When is the best time to visit the Himalayas?
We recommend the best season to visit the Himalayas is before or after the monsoon season. Autumn (September until mid-December)provides the clearest skies and best mountain views. The spring season (mid-February to May) is another favorable season when colorful flowers are in bloom and the mountain views are wonderful. During these two periods, the clouds and rains disappear and the entire Himalayan range is visible.
Spring (Mar-May):
Springtime is the second-best season to visit the Himalayas. The temperature is mildly warm during the day and nice and cool in the night. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the vast Himalayas and see the blooming flowers like varieties, like the lovely rhododendron and magnolia, which paint the forests bright colors.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug):
From June to August, you will likely face relentless rainfall in the Himalayas. Leaches make their homes in the wet, muddy stretches of the trail. The mountain views are not as common during this season. The best part about trekking during the monsoon season, though, is that you will run into few tourists along the trail.
Autumn (Sep-Nov):
This is the best time to visit the Himalayas and is peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant with clear blue skies. One can truly enjoy the scenic views of the majestic snowy peaks. The autumn has is the season to observe and take part in festivals, including Dashain and Diwali/Tihar.
Winter (Dec-Feb):
During the winter season, the weather is cool during the day and cold at night. The skies are clear, and there is always the chance of snowfall at around 2500+ meters. If you are willing the brave the extreme cold and possible snowfall, the winter season is a good choice for trekking!
How fit do I need to be?
Anyone in reasonably good health can join our trips. Our tours especially have no required or recommended level of fitness. Also, activities on tour are optional, so you can choose them according to your fitness level. Our treks range in their difficulty and recommended fitness. Often more important than one’s fitness is their determination and will power to finish the trek. Expeditions/peak climbing trips require more fitness, as they require days and days at extreme altitudes.
Note: You should check with your doctor concerning your health and fitness before beginning your journey. Please inform Ashmita Trek and Tours of any pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities.
Do I need to have previous trekking experience to book a trek?
Experience is not required for our treks, though is recommended for more difficult ones. Expeditions, though, require previous experience.
What is the usual number of people in a trekking group?
The average group size is around 10-12 people with a maximum of 13. The minimum number of travelers on any trip is around 4-5 although this is not common. If you would like to book a private trip (for an additional cost), that is possible.
How difficult are the treks and expeditions?
Tours are easy and can be experienced by everyone. Each trek and expedition has the level of difficulty listed on its page. Know that on any given trek, you may be hiking for 6-7 hours per day or more.
What are the accommodations like while trekking?
The accommodations along the trail depend on which trek you are taking. For the most part, trekkers stay in teahouses/guest houses. These are on twin sharing basis, with a restaurant/social space during meals. Teahouses/guest houses are fun places to stay where you will meet people from all over the world and they often have great views. Most teahouses have running water and some can provide hot water for an additional cost. Some places have shared bathrooms, while others have private ones. Some treks, particularly in Sikkim, are tent camping. The specific details are found in the itineraries of each trek.
Is there electricity/battery charging places in the tea houses?
In short, it depends on the teahouse. Some have charging stations for free, some require you to pay a small fee, while others do not have charging stations at all. Ask us for details and we can check ahead of time which villages and teahouses have electricity/charging stations and which no not.
What kind of food and drinks are served during the trek?
Almost every teahouse serves the traditional Nepali meal, dal bhat (rice and curried lentils) with a side of tarkari (vegetable curry), and sometimes meat if you pay extra. There is a saying in Nepal, ‘dal bhat power – 24 hour,’ which you will be reminded of along the trail. Teahouses offer other meals, like pasta, soup, and sometimes in pizza and French fries. The beautiful thing about dal bhat, though, is that you can have seconds or thirds if you are still hungry. Soda, beer, and tea are also available at most teahouses.
Where do we get water during the trek and is it safe to drink?
All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail, simply because it is not necessary and it is difficult to dispose of the bottles afterward. There are two options for getting safe drinking water: bring your own purification tablets, or pay a small fee from the recognized and regulated pure water stations along the trail. Note that these stations are not found on all trekking trails. Ask us for more details if you have any questions.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, we require all people traveling with us to have travel insurance. Make sure that it covers medical emergencies, theft, etc.while abroad.
Is it safe for women to travel alone with Ashmita Trek & Tours?
we are aware about safety of female travelers. we completely guarantee the safety of the women travelling or trekking with us. We will give you a personal room on lodge and personal tent for camping while trekking. we provide female-friendly guide and porter. we are female friendly Company.
What happens if I get hurt or sick on the trail?
Our guides carry a comprehensive medical kit. It is recommended to bring your own personal medical kit, especially if you take specific medication. If you bring your own kit, we recommend antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, headache pills, diarrhea treatment, re-hydration salts and things for blister care.
Is altitude sickness a common problem while trekking?
Altitude sickness is possible from 3000 meters and above. Our itineraries are designed to prevent this by ascending slowly and taking extra days for acclimatization when recommended. However, it is still possible and can cause problems. If you feel symptoms, please let us know as soon as possible.
What equipment should I bring for the trek/expedition?
Backpack: a trekking backpack with multiple compartments to help keep your personal belongings safe and organized that is comfortable to walk with.
Clothing: Most trekking routes go from low to high altitudes. We suggest you bring a sweater, t- shirt, fleece jacket, breathable trousers, long johns, several pairs of socks (including wool socks), a water proof jacket, light wind-proof/water-proof jacket, long sleeve shirt, woolen cap and hand gloves. It is best to have at one article of each, rather than several of one layer.
Hiking Boots: Make sure you wear the right footwear that is durable and has complete grip.
First Aid: We recommend bringing your own first aid kit to heal minor injuries, cuts, or burns.
Sleeping Bag: Most teahouses have blankets, but it is wise to bring a good sleeping bag (-10C), because it can get very cold at night.
Others: Headlamp, walking stick, sunscreen
Note: We do have rental gear at our office in Darjeeling. Reach out to us for what is available.
Do I need a permit to trek in Darjeeling/Sikkim/Nepal?
Almost everywhere in the Himalayas requires a permit for trekking. Do not worry, we take care of all those logistics upon your arrival. The cost of permits is included in all trekking packages.
How do I acquire a visa?
For Nepal, visas are conveniently acquired at Tribhuvan International Airport (if you come by flight). If you come overland, visas can be obtained at each border crossing. Check which border crossings international visitors are allowed through. Some only allow Indians and Nepalese to cross there.
For India, visas can be obtained online (e-visa), only if you are traveling by plane. Also, you can obtain visas through the Indian embassy/consulate near you in your home country.
How much should I tip the guide/porter?
Tipping is a gracious way of saying thanks to your guides and porters.It is not mandatory but expected and always appreciated. Local currency is preferred and unless and you want to tip separately guides will divide tips.
How do I book a trek/tour with you?
After choosing the trip you wish to join, the first step is to send us an email at [email protected] to confirm the availability. Then, a 15% deposit must be made for us to confirm the reservation. All details will be mailed to you by this time. Finally, look forward to an amazing adventure in the Himalayas.
How early should I book my trip?
We recommend booking your trip a few months in advance. That being said, if you come to our office in Darjeeling without booking a trip online, we do our best to book the tour/trek for you. The earlier you can book, the better.
For Additional Information:
If you wish to discuss any aspect or have any additional questions, please contact with our expert by email – [email protected] or to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: +91 – 9733106312.
