A trek is a mountain walk from place to place, rather than just rambling or day walking from a fixed base. A trek not necessarily more arduous or uncomfortable than center-based sojourns; we believe trek is ore interesting and rewarding. A trek trip 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, Alpine Exodus 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.
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 13 to 70. Previous walking experience, though useful, is 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. 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 below or write us.
Where acceptable hotel/lodge facilities exist, we normally use them. In remote terrain, we camp in tents. Even if you’ve never camped before, you don’t need to worry: the tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads are 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?
(Joining) People traveling with us may be of any nationality, either sex, alone or accompanied, experienced travelers or complete beginners. Groups are always small (usually 10 or less). English is the common language, and there can be a common questions 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.
(Joining) People traveling with us may be of any nationality, either sex, alone or accompanied, experienced travelers or complete beginners. Groups are always small (usually 10 or less). English is the common language, and there can be a common questions 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.
The leader is key to enjoying your trip. We chose ours for their travel experience, personality and mountain leadership skills. Our trip leaders are mostly Nepali. We make every attempt to involve staff from the villages you will be visiting. Our experience has shown that no one can introduce you to an area as well as a native.
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.
A trek day begins around 6 a.m. with a mug of coffee or tea served through your tent flap (on camping treks). 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. The full meal typically includes fresh fruit, tinned meat, cheese, rice, chapatis or biscuits, cooked/boiled vegetables, and tea or coffee. We usually reach our campsite by 4 p.m. and have tea and biscuits shortly after-wards. 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! As we mainly camp near villages, there is usually plenty of time to visit with the locals before or after dinner and sample their home brews. As night approaches, most people retire to their warm sleeping bags and are fast asleep by 9:30 p.m.
We can’t sure a doctor on every trek, 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/Guides are trained in First Aid.
There are many reasons. In a nutshell, we go out of our way to make sure your experience is a positive one. Just as important,we are careful to not negatively impact the region we are visiting: after all, we live here.Our price gives you more for your money than anyone else. And our safety record is unsurpassed. If you would like to speak with some of our satisfied guests, we can provide you with references of someone who lives nearby and has probably even done the same trip you are considering.
Alpine Exodus was started in 2001. Our founder, Krishna Dahal is one of the most esteemed guides in the Himalayas: he has been in the business for over 15 years. Our headquarters is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. About 15 people of us work here regularly. We are also affiliated with numerous companies in different parts of the world. Our reservations staff can deal with all your administrative queries, and there will always be some-one in the office to answer questions about your trip.
Ours are adventure holidays: the areas in which we operate are remote, the lifestyle very different, and even 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. If you are not prepared for this you should give sometime to learn it.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/Guide will decide the best alternative after consultation with the group. Where a delay or change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effects, but we cannot beheld responsible for the results of delays or changes, however caused.