm and dry in any conditions – so carry sufficient gear in your pack each day

How do you minimize risk to ensure a group’s safety ?

• The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff and partners. We aim to do this by:
• Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your group
• Seeking medical assurance from you that medical advisor prior to trekking departure to ensure all travelers are suitable for the challenge ahead
• Ensuring that our guides are all first aid trained, carries a comprehensive first-aid kit and are fully competent in handling emergency evacuation procedures
• Ensuring that our guides carry mobile or satellite phones: Mobile or satellite phone communication is available on most trekking routes which provide direct access to our company
• Providing a doctor to escort all school trekking groups and on request for charity challenges. Insisting that a complete risk assessment be provided prior travel and trek
• requiring each client to complete and sign our risk assessment form prior to departure for a trek. Insisting that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers and trekkers. Insurance documentation to be provided prior to any trek

Is it possible add an extra days to my trek ?

• A trekking holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along the route we can add days at your request at additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food if given sufficient time to make the arrangements

Does your guide/porter speak English ?

Our cultural tour guides are pretty proficient. The trekking guide (Sirdar) and his assistants speak a reasonable amount of English are good enough to explain you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes or is of interest to you.

How big is the group ?

• We try to bring together a small group of like minded people to give them a memorable and insightful adventurous experience, and this is an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in a fun-filled environment. Our travel group generally comprises of a maximum 14 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our trek programs. For private trips, no minimum or maximum numbers apply

How about security during trekking?

• Security of our clients is of foremost & vital importance for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Government of Nepal. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on 'camping treks' please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a 'Tea house or GAP trek' arrangement, you will be sleeping in a local tea house. You have to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Prevention is always the best kind of cure

Do you provide any equipment while trekking ?

• On all our Camping treks we provide all the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A frames and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables and stools, kitchen tent, a dining tent and toilet tent; and all the main meals while trekking but not snacks. On Tea house treks, there is no necessity to provide any equipment

What happen in case of an emergency ?

• In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we surely believe will not happen; you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the event of your having to be evacuated; please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or u must be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform our office about the requirements of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send a name of the sick person and always give the exact location from where the helicopter can airlift you.  Our guides will help you on this; do not leave your stationed point even if you are getting better once you have called in the helicopter

Do you arrange private trek ?

• Yes, we do. If you prefer to travel independently, or with your friends, families and colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe suiting your convenience. The number could range from a group of people that could be minimum 1 and maximum 100 at a time. Costs for private trips can be fixed on the basis of group size, trek area; duration and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange Trek for single women if required. However, if none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you; you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you wish to do a solo trip. We can assign a local professional guide, porters etc whom you could trust with your life

 What is a gap trekking ?

• This is an abbreviation for 'Guide Accommodation and Porters' (GAP). This trek option is for those who only want basic support services from us. This is the most economical way to do trekking in Nepal. We provide an English speaking local Sherpa guide, book and pay for the accommodation in local lodges during trek and arrange required porters and trekkers who pay for their meals directly to the local lodge owner. This option works only on certain routes in the Everest, Langtang and Annapurna regions where trekking routes are served by the local folks in their tea house or lodges. You pay for your own meals. We take care of all the expenses of our staff

How do we get safe drinking water during trek?

• On camping treks, our staff will boil and cook meals treated by potassium or iodine. On GAP treks, you will be able to buy safe hot drinks in the tea house. We recommend that you to bring water purification pills. On the trail, water from the streams is safe if away from settlements

How fit must be for trekking in the Himalayas ?

• You should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in high altitude conditions. Living up to a physical challenge is always good for you, no matter what. Trekking once a year is always the best regimen for your body's needs; as per recommendations from most health journals throughout the world

How should I dress during trek ?

• The clothing you bring will need to allow for both the warmth of the days and the chill of the nights. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm. Good shoes are of great importance. They must be sturdy and comfortable. For higher altitude treks where you may have to tread snow for long hours, good boots are available for rent in Kathmandu. In view of local customs, try not to wear too skimpy or revealing clothes. Your reception by locals can vary greatly on the way you dress.

Do you book lodges before or during the trek ?

• We accommodate trekking groups in local lodges available on the trail. As it is not possible to book the rooms days in advance, we send a porter few hours ahead of the group each day to book the rooms

How do I find you at the airport ?

• Our airport representative and a vehicle will be waiting you at the arrival gate of the airport; in his hand will be a plaque board holding your name clearly written on the board or paper. You can’t lose us

Is it okay to get Nepal visa at airport or in advance ?

• Obtaining a Nepalese visa on arrival is easier except that you may have to spend some precious time queuing. If you get your visa in advance, you can avoid the queue. Also, don’t forget to bring cash as ATMs are not available at the airport. Note: If you are staying for more than 15 days, don’t forget to arrange a visa for 30 days

Where should I get my money exchange ?

• You can get your money exchange at your hotel or we will exchange your money in better rates so before exchange your money ask once with HMT team

 What is the weight limit of luggage ?

• The weight limit for the trek is 15 kg per guest, as it is the maximum weight that the porters can carry. It is also important to note that "hard" luggage poses a problem: soft "duffel-bags" are recommended which we provide. The lighter you are the better for the trails.

How can I keep my luggage ?

• You can keep your luggage and valuable items in a locker at the hotel in Kathmandu for free of charge

Does Tea house have electricity to charge devices ?

• Most of the tea houses have electricity facilities during the trekking period. You can charge your electronic devices on the trail

What do I have to carry with me on trek ?

• You will only have to carry a day pack, which should be a reasonable size to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, etc. Your other packs are carried by porters. Again we stress on the wisdom of always ‘travel light’

It is healthy to take shower during trek ?

• You can get hot shower services throughout the trip. However, the higher you climb the less pleasant it will be. It’s better to be on the safe side of things