FAQs

Mountain Monarch trip itineraries have been professionally designed to minimize the effects of High altitude sickness. Extensive medical kits are carried on all our trips. In addition, Portable Altitude Chamber (a life-saving device) is being held as a safety backup on high-altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All our trekking group leaders/guides are well trained in Wilderness First Aid Course and are competent to diagnose it and to act accordingly on the very spot.

Our trekking peaks allow you to climb to your chosen summit and back in a day from each Base / High Camp. Our routes are selected for their objective safety and sometimes involve easily angled snow slopes, straightforward ridges, and occasionally minor scrambling. You will use crampons, an ice axe, a harness, and zoomer,  etc.; Fixed ropes will be used ascending and descending. In addition, mountain Monarch organizes a Special climbing clinic Course at the base camp to give the required climbing skills to summit the top safely and successfully. Trekking Peaks are carefully designed to deliver exciting treks and provide proper acclimatization. These treks are open to fit, determined walkers who have previously undertaken 'strenuous' walks; previous mountaineering experience is an advantage but not essential.

Tipping is an accepted part of trekking, although it is an entirely personal matter. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Budgeting up to 10 % of the trek cost as tipping could be a guideline.

It is notoriously difficult to predict the weather condition in the Himalayas. Of course, days are warm, and nights are cold. There can be snow or rain storms at any time. Between 1000 and 3500 meters, the temperature could be as high as 20 degrees C to - 5 degrees C low. At higher altitudes, the temperature ranges from 15 degrees C to -15 degrees C. Therefore, good polarizing sunglasses (not trendy fashion) for high altitude and large-brimmed hats are beneficial. Expect the unexpected.

If you want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are traveling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on. You can also get a local mobile sim card in Kathmandu.

Yes. There are dozens of trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. In addition, our trekking guide/staff will be happy to assist you if needed.

If you are used to walking with trekking poles, then take them with you as there are some narrow, steep, rocky sections. They are not essential, though; the walk is manageable without them.

Available in almost every teahouse at the cost of usually about 2-3 US$ per hour for recharging batteries. We use the voltages 220-240 volts to power their appliances, and two points plugs are recommended to bring.

All our trips Itinerary have an arrival & departure day from Kathmandu, so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program day. You are also welcome and encouraged to come a day earlier or visit Nepal a day later to look around the vibrant Kathmandu valley. Mountain Monarch arranges airport transfer, hotel booking, or any extra activities as required.

Most airlines fly direct to Bangkok from North America, Europe, and Australia / NZ. From there, Thai Airways fly direct to Kathmandu 10 times a week. Silk Air (Singapore Airlines) and Cathy Pacific (via Hong Kong) also have regular flights, and there are many daily flights via Doha, Qatar, New Delhi, Hong Kong, etc., to Kathmandu.

You will carry your day pack with warm clothes, drinking water, snacks, sunblock, a camera, etc., you need for the day. Generally, it will be light, around 3 – 5 Kilos.

Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is an adventure holiday; thus, do not expect a shower each day. However, nowadays, some teahouses up to 4000 meters have hot shower facilities depending on the trekking region. In addition, laundry services are available at a limited place on the trek.

Definitely! Our airport representatives will come to the airport to welcome and transfer you to your hotel. Check the MOUNTAIN MONARCH clipboard on your arrival at Kathmandu airport outside the arrival terminal hall. Make sure you have provided your flight details to us in advance.

Safety is our Top Most Agenda while organizing trips in the Himalayas. All our trekking group leaders/guides have undertaken the Wilderness First Aid Medical Course, and years of experience have taught them to deal with adverse situations from diarrhea to Acute Mountain Sickness. We carry Portable Altitude Chamber (hyperbaric bag) and a comprehensive medical kit. We plan adventure travel trips so that safety and comfort are not compromised.

Typically our trekking holidays involve 4 -8 hours of hiking per day, including a lunch stop. The trail varies from easy hiking on the lower elevation to strenuous walking over 5000 meters in the Himalayas. A common misconception is that if you are a slow walker, you may hold people back - NOT SO. The group members often string out, and there will be an hour or two between the first to arrive and the last. You walk at your own pace and stop when you feel like it. Our trekking Sherpa, guides, and porters will always be at the front and the rear, ensuring no one gets lost.

In the case of severe sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen, you shall be rescued by a helicopter. However, since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please ensure that your insurance covers it before assigning it, or be prepared to pay on your own after returning to Kathmandu.

It would help if you had general travel, trip cancellation, and rescue insurance. Please read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking or climbing, depending on your booked trip, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.

We are committed to the welfare of our staff, from Trek Leaders / Guides to Sherpas, Cooks, and Porters. We ensure good wages, salary, provident fund, and proper insurance for the equipment and clothing needed for all staff, including porters. They are our kith and kin as well as the backbone of the adventure industry in Nepal.

Fitness is perhaps the critical factor in the trek. Most people of average fitness for their age could complete the adventure trekking in the Himalayas. On all holidays, physical preparation is proper, and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential. You can take your time, set your own pace and enjoy the fascinating surroundings. Most first-time trekkers are concerned that they won't keep up. However, they soon discover that a steady and moderate pace will have them to their destination well before they would have expected. Trekking is not a walking competition but a walking holiday at its own pace. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it and have enough energy for extra activities. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis, and long walks up and down the hill.

To book your place on any of our trips, please fill up the online booking form at our website www.mountainmonarch.com and send it to us along with the trip deposit amount of US$ 200 only (US$ Two Hundred) per person. The deposit can be paid via bank/wire transfer or credit card (Visa or Master Card). Upon receipt of your booking details, we will send you a Trip Confirmation Receipt.

Mountain Monarch has no overhead expenses on overseas offices. This means we can offer top-quality service and facilities at a competitive price to exceed your expectation—no hidden or extra cost. Trip costs include accommodation, local flight, private transportation, tours, trek permit, National park, or conservation fees for all meals (breakfast, Lunch, dinner) while on a trek. We set the highest possible standards in every detail, from safety to the high quality/type of gear and food provided to meet the international standard. As a result, we balance exploration and relaxation, comfort and adventure at their best.

We are aware of the protection of fragile environments while organizing trekking and climbing trips. We assist and encourage the disposal of plastic bottles in mineral water while on a trek. We recommend collecting safe drinking water from a local station or teahouse.

We book a clean and comfortable teahouse which we know very well. Our standard trips are based on twin bedded sharing accommodation. However, we can book a private room for you if you like, at an additional cost per your requirements.

We have our experienced trek cook on all of the camping trips. We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines, so all our food is hygienically prepared, cooked, and served. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli, and cereal, followed by an omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta, and traditional bread. Dinner is a hearty 3-course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice, and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible, and special diets are regularly catered for. Your trek leaders can maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen for general cleanliness and food preparation and within the group for personal hygiene. Properly boiled water is served for drinking.

We offer the OPEN AND CHOICE MENU in our teahouse trekking, where you can select the food you like for breakfast, Lunch, and dinner. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get hygienic, plentiful, and nutritious food. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as seasonal vegetables. In addition, various portions of cereal, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. Properly boiled water is served for drinking at breakfast and dinner time.

Mountain Monarch, a professionally managed trekking company base in Nepal, has a policy of employing competent Local Trekking Group Leaders and Guides, who care about the fragile environment, know Nepal better, and empathize with porters and staff. They are fluent in English and have undergone extensive Trek leader and Guide courses, wilderness first aid, mountaineering, eco-trekking training, etc., to ensure that they are fully competent in all aspects of trekking, climbing, nature, and conservation, first aid to high altitude medicine. They all have years-long trip-leading experience and high dedication to rendering qualitative services. In addition, many of them have work experience with international adventure travel companies.

Trekking Days are designed so that walking is enjoyable and safe. The companionship of other trekkers and the staff's positive attitude create a great company and many memorable events. The day begins early, at around 6.30 in the morning, with a cup of tea. Before breakfast, pack your gear into a duffle bag by keeping some essential things in your daypack. After breakfast, we are usually on the trail by 8.00 am, and following a good morning's walk, we stop for Lunch. About 1 - 2 hours lunch break that allows for the group meal, enjoying the surroundings, and catching up on your diary or reading. We reach our camp or teahouse by 4 pm as the afternoon walk is generally shorter than the morning. Having afternoon tea, side trips, games, or other activities (optional) is usually organized. You can opt to relax, read, write a diary, explore the surrounding area and villages, or sit and chat with staff, local people, or fellow trekkers. Dinner is usually served around 7.00 pm.