Snow Leopard Trek in Dolpo

FAQS

• 1. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon arrival ?
  Yes, our representative will be there to greet you at the airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private car/jeep.
• 2. Is there an Orientation program ?
  Yes, there is going to be a small orientation/briefing program before we embark on our adventure by the tour manager, leader/guide.
• 3. What is the overnight accommodation like ?
  For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use camping for our clients. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, on their request.
• 4. How big are the groups ?
  We believe in operating small intimate group to provide personal attention and services to our guests. Small groups can enjoy the trek hassle free and enjoy the customized trip according to their need and suitability. We do not incorporate more than 14 People in a group, unless we get special requests from our clients.
• 5. For what purpose this trek is Popular ?
  Snow Leopard is a very rare and beautiful species which you can see exclusively in Dolpo. It provides an opportunity to travel ancient villages like Dho Tarap, people here practice centuries old traditions and customs, trail meander around the woods of pine, oak and juniper which homes the endangered animals like the Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep and snow leopard.
• 6. Is Snow Leopard Trek in Dolpo safe for women ?
  Yes, Nepal can boast as the one of the safest country in South Asia for women, you will find people very friendly and respectful towards foreigners especially towards women. As this trek is not so hard to finish, it is mostly done. You won’t be having any difficulty while doing this trek.
• 7. What about security during trekking ?
  We make sure to take security measures during trek to make your trip delightful. We hire experienced and license holding guides to safeguard your life in mountains. We suggest you to follow the guide’s instruction carefully and take responsibility for personal belongings. Always keep your valued belongings near you.
• 8. What sort of food can I expect in trekking ?
  During camping, our expert camping cooks prepare a wide range of delicious meals empowering you with enough strength for your strenuous climbing. All the cooking materials will be carried by our porters.
• 9. Is the drinking water safe in trekking region ?
  There are plenty of water stations on each stop on the route. You can easily fill up the bottle from the open taps. We recommend that you bring water purifier tablets with you or at least get it from Kathmandu before you depart for trekking. You can also buy mineral waters but we usually recommend tap water which is pure and it helps us not promoting plastic bottled water.
• 10. What mode of transportation do you use ?
  We use private car, van and deluxe minibus with A/C depending on the size of the group for the transportation. We then transfer from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on private transportation too. We then fly to Juphal on domestic flight. We also pick up and drop from the starting point to ending point depending on your comfort desires of transportation.
• 11. What is the best season for trekking ?
  October and November are the best seasons for this trekking. December, January and February are still good months for trekking, but it can be bitterly cold at high altitudes.
• 12. Will I be taken care of during emergency ?
  Before coming to Nepal, make sure that you are covered by insurance policy for the altitude of 5500 meters. In the case of an emergency like altitude sickness, dehydration or any medical conditions ask your tour leader/guide to contact us as soon as possible so that we can manage/arrange helicopter for the rescue. Then you will be transferred to hospital for the treatment.
• 13. What is appropriate dress for trekking ?
  Trekking is a tiresome activity that requires a lot of physical movement so pack your active wears and trekking pants for at lower altitudes. Weather at high altitude is unpredictable so carry a light weight waterproof jacket along with thick down jacket, pant and thermal inner wear to escape severe cold. Needless to say that, good shoes are very important for trekking in rough and snowy terrain, so invest on good quality shoes or rent it from us in a minimum price. As you are trekking in remote village try to wear modest clothes to quickly gel up with the local people without hesitation.
• 14. Is it possible to alternate or change the day trips ?
  We customize the trip according to your preference but if you need to change plan during the trek, consult the guide.
• 15. Are we sure to get room while trekking ?
  We contact the lodge/guesthouse owner for reservation of the room before trekking on a particular day. On other days, porters reach the destination on advance and book the rooms for you. But there are always going to be exceptions but even in those cases, we may have to be flexible about very basic sleeping arrangements. We always try to make sure that we have everything well arranged.
• 16. Are your guides reliable and certified ?
  All our guides are trekking experts holding license from Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Government. They are the most valuable assets of the company. Guides know the trekking route like the back of their hand and use their expertise in ensuring your safety in the mountains.
• 17. How can I charge my electronics during the trip ?
  While trekking in higher lands you need to pay for charging the electronics upon request to the owner. The best idea always is to bring your own power bank with you. It's easier and cheaper.
• 18. Is there any communication while we are on trekking ?
  While trekking in Dolpo, you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying the price directly.
• 19. Can I add extra days to my trekking trip ?
  If you need extra day to complete the trekking, you'll need to inform the guide in advance and the guide will let the company know. Adding a day to trekking can result in many changes in other arrangements such as transportation, guides' schedule, flight details, hotel bookings and all, so we really don't recommend this to our clients unless there's an emergency cases. But it's true that those changes could be made but it will cost extra. The best way to do it is to inform the agent company about it.
• 20. What immunizations will I need ?
  Before coming to Nepal, make sure you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Make sure you are in best shape to complete the trekking without any complication.
• 21. How many hours do I trek each day ?
  Usually, we have to walk about 7-9 hours a day. But it shouldn't be taken as certain thing. Because the number of hours of walk really depend on client’s speed. So it's really relative.
• 22. How will my booking be processed ?
  To confirm your booking, a deposit of 15% of total trip amount is required if you are booking at least a year in advance before trip departure date. If booking is made between 100-364 days before the trip departure, you'll need to pay 20% to confirm the trip. If payment is made between 99-60 days, 25% of the total trip amount will need to be paid and if booked between 59-30 days, 50% of the total trip amount needs to be paid and finally, if you are booking 29 days prior to trip departure, then 100% payment should be made. The payments can be easily made by the bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash (preferably USD/EURO) or card on POS/credit card machine. Please note that non refundable fee is 10% or $200 whichever is greater.
• 23. Can we use the credit card during the trek ?
  You cannot use the credit card during the trek. You have to withdraw the money before you start the trek and convert it into Nepali Rupees. You can use credit card only in Kathmandu.
• 24. Do we need to carry our bags by our self or you will provide porters ?
  You have to carry your personal bags with water bottle and medicines remaining bags will be carried by porters to make you easy to trek. The weight limit for porters is 15 KG.
• 25. Are we certain to see the Snow Leopards while embarking on this journey/Trek ?
  No, we can not guarantee the sights of Snow Leopards. We try and prepare our best to show this mysterious cats to our clients. But it shouldn't be taken as one hundred percent. There are chances that we see them but not always.