Frequently Asked Questions about our Treks and Hikes
Trekking FAQs
What is the difference between Hiking and Trekking?
When in the United States we refer to backpacking in the mountains for day or overnight as Hiking. When you find yourself halfway around the world (Nepal), this traditional way of traveling long distances on trails is called Trekking. A trek is a journey. A journey through a different country and culture. In the days of the British Raj, these treks were a way to explore vast areas of previously unexplored territory and could last months or even years.
What do I need to carry?
Unlike hiking or backpacking in the United States, when on a trek you will only be required to carry those items needed for the day of walking. All of the group personal gear is carried by a trained group of porters or sometimes pack animals (mules, yaks).
How concerned should I be about altitude?
The nature of our trips is such that most treks will go up to altitudes you may never have been to. However, this is not something to be overly concerned about. Our treks are designed to allow for proper progression of acclimatization as we gain altitude during the trip. Many people will experience a slight headache due to dehydration at first, but with proper hydration this small discomfort is short lived.
What do we eat and drink while trekking?
The bulk of our meals are based on the local diet. In Nepal, this will consist of momo, curry, thukpa, rice, vegetables, fruit and meat dishes. These meals are provided by lodges and teahouses. Breakfast and lunch items will include numerous types of tea, coffee, cereal, milk, toast, eggs, muesli, chapati, numerous soups, breads, and porridge. All meals and water will be properly boiled, prepared, cooked by the lodge or teahouse kitchen staff.
Who accompanies me on the trek?
Depending on the trek, you will be accompanied by an experienced Western trekking guide and/or an English-speaking professional Nepalese guide as well as porters.
What type of accommodations are provided on a trek?
Unless noted otherwise, the accommodations on a trek will be a combination of hotels in Kathmandu, and motels and lodges when in villages. All accommodations and the trek price are based on double occupancy. A single room is available at an additional cost and where applicable.
Do I need a Passport and Visa?
Yes. To travel to Nepal, you will need a valid passport with at least six (6) months of remaining validity as well as a Nepal Visa. As of January 1, 2021, you will have to obtain a Nepal Visa in your home country at the Nepali embassy. In addition, anyone who travels to Nepal is required to have a mandatory negative COVID test report 72 hours prior to their departure from the first port and then one-week self-quarantine. Note: This is likely to change soon and we will update this as soon as the new guidelines come out.
Hiking FAQs
What kind of shoes should I wear hiking?
To determine what kind of shoes you need for hiking you need to consider how much weight you plan on carrying and what the trail conditions are like. Choosing the right footwear and fit, is one of the five most important equipment choices, the other four being backpack, map, headlamp and first aid kit.
It also comes down to your preference, some people just aren’t comfortable wearing heavy hiking boots, while some people choose boots due to ankle stability. It’s something you’ll figure out as you go, but here’s some guidelines to give you a place to start:
- For short day hikes, hiking shoes or trail running shoes are a good choice. Since you aren’t carrying a heavy backpack, boots can be overkill.
- For longer day hikes or overnights, when you’re carrying a heavier backpack, support and stability for your feet and ankles are important. Mid cut boots and full boots are your choice. Still some people will choose hiking shoes.
- Whether you choose full boots, mid cut boots or shoes it’s VITAL that they fit you properly. In addition, look for footwear that has a “Vibram” sole. This material works much better on rock than plain rubber material.
What size backpack do I need?
The size of your backpack will depend on the length of hike and time of year you plan on hiking. Is your hike an overnight vs. a day hike or is it in the winter? Both overnight hikes and winter hikes will require more clothing, food, gear and equipment, so a larger pack is needed. When choosing a backpack, comfort and fit are also crucial. Make sure when you’re picking out a pack, to have it fit properly. Backpack capacity is measured in volume (liters).
Here’s some sizings to give you a place to start:
- Short Day Hike: Ten-Twenty liters
- Long Day Hike or Winter Hike: 30-40 liters
- Overnight Hike: 40-70 liters
Note: A large pack you don’t have to fill, but if your pack is too small you might not be able to fit everything you need.
Do I need a headlamp for day hikes?
Often day hikes are long and start before sunrise or go longer than planned and end after sunset. Even if you’re out for a short hike in the middle of the day, “things” can happen, which might delay your return. Never hike without a headlamp.
What should I pack in my first aid kit?
When it comes to preparing your first aid kit, consider the length of your hike, the size of your group, and your medical knowledge. You can buy preassembled kits or put together your own kit.
Basic first aid essentials for most hiking adventures should be: adhesive bandages (various sizes), medical tape, moleskin, sterile gauze, ibuprofen, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, small scissors, elastic bandages, knife, and alcohol wipes.
Every time I hike, I end up getting blisters, how do I prevent them?
It’s much easier to prevent blisters then have to deal with treating them. If you have new shoes or boots make sure to break in, you can do this by going on hikes before longer ones.
Tip: A little trick you can use for breaking footwear in or for longer hikes is to rub a layer of Vaseline on your feet or the outside of your socks before you put on your shoes or boots. This helps prevent your socks and shoes or boots from rubbing and creating a blister.
Should I use hiking/trekking poles?
Hiking poles aren’t just for old folks, they help you carry a heavy load and keep your balance while hiking. They’re also knee savers for steep uphills and downhills.
Some people love them and some people don’t bother, so it’s really up to you, but our guides strongly suggest them. When deciding, consider the terrain, size and weight of the backpack, and length of the hike.
Note: While they are not always an absolute must, they’re a piece of gear worth bringing.
What’s the best sock to wear when hiking?
The right sock is really a crucial choice for most hikers and most seasoned hikers are very opinionated on their socks. Our guides suggest socks with a wool blend; Smartwool socks or merino wool blend; Darn Tough socks. They both are breathable, keep the feet dry, help prevent blisters and chafing, and have varying cushioning choices and size. Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee.
How do I stay dry while hiking?
To stay while hiking be sure to carry a good quality, fully waterproof rain jacket and rain pants. Fully waterproof clothes have a breathable liner and seam sealed zippers. If they don’t have these two features, it’s water resistant not waterproof.
It’s essential to keep your backpack dry so you don’t arrive to camp or the summit with wet clothes or a wet sleeping bag. We recommend putting your sleeping bag in a dry bag and using a pack cover (which fits around your backpack). Another option is to use a pack liner; heavy duty garbage bag that you first put in your backpack then pack everything inside that bag.
What do I bring to eat?
Meal planning is one of the most important choices to make when hiking. It’s about finding the balance between taste and what’s practical to carry (weight and expiration). Also, how long will you be hiking, short day hike, longer day hike or overnight hike.
For overnight hikes the easiest option is to bring along some freezedried meals; Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry are good brands to start with. They’re light, surprisingly tasty and super simple to prepare (you just have to pour boiling water into the bag). The downside is they’re expensive.
For day hikes choices range from a peanut butter sandwich to energy bars. Our suggestions are: nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, fruit, granola bars, cookies, trail mix, cheese, and Luna bars. It really is a personal preference and whatever provides you with enough energy for the hike.
How much water should I bring and how should I carry it?
How much water really depends on a number of factors; how strenuous the hike is, the environmental conditions, length of hike, age, and elevation. The greater these factors, the more water needs to be consumed. The general rule of thumb is one liter per every two hours of moderate hiking.
As far as how to carry your water, you generally have two choices; the always reliable One-liter Nalgene bottle or a water bladder such as a Camelback or Platypus. Also, most backpacks companies now make packs that come with hydration systems or are at least compatible.
Am I fit enough to hike with Gopal-Amik Trekking?
The best way to start is with our easier or moderate hikes. Our easier hikes allow you to gain fitness and progress to moderate or difficult hikes. For conditioning suggestions prior to booking a hike contact us directly.
Where is a good place to buy and/or get advice on purchasing hiking gear?
When it comes to choosing hiking gear, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the models and features out there. Local shops or national stores like REI can be a good place to start. Another option is to browse the internet, which is where you can find gear reviews.
Note: when it comes to purchasing footwear and backpacks, the right fit and trying them on is a must.