Holy kunda and festival trekking

Bhairav Kunda trek - 14 days

Trip Highlights:
❖ Explore historic monasteries, stupas, and monuments.
❖ Get the chance to delve into the culture and lifestyle of Tamang, Gurung and
Newar community.
❖ Explore Tibetan-influenced Tamang culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
❖ Exploration of dozens of lakes including Holy Bhairav Kunda Lake.
❖ Magnificent views of the Rolwaling Mountain range, Dorje Lakpa (6966m),
Madiya (6257m),Jugal Himal, Phurbi Ghhyachu (6637m) and more.
❖ Adventurous camping trek to the untouched area of the Langtang region.
❖ Taking the natural hot spring in Tatopani

The Trip:
Bhairav Kunda(4250m.) Trek is a popular spiritual trek takes you excursing to the
holy tranquil lake located in the mountains of the Langtang region of Nepal. The
Bhairav Lake is named after one of the destructive avatars of Lord Shiva who
embodies anger and destruction. The serene lake on top of the mountain is like a
blue diamond surrounded by white snow. The Bhairav Lake is an important
pilgrimage site and many pilgrims of Hindu and Jain religion can be seen visiting the
lake during the full moon day of August. Apart from its religious importance, the
Bhairav Lake is also known for its spectacular location. From around the lake’s
acreage, views of the Rolwaling Mountain range, Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Madiya
(6,257m),Jugal Himal, Phurbi Ghhyachu (6,637m) and many other mountain peaks
can be seen that lie around the Tibetan border. Your trail winds along an old trade
route between Nepal and Tibet through a number of unspoilt Buddhist villages, past
shortens and Sherpa houses.

With religious values and extraordinary sceneries, Bhairav Kunda trekking can be a
perfect destination for curious travellers with many things to know about the
religion of the nation.

Fast Facts:
❖ Bhairav Kunda stands steadily 4,250 meters high from the sea level.
❖ People of Nepal celebrate the Janai-Purnima (a very famous festival of Nepal)
and on that day, especially on the full moon day of August.
❖ Some people believes, people with a pure soul can see the reflection of Lord
Shiva that’s lying under the water.
❖ Almost half of the year it gets frozen. From October to June the water of this
lake gets frozen because of the winter and the high altitudes.
❖ The opportunity of visiting the Duganagadi Fortress 2400m, the women’s
monastery of Chagam and having an awe-inspiring mountain views from
Phunboche Hill 3800m

Itinerary glance:
❖ Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel
❖ Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
❖ Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Jalbire (1000 m) Trek Approx: 3 – 4 hrs
❖ Day 04: Trek to Chanaute (1,350 m) Trek Approx: 4 – 5 hrs
❖ Day 05: Trek to Khani Gaon (2000 m) 5 – 6 hrs
❖ Day 06: Rest-Day at Khani Gaon
❖ Day 07: Trek to Forest Camp (3,150 m) 6 – 7 hrs
❖ Day 08: Trek to Pati (3,765 m)Trek Approx: 4 – 5 hrs
❖ Day 09: Trek to Bhairav Kunda (4,250 m) Trek Approx: 3 – 4 hrs
❖ Day 10: At Bhairav Kund
❖ Day 11: Trek from Bhairav Kund to Sherpa Gaon (2,500 m) Trek Approx: 6- 7
hrs
❖ Day 12: Trek to Larche (1,500 mt) Trek Approx: 5 – 6 hrs
❖ Day 13: Trek from Larche drive back to Kathmandu
❖ Day 14: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

Accommodation:
Destination - Hotel
Kathmandu (3 Nights) - Radisson Hotel / Similar
Trekking Overnight (10 Night) - TeaHouse/Lodge/tented camp

Itinerary:
❖ Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel

Kalpa Tours representative will pick you up from the International airport
and transfer to the hotel. Brief discussion of the trek details and coordinate
any last minute arrangements.

❖ Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.

 After breakfast, we will be escorted by our tour guide today to visit UNESCO
heritage sites to give us a full taste of our vivid culture image and the
enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we will go to
Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and
Pashupatinath Temple. Then visit the Boudhanath Stupa: the biggest stupa in
Nepal and one of the bigger stupa in the world. Again we will be visiting
Pashupatinath Temple and it is one of the most sacred temples in the entire
Hindu world. Back to the hotel and final preparation of the trek-Introduction
with our trekking guide and other team. Check your equipment list, If
anything needs to be bought, we can buy it around the Hotel.

❖ Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Jalbire (1000 m) Trek Approx: 3 – 4 hrs
We'll leave after breakfast and head to Jalbire. From Kathmandu to Jalbire,
it's about a 5-hour scenic trip. Jalbire is known for its beautiful mountain
vistas. The whole Balephi Valley is magnificent and from here we drive
further on a dirt road to Jalbire. On the banks of the Balephi River, Jalbire is
home to the Hindu temple of god Bishnu, which is rich in Newari culture.
This is where we pitch our tents for the night, complete with all meals.

❖ Day 04: Trek to Chanaute (1,350 m) Trek Approx: 4 – 5 hrs

Today is an easy walk of about 4-5 hours along a road to Chanaute(1350 m).
Before reaching Chanaute, the path passes through a few small Tamang
settlements and fields, with views of the beautiful waterfall. Chanaute is a
small village where the Brahmans and Chettri people make up the majority of
the population. From our lodge, we may rest and take in the beautiful
mountain views.

❖ Day 05: Trek to Khani Gaon (2000 m) 5 – 6 hrs

After breakfast, our next trek will be to Khani Gaun. It takes roughly 5-6
hours to walk from Chanaute to Khanai Gaon. The hike is a little more
difficult and steep following uphill steeps. However, the hike will be enjoyable
because we will be able to visit beautiful villages and streams along the way.
Khani Gaun is a Newar village, and it is thought that locals from Bhaktapur
migrated here to save their lives during the Gorkha-Bhaktapur battle.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Khani Gaon.

❖ Day 06: Rest-Day at Khani Gaon

Today is our leisure day in Khani gaonToday’s day is designated for
acclimatization where we will get to explore and to study the culture and
tradition of this picturesque Newari village. we can trek to Dalle Pokhari. we
can also interact with the local Newari people in this village. Overnight stay
at the guesthouse.
❖ Day 07: Trek to Forest Camp (3,150 m) 6 – 7 hrs
Today we have a steep uphill climb through the Rhododendron forest. We
have about 5-6 hours of walking today and while harder than previous days,
it is a great chance to take in the truly beautiful forests of Nepal. On the way
we will see some nomad houses for cattle and if we are lucky we also
encounter some wild animals like Himalayan bears and snow leopards.
Tonight we camp at the forest for the overnight stay.

❖ Day 08: Trek to Pati (3,765 m)Trek Approx: 4 – 5 hrs

Trekking today is also a steep uphill climb. We also have to take a few short
breaks in between. The walk finally leads to the top of the ridge offering
striking views of the surrounding landscapes and of the snow-capped
mountains. The ridge lies in the midst of the alpine pine and rhododendron
forest. After trekking for nearly 4-5 hours, we will reach the wonderful site at
Pati. The campsite at Pati offers glorious mountain views. We can find rest
houses here made for the pilgrims. The rest houses are for those who come
for a holy homage pilgrimage to Bhairav Kund on auspicious time as per the
Hindu calendar.

❖ Day 09: Trek to Bhairav Kunda (4,250 m) Trek Approx: 3 – 4 hrs

After having breakfast at Pati, we start our trek towards the Bhairav Kunda
which is about 3 hours walking from Pati at an altitude of 4,250 m. First, a 1-
hour walk goes uphill, followed further by about 2 and a half hours. It is a big
holy lake and nearby there is a small temple of Lord Shiva. During June-
August, thousands of pilgrims come to worship Lord Shiva and take a bath in
the holy lake. Overnight stay at Bhairav Kunda.

❖ Day 10: At Bhairav Kund

Today is a full rest day at Bhairav Kunda, However, the day is anything but
idle. We will go for short hikes and exploration of the surrounding area. Many
devotees believe Lord Bhairav to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Devotees
also take bath in the holy lake. Legend has it that a bath here washes away
the sin of a hundred lifetimes. We can trek to the nearby hill for better
panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. We can also get wonderful
views of the snow-capped mountains of Jugal Himal range. Overnight stay at
Bhairav Kunda.

❖ Day 11: Trek from Bhairav Kund to Sherpa Gaon (2,500 m) Trek Approx: 6- 7
hrs
We have to start our trek a little early so that we can have exciting views of
sunrise from Bhairav Kunda top – 4500 meters. We can also get lovely views
of glimmering mountain ranges namely Langtang, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling and
the Tibetan Range. From here, we will trek down slowly on a steep path for
about four hours through the stunning forest. After trekking for a total of 6
 hours from BHairav Junda, we will reach Sherpa Gaon. Stay overnight in a
tented camp.

❖ Day 12: Trek to Larche (1,500 mt) Trek Approx: 5 – 6 hrs

Today is the last day of the Bhairav Kunda trek. We will follow the trail
downhill for four hours as we reach the bank of the Bhote Koshi River. we'll
reach Larche, our final overnight stop, when we go beyond this river (1500
meters). It takes 5 hours to walk from Sherpa Gaon to Larche. In Larche, we
will stay in a camp. After setting up camp, take a half-hour stroll to the
natural hot spring. we can rest our tired body in the hot spring, which allows
we to relax.

❖ Day 13: Trek from Larche drive back to Kathmandu

We'll be taking a bus from Larche back to Kathmandu today. The voyage is
full of breathtaking sights and breathtaking views of nature. The journey
takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. In Kathmandu, spend the night in a
hotel and we also enjoy a farewell dinner.

❖ Day 14: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end. Our leader will be on hand
to help us with our onward travel arrangements, including a private van ride
to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport roughly 3 hours before your
flight and a flight back to your home or other vacation destination.

Inclusions & Exclusions:

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES?
❖ Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist
vehicle
❖ Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu
including breakfast
❖ Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by a private tourist vehicle
❖ All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
❖ Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and
occasionally dormitory-style rooms ( 16 nights only)
❖ Local Kalpa Trip licensed English-speaking trekking guide
❖ The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during
the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests)
❖ Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff
❖ Area Permits and TIMS permit for trekking
❖ Down jacket and sleeping bag by Kalpa Trip (which need to be returned after
the trek)
❖ Free Kalpa Trip duffle/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep)
❖ Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara
❖ Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances
❖ All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
❖ Official expenses

Exclusions:
WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE?
❖ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
❖ Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and
evacuation (See the travel insurance page.)
❖ International airfare and airport departure tax (See the international flights
page.)
❖ Nepal entry visa; you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at
Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple
Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign
currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be
obtained by paying US $ 125. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
❖ Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
❖ Personal trekking equipment (Click on the Equipment tab.)
❖ Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
❖ Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section

Your Leaders:
Here at Kalpa Trip, we firmly believe that the way to get the most out of your staff is
to treat them well; a happy staff is a hard-working staff. And this belief manifests
itself in every way we deal with our staff. We employ only local leaders and staff to
help sustain the local communities we work with. We provide training for all our
staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the following as a minimum:
❖ Intensive Wilderness First Aid
❖ Trekking Guide Training
❖ Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
❖ English and other related Languages
❖ Conservation & Biodiversity
❖ Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition/climbing leaders)
We can guarantee your trip will be led by the best, most professional and
experienced guides. All of our guides are fluent English-speakers and if you like we
also have guides fluent in other languages (Japanese, French, Spanish, German and
Italian). All our guides are carefully selected for their experience, leadership skills
and personal ability. We have learnt that effective leadership is vital for a trip to be
safe, enjoyable and successful.
In fact, not only are all our guides experienced working in these regions, but most
of them actually grew up in these mountainous regions of Nepal. Its home for them,
it’s in their blood. They’re not only ‘familiar’ with local communities and culture;
they’re a part of them and they practice it. They truly love their home and relish
getting the opportunity to show travelers.

Essential Accessories:
The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing
needed for this trek.
This is a porter-supported trek. Two clients share one porter. We will supply you a
trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items and this bag is carried by the
porter. You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the
daypack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera,
toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc.
The weight limit for the porter is 30 kg or 66 pounds. 15 kg or 33 pounds for each
client. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the
weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the
Kathmandu hotel.

General:
❖ 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be
returned after the trek.)
❖ Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary kalpa trip duffel bag which is
yours to keep.)
❖ Daypack
❖ Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes
above 4,380 m. We can provide it if you need one but has to be returned after
the trek.)

Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

❖ Sun hat (We will provide you a complimentary Kalpa Trip hat.)
❖ Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
❖ Sunglasses with UV protection
❖ Headlamp
❖ Neck warmer

Hand
❖ Liner gloves
❖ Heavier shell gloves

Core Body
❖ T-shirts
❖ Lightweight expedition thermal tops
❖ Fleece jacket or pullover
❖ Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
❖ Synthetic sports bras (For women)

Lower Body – Legs

❖ Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
❖ Nylon hiking shorts
❖ Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
❖ Water/windproof trousers
❖ Casual pants

Feet
❖ Liner socks
❖ Heavyweight socks
❖ Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
❖ Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
❖ Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Miscellaneous, but Important!
❖ Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
❖ Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu
just in case you need to change the date of your flight.)
❖ Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
❖ Water bottle/bladder
❖ Water purification Iodine tablets
❖ Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand
wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
❖ Adjustable trekking poles
❖ Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
❖ Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
❖ Binoculars
❖ Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
❖ Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we
still recommend you to bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
❖ Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
❖ Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
❖ Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
❖ Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for
altitude sickness
❖ Anti-infection ointments
❖ Band-aids
❖ Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
❖ Sunscreen (SPF 40)

This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there
are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your
experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above
equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can often
be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a
base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.

Essential Info
Altitude Sickness Info
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in general, may
occur when people ascend quickly in altitudes of over 3000 m. During our trekking
and climbing trips, we ensure minimal risk by keeping rest days in our itineraries.
Most people will feel some effects of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly
lightheadedness, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different
and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost
every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and
also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it. We
do however recommend you to get advice from your physician before you leave.
The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to
minimize the effects.
We, at Kalpa Trip, take the safety of our clients very seriously. We ask all our clients
to submit a copy of their insurance prior to the departure, so that we can proceed
with evacuation when necessary. All our guides, porters and staffs are facilitated
with cell phones (GSM and CDMA) during the trips. While on trips to remote
pockets of the country where there is no connectivity, the guides are equipped with
satellite phones for emergencies .
About AMS
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.

1. Normal AMS Symptoms – Should expect but not worry

Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but should
not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no
matter how slowly he or she ascends.
● Periods of sleeplessness
● Abnormal need of more sleep (often 10 hours or more)
● Occasional loss of appetite
● Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude
● Periodic breathing
● The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially
above 3500 meters
● Runny nose
● Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
● Dizziness

2. Mild AMS Symptoms – NEVER GO HIGHER

Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS. Admit or
acknowledge that you are having symptoms. The following symptoms characterize
mild AMS:
Mild headache
● Nausea
● Dizziness
● Weakness
● Sleeplessness
● Dry Raspy cough
● Fatigue/Tiredness
● Loss of appetite
● Runny nose
● Hard to breathe
What to do if a mild symptom doesn’t go away?
● If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with
your head out of the sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
● If mild symptoms develop while walking, stop, have rest, drink some fluids
and take 125-250 mg of Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to
begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and take rest.
● If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250 mg of Diamox and drink
plenty of fluids again.
● If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying, it is safe to take another
250 mg of Diamox 6-8 hours later.
● If mild symptoms continue getting worse, try descending for a few hours
which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher
will definitely make it worse. You’re here to enjoy trekking, not to feel sick.

3. Serious AMS Symptoms – IMMEDIATE DESCENT

● Persistent, severe headache
● Persistent vomiting
● Ataxia (loss of coordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the
sufferer look drunk)
● Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
● Mental confusion or hallucinations
● Liquid sounds in the lungs
● Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough
● Difficulty breathing
● Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest
● Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign)
● Severe lethargy/fatigue
● Marked blueness of face and lips
● High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
● Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse

Dangerous Cases of AMS

● High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. HACE can lead to unconsciousness and
to death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2
days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia, begin treatment with medication,
oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8 mg of dexamethasone is given as a first
dose, then 4 mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 litres/minute
oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will
often be used first if available.

● High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for
all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a
mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC
(portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no
PAC bag or oxygen, then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to
unconsciousness and death very quickly.

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

● Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters)
● Don’t make rapid Ascent. Don’t go too far too fast.
● No Alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking
● Drink more fluid 3-4 litres a day, clean water, boiled or treated, tea, coffee,
soup and juice
● Climb high and sleep low
● Do not trek/travel alone; take guide/porter
● Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book
● Descent if mild symptoms are rapidly getting worse
● Never leave a sick person or let him him/her descent alone
● Avoid getting cold
● Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if it’s longer

First-Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers.
Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more
comprehensive kit.
● Bandage for sprains
● Plasters/Band-aids
● Iodine or water filter (optional)
● Moleskin/Second skin – for blisters
● Antiseptic ointment for cuts
● Antibacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
● Aspirin/Paracetamol – general painkiller
● Oral rehydration salts
● Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin)
● Anti-diarrhoea medication (antibiotic)
● Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium – optional)
● Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
● Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
● Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
● Gel hand cleaner.

Fitness & Experience Required:

Bhairav Kunda trekking is categorized as moderate trek with 6 hours of average
walking per day. There’s no doubt that this trek is one of Nepal’s premier hiking
itineraries; it’s also a challenging route with lots of ups and downs. But if you’re in
reasonably good physical condition and don’t mind basic accommodation in village
teahouses, there’s no reason to worry about the difficulty of this route. The trekking
reaches a maximum altitude of just over 4,000 meters.

Visas & International Flights:

Obtaining a Nepalese visa on arrival is easier except that you may have to spend
some precious time queuing. If you get your visa in advance, you can avoid the
queue. Visa is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport upon entry in
Kathmandu, Nepal, and at Nepal borders of India and Tibet. The Immigration
department of Kathmandu or Pokhara can extend the tourist visa for a total of 120
days. Note: If you are staying for more than 15 days, don’t forget to arrange a visa
for 30 days. . Please be advised to check the current regulation. Visa regulation can
change without prior notice.

Medical Information

Travel Insurance
Please Note: – Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Kalpa's tours and
packages.
Traveling is filled with fun and adventure but the shadow of risk is always there.
One never knows what lies in store at the next corner, so one should always be
prepared for unforeseen risks and hazards that one may face! Travelling in the
beautiful Himalayas is fraught with danger. The rugged terrain and soaring heights
may steal your heart away but these are places where one should be careful every
step of the way. One could suffer a fall or an altitude sickness while traveling in the
Himalayas. While trekking or climbing in the high mountains, as you ascend higher
the air gets thinner and the oxygen level in the atmosphere depletes. You could
suffer from AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) which may kill if left untreated. Nature
may also play truant and throw several hurdles on your way by way of landslides,
cloudburst, avalanche, snowstorm etc., which may leave you stranded in the high
mountains. In such situations an emergency rescue via air (helicopter/air
ambulance) will be necessary. This may prove to be expensive if you don’t have
insurance cover. Sometimes you may miss your flight, lose your baggage or your
vacation that you have already booked and paid may get cancelled without you
getting any refunds. All these may burn a hole in your pocket if you are not insured.
So it is wise to take out a Travel Insurance before you take that next trip, especially
if you are travelling to the Himalayas.

Trekking Crews
During the trek, you will be accompanied by our local best-trained and well-
experienced guides / Sherpa to make your journey even more comfortable and
memorable. All guides are well trained licensed with a prior experience they have
spent years trekking / climbing a peak all over the world. Porters will also be
assigned to carry your luggage. __ people will be assigned to one porter weight not
exceeding __kgs. We divide a proportion of one porter for two members and one
assistant guide with 8 members. If required we can also have one porter per person.
Our crew members are the local people of high Himalayas remote areas and their
physical endurance and heredity nature can live easily and comfortably at high
altitudes without being affected. All our staff are very valuable to us, they are well
paid and we take care of their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging throughout the
trek.

Currency Exchange
We can exchange most of the foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate
money exchanges mostly in the hub areas. Small amounts of cash can also be
exchanged at the hotel. During the trek, there are no banks and money exchange
services so you should exchange your money in Kathmandu only, depending on
how much personal expense you require as in the Himalayan region people only
accept Nepalese Currency

Weather Condition
Trekking is highly dependent upon the seasonal condition. The best season for this
trek is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November,
early December).

Food and Nutrition Care

Breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara Hotel and All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
during the trek is taken care of by Kalpa Tours. The food on the trek is similar to
other treks in Nepal. The main local dish is dal bhat, rice and lentils with some curry
and porridge, boiled eggs or an omelette for breakfast. Food does get a bit more
expensive as altitude increases, this is understandable since porters have to carry
everything up the mountain. Some unique meals to try on this trek is Gurung Bread
which is a deep fried bread, Rosti a very filling potato cake that is fried in the pan
like a patty, order this with two eggs on top if you are very hungry.

We highly advise to minimize use of plastic during the trek. Please always
remember that there are no any plastic recycle facilities up in the Mountains. In
this regard we highly recommend you to use boiled water and carry your own water
bottle for drinking or use water purification tablets instead of buying water in
plastic bottles.

Accommodation
Accommodation service for travelers as per their request from 5 star hotel to
normal guest house in main city areas where available, while the price of the trip
might alter on that basis. Langtang Region is a destination for a wide range of
trekking routes and packages, good quality of accommodation options are available
there. During the trekking, we will provide tea house accommodation. Most of the
Tea Houses have running water facilities. Many of them have hot water available for
bathing at additional cost. During a Tea House trek you will usually have breakfast
and dinner in the Tea House; lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants.

Vehicle
We use a mixture of taxis, private mini buses or cars for city sightseeing and airport
pickups and sometimes land cruisers for journeys into the mountains, to and from
trekking points. The choice of vehicle will also depend on the size of your group. All
vehicles are maneuverable and flexible enabling us to take you through the narrow
roads of Nepal.

Luggage
The weight limit for the trek is 9 kg per guest, as two people will be assigned with
one porter and it is the maximum weight that the porters can carry. All stuff that
you have, not necessary to take to trekking as this makes your porter extra heavy
and things can be lost and damaged during the trek. You can leave such stuff in a
locker at your Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara or our office store. Luggage storage
facility is absolutely free of cost.

Communication Access
Throughout the lodges at Bhairav kunda trekking there is very limited access to the
Internet. There are telephones in a few villages along the routes from which you
can make international calls. Cell phone reception is not reliable in the mountains
and in many regions not at all. If required, we can supply a satellite phone service.

Power Source & Recharge

You can easily charge your electronic devices on the trail. Throughout the trek
electricity for the camera and mobile battery recharge is available however, most of
the tea houses may charge extra cost for charging electronics and use of hot water.

Safety & Security

Safety is the utmost important concern for us. For the trek, we will be carrying all
the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits. Our leaders and guides have vast
knowledge and have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick due to the
altitude, it is entirely up to the trekker to decide if he/she will further continue, as
health is very important. In case of emergency, the rescue helicopter will always be
ready to bring you back from the higher elevation.
Extra Personal Cash
All our valuable clients will have to bring personal spending money with them to
cover the costs of the visa process, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages,
snacks for the trek, hot and cold drinks, tips to the trekking crew members,
souvenirs, etc. We recommend bringing cash (dollars) that can be changed to
rupees here cause during the trek as only Nepalese currency is accepted.

On Group/Single trip
Responsible Travel
We strongly believe that our environment has to be protected as tourism may bring
negative effects on it. We highlight the positive aspects of tourism in the
environment and we organize eco-friendly trips about the most environmentally
sensitive and culturally rewarding that meet the expectation of both travelers and
communities.

Trip Extensions
After the completion of the trek, you may want to stay a couple of days extra in
Nepal. With the free time, exploring, visiting a tour of Kathmandu, sightseeing,
Nagarkot view trip, Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing are such
activities that can be done.
Secure Payment Mode
Kalpa Tours is a government authorized, registered, licensed, and bonded as
trekking and touring operator in Nepal.

FAQ:
● Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it
would cost you significantly higher to book through us.

● Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local
porters. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 100 per person for guides
and porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and
personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you spend at
least 10% of your total trip cost for tipping.

● Is it ok to take photographs of people of Villages?

Yes, it is ok and they really get a kick out of seeing themselves in print. But it is
better to take permission from them before taking photographs. Sometimes they
may get angry when taking photos without asking them.

● Should I feel embarrassed expecting a porter to carry my pack?

Definitely not. If you can afford a personal porter it is highly recommended. It gives
wages to the people who earn a living for trekking. This is the terrain where they
grew up. Hence they make walking up and down mountains look easy.

● Are there any age restrictions?

No, there isn’t any age restriction. We can design treks for children/teenagers/
pensioners. For children and pensioners, we offer short and easy treks around
Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley. For adults and teenagers, we offer moderate to
hard treks to Everest Base Camp/ Manaslu/ Dolpo/ Mustang/ Annapurna/
Langtang etc.

● What happens in case of an emergency?

In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we surely believe will not
happen; you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all
the expenses incurred in the event of your having to be evacuated; please make
sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or you must be
prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

● Is it healthy to take shower during a trek?

You can get hot shower services throughout the trip. However, the higher you
climb the less pleasant it will be and warm water in the bucket will be provided
for shower that would cost you extra about USD 2-4 per shower.

● Do I need any extra documents?

Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos
(passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for
permits.

● Is the food on the mountain prepared to international standards in terms of

safety?
YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the
vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.

● Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later or do I HAVE to pay
a deposit at booking/reservation?
● When I pay the remainder of the money on arrival in Kathmandu, how do you
take that money? US cash or credit card?
● What is your cancellation policy?
● How do I find you at the airport?
● Is it possible to change lodge if it is not to my choice?
● Do you arrange private treks?
● Do you provide any equipment while trekking?