We have compiled a set of commonly asked questions that trekkers often ask us. These will address most concerns you may have as a trekker. However should you have any more questions, please write to us by using the form at the end of this page or feel free to contact us at any time.
We have tours lasting from 1 to 15 days. See each tour’s description for particular trip information.
Our group size ranges from15-45 participants plus guide & and on-site staff. If you have a larger private group, contact us to see how an appropriate trip can be planned.
You will only need to carry your own personal clothing and gear: no tents, food or cooking supplies.
On most trips all you need is your personal clothing and a good pair of hiking boots. On each trip page you find information on what is needed for that trip. The detailed list of things to carry is given in the information sheet along with the application form. However if you need to know anything specific, do feel free to contact the leader of the trek
This tends to be one of the major concerns of participants going on treks. However, in our experience, it is very rarely a problem. Due to our friendly team & carefully chosen areas of operation, we largely avoid compatibility issues. We are careful with building our trips and with our experience, we are proud of our record of providing quality treks.
The difficulty of our treks depends on where you want to trek and how long you want to go. The shorter treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep trails leading to amazing views. The pace at which you hike is up to you. We have friendly and dependable staffs and pack animals to assist you with your personal gear.
Mountain Tours and Treks have professional, dependable and experienced guides, who are well trained. All of our guides have spent years exploring the mountains and countryside Himalayan region. All our guides speak English and have a great knowledge of the various trekking routes and region. Our Guides will have the pleasure of guiding you in the most beautiful trails in the Himalayas, which will enhance your experience and make it a real success.
See the individual tour descriptions depending upon the nature of tour.
We can absolutely assure you that you do not have to be young, very experienced, or super fit to enjoy most of our treks. Previous walking experience, though is useful, however not essential. The great majority of our treks could be undertaken by anyone who is in good health, enjoys outdoor life, and is reasonably fit. Make sure to hit a gym at least a week before the trek so that your body get well warmed up and used to long walking during the trek.
A trek day begins around 6 a.m. with a mug of coffee or tea served through your tent flap. Hot water is provided for washing and shaving, followed by breakfast. Water is provided for your water containers. We strike 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. We usually reach our campsite by 4 p.m. and have tea and biscuits shortly afterwards. There is 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!
In early and later days of the trek at altitudes below 8000ft temperature is normal and easily bearable but in-between days at higher altitudes the temperature fall. During the day time temperature is hot and during the night time 10 to -6 degree.
Generally every day trek distance is not long. Average walking distance is 10-12 km an each day and trekkers complete in 5-7 hrs. The trekking hours vary on the level of trek you are planning to do with us. For a beginner level trek we generally try and keep the hours of trekking to not more that 4-5 hours of trekking a day while for an expedition we increase that to an upper limit of 6 hours a day of trekking because we assume that people coming with us for a difficult trek/climb have a high endurance and fitness level. The number of hours is dynamic however and can not be generalized always. The hours vary depending on the weather conditions, our plans for the day, fitness levels and speed of a member etc. But for a trekker with an average level of fitness on a normal day we look at 4-5 hours of trekking a day give or take 1-2 hours.
Normally trekkers are expected to carry their personal belongings themselves. However Sleeping bags, tents and other common stuff shall be carried by porters and shall be made available at the night halt camp sites. In case you require a personal porter you should intimate us 15 days in advance, so that we will arrange the porter or mule accordingly.
Good trekking shoes are the most important part of the trek, so you have to be very careful before buying it.
Optimum level of fitness is always required in any trek so that you can enjoy your trek. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trek!
It is always advisable that in any trek carry your own medication whether organizers are carrying it or not. However, DO NOT self-medicate without the permission of camp organizers as most of the medicines have different effects than the intended ones at higher altitudes.
Depending on the prevailing situation some last minute changes may have to be made. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your trek leader will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary. However the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
Yes, if you would like to travel independently ow with your group, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people. Cost for private trip is fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and tour type. Drop in a request through our Customize Trip section on the website.
Camp Wanderers is a voluntary organization. It runs by the voluntary participation of such persons who were themselves participants earlier, and because they liked our activities they approached us and started leading batches. Anyone who wishes to join us as volunteers, can approach our office and start.
Most of the things have been covered in the fees paid. Generally, an amount of Rs.5,000/- ( five thousand only) shall be sufficient to cater to the meals en-route and emergencies. However, if the participant thinks that he / she would be required to hire a porter, or has plans to purchase a few things, the amount can be anywhere between Rs.8,000/- and Rs. 10,000/-
Yes, we do organize a pre-trek meeting for every batch. The details of the venue, time etc. is communicated to each participant well in advance. All minute information about the travel, risks involved, dos and don’ts, inclusions etc. are discussed in this meeting. Kindly note that attendance to this meeting is compulsory for all the participants, and in case if some participant does not turn up, it shall be deemed that all the rules and regulations are understood and accepted by these participants. Minors shall attend this meeting accompanied by their parent.
For the Himalayan treks, the minimum age is 14 years, if the participant is travelling alone, and it is 9 years if the participant is accompanied by at least one of his parents / guardians. There is no maximum age limit. The only condition is that he / she should be physically fit to undertake a trek of an average of 12 to 15 km. per day.
Cotton garments, which are not very tight, nor so loose that you end up getting entangled in them while walking, are preferred. Avoid synthetic garments as they will not absorb sweat and and not allow your skin to breathe. Avoid jeans as they can be a nightmare to carry around in case they become wet.
No. What you need are shoes with good grip on dry and wet surfaces. While most shoes will have good grip on dry surfaces, they can be extremely slippery on wet ones. You will get such shoes for about Rs. 500-600 in any multi-brand shoe-shop. Avoid buying shoes just before the trek. Use the shoes at least for a week or so before the trek. This will avoid sores and blisters during the trek.
Have a pair of comfortable shoes with good grip. Floaters are not recommended for treks. Trekking shoes will make the trek comfortable but are not mandatory.
Sudden showers are expected, always carry a light rain coat or water proof windcheater/poncho.
Carry an original id card and a photograph.
Mobile signals are mostly unavailable on the trek. Sometimes you get intermittent signals. We highly encourage you to experience a week without cellphones.
Smoking and drinking is strictly prohibited on the trek.
If you are a first time trekker, we would advise you against getting trekking shoes. These shoes are generally quite heavy and walking in them can be quite tiring if you have just started out trekking. Trekking shoes are useful on very serious and technical climbs and you can do without them on most beginner level treks we do. We recommend the use of regular sports shoes since walking in them is much easier. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the shoes should have a good grip and should not be brand new when you bring them with you for the trek.
Depending on the trip we use a mixture of camping and hotels. See the individual trip pages for more information.
Obviously every situation is different; in case of a serious accident the guide will notify our base by mobile phone and a rescue will be started usually by a car, at the nearest access point.
Good travel insurance is essential. In addition to medical/accident cover we highly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance. If not, we recommend it strongly.
Mountain Tours and Treks prides itself on being prepared for any emergency situation. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. But if a serious emergency occurs, then outside help is needed. Every client should have their own insurance before coming to himalayan region. If an emergency occurs, mountain Tours and Treks will initially cover the cost of an evacuation until your insurance company can deliver payment. We will advise you to bring along small first aid kits for first hand safety. However, a full-fledged first aid kit and medical kit will always be with the team.
We can’t guarantee a doctor on every trekking area, but we do try to encourage suitably experienced medical personnel to join our high altitude treks by offering a discount in return for looking after the medical needs of a group. In addition to trek doctors, our group leaders and guides are trained in first aid. We encourage bigger groups to approach doctors in there groups. However, a full-fledged first aid kit and medical kit will always be with the team.
Yes definitely, Security and safety of girls on the trek is extremely important for us. We always create friendly environment on trek. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They are very honest and reliable.
Whenever we put up camps in tents we ensure comfort of our participants. The number of trekkers in a tent will depend on the specified capacity of the tent. The accommodation shall not be crammed and we will also provide separate arrangement for boys and girls.
Emergency medicines and Hospitalization expenses are to be borne by the participant. In case if the participant does not have sufficient cash and finds himself in a situation of a medical emergency, the group leader can arrange for such amounts either by his own or by asking other participants to contribute. Any such expenses must be reimbursed by the participant who received it on reaching back home.
Tents will be shared by 3/4 people. In some locations arctic tents may be used. Then 8-10 members may in one tent.
Yes, men and women will not be sharing tents or rooms, at any point of time.
There is no civilization or buildings on the treks. No concrete toilets are available. Women will have toilet tents when and where available. Being environment friendly and hygienic, going outside for nature calls and making cat holes is encouraged.
There is no provision for bath at the base camps or on the trek.
Almost all treks we organize go into the absolute wilderness of the Himalayas, hence there will be presence of wildlife. While we say that, if you take precautions that we give you there is no danger of encountering wildlife. These precautions include never walking or trekking alone or in very small groups, not wandering about by yourself at camp to name a few. Animals prefer avoiding humans and if they know of human presence they will keep their distance.
See the individual tour descriptions depending upon the nature of accommodation.
Inclusions are tour-specific, kindly go through the tour page for your reference.
You could check out our website and book for the dates you prefer via our on-line registration form. You could email us if you have questions. If the dates you want are not available we will immediately notify you of the nearest available dates.
Please read our booking & cancellation policies on our website.
That is a common misconception that tents are very cold to sleep in. In fact, because the surface area inside a tent is much smaller than a room, if you close the tent properly, it can actually get warmer than a room to sleep in by night since none of the body heat generated by you can escape.
One thing we hear every trip is “the food was great! I never knew it was possible to eat so well on a wilderness trip.” We put a lot of work into supplying you with a variety of healthy and tasty meals and snacks. From the fresh vegetables to coffee/tea, you will be impressed.
On our treks, we provide a cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe. We assure you of a healthy and satisfying food all the time. Our cooks and supporting staffs are well trained, so there is no need to worry for the safety of foods.
Our guides will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. During the trek, we will provide you with ample proper boiled drinking water treated with iodine. One needs to bring along a proper water bottle for the trek and tours. You are advised to bring along your sorts of purifying waters if you are in some sorts of doubt.
Yes, we do provide Jain food. You have to specify that you need jain food at the time of registration.