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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a group trek?
Please visit our website for a list of our scheduled group departures. If one of these does not fit your schedule, we can arrange a special trek for you, whether you are travelling alone or with a few friends.

What are your payment terms?
We prefer full payment in advance before you arrive in Nepal, but if you prefer to make final payment after you arrive in Nepal, we will accept a US$500 per person advance deposit to confirm your reservation. You may pay the balance in cash or Travellers Cheques in Nepal.

How can I pay Malla Treks?
We will accept credit cards for deposits and advance payment. If you are paying in person in Nepal, we request that you pay in cash or Travellers cheques as the bank charges for credit cards are quite high.

Does Malla Treks accept credit cards?
We accept American Express, Visa and Master cards for advance payment or extra services that you arrange in Nepal.

How can I make advance payment?
If you have a US bank account, please make the payment via the Internet using the I-cheque system at www.mallatreks.com/payment. This is an easy, reliable and free system of transferring money.

You can also make payment via credit card online at www.mallatreks.com/payment

Please do not mail cheques to Nepal as they can get lost or stolen in the mail. If you cannot use the I-check system, please contact us and we will provide an address in the United States where you can mail a cheque.

If you plan to make a wire transfer, please contact us for instructions.

In any payment, please be sure to include your name and the reference number that we will provide you.

Is Lukla Airport closed?
There are no direct flights to Lukla until September 2001 as the airport is closed for repairs. However, we can arrange a flight to Lamidanda and a connecting helicopter flight to Lukla. There should be regular flight schedules to Lukla starting this autumn.

What is the maximum weight allowed on domestic flights?
The normal weight limit is 20 kilogrammes. While the helicopter shuttle system is operating the limit to Lukla is 15 kg.

How many extra days should I allow in case of flight cancellation?
If you are flying from a remote mountain airstrip like Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot, Taplejung and Dolpo, we should keep at least two spare days before your departure for home.

I've heard about Maoists near Jiri. Is it safe to start from there?
Though there is some insurgency in villages near Jiri, tourists have not been targeted. However, precaution should be taken and we feel that it's safe to start a trek from Jiri.

What equipment should I bring?
Please visit our website at www.mallatreks.com/gear to see the equipment we recommend or send a blank email to equipment-list@mallatreks.com and a list will be sent back by return email.

Is it possible/easy to get equipment on hire?
There are trekking shops in Kathmandu, Thamel in particular, where you can easily rent or buy items like sleeping bags, down jackets, rucksacks and duffel bags.

Does Malla Treks have a brochure?</a>
We do not have a brochure but you can visit our website. We can organise any of the treks described in the 7th edition of the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya book, which you can order from our website.

What is Malla Treks address and contact details?
Malla Treks, Lekhnath Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal. Telephone: +977-1-410089, fax: +977-1-423143, email: trekinfo@mallatreks.com.np. Our office is in front of the Malla Hotel.

Is communication to home possible while on trek?
There are telephones in many villages along the popular trekking routes from which you can make international calls.

Is a Trekking permit required?
The government of Nepal no longer requires a trekking permit except for a few restricted areas. However, we do require your passport details in advance in order to make your national park or conservation permit.

Can Malla Treks provide a Guide or a porter?</a>
We do not provide the service of a Guide or porter only. There are other Trekking agencies that do provide such services. We can, however organize a Tea House trek in which a Guide, porter, meals and accommodations in lodges is included.

Are Malla Treks trekking crew insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff, including porters.

What arrangements for drinking water are made while on trek?
You should bring a one-litre water bottle with you on the trek. We prefer that you purify water yourself using iodine in order to save scarce fuel. We can provide a limited amount of boiled water that you can use to fill your water bottle in the evening.

Can I go trekking in the months of June and July?
It is not very good trekking during the monsoon season from June to August except treks in the Himalayan rain shadow like Mustang and Kailas.

What is the best season for trekking?
The best time for trekking in October to early December and March/April, but flights are often full during this time and trails may be crowded.

What is the temperature and weather like?
Temperatures in Kathmandu are:
Degrees CDegrees F
MonthMaximumMinimumMaximumMinimum
March2577745
April19126636
May30168661
October27128154
November2477545
December1936637
Between 1000m and 3500m the temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to 5 deg C low. At higher altitude, the temperature ranges from 20 deg C to -10 deg C. During winter it is around 10 deg colder.

Is it necessary to take precautions against Malaria?
It is not necessary to take Malaria prevention medicine unless you will be visiting a Jungle Lodge.

What other immunisations are required?
Please consult the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya book for detailed advice by David Shlim, MD.

Is previous hiking experience required to go on a trek?
As long as you are in good physical shape, you do not require any hiking experience for short treks. If you are planning a trek longer than a week, you should work out or do long day hikes at home.

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