Frequently Asked Questions

Q: - As the leader of a large group, can I trek for free? 

A: - Yes, providing your group size meets tour agreed minimum, we include a free place for a leader, company representative and teacher.

• 15 participants in a group – get free trekking packages for one leader.

• 25 participants in a group – get free trekking package for two persons.      

• 40 participants in a group – get free trekking packages for three persons   

Q: - How do you minimize risk to ensure a group’s safety?                          

A: - The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Whilst acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than a reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff and partners.

We aim to do this by:            

• Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your group.

• Seeking medical assurance from you that medical advisor prior to trekking departure to ensure all travelers are suitable for the challenge ahead 

•   Ensuring that our guides are all first aid trained, carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and are fully competent in handling emergency evacuation procedures      

•  Ensuring that our guides carry mobile or satellite phones: Mobile or satellite phone communication is available on most trekking routes which provide direct access to our company.

• Providing a doctor to escort all school trekking groups and on request for charity challenges. Insisting that a complete risk assessment be provided prior travel and trek.

•   Requiring each client to complete and sign our risk assessment form prior to departure for a trek. Insisting     that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers and trekkers. Insurance documentation to be provided prior to any trek.

Q: - How fit do I need to be and is trekking for me?

A: - Most treks are suitable for anyone who is moderately fit. No previous experience is required. To condition yourself for trekking, some physical fitness programs such as regular walking, running, swimming, and hiking are recommended before you embark on your journey. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease s must seek medical advice before considering a trek. Whilst on a trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before you become fully acclimatized to altitude.

Q: - Will somebody meet me at the Airport upon my arrival?

A:-Yes, our Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements) He will be displaying our Mountain Mart Treks & Expedition logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel.   

Q: - What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and while trekking?

A: - We use standard rooms, as per our “Price Includes” section, in Kathmandu. We serve you lodge double room available in the route in sharing basis. This service provide as per trekking plan you purchased with us. Lodges are mostly in village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. For Tea House (lodge) trekking you will get a double room, on shared basis, as per your trekking plan.

Q: - What sort of food can I expect when trekking?

A: -Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day, as per itinerary, is included.  If you have any special dietary requirements please inform us beforehand.

Q: - What sort of transportation do you use?

A: -Mountain Mart Treks & Expeditions is all about providing you with local insights as well as adventure. With that in mind, we use a mixture of local buses and taxis, private mini buses 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. See the “Price Includes” section for your trek’s options. All vehicles are maneuverable and flexible enabling us to take you through the narrow roads of Nepal.  We carefully omit to talk about he crazy, exciting, heart thumping driving that whips you from place to place.

Should you have special transport requests, please contact us.

Q: - When do treks leave? How are trek dates arranged?

A: -We plan each trek to depart at our customer’s convenience. Usually, a day or two after you fly into Kathmandu; spend a day or two in the capital, meeting the team, checking on all the gear and then departing after breakfast on the prearranged day.             

Q: - What weather conditions can I expect when trekking?

A:- Weather in the Himalayas is notoriously difficult to predict: expect the unexpected. Nights are generally much cooler than the day. In winter (December to February) nights can be cold while days are beautiful (and warm when the sun is out). Snow can fall at any time of the year. Temperatures can range from -15o C to 25o C above 5000m.  It is important to stay warm and dry in any conditions – so carry sufficient gear in you pack each day.

Q: - Can I charge my digital camera and other batteries when trekking?

A:- Electricity will not always be available, especially in more remote areas. Carry a second set of charged batteries with you – and don’t forget your adapters! Your guide will know where you will be able to charge your batteries next.

Q: - Will there be any telephonic communication while we are on trek?

A:- There are telephones in a few villages along the routes from which you can make international calls. Cell phone reception cannot be relied on in the mountains and in many regions not at all. If required, we can supply a satellite phone service. Please inform us should you need this service, which must be at your expense.

Q: - Can I use a credit card while trekking?

A: - In most cities yes, to some extent, however once you leave the cities behind, you can only use cash. Make sure that you take sufficient Nepalese rupees for your needs in small denominations. In some places, Dollars, Euros and Pounds will be accepted.

Q: - How much additional money do I need per day?

A: - It all depends on your spending habits. 15 to 20 US$ a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, souvenir shopping of local crafts when available and a few drinks. You can buy these things only in certain villages. 

Q: - Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

A: - Tips are always expected. It is good to tip trekking staff at the end of a trek.  The standard recommendation for tipping is for each person, in a group of 10 or more persons, to tip the guide US$ 10 per day and each porter US$ 3 per day.     For groups of one or two persons and above USD$ 12 per day for guide and USD$ 5 for porter is recommended.

Q: - Do I need to bring purifying tablets and filter?

A: - Please bring a water bottle to fill with purified water. We will provide you with purified water to each day. So you don’t need anything unless you want to bring your own water purifier (If so, please inform us beforehand). You can also buy mineral water in some villages along the trail.

Q: - Are the MMT (Mountain Mart Trek) Agency's staff insured?

A: - Yes, our company insures all our trekking staff: guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters.

Q: - What essential documents do I need to carry with me on the trek?

A:-A valid Passport – which must be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your tour. It needs to contain few blank pages. Bring minimum five copies of passport size photos to issue your arrival Nepal visa (which is payable only on USD cash) and trekking permits

- Travel insurance; keep a separate photocopy with Mountain Mart Trek and into your main baggage.

- Cash and Traveler’s Checks: keep serial numbers and proof of purchase separately. 

- Flight tickets

- Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

- Passport photos: 

•             One for your Nepal entry visa at the airport.

•             Four for your trekking permit and more photos for a multiple entry visa for onward trips to your next port.

- Visa fees are:

US$ 25/40/100 for 15 days/30 days/90 days multiple entry that is payable only in USD cash. Maximum number of days should be included in the section about extending a trek.

- Departure taxes are included in flight tickets to any destination since 2005.

Q: - Can I add extra days to my trek?

A: - A trekking holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along the route we can add days at your request (with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food if given sufficient time to make the arrangements.

Q: - Do you use Yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?

A: - Whilst on a trek, our porters will take care of your luggage service as per the “Price Includes” section. Your porter may carry a maximum of 15kg of luggage per person, in a soft bag  A porter carries two trekkers’  bags (30kg).All you need to carry is your small day bag with personal belongings, camera, water, sun cream and sufficient warm and rain clothing for the day.

Q: - What opportunities will I have to shower on the trek?    

A: - Hot showers will be available in some lodges at your own expense.  

Q:- I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

A: - Yes, there are many options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trek. Please browse our trip extension on home page and the following suggestions offer a few possibilities:

-Everest Flight – A one hour early morning flight to see Mt Everest and its surrounding peaks. A ticket

                               includes the flight plus transfers to and from the airport (weather permitting).

- Trisuli River Rafting – A one or two day package, including return road transport.

- Chitwan Jungle Safari Package – 2 nights 3 days. Longer trips are also available.

- Kathmandu City Tour

- Meditation Tour- 2/3 days

- Tibet Tour

- Bhutan Tour

- India Tour

- Volunteering at a School in a Village.

Please contact us for more ideas and information: whatever your interests?

Departure Dates for Frequently Asked Questions