FAQs

What is "Volunteer Trekking"?

 Volunteer trekking is new to Adventure Bound . This type of trekking allows you to visit remote parts of Nepal, well off the beaten path, and help make a difference in local, rural villages. Any area of expertise you have, will be of assistance to these communities. They especially need help with education, women's health, women's rights/empowerment, agro-projects, cash crop growth, crop storage, sustainable development, and English language. While volunteering you will be staying with local families-learning the culture and teaching them about yours. This is the perfect way to give back and learn the real ways of Nepal.

Do your guides speak English?

All guides at Adventure Bound are highly trained in the English language. They are continually required to take English classes and further their skills. If they do not pass a certain level of English proficiency, they are not allowed to become full guides.

What sort of experience do your guides have?

Our guides are all from the mountainous regions of Nepal. Besides having years of experience as porters, assistant guides, and guides, they have a life knowledge of the terrain in which you are trekking. We, at Adventure Bound , spend a great deal of time and resources on the training of our guides-with everything from culture/history classes, cooking classes, language classes to customer service courses-all to ensure you have the best possible experience while trekking.

What problems can arise at high altitudes? Does Adventure Bound recommend taking medicine for altitude sickness?

Altitude Sickness is very serious and is not to be taken lightly. Our guides are all highly qualified in First Aid and recognizing early symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Symptoms include: dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If you are showing signs of Altitude Sickness, our guides will immediately take you to a lower altitude and make sure you have the proper medical attention you need. Our guides are fully equipped with all necessary medicines before heading out on the trail. Note: Altitude Sickness is not to be confused with food borne illness, which can often be considered one in the same. Your guide will know the difference and treat you accordingly.

Will clean drinking water be available?

As previously mentioned, Adventure Bound provides treated drinking water for all clients. It is our personal agenda to stop the use of plastic bottled water in our beautiful Himalayan Mountains, as to curb the environmental destruction caused by tourism. Our highly trained guides will prepare the water for you each day, and make sure you have all that you need for a day's trekking. Bottled water is available, but we highly discourage the use of them, as there are no recycling places for such bottles in Nepal.

Where do we eat and what kind of food is available?

Adventure Bound packages include 3 meals a day. Breakfast and dinner are eaten at the lodges in which you are staying, while lunch is taken along the trail at small, local restaurants. Our prices include 1 item per meal. For example, you can order 1 daalbhat (traditional Nepali meal of rice, lentils, and veg), 1 chow mein, OR 1 fried rice. Anything extra that you'd like, will be an extra cost for you. For breakfast you will usually have a choice of eggs (any style), porridge/muesli, seasonal fruit, toast and Tibetan bread w/ local honey. Lunch and dinner menus generally include a decent range of food, such as - Nepali Dal Bhat, curries, rice, noodles, soups, vegetables and most menus have a selection of western style foods, as well. Soft drinks, snacks, chocolate bars and beer are also available at most places, but will be an extra cost for you. Note: We do not recommend eating meat while trekking, as it is harder to digest at higher altitudes-from which you might be physically slowed down, and most meat is brought in from lower mountainous regions, often without being refrigerated for days-thus increasing your chances of food borne illnesses.

What facilities are available at Tea Houses?

Private rooms are available at most Tea Houses along most routes provided by Adventure Bound . Lodges and, thus, private rooms, become more scarce at higher altitudes-so availability will depend on the season, as well as the high altitude region in which you are trekking. As these are still developing regions, the standard of rooms varies greatly from lodge to lodge, often being nothing more than basic. Most bathrooms are communal and hot water is an extra cost to trekkers. Running water is available at most lodges, as well as electricity. Charging things like cameras and phones is an extra cost to the trekker, as well. Remember: If a Tea House is not suitable to your liking, our guides will do their best to find a place suitable for you-but keep in mind, these are mountainous regions of a developing country-you won't get 5 Star accommodation.

Where do we stay?

During our Tea House treks, you will be staying at local lodges, also known as Tea Houses. Tea Houses are a combination of a guesthouse/lodge and a restaurant. As our company is very well known along the trails, we have a good rapport with a number of different lodges. Our assistant guides or porters are sent ahead of you while trekking to sort your lodgings for the night. It is important to note, that although we are friendly with a number of places, you are not resigned to staying in one specific place. Our itineraries are custom made for YOU, so if one Tea house is not to your liking, our guides will find you one that is.

If you are doing a fully supported camping trek, we provide all necessary equipment, including: two-person insulated tents, sleeping mattresses, a dining tent, tables & chairs, lanterns, and toilet tents. If you are doing a homestay/camping trek, you will be sleeping in tents provided by Adventure Bound and dining at local homes along the trail.

How far do you have to walk each day while trekking?

Adventure Bound strives to make your trek as customized and comfortable as possible, to give you the very best Himalayan experience. The average you will walk each day is 3-6 hours-but this varies depending on the physicality, pace, and desire of the trekkers.

How do you get to and from treks?

Transportation in Nepal is still a developing industry. The roads, vehicles, and other infrastructure are still quite basic. It is our wish at Adventure Bound to make your transition to and from trekking the easiest and most comfortable as possible. Depending on availability, you will be taking local bus transport, private jeeps, and local domestic flights, depending on the location of your trek while in Nepal. We try our best to ensure that you at least ride a tourist bus, if nothing else is available, but often times, especially during Nepali festival times, you will be required to travel by local bus.

What is included in your cost?

Our costs usually include: guide/porter, 3 meals a day (1 item per meal), accommodation, transportation, TIMS card, Conservation passes/permits, and treated drinking water. b. Not included: extra drinks (including tea/coffee at breakfast), hot water for showers, charging costs for cameras/phones, personal items such as toilet paper, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.

How does the booking process work?

Booking online is simple with Adventure Bound . Simply fill out the booking form, pay the deposit, and you're on your way to your next Himalayan adventure. You may pay the remainder of your trip when you reach Nepal, in one of our two offices. Local bookings can be made in either of our offices, and our friendly staff will guide you through the simple process.

Is it possible to organise my own personal group?

It is possible to organize your own trekking group. Simply book with us online or in one of our trekking offices in Thamel, Kathmandu (Mandala Street, next to OR2K Restaurant-or next to Kathmandu Guesthouse), and we will get your next Himalayan adventure sorted. You may choose to have a private group, or keep it open, in which case other travellers can join your group. We allow up to 8 people to join a group.

Can I join a group?

Yes. Adventure Bound specializes in bringing together small groups of people, so you can better enjoy your time on the trail. We aim to keep our groups under 8 people for a more personalized experience. With all of our group joining treks, you may either join a pre-existing trip or book your own with the possibility of other trekkers being added to your group before your departure date.

Should I bring all trekking equipment with me or can I find trekking equipment in Nepal?

All trekking equipment not provided by Adventure Bound can be rented or bought from retailers here in Nepal. You can either rent/buy these items from Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lukla-depending on where your trek is starting/stopping. Note: It may be a good idea to bring your own hiking boots from home, as the quality you find in Nepal may not be up to par with those you will find at home. Also, boots take awhile to break in and get comfortable-so it is best to do this before starting your trek to avoid any discomfort.

How will my booking be processed?

To confirm your booking we will require a non-refundable deposit of $250 which can be made by bank transfer. The balance is payable one month prior to the trip by bank transfer.

Will I be able to deal with the high altitude?

Our itineraries are designed so that our clients ascend at a sensible and safe rate. The effects of altitude are felt by everyone, even the Sherpas, but most people find that gentle acclimatisation allows them to reach their high point without any problems.

I am a single trekker. How does this work?

Normally single trekkers have no problems fitting in with a group. Normally single trekkers share rooms or lodges with other trekkers of the same sex, but if we have an odd-number we ensure that a room or lodge is organised accordingly.

What if the dates for the group treks don't fit my itinerary?

If this is the case, we can organise a bespoke trek for you. Additionally if you want to spend more time in Kathmandu before or after a trek we can organise the hotels and quote you a price.

Do I need to buy special equipment?

Usually our clients simply bring their existing clothing and equipment and if necessary supplement this with some extra items purchased cheaply in Kathmandu.

What equipment is needed for trekking?

All technical equipment for mountain passes, peak climbing, and camping treks are provided by Adventure Bound . Aside from appropriate clothing, found on our "Packing List," both on our website and in our brochures, we recommend brining sleeping bags (up to -20C) for most all treks. It is also necessary to have your own water bottle while trekking. Depending on your physical needs, it is also helpful to bring your own walking sticks/poles.

What is a typical group? Will I fit in?

Groups range in size from 2 up to 12, and typically comprise a range of nationalities and experience. So far, all of our groups have got along very well. One of the attractions of such a trip is the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and personalities.

Am I too young or old?

We have had a range of ages on our trips, from teenager to pensioner, and all have enjoyed themselves without any problems.

How fit do I have to be to do a trek?

Well, you need to be fit enough to comfortably walk for 5-6 hours per day in the mountains on reasonable trails. Also, Adventure Bound offers trekking opportunities for all every age and fitness level. We have different grades on the trekking trial that starts with easy hike to the difficult treks. The level of difficulty is based on the altitude and natural terrain of the trek. If you have a habit of walking for few hours in and around the place you live, the trekking here will be fine for you.

What is the suggested time for trekkers to trek Himalayas of Nepal?

Except June, July and August, all other months are considered to be fair for trekkers but as always the Sept-Nov and Feb-May are the best season with good weather having great views of the mountains. During the Monsoon season (June-August), there are some other places to visit with joy such as Mustang and the Upper West part of the Annapurna Circuit, as these treks are in the "Rain Shadow" and virtually untouched by Nepali Monsoon.

What is the weather like in Nepal?

Nepal is an extremely diverse country for its size which we can tell from its variation in altitude in short distance, within the distance of 200 Kilometers; altitude varies from 60 meters to 8848 meters high. Hence the temperature can range from extremely hot (37-40C) in the lower Terai regions, to negative temperatures in the northern, mountainous regions. Feb-May & Sept-Nov are prime trekking times due to the lovely climate. There is ample sun in the day time and only slightly chilly at night. Monsoon (June-Aug) can get very hot and humid-with showers usually in the early morning and late afternoon. The climate of the major cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara are favorable in all time. Even then, the trekkers are seen in the trekking route and attraction sites throughout the year as their holidays might not always fall in the best season as we suggest.

Is Adventure Bound an eco-friendly travel company?

Yes, Adventure Bound believes in nature and its purity hence Adventure Bound always does its best to promote the eco friendly tourism. Adventure Bound strongly obeys the rule “take photograph nothing more, leave footprints nothing more’. After many years of working in the trekking industry, Adventure Bound has seen the effect that tourism can have on the environment; therefore, Adventure Bound has trained all its staff regarding keeping the nature clean. We carry out all of our rubbish with us, an expense that, unfortunately, not all the operators see as justified. Our cooking is done over adapted gas or kerosene stoves –never firewood. We encourage water purifying tablets rather than buying bottled water.

What makes Adventure Bound (P) Ltd special in comparison to other companies?

The team of Adventure Bound consists of highly experienced, work wise expert and well trained staff, ensuring you have the highest quality service during your Nepal holidays. We work hard to ensure you have a customized trip, thus enhancing your Himalayan experience to be one of the lifetime’s best memories. We do believe in hard work and a positive response towards the client’s need. The eco-friendly attitude of all the staff proves that we are the best in terms of caring nature. These factors that you see in our service make us special to other companies of Nepal.