TREKKING IN TIBET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Treks in Tibet are best done from April to October is the best season. Trekkers may think that it is best to avoid rainy season to trek in Tibet. Actually, rain is not a problem for trekking in Tibet as it is in rain shadow zone due to high Himalayas.

No none of them are. Even the Advanced Everest Base Camp is a straight forward trek or hike. It has steep passes and rocky sections and ice sections, but nothing technical.

A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months is required for processing the visa for China and then the permit for Tibet. You are not allowed to enter Tibet with only a Chinese visa. You need to arrive to Kathmandu prior to 9am on day one of your tour to process the visa. There is a separate procedure for Tibet permit and we ask that you  send your copy of passport three weeks before arrival to us so that we can start the process.

In additional to your Tibet Travel permit, some areas like Mt Kailash and the Everest region require additional permits, which we will apply for on your behalf.

Although our treks are classified as  'treks,' they have substantial altitude gain.  They requires physical fitness and stamina and most importantly, mental fitness. A good exercise and training program is essential and your training should include a lot of hill walking. The trek should not be undertaken lightly, after all, why spend the money if you are not willing to prepare yourself physically as well?

The routes are clearly marked  in most places. On the Advanced base trek there are section where we need to navigate depending on the flow of the glacier.

This really depends on the operator you travel through. The Park authorities do not ask for any medical information on the climbers when permits are purchased. Some operators request the clients complete a medical form, others do not. We require that all of our clients complete a medical form and based on the answers, we may request a letter from your medical practitioner. People suffering with conditions such as severe asthma e.g. should not climb. Regardless, anyone attempting the climb, or any climb for that matter, should ensure that they are medically fit, and convey any medical conditions to the operator they book with.

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an 'unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatise correctly, don't ascent too quickly and drink plenty of water.

There are certain essentials that are needed for most treks and base camp is no different.  The best way to draw up your list is from the base up, i.e. thermal underwear, then hands and feet (gloves, socks etc). Then boots which must be waterproof with good ankle support, trekking pants, trekking tops, short and long sleeve, thermal jacket, outer shell jacket which likewise is windproof and water proof, hat, scarf, beanie, balaclava. Then consider sleeping, i.e. sleeping bag, etc. Accommodation along the route is in guesthouses, so a bed and mattresses are provided. Some include lovely warm duvets, others not, so a sleeping bag is required. If you are camping, then you will still need a sleeping bag but we will supply the sleeping mat.

Then, the last items to add are personal items like toiletries, camera, medicines, water bottle, backpack, camera etc.

We supply a duffel bag on arrival

Unfortunately this is something every trekker has to consider.  Anything from a stomach bug to altitude sickness can quickly stop a trekker in their tracks. If you are ill and need to turn back or even too tired to continue, a porter will walk off the mountain with you and your gear. If you require emergency evacuation, this will be contingent on your insurance cover. It is for this reason that insurance cover for this purpose is mandatory.

Yes you do. We (Nomadic Adventures) do not allow anyone to climb with us unless they have adequate travel insurance. Adequate, means you must be covered for

1) trekking or hiking - this may sound strange, but many insurance list that as an exclusion.

2) altitude up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard cover and often limit it to 3500m or less.

3) Sprains strains and physiotherapy - yes, many insurers exclude this, though ironically, this is what you will most likely need cover for.
4) personal
accident - this is the horrible part of insurance. Yes, you need to be covered in the case of death. We are often told by clients - "if anything happens to me, just leave me there." It is not that simple. Bodies need to be brought home or laid to rest overseas, and this can run into thousands of dollars, creating a huge burden on family members.

We will assist in helping you provide good cover.

Alan Arnette writes a lovely blog on Everest

Those who have trekked in the Himalayas, know that the porters are the heart and soul of your trek. Without their hard work and strength we would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of Everest. IPPG aims to improve safety and health for porters working in the mountains for the trekking industry worldwide. We work to eradicate avoidable illness, injury and death. We do this by raising awareness of the issues among travel companies, guides, trek leaders, sirdars (porters foremen), and trekkers.