Reg. No.:180100/074/075

snowdragonsnepal@gmail.com

Snow Dragons Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Himalayan Explorers
  • Snow Dragons Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd.
  • Snow Dragons Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd.

Plan Your Trek

Planning a trip to Nepal ?

 

     Then we invite you to join the Snow Dragons.

                 

                              The Five Dragon W’s:

     Where, When, Why, Whatand Who.

      We, the Snow Dragons, request that you read the below before you contact us.If anything is unclear, if you have your own ideas or a special itinerary you wish to discuss, then do not hesitate to contact us.

     

                        Where -Nepal.

      The Himalaya serves as a barrier between the desert-dry mountain plateau of Tibet and the monsoon-drenched plains of India. Nestled in-between is Nepal, a land-locked land of extremes. Variances that range from the hot and humid lowlands of the Terai in the south, where the tiger roams, to the storm swept eight-8000mtr peaks that grace the northern regions. Nepal’s people too are diverse, with 105 different casts or ethnic groups and 92 different language/dialects (www.welcomenepal.com). Religion and culture blend into one, with Hindu and Buddhist festivals celebrated by both religions - with never a conflict between them.

      Area: 147.181 km2. Tibet (China) to the north and India to the south, east and west.

      Population: Reaching 29 million. Twenty percentlive in urban areas. 2.5 million live outside the country, as migrant workers.

      Language: The official language is Nepali, and main language for 45% of population. Ninety two recognized language/dialects.

      Government: Dis-functional Democracy.

      Life expectancy: Male 67. Female 71.

 

                        When - Seasons.

There are two main trekking seasons.

March to May, is an excellent time to visit Nepal, with reasonably stable weather conditions and an abundance of flowers - although May is starting to get hot and sticky. Mid-September to mid-December offers normally even clearer skies, and as such is the most popular season.

     

                        Why and What?

     Why usually leads to What. Was it Hunt’s book on Mount Everest, or a National Geographic TV program that sparked your interest? Or, your grandfathers reminiscent tales of his hippy days? Irrelevant, for Nepal has drawn thousands upon thousands over the years, many return, with good reason:

      We come for the mountains, we return for the people.’- Swami Kailash.

      Yes, Nepalese hospitality is as much a draw as the mountains themselves.

Having said that we do recommend that you do your homework first, and be realistic. Consider the time you have available and do not try to do everything in one go, nor extend past your own physical and personal capabilities. Have a realistic budget as well.

 

                        Who?

We, The Snow Dragons, are three experienced mountain guides who have pooled our knowledge and experience to offer you ‘our’ Nepal. To this end, we have prepared a menu of Adventure, Discovery, Family and Mountaineering trips for you to choose from.

For when you visit Nepal, you are our guests, and we are ambassadors for our country.

      That is our role: host and ambassador.

                                          Welcome –Nima, and Temba.

 

     Point by Point - check list.

1.      Let us know your wishes, be it one of our described trips, a version of one, an area we have not covered or your own dream.

In your first mail let us know the approx. dates you intend to be in Nepal, the number in your group, and if possible, which trek you are interested in. If you have booked your flight please give us the actual dates, so we can rule out certain alternatives, and seek the best solutions.

Do start the process in good time.

2.      We will make a suggested itinerary and come with a cost overview. We emphasise that acclimatisation takes time, and there can always be issues with transport in a third world country. Our treks may take 1 to 3 days longer than other companies my offer. This is NOT to make you pay more, but to endeavour to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Obviously, you may not have the time to do as we suggest, so state your wish and we will try to tailor and advise you to the best alternative.

3.      When you have found the trip that suits you best, a deposit of 40% should be sent to our bank. Details: xxxxxxx. On receipt of your deposit your trip will be confirmed. The remaining sum to be paid on arrival in Kathmandu. See Terms and Conditions.

4.      You will also receive

A.      Registration Form, to fill out for each member of your group. This will include passport numbers, insurance details, contact information etc - all a part of ensuring service and your safety.

B.      Equipment list, with tips and ideas.

C.      Snow Dragons ‘Keep Healthy in Nepal.’

D.     Fifty tips on visiting Nepal.

5.      Vaccinations: Check with your Vaccination Centre or Doctor at home, in good time, as somevaccinations are a series.

6.      Health: Most reasonably fit people can partake in the majority of our treks. However, if you are going above 4500m, you might like to mention this to your doctor, who can run a quick health check.If you have a specific health issue please discuss this with your doctor, and inform us in advance (see Registration Form), so we are aware.

7.      Insurance. Mandatory. You should ensure it covers helicopter evacuation.Please bring your insurance card with you. In the event of sickness or accident, we will coordinate with your home insurance company and we will expedite all necessary evacuation and/or medical services.

8.      Nepal Visa: Can be applied for on-line and saves you time on arrival or it can be applied for at port of entry. Use the address we send you on booking. Present length of Visas are: xxx, xxxx and xxxx days. With Visa fees presently being $xx, $xx and $xx. Do have $, £ or Euro’s in cash to pay at the port of entry, as Credit cards are not always accepted.

9.      Arrival/Hotel transfer: We await outside the arrival gate, with car/bus to transfer you to your hotel.

10.  Welcome: At your hotel, depending on arrival time, we normally have a pre-trip preparation meeting to cover issues such as TIM’s card, permits, insurance, and the days ahead.

11.  Hotel: A comfortable, clean and central Tourist Class Hotel. Breakfast included. We can provide 5-Star or low-budget accommodation, should you wish.

12.  Sightseeing day at beginning. In most of our programs, we include a day between your arrival day and the start to the trek. This allows for Jet lag, to see what culture the capital has to offer, and for any last minute issues, e.g. lost baggage.

13.  Reserve day at end. We include one day after your trek before departure, this in view of possible delays due to sickness, weather, road conditions etc, i.e. to be safe.

If you do not wish 12 or 13, please advise us so we may adjust our suggested program/price to you.

14.  Sightseeing. Standard, is a morning visit to Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), with a tour guide, followed by Durbar Square and wandering the streets of Kathmandu back to your hotel. Sightseeing Plus, adds on one or two extra sites and will normally be a full day. Cost will depend on the number in your party, and usually included in our end offer once we know if you wish Standard or Plus.

15.  TIM’s and National Park Entry. Tim’s is a permit required to go trekking, and as many treks enter/depart via a National Park a park permit is also required. We normally arrange these on your arrival, and will need your passport, and two passport photographs.

16.  Clothing/equipment

                       A full list of clothing/equipment will be sent on confirmation of booking, but as a rough guideline:

a.      Adventure Trekking. Wearing: light trekking boots with socks; light trousers/long shorts, first and mid layer, hat, sunglasses. In your daypack, you carry rain jacket/trousers, extra insulation layer, torch, water bottle and personal effects (personal medicine, notebook etc.). Extra socks and t-shirt to change during the day. Your porter will carry your sleeping bag, extra clothing, including your down jacket if the trek is above 4000m.

b.      Discovery Trekking. As the above, although with more spare clothing, plus you will carry your own sleeping bag and mat.Tents, full kitchen equipment, food and fuel are provided, as is suitable clothing for your porter staff.

c.       Family Adventure. As for Adventure Trekking, with light boots swapped for running shoes.

d.      Mountaineering. As above, but upgraded somewhat, plus technical equipment such as ropes.

 

17.  Terms and conditions.

See our link for detailed terms and conditions.

Basically:

Included in our quoted price:

1.      Airport pick up/transfer to hotel.

2.      Tourist class hotel, twin sharing. Buffet breakfast.

3.      Trek planning meeting.

4.      Sightseeing –

Sightseeing Standard: Morning trip to Monkey Temple, followed by ‘City trekking’ or ‘life in Kathmandu’, before heading back to your hotel.

Sightseeing Plus: Half or full day. One to two other temples, with or without lunch, with or without ‘City Trekking.’

We find Standard to be the most popular, but on your decision as to choice, we will quote a fixed price and itinerary.

5.      Transport to start and end of the trek.

6.      TIM’s (trekking) permit

7.      National Park entry.

8.      Qualified guide, staff, with suitable equipment - all insured.

9.      On Trek: Lodge or simple hotel accommodation. Three meals a day, with tea/coffee. Twin sharing.

10.  Group medical kit.

11.  End of trek dinner, with guide and/or staff.

12.  Departure transport to airport.

18.  Not included:

1.      Nepali entry visa.

2.      Single room supplement, in Hotel or under trek.

3.      Bar bills and laundry. Drinks/personal snacks on route.

3. Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu, and end of trek town (eg. Pokhera). This allows you to make your own choices, at your own tempo.

4. Tips to hotel staff, tourist guide, trek guide/staff.

5. Personal travel insurance, to include trekking and helicopter evacuation

19.  Questions. The only silly question is the one you wanted to ask and did not. We may not be able to answer all your quiries but we will certainly try our best.

20.  An overview of the Nepali seasons.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons. However, you can visit Nepal 12 months of the year. It is a question of what you wish to experience. The monsoon time has become increasing popular with school groups on educational or help projects.

1.      Basanta (spring).March to May.

Recommended. Stable weather, temperate climate. Second ‘main’-season for trekking, and for those with a passion for flowers. Sometimes referred to as Pre-monsoon, popular for climbing, especially April/May.

2.      Grishma (summer). Mid May to July.

Not that bad, before the heavy rains set in, can be hot and sticky.

3.      Barsha (monsoon). Mid-July to September.

Heavy rains, poor visibility, some problems with transport (roads, landslides etc). Umbrella recommended. However, the monsoon has its own charm. Less tourists, abundance of flowers etc, and once behind the main mountain ranges trekking is not that problematic, although many lodges do close. Ideal time to visit cultural and holy sites and for school groups or voluntary work groups, especially in the Valley, Pokhara, and the Tarai or mid-hill districts.

4.      Sharad (early autumn). Mid-September to end November.

Post-monsoon, offering the most stable weather patterns, with clear skies. Best for trekking and for climbing the popular trekking peaks. High season with good reason.

5.      Hemanta (late autumn). Mid-November to January.

Trekking still popular up to mid-December, but starting to get cold, and snow will cover many high passes. Some lodges close down.

6.      Shishir (winter). Mid-January to March.

Pretty cold, many lodges closed and local people have moved to the lowlands. High passes usually snow covered, and exposed to high winds. Lowland trekking and cultural tourism season.