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Himalayan High Treks offers full-services for trips to the greater Himalayan region. We can produce trips for solo travelers or for groups large and small. We have established treks which are favorites year after year. Our organized treks have experienced leaders, guides and staff. Our independent treks combine your desires with our experience, helping to arrange the details of your trip the way you want them. Complete Organized Treks: HHT Services begin once you depart the airport customs hall at the trip meeting point. Airport transfers, most meals, ground transportation, a western trip leader, a local trip guide, support staff are all supplied until you return for your return flight home. Independent Treks: HHT Services begin where and when you want. |
All Trips: HHT 'interviews' each participant to get to know them better as well as to ensure that they are prepared for the journey. This means that group members are all in good health with similar abilities so the trip flows smoothly. Each participant receives complete health and safety information, maps, language guides, packing and reading lists, as well as a detailed itinerary. All Trips: HHT and it's partners can also provide you with any additional items you need for your trip: travel insurance, air bookings, hotel stays, safaris, city tours, guides or transportation for your trip. Anything special? Just ask us! Peace Of Mind: HHT not only provides services, but we're also "a friend back home" to help. If you need help along the way for any reason, we are available by phone, fax or email. We know who you are and can often help make an easier time out of a difficult situation. |  |
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Subliminal hint: It's an easy read and worth a few of your moments.
1. What Is A Trek?
2. How Do I Get There?
3. What Is There To Eat?
4. What Are The Hotels Like?
5. Can I Reach The Folks At Home?
6. Will You Help Me Prepare?
7. What's The Basic Procedure?
8. What's The Best Time To Go?
9. Is There Anything Else I Should Be Sure To Do While I'm There?
10. Are Your Trips Only For Women or Men?
11. Can I Feel Comfortable In Asia As A Gay Man Or Lesbian?
12. Do I Need To Worry About Theft?
13. Do I Need To Worry About Personal Safety?
14. Do You Automatically Charge A Single Supplement?
15. Do You Use Tier Pricing?
16. What Immunizations Or Medications Do I Need?
17. Will I Need A Passport Or Visa?
18. How Do I Pay For My Trip?
19. Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
20. Will I Need Special Equipment?
21. How Strenuous Are Your Trips?
22. Who Goes On Your Trips?
23. What If Minimum Enrollment Is Not Reached For My Trek?
24. What If I Want To Go On My Own Trek Alone Or With My Family And Friends?
1. What Is A Trek?
A trek is simply a guided hiking trip. It's an outdoor activity for those who are fit and adventurous, but not suitable for those who don't like to exercise. Many people who consider backpacking as 'too much work' love trekking. Trekking staff work hard with great attention to detail. In the mountains of Asia there are porters, horses or yaks to carry your gear while others cook for you, put up your tent or guide you along the way and tell you about the sights you see.
A typical day on the trail starts as you awake with "bed tea" served to your liking. A basin of hot water is brought to the tent. There is time to pack. After a large breakfast of hot cereal, eggs and fresh bread, the hiking day begins. Depending on the difficulty of the trail, the morning hike can be from two to four hours. There's a leisurely break for lunch — everyone likes to to digest while reading or dozing in the sun. Afternoon walks are often shorter, perhaps several hours. Later in camp, afternoon tea is served while the staff erects the dining tent and latrine. Some people wash hair or clothes. You'll be glad dinner comes early! The food is surprisingly good with simple dishes such as rice with dahl, fresh vegetables and yogurt. It's a healthy low fat diet!↑
2. How Do I Get There?
Most travelers arrive via Asian capitals on a major international air carrier. We can help to arrange your airline reservations or you can also make your own. You are welcome to arrive early or stay after the trip on your own. Each itinerary specifies the firm arrival (starting) date generally in local gateway cities such as Beijing, Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu. We meet you outside the customs hall on arrival or if arriving independently, you can join us at the trip hotel by the start date. Each itinerary also notes the first date you can depart the trip to return home.
We do not sell air tickets but partner with a knowledgeable travel agent. We also work with local agents in the countries we visit for smaller regional flights. This ensures correct up-to-the-minute schedules and reservations. We make these regional 'in-trip' flight reservations for you when you are confirmed for your trip. The estimated air fares listed in our trip descriptions can always fluctuate but are as accurate as possible.↑
3. What Is There To Eat?
In cities, food is generally good with an array of local vegetarian or meat dishes and even simple western cuisine. To avoid stomach 'issues' follow the adage "boil it, peel it or forget it". Be conscientious, especially with water and ice. Drink only beverages made with boiled water such as tea, or sealed bottled water and soft drinks.
On the trail, water is boiled or treated to make it safe to drink. A typical menu consists of... Breakfast: Oatmeal with milk and sugar, eggs, toast, coffee or tea. Lunch: Ramen soup with fresh vegetables or cheese and tuna sandwiches. Snacks: Biscuits and tea. Dinner: Rice and lentil dahl with vegetables, yogurt, canned fruit and hot chocolate for dessert.
If you have special dietary requirements, let us know in advance so we can accommodate you. Bring high energy snacks like power bars, gorp or candy. You'll be very (very) hungry from all the good exercise you get! For most people everything tastes great, but at very high altitude some people sometimes lose their appetite intermittently.↑
4. What Are The Hotels Like?
Accommodations that we choose are typically family-run guest houses. They are simple yet surprisingly comfortable — clean sheets and towels are provided in all but the most remote locations and most have attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water. Electricity can be unreliable, but hotels and restaurants often have generators. Local guest houses are a good choice not just because they put money back in the local economy but because you will feel closer to the community you have entered.↑
5. Can I Reach The Folks At Home?
Telephone access will vary. Sometimes there are newly installed satellite dishes or communication lines allowing a phone call or fax, but in other locations it might be simply impossible. Each year it's easier to locate internet cafes and wireless access. Email can be sent easily from larger cities, such as Lhasa, Kathmandu and Delhi. These days, you will also find email connections in smaller towns like Leh, Namache Bazar, Pokhara, Dharamsala and Manali. Where you can't talk or send electronic messages, you can usually send a letter and have it arrive home in a week or two. Your trip package will have instructions in case someone needs to contact you.↑
6. Will You Help Me Prepare?
Of course! We want you to have the experience of your life! The way to do that is to know exactly where you are going, what you are doing and how to prepare. We create detailed itineraries for each trip as well as reading and packing lists, medical information, and stop over guides for many Asian cities. Once you apply for a trip, we supply you with a trip package including maps, a phrase book and many detailed trip notes including suggestions for effective physical training to make your trip comfortable and safe.↑
7. What's The Basic Procedure?
a) Complete the Online Registration form with a deposit to secure your place on the trip. Download a copy of our HHT Application Form, complete the form and return it to us to complete the application process. Alternately, you may download the application form, complete and forward it, along with your deposit payment, to HHT at your earliest convenience.
b) When we receive your application, we send your first information package also containing a review of Medical Preparations and two health forms. One is for you to fill out and one is for your physician. Return both as soon as possible. When we have received them, we conduct a friendly telephone interview and let you know if you are accepted on the trip.
c) Read through the Medical Preparations information and ask questions! Next, make arrangements to get any immunizations or prescriptions you might need.
d) Note that we require completed and returned health forms along with proof of emergency evacuation and health insurance, before you may participate in the trip. This must be processed at least two months prior to departure, at which point your trip balance must also be paid in full.
e) We supply you with an insurance form. The policy we suggest costs about 8% of the trip total and protects you in the event of trip cancellations and evacuations. If you have specific insurance questions, call 1-800-937-1387 and ask for the Himalayan High Treks travel insurance representative.
f) We can create a tentative airline booking for all or any part of the trip. If you don't need the service because you have frequent flyer miles or some other reason, just let us know when you apply.
g) Once all completed paperwork is returned and you have been approved on the trip, you receive a complete package including trip notes, detailed instructions and suggested trek preparations, a packing guide, language guide, maps, and more.
h) Next, you'll need to purchase your air ticket to secure your reservation. Be sure you have considered all logistics for stopovers and accommodation en route, as well as all scheduled trip start and end dates. About one month before departure, you receive a final letter with introductions to other group members as well as any final pre-departure notes.↑
8. What's The Best Time To Go?
This is probably the most frequently asked question of all! Typically, people trek in Nepal during the Spring and Fall. Spring is known for wildflowers, most notably rhododendrons. Fall is great for crystal clear views. But it can also be overcrowded along popular trails such as those near Annapurna and Mount Everest. Winter is too cold at high altitude, but winter doesn't often arrive until late November. Summer brings monsoon rains to Nepal. You need to be prepared regardless of the season! As new areas open, people often trek all year round. Sikkim and Bhutan have similar weather as Nepal, but Northern India and the Tibetan Plateau are only open for treks from June through September. This is a perfect scenario for teachers and others who can only travel during the summer months. Easier trips often occur at lower altitudes from December to early March while the weather is cool.↑
9. Is There Anything Else I Should Be Sure To Do While I'm There?
We can provide you with stopover information to connection cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. We can also help you extend your trip in other ways. How about a wildlife safari before or after your trek? You can opt to tour in the warmth and comfort of a vehicle — or spy deer, rhinoceros and tigers from the back of an elephant! Three day/two night packages can start at about $200. We can arrange stops in New Delhi for a visit to the Taj Mahal — one of the seven wonders of the world. Many people would have felt their trip was incomplete without seeing it. Also popular are Buddhist centers like Dharamsala in India where, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, lives in exile. Others study meditation or learn Thankha painting. We are happy to help you arrange anything you might imagine anywhere in the Himalayan region. Just let us know what you would like to do!↑
10. Are Your Trips Only For Women or Men?
The founder of HHT is a woman but our trips are meant for everyone. Some of our trip leaders and staff are men, as is most of our overseas crew. Please be assured that you will feel totally comfortable traveling with us whether you are male or female.↑
11. Can I Feel Comfortable In Asia As A Gay Man Or Lesbian?
Public discretion is appropriate for westerners visiting other cultures — and that is true for all aspects of life. None of our participants has ever had any trouble with 'being themselves' and have always felt at ease throughout our trips while being a visitor. Ask us if there is a gay person who's done the same trip that you might talk to about their own experiences.↑
12. Do I Need To Worry About Theft?
A western visitor is often viewed as someone quite exotic and very rich. Imagine someone rich enough to spend a lifetime's worth of 'their' money on just one trip. Some pictures of your home, friends, family and pets can lower barriers and allow you local hospitality in homes and monasteries. In most villages your belongings are safe — traditionally there has been little theft. Trailside, keep track of your belongings — something left on the ground may be thought of as abandoned (remember how rich you are perceived to be). In big cities, life is different. If you use common sense, it's harder to be pick-pocketed or robbed, but these things do happen. To be safe, always use a money belt and the a hotel safe for times you go out to stroll city streets. Always ask HHT staff where it's safe to go... then go!↑
13. Do I Need To Worry About Personal Safety?
Don't go out alone in the cities at night until you understand the neighborhoods and have asked staff about your plans — just like home! On treks, conditions vary from area to area. For example, among Buddhists, women have a high status and often run the family business — but it is never advised for a woman to trek alone. A trek with HHT ensures you have privacy and that you can hike safely at your own pace. A trustworthy person is always nearby!↑
14. Do You Automatically Charge A Single Supplement?
No! As long as you are willing to share, we do not charge you extra just because you travel alone. If you desire to room and tent in single accommodations, there is a single supplement of $200 to $400, depending on the trip. In very remote locations we sometimes cannot guarantee that a single room is available, but we do all possible to give you the experience you desire.↑
15. Do You Use Tier Pricing?
We design our trips for small groups of four to eight people. We think this is the ideal group size for exploration and enjoying your trek. As a result, we rarely use tier pricing. We may apply tier pricing to some Tibet destinations as there can be significant cost differences depending on group size. We always try to give a cost advantage to our trekkers and we adjust our administrative practices to give you the best value.↑
16. What Immunizations Or Medications Do I Need?
This will vary for each individual and from destination to destination. We give you a list of recommended medical preparations to show your doctor or an overseas clinic. Travelers to Asia should spend reasonable effort and time for this — it is not worth getting sick! You want to be as healthy and fit as possible before you leave home. Carry any medications that you might need in their original containers and on your person (never in checked luggage). Review your dental health too and carry the recommended first aid supplies.↑
17. Will I Need A Passport Or Visa?
Yes! Most important, your passport must be valid for six months beyond your travel dates. In addition, many countries require a Visa to enter — each country has unique Visa requirements and cost. Some countries, such as Thailand, offer free short term visas to Americans on arrival. Others, like Nepal, offer it on arrival but you must pay ($30.00USD for a two month Nepalese Tourist Visa). For India you must obtain it in advance, through their consulate in your home country, at a cost of $60.00USD (good for up to six months). Tibet and Bhutan require that you travel with an organized group, so we arrange it for you.↑
18. How Do I Pay For My Trip?
Trip registration and application requires a deposit. Payments may be made by check, money order or credit card via PayPal¨ for Visa, Mastercard and American Express. We will send you an invoice for the trip balance which must be paid in full two months prior to departure by check or credit card. We can also create a monthly credit card payment plan or other options to work with you.
Save $100 off the trip cost by paying in-full six months in advance. Many find this is a helpful way to budget their trip — paying for land costs early before finding the best air fare. All our normal cancellation policies apply. For example, if you inform us sixty days before departure that you can't go on your trip, you lose nothing if you transfer to a later trip. Read the booking information on the Our Policies page, or on our Application Form, thoroughly for complete information about cancellation and all HHT policies.↑
19. Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
We recommend full travel insurance coverage including health, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation. You will receive information when you apply for your trek. You may view our preferred partner's information for U. S. participants at http://www.travelinsure.com/what/selecthigh.htm?32307. For those outside the United States, please go to http://www.travelinsure.com/affiliate/wmedboc.htm?32307 for complete international travel insurance information. We require HHT travelers have health insurance as well as evacuation insurance. We don't want to compromise your safety over a minor expense — a helicopter rescue from a remote area can cost thousands and thousands of dollars!
Another important insurance is Trip Cancellation coverage. This insurance protects you if you can't travel because of an accident, ill health, death in the family or other covered reasons. If you don't have health insurance or if the policy you have doesn't cover travel outside the U.S., please let us know right away. We can suggest inexpensive short term health coverage. Some people prefer baggage and other supplemental insurance coverage. We don't require any insurance other than health and evacuation coverage, but encourage you to consider your options. You don't need to purchase your insurance through our provider but you must provide us proof of health and evacuation insurance coverage active for the duration of the trip. Insurance questions can be directed to Travel Insurance Services at 1-800-937-1387 (Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5pm PST) and ask for the Himalayan High Treks travel insurance representative.↑
20. Will I Need Special Equipment?
We give you a detailed packing list specific to your trek. Generally you need a warm jacket, rain gear, duffel bag, sleeping bag and pad (if camping), hiking boots, good long underwear and socks. Some supplies may be rented at local sporting goods outlets if you don't own them.↑
21. How Strenuous Are Your Trips?
Our treks vary from gentle to strenuous. We use a descriptive rating system for our trips, defined on the main page for our Organized Trek section. People in general good health who exercise regularly can easily enjoy our trips. You do not carry a full heavy pack — just a day pack with water, camera, and personal items. Even on our strenuous treks, we usually don't walk more than eight to twelve miles per day (three to six hours — everyone has a different pace). There are also appropriate rest days reflecting the needs of recent air travel or high altitude environment. The most important asset is a good positive attitude and simple physical preparation!
We are happy to discuss whether a specific trip is appropriate for you. We help people with special needs on our trips, such as those recovering from cancer or other serious illnesses. We interview you and all participants on our trips to ensure that everyone enjoys their experience. Ultimately, the responsibility for picking the right trip is yours. Read the information we give you and ask questions. That way, you have access to all the information that will help you decide and prepare. Our cancellation policy is the most generous anywhere: Up to sixty prior to departure, if you decide a trip is not right for you after you register, we allow you to transfer to a different HHT trip and not lose a penny, quid or peso! Read the booking information on the Our Policies page, or on our Application Form, thoroughly for complete information about cancellation and all HHT policies.↑
22. Who Goes On Your Trips?
We've had folks from 12 to 77 years of age (most are 30 to 50) on our trips and everyone from absolute beginners to very experienced mountaineers. We attract adventurers from every walk of life — 'professionals', teachers, students and retired folks as well. HHT Trekkers might come from the San Francisco Bay Area (where we're based), California or from around the world! What they have in common is a healthy, active lifestyle and very interesting lives — each has a special interest in the Himalayan world and its many unique treasures. Himalayan trekking attracts very special people!↑
23. What If Minimum Enrollment Is Not Reached For My Trek?
Most of the time, if a group drops below four members it will still be possible to run your trip. If a leader is already overseas on other trips, they may be able to accompany you. However, a very small enrollment could mean we may not provide a formal U. S. group leader. Nonetheless, be assured that our local guides are professional, experienced and competent. A small group size can also allow them to pay special attention to you!↑
24. What If I Want To Go On My Own Trek Alone Or With My Family And Friends?
Did I hear you say... Independent Treks? Sometimes a group of family or friends want to travel independently. Maybe our schedule doesn't coincide with times available for your travel. Often a custom trip is just right for one or several people who like the independence and flexibility of traveling on their own, but still want the ease and convenience of having HHT plan the trip logistics and provide the amenities. You can benefit from nearly two decades of expertise and personal contact in the Himalaya. A custom trip could be just what you are looking for. We do that!
Many not-for-profit organizations organize treks or tours as a way to raise money or awareness. Himalayan High Treks can work with your organization to plan and coordinate all logistics to create and run your trip.
Any of our organized treks and tours can also occur as custom trips. Minimum numbers for Nepal, Bhutan and India are two for camping treks and one for lodge-based treks or tours. In Tibet a minimum of three or four may be required depending on the itinerary. Let us know your plans and we can put them into motion.↑
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