Question 1

How hard is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Accepted Answer

It is a challenging trek, mainly because of the Thorong La pass at 5416 m, not because of technical difficulty. There is no climbing or ropework. What makes it hard is a run of long walking days, big daily ascents and descents, and one very high pass crossed on a pre-dawn start. If you are fit enough to walk six to eight hours on consecutive days and you respect the acclimatisation pacing, it is achievable for a determined first-time high-altitude trekker on the right tier. The pass day is the hardest, around eight to nine hours with a climb to 5416 m and a long descent after.

Question 2

How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fourteen-day trek runs from 1040 to 1695 USD per person on The Trail and Journey depending on group size, and from 2350 to 3150 USD on the private Transformation. Credible Nepal-based operators sit around 1450 USD all-inclusive, and we price The Journey in that band. Beware headline prices that exclude the porter or your lunches; we tell you exactly what is in and out.

Question 3

How does booking actually work? Walk me through the steps.

Accepted Answer

Every booking starts with an inquiry through the contact form or a direct email to the CEO. Within 4 hours (during Nepal operating hours, 8 AM–8 PM, 7 days a week in trekking season), a real person from the LHJ team replies. From there: 1) A call or email to confirm the trek, the tier, the dates, and anything specific to you. We verify that your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation in Nepal this is a hard requirement. 2) Once everything is clear, we send a Stripe invoice for a 25% deposit. The deposit holds your spot and starts the pre-trek communication sequence. 3) The remaining balance is due 14 days before the trek start date. 4) On arrival in Kathmandu, we handle airport pickup in a private vehicle and deliver the LHJ Welcome Kit. The half-day Kathmandu Pre-Trek Altitude Preparation Session happens the day before the trek begins. There is no booking engine, no automated confirmation email, and no chatbot. The manual process is deliberate it is the only way to know whether we are the right fit for what you are trying to do.

Question 4

What is the difference between The Trail, The Journey, and The Transformation?

Accepted Answer

Our tiers do not scale amenities. They scale how much friction we absorb on your behalf. Safety is identical across all three tiers pulse oximeter monitoring, the Two-Tier Altitude Protocol, supplemental oxygen, satellite phone above 4,000m, and pre-arranged helicopter evacuation are the same whether you pay $1,450 or $6,000. The Trail ($1,450). A fixed-date departure with up to 7 other trekkers on a group departure date that we publish in advance. Clean teahouses selected for hygiene and location. Full safety protocol, full Kathmandu Pre-Trek Session, Silent Hiking and co-practice, ethical porter support at a 1:4 ratio. You join our schedule; we handle the rest. The Journey ($2,250). A private departure on the dates you choose with only your own group of 1–8. Upgraded lodges below 4,000m where infrastructure permits attached bathrooms, heated rooms, varied menus. Flex days explicitly built in for acclimatization or exploration. A post-trek Traditional Nepali Recovery Massage in Kathmandu. Cultural access at confirmed relationship waypoints. This is the recommended product for most travelers. The Transformation (from $3,800 custom). Every element is designed in consultation. Private group only. Premium lodges where infrastructure permits. Optional dedicated altitude specialist who accompanies the group. Optional dedicated trek photographer so you can stay off your phone. Deeper cultural access. Optional helicopter return from Lukla. Every Transformation begins with a conversation there is no single price because there is no single package. The question to ask yourself: "How much friction do I want LHJ to absorb?" If you want logistics and safety handled and you are comfortable walking at a group pace on a group schedule, The Trail is right for you. If you want your own schedule, upgraded sleep, flex days, and a proper bookend to the experience, The Journey is right for you. If you want the experience fully designed around what will make the trip yours, The Transformation is right for you.

Question 5

How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Accepted Answer

It is a moderate trek with a few genuinely demanding parts, not a technical climb. The hardest single day is the climb from Deurali through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m, close to 900 m of gain in one push. The other tester is the long stone staircase below Chhomrong, thousands of steps down and back up. You do not need climbing skills, but you should be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on steep steps for several days in a row. Trekking poles help, especially on the long descent.

Question 6

How hard is the Khumbu Trek?

Accepted Answer

This is the hardest trek we run. It is strenuous, not because of technical climbing, but because of what it stacks together: Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar at 5545 m, the glaciated Cho La Pass at 5420 m, and Gokyo Ri at 5357 m, across about two weeks of walking with several long days. The Cho La day is the hardest, a pre-dawn start, a steep climb, a glaciated section crossed on crampons or microspikes, and a careful descent, eight hours or so in total. You should be fit enough to walk six to eight hours on consecutive days and, ideally, have been at altitude before. There is no ropework, but the altitude and the sustained days are real.

Question 7

How hard is the Langtang Valley Trek?

Accepted Answer

It is a moderate trek with no technical ground - steady walking of five to seven hours a day. The one genuinely hard part is the viewpoint morning, which climbs past 4,700 m and back in a single day. Sleeping altitude stays under 3,900 m, which is why we hold two nights high to take that day well.

Question 8

What is it actually like staying in a teahouse at altitude? Be honest.

Accepted Answer

Depends on the altitude. Below 4,000m (Lukla to Tengboche on the EBC trail, Besisahar to Manang on Annapurna, most of Mardi Himal and Langtang): the lodges we use on The Journey and The Transformation have attached bathrooms, heated dining rooms, varied menus, and hot showers. Rooms are basic but private a bed with thick blankets, a small window, a shared corridor to the bathroom. The Trail tier uses clean teahouses without the attached-bathroom upgrade. Hygiene is non-negotiable on every tier. Above 4,000m (Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Thorong High Camp, Larkya La Dharamsala, Kyanjin Gompa): the infrastructure changes. There are no upgraded lodges at 5,000 meters. Rooms are plywood-walled, unheated, with shared bathrooms often outside the main building. Dinner happens in a central dining room heated by a yak-dung stove. Hot water is limited. Wi-Fi works sometimes. Charging your phone costs money. Your sleeping bag is your warm room. This is where Contextual Comfort matters. At 5,000m no one can build a heated en-suite lodge into the moraine the infrastructure does not exist. What we provide is a professionally cleaned -20°C sleeping bag with a silk liner on every tier, a guide who brings you hot ginger tea in your sleeping bag in the morning, twice-daily SpO2 monitoring, and the knowledge that if you are struggling, the guide has the authority to descend. If a competitor's website promises you a heated en-suite bathroom at Gorak Shep, they are either lying or describing the view from Kathmandu.

Question 9

How hard is the Manang Valley trip, and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the gentlest ways to reach the high Himalaya. Most of the route is covered by vehicle, and all the walking is optional. There is no mountain pass and no multi-day trek. It is built for couples, anniversary trips, and slower travellers who want big mountain scenery and Tibetan-influenced culture without days of hiking. The one real physical day is optional and only on The Transformation: the walk to Ice Lake at 4620 m. Everything else is short strolls you can take or skip.

Question 10

How should I train for this trek?

Accepted Answer

Three months of preparation is the baseline for most treks. Six months is better. A twelve-month preparation period is ideal for Manaslu Circuit or a full Annapurna Circuit with Thorong La. 3-month baseline (Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley, or a comfortable EBC). Weeks 1–4: two walks per week of 1.5–2 hours on flat or gently hilly terrain. One strength session per week. Weeks 5–8: two walks per week at 2–3 hours on hilly terrain, carrying a 5 kg daypack. One strength session. One cardio session 30–45 minutes. Weeks 9–12: one long walk per week at 4–5 hours on varied terrain with a 5–7 kg daypack, plus strength, cardio, and two shorter walks. 6-month plan for EBC, Annapurna Circuit, or Gokyo Lakes: same structure, extended. The critical addition is practicing multi-day back-to-back walking on weekends two consecutive 4-hour days minimum. 12-month plan for Manaslu Circuit: adds altitude-specific preparation (if you live near any 2,000m+ elevation, train there regularly) and includes one practice multi-day trek in a mountain environment during months 9–10. If you live at sea level and have never walked on altitude before, the Kathmandu Pre-Trek Altitude Preparation Session is where we introduce you to the altitude-adapted breathing techniques that help you acclimatize faster.

Question 11

You are a new company. Why should I trust you with my life at altitude?

Accepted Answer

Honest answer: because the company is new, the people are not. Love Himalaya Journey launched in 2026. The CEO has twenty years inside Nepal's trekking industry two decades of lodge relationships, guide networks, and altitude emergencies handled at 4,500m before this domain was ever registered. Our guides each carry at least ten to fifteen years of trail experience on the specific routes we operate. They were selected through relationships built over two decades, not through a job posting. The brand has zero completed treks on record. The people behind the brand have hundreds. That distinction matters. What we can offer you that most established agencies do not: a published altitude emergency protocol with specific SpO2 thresholds and numbered decision points (read it at /safety); impact-based transparency on every trek page (the NPR/day we pay our porters against the industry average, the safety equipment your booking funds, the lodge standards we enforce); and direct access to the CEO and CSO via published email addresses on the contact page. We are not asking you to trust a review count we do not have. We are asking you to judge us on the specificity of what we are willing to publish because no agency with 2,000 reviews has ever published an altitude emergency protocol this detailed, and the absence of that protocol is itself a data point.

Question 12

How fit do I need to be? I am not a mountaineer.

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be a mountaineer. Every trek we operate is a walking trek no technical climbing, no crampons, no ropes. What you do need is cardiovascular base fitness the ability to walk 5–7 hours per day on uneven ground, carrying a daypack (roughly 5–7 kg), for multiple consecutive days. If you currently walk 10 km in 2–3 hours without exhaustion on varied terrain, you have the baseline. You also need leg strength and endurance stone steps, long descents, and altitude add up. Three months of preparation with at least two weekly walks of 2+ hours on hilly terrain makes the difference between arriving sore and arriving broken. And no untreated cardiovascular, respiratory, or altitude-sensitive medical conditions. We ask direct medical questions on the pre-trek documentation, not because we are gatekeeping, but because the altitude does not negotiate. Specific trek difficulty varies. Mardi Himal is the gentlest. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are moderate-to-challenging. Manaslu Circuit is the hardest. The trek pages list the honest difficulty assessment for each. If you are unsure, write to the CEO with your current fitness baseline and he will tell you which trek fits.

Question 13

Is the Gokyo Lake trek easier than Everest Base Camp?

Accepted Answer

Partly. The high point, Gokyo Ri at 5357 m, is lower than the Base Camp route's Kala Patthar at 5545 m, and the Gokyo valley is far quieter once the trail turns west above Namche. On those two counts, yes, it is the gentler option. But it is not easier on acclimatisation, and that is the part the marketing usually skips. The Base Camp route has two acclimatisation stages, at Namche and Dingboche. The Gokyo valley has only one, at Namche, before climbing steadily to a 4790 m sleeping altitude. Your body gets less time to adjust, which is why pacing matters more here, not less, and why we will not sell the rushed eleven-day version as a safe shortcut.

Question 14

How hard is the Jomsom Muktinath trek?

Accepted Answer

It is one of the easier Himalayan treks. The highest point is Muktinath at 3800 metres, there is no high pass, and the walking days are short - four to six hours at most on The Journey. The real challenge is not altitude or distance but the Kali Gandaki's strong afternoon wind and dust, which is why we move in the mornings where we can. The Trail involves no walking at all.

Question 15

How hard is the Manang to Mustang Crossing?

Accepted Answer

It is a challenging trek with one very demanding day. Most days are moderate walks of four to six hours, but the pass day is a pre-dawn start, a climb to 5416 m, and a descent of roughly 1650 m to Muktinath, eight to nine hours in total. There is no technical climbing, but the altitude and the length of the pass day make it genuinely hard. The front half is deliberately gentle to prepare you for that day. Four nights acclimatising in Manang, including the Ice Lake day and a full rest day, are built in precisely because the pass is hard. This is why we pre-qualify the trek rather than sell it to anyone.

Question 16

Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Manaslu Circuit is consistently rated harder than the Annapurna Circuit and roughly comparable to Everest Base Camp in physical demand, with three meaningful differences. First, the daily distances on the lower Manaslu trek are longer than Annapurna and the terrain is more aggressive "Nepali flat" sections of repeated 200-metre ascents and descents. Second, the Larkya La pass at 5,106 metres has a brutal 1,600-metre descent on a single day, on loose moraine harder on knees than Thorong La. Third, the route is more remote: fewer lodges, fewer evacuation points, no road access between Jagat and Dharapani. The pass altitude itself is slightly lower than Thorong La (5,416 m) but the overall physical and logistical demand is higher. Trekkers who have completed Annapurna comfortably will find Manaslu a step up. Trekkers considering this as a first high-altitude trek should be honest with themselves about cardiovascular fitness and joint condition before booking.

Question 17

How hard is the Mardi Himal Trek?

Accepted Answer

It is a moderate trek, not an easy one, even though it is short and has no technical climbing. What makes it moderate is the altitude and the summit morning. The trek reaches 4500 m at Base Camp, and the morning from High Camp to the top is a pre-dawn start, a sustained climb on an open ridge, and a long descent the same day, around eight hours in total. The rest of the walking is straightforward. If you are comfortable walking five to seven hours on consecutive days and you respect the acclimatisation, it is achievable for a fit first-time high-altitude trekker, especially on The Journey with its extra acclimatisation night.

Question 18

How hard is the Tilicho Lake Trek?

Accepted Answer

It is a challenging trek, mainly because of the altitude and one long exposed high day, not because of technical difficulty. There is no climbing or ropework. What makes it hard is reaching nearly 5000 m at the lake, a run of consecutive walking days, and the lake day itself, which starts before dawn, climbs a steep set of switchbacks, and crosses exposed ground. If you are fit enough to walk five to seven hours on consecutive days and you respect the acclimatisation pacing, it is achievable for a determined first-time high-altitude trekker on the right tier. The lake day is the hardest, a long day out and back from Base Camp.

Question 19

How much does the Upper Mustang permit cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

As of 2026 the restricted-area permit costs 50 US dollars per person for each day you are inside the zone, which begins at Kagbeni. This replaced the old flat fee of 500 dollars for ten days, so shorter trips now cost less and you only pay for the days you actually use. On top of that you need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, around 25 to 30 dollars, and a TIMS card, around 20 dollars. We arrange all three, and the restricted permit can only be issued through a registered agency, never to an individual.

Question 20

Is the altitude on the Annapurna Circuit dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The altitude is the main risk on this trek and it is taken seriously. The climb from Manang at 3540 m to Thorong La at 5416 m is close to 1900 m of sleeping-altitude gain over about two nights, which is faster than the general guidance of no more than 300 to 500 m of sleeping gain per night above 3000 m. That is exactly why a rest day in Manang is built into every tier and why we will not sell the rushed jeep-only itinerary as a safe shortcut. Altitude sickness has no reliable link to age or fitness, so the protections are the same for everyone: gradual pacing, the Manang rest day, daily monitoring at altitude, and a clear rule that if symptoms are serious the response is to descend. Your guide is trained to spot early signs.

Question 21

How hard is the Everest Base Camp trek?

Accepted Answer

It is challenging but not technical. There is no climbing or rope work on the standard route. The difficulty is the altitude and the accumulation of days, with five to seven hours of walking on most days and a high point of 5545 m at Kala Patthar. If you are fit enough to walk long days back to back and you respect the acclimatisation pacing, you can do this trek.

Question 22

What is the deposit, and is it refundable?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is 25% of the trek price, paid via Stripe after we have confirmed the trek, the tier, and the dates with you. The remaining 75% is due 14 days before the trek start date. Refund terms: More than 60 days before departure full refund minus a $150 administrative fee. 60 to 30 days 50% of the deposit is refundable; the rest credits to a future departure within 12 months. Less than 30 days deposit is non-refundable but credits to a future departure within 12 months. Less than 14 days full balance is non-refundable except in cases documented by your travel insurance. The full cancellation policy is in the booking confirmation email and the Terms page. If your situation is unusual, write to the CEO directly we do not hide behind fine print for a case we can reasonably accommodate.

Question 23

What is included in the price, and what do I pay for separately?

Accepted Answer

Every LHJ trek, every tier, includes: Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle; the LHJ Welcome Kit (trail map, local SIM with data, reusable water bottle, Himalayan Altitude Kit); the half-day Kathmandu Pre-Trek Altitude Preparation Session; all lodge accommodation on the trek; all meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, with hot drinks); licensed Government of Nepal trekking guide; ethical porter support (1:4 ratio on Trail and Journey, 1:2 on Transformation); a professionally cleaned -20°C sleeping bag with silk liner; the full safety kit (pulse oximeter, supplemental oxygen, comprehensive first aid kit); satellite phone and live GPS above 4,000m; pre-arranged helicopter evacuation protocol; all trekking permits; government taxes and VAT. What you pay for separately: international flights to and from Kathmandu; Nepal visa fee (typically $30–$50 on arrival); travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage (hard requirement); lunch and dinner in Kathmandu before and after the trek; personal trekking gear (boots, layers, jacket, poles); hot showers at lodges ($2–$5 per shower, cash); device charging ($2–$5 per charge); Wi-Fi at lodges where available ($3–$6 per session); bottled drinks, snacks, alcohol; tips for guide and porters (customary); any itinerary extension, helicopter return, or add-on service. The full inclusions/exclusions list is on every trek page.

Question 24

Is the altitude on Annapurna Base Camp dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Base Camp is 4130 m, lower than the big pass treks, but the climb to it is fast, so altitude still has to be respected. The gain from Deurali to Base Camp is close to 900 m in a day, which is quicker than the standard guidance of around 500 m of sleeping-altitude gain. We manage this with deliberate pacing, the Machhapuchhre Base Camp stop, and watching everyone for symptoms. The Transformation tier adds a second acclimatisation night for more margin. Altitude affects people regardless of fitness, so tell your guide how you feel and be willing to slow down. If symptoms are serious, the correct response is to descend, and descent here is straightforward.

Question 25

How difficult is the Cho La Pass?

Accepted Answer

Cho La is a genuine mountain pass at 5420 m, not a walk-up. The crossing starts before dawn so you are over while the snow is firm. The approach is a steep rocky climb, and near the top there is a glaciated section where you use crampons or microspikes, which we provide. The descent off the western side is on loose rock and ice and needs care. We run the trek anticlockwise specifically so you cross from the Dzongla side in the east, which is more manageable than the steep, icy scramble up from the Gokyo side. Your guide and an assistant guide are with you for the crossing.

Question 26

Do I need a guide for Langtang, or can I trek solo?

Accepted Answer

You need a licensed guide. Since 2023, foreign trekkers must walk Langtang with one, and solo trekking is no longer permitted at the checkpoints. Some older pages still say you can go alone - that is out of date. Every LHJ departure includes a licensed guide.

Question 27

Can I get a hot shower every day?

Accepted Answer

Below 4,000m, usually yes at most lodges, a hot shower costs roughly $2–$5 (cash, at the lodge) and works on gas or solar heating. Sometimes the system is down or the queue is long; the guide will tell you in advance which stops have reliable hot water. Above 4,000m, hot showers are not guaranteed. Water freezes at night. Gas heating is scarce. Solar panels deliver less power at altitude. At Gorak Shep, Lobuche, and similar high-altitude stops, assume cold water or a "hot bucket" rather than a shower. Many trekkers choose not to shower for the 2–3 days at the highest altitudes the body conserves heat better without the water-loss and temperature shock. The guide can advise. If daily hot showers are non-negotiable for you, the honest answer is that an Everest Base Camp or Manaslu trek is probably not the right trip. Mardi Himal, Upper Mustang, and the lower sections of any of our treks are better suited to a daily-shower expectation.

Question 28

Do I need a guide and permits for Manang?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both. Since April 2023, a licensed guide is required for foreign travellers in the Annapurna region, and every LHJ departure includes one. You also need an ACAP permit (the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit), which we arrange and include. A TIMS card is officially required by the Nepal Tourism Board but is currently not enforced at Annapurna trailheads. We treat it as optional and will arrange it on request if you prefer. The standard Manang valley does not need any restricted-area permit.

Question 29

What gear do I actually need? Can I rent it in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Footwear: broken-in hiking boots with ankle support (the most important single item bring boots you have already walked 50+ km in). Trekking socks (merino wool, 3–4 pairs). Camp shoes or sandals for the lodge in the evening. Layers (critical at altitude): base layer top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic cotton is dangerous when wet). Mid layer fleece or light insulated top. Insulated jacket rated to at least -10°C. Waterproof / windproof outer shell jacket and pants. Trekking trousers and shorts. Head, hands, small gear: sun hat with a brim. Warm hat. Buff or neck gaiter. Glove system (liner gloves plus an insulated outer glove). Sunglasses with UV400 / category 4 at altitude. Trekking poles. Headlamp with spare batteries. Daypack 25–35 liters. Other: water bottle (we provide one in the Welcome Kit) and a LifeStraw or SteriPen as backup. Personal first aid additions (blister care, ibuprofen, prescription meds, Diamox if your doctor has prescribed it). Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF. What we provide: the professionally cleaned -20°C sleeping bag with silk liner, the pulse oximeter, supplemental oxygen, and the comprehensive first aid kit. You do not need to bring a sleeping bag. Can you rent gear in Kathmandu? Yes. Kathmandu's Thamel district has dozens of gear shops offering rentals for trekking boots, down jackets, sleeping bags (though we provide ours), poles, and more. Quality varies our pre-trek documentation includes a vetted list of shops we recommend and rough rental prices. Boots are the one exception do not rent boots. Bring broken-in boots from home.

Question 30

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Above 3,500m, your guide takes a pulse oximeter reading twice a day morning before departure and evening after 30 minutes of rest at the lodge. Every reading is logged and compared to the previous day's baseline. Two thresholds trigger action. SpO2 between 80% and 84% at rest. The guide stops the trek, seats you in a sheltered position, and administers supplemental oxygen at 2–4 liters per minute. A second reading is taken with a warmed finger to rule out a cold-finger error. The guide then monitors you for 30 minutes, re-checking SpO2 at minutes 10, 20, and 30 while assessing symptoms. If the reading is rising and symptoms are clearing, the trek continues at a reduced pace. If the reading has not improved, the group descends to the last lodge where you had a stable reading. SpO2 below 80% at rest. This is a medical emergency. There is no 30-minute window. Supplemental oxygen is administered immediately, descent begins toward an altitude at least 500–1,000 meters lower, and the guide calls the Kathmandu operations room via satellite phone to report your condition. If you cannot walk, horse transport is arranged. If your condition is deteriorating, Kathmandu initiates helicopter evacuation. SpO2 is monitored every 15 minutes during descent. At Tier 2, the guide's authority is absolute. You are informed, not consulted. A client who resists descent hears a specific script, and if they continue to refuse, the guide calls Kathmandu and the operations room handles the conversation. The full protocol is at /safety. It is identical whether you book The Trail, The Journey, or The Transformation.

Question 31

What does a typical day on the trail actually look like?

Accepted Answer

Every trekking day follows roughly the same rhythm. 6:30 AM wake-up tea in your room (the guide brings hot ginger tea to your door). 7:00 AM morning SpO2 check above 3,500m, logged in the Daily Trail Log. 7:30 AM breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast, or Tibetan bread). 8:30 AM first hour of walking in Silent Hiking. No conversation. Just the sound of your boots, your breath, and the valley. 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM walking at a steady pace; the guide decides rest stops based on group energy. 12:30 PM lunch at a trail teahouse, usually dal bhat. 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM afternoon walking to the day's lodge. 4:00 PM arrival, hot drink, shower if available and altitude allows. 4:30 PM evening SpO2 check. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM rest, reading, group conversation, or evening co-practice. 6:30 PM dinner. 8:00–9:00 PM lights out. Early nights are non-negotiable at altitude. The pattern is consistent. The variation is the landscape.

Question 32

How high is Gokyo Ri, and what will I see from the top?

Accepted Answer

Gokyo Ri stands at 5357 m. It is a steep climb of roughly 600 m straight up from Gokyo village, done before dawn so you reach the top for sunrise, and it takes most people two to three hours up. From the summit you look across at Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu four of the six highest mountains on earth with the turquoise Gokyo lakes and the long grey sweep of the Ngozumpa Glacier directly below. Many trekkers rate it the equal of, or better than, the Everest view from the Base Camp side.

Question 33

Do I need a guide and permits for the Jomsom Muktinath trek?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both. Since 2023, a licensed guide has been required for trekking in the Annapurna region, and we include one on every tier - as much for the cultural interpretation of Muktinath and the Thakali villages as for the rules. You need an ACAP permit and a TIMS card, both of which we arrange before you depart. This trek is not in a restricted area, so it does not require the special permit that Upper Mustang does.

Question 34

Is the altitude safe on this trek?

Accepted Answer

The climb from Manang at 3540 m to Thorong La at 5416 m is close to 1900 m of sleeping-altitude gain over a small number of nights, which is faster than standard acclimatisation guidance. We manage this directly with four nights in the Manang area, a climb-high-sleep-low day to the Ice Lake viewpoint, and a full rest day before the pass. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter, monitors the group at altitude, and has the authority to turn anyone or the whole group back. Altitude sickness has no reliable link to fitness or age, so being a strong walker does not make you exempt. That is why this trek is pre-qualified and why we will not sell the rushed version as a safe shortcut. You must carry travel insurance that covers trekking above 5000 m and helicopter evacuation; we ask for proof before departure.

Question 35

Can I now trek Manaslu solo with just a guide? I heard the rules changed in 2026.

Accepted Answer

Yes, as of 22 March 2026. The Nepal Department of Immigration removed the two-trekker minimum that previously applied to all restricted-area treks including Manaslu. A solo foreign trekker can now apply for the Restricted Area Permit through a licensed agency and trek the route with a single guide. Two requirements remain in place: a government-certified guide (we use guides with Advanced-tier altitude certification, valid to 5,500 m) is still mandatory, and the permit must be processed through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu. Independent trekking without a guide is still prohibited. For solo trekkers, our Transformation tier is the most natural fit the one-to-one guide ratio is the same whether you are one trekker or six. Solo Trail and Journey bookings are also accepted; you simply join an existing fixed-date group of up to seven other trekkers.

Question 36

Is the Mardi Himal Trek easy, like some sites say?

Accepted Answer

It is often marketed as easy because it is short and the trail is well made, but that description leaves out the altitude. Reaching 4500 m is a serious height, and the summit morning is the hardest part of any short trek in the region. We call it moderate on purpose. The walking is not technical and most reasonably fit people can do it, but going in expecting an easy stroll is how people get caught out on the summit ridge. We would rather you arrive prepared for a real mountain morning.

Question 37

Is the altitude on the Tilicho Lake Trek dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The altitude is one of the two main risks on this trek and it is taken seriously. You reach 4919 m at the lake, high enough that altitude sickness is a real possibility, which is why a rest day in Manang is built into every tier and why the short jeep-to-Manang versions sold elsewhere carry real risk by skipping the lower-valley acclimatisation. One thing that helps on this route is that you do not sleep at the lake; you climb to it from Base Camp and descend to sleep lower the same day, which is the climb high, sleep low principle in practice. Altitude sickness has no reliable link to age or fitness, so the protections are the same for everyone: gradual pacing, the Manang rest day, daily monitoring at altitude, and a clear rule that if symptoms are serious the response is to descend. Your guide is trained to spot early signs.

Question 38

Can I trek Upper Mustang solo or do I need a group?

Accepted Answer

Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and the rules require a licensed guide on every trip. A notice in early 2026 began allowing solo trekkers to hold a restricted-area permit with a guide, but enforcement is still settling and several requirements remain in transition, so we currently run this trek with a minimum of two trekkers. If you are travelling alone and want to go, talk to us - we can often pair you with a departure. A guide is mandatory either way.

Question 39

Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since April 2023 foreign trekkers have been required to trek in the Annapurna region with a licensed guide or registered agency rather than fully independently. As of a rule change in March 2026 the previous two-person minimum was removed, so a solo traveller can now trek with a guide. We treat the guide as a safety measure as much as a legal one, especially on a high-pass route, and a licensed guide is included on every tier. NEEDS VERIFICATION: confirm the current rule with operations before the season starts, as Nepal's trekking rules have changed more than once.

Question 40

Can this be my first high-altitude trek?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for many people it is, but go in honestly. Arrive in good walking condition, accept that the two acclimatisation days are fixed, and tell your guide the truth about how you feel each day. The trek is forgiving of inexperience if you are fit and patient; it is unforgiving of people who rush the altitude.

Question 41

Can I book a private group for me and my friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private group departures are included by default on The Journey and The Transformation tiers you choose the dates and walk at your own group's pace with no other trekkers in the group. The maximum group size remains 8 participants (the Small Group Promise). On The Trail, departures are fixed dates shared with other trekkers (also max 8). If you have your own group of 2 or more and want private dates on The Trail tier, ask us directly in practice, we quote this as a hybrid engagement rather than a Trail booking, because private dates are the defining feature of The Journey. Groups larger than 8 are not possible on any tier. The cap is operational, not marketing Silent Hiking, genuine guide attention, and the altitude protocol break down in groups of sixteen.

Question 42

How much should I tip the guide and porters?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is customary in Nepal trekking, though not technically mandatory. The wages we pay (above the industry average) cover the guide and porters as employees. Tips are a recognition of exceptional service and a meaningful portion of the team's income. Honest guidance from twenty years of industry experience: head guide $10–$15 per day per trekker. Assistant guide (if present) $5–$10 per day per trekker. Porters $5–$8 per day per porter, paid directly to each porter at the end of the trek. On private departures (The Journey and The Transformation), tips tend toward the higher end of these ranges because the guide-to-client ratio is more personal. Tips are paid in USD or NPR at the end of the trek. The guide can help coordinate a group pool to make the math simple. LHJ does not take a cut, and we do not include tips in the trek price we want them to be a genuine recognition, not a hidden markup. If you want to budget roughly, add about 10% of the trek price for tips.

Question 43

Do I need a guide for Annapurna Base Camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 2023 a licensed guide is required to trek in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas, including the Annapurna region, and this is enforced in 2026. You book through a registered agency rather than hiring privately. Beyond the rule, a guide matters on this route for the avalanche-aware timing of the Dovan to Deurali stretch, for altitude judgement on the Base Camp day, and for lodge coordination in the busy season. We include a licensed, insured guide on every tier.

Question 44

Why do you run this trek anticlockwise, EBC first then Gokyo?

Accepted Answer

Two reasons, both about safety. First, acclimatisation: by going to Everest Base Camp first you spend your first week on the main Everest trail, with real villages and two acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, so you reach the Cho La already adapted to the altitude. Going the other way pushes you up the quieter Gokyo valley faster, with less margin. Second, the pass itself is easier and safer crossed from the Dzongla side in the east than scrambled up the steep, icy western side from Gokyo. Some operators sell the clockwise direction without explaining this trade-off. We run anticlockwise and tell you why.

Question 45

Which viewpoint is better, Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri?

Accepted Answer

They are different, not ranked. Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) is closer, steeper and quicker, with a balcony view over the glacier. Tserko Ri (4,984 m) is higher, longer and wider in outlook. The Journey does both across two days - Kyanjin Ri to acclimatise, Tserko Ri for the high view. The Trail does Kyanjin Ri only.

Question 46

What about food? Will I eat the same thing every day?

Accepted Answer

Dal bhat is the trekking staple for a reason it is safe, freshly made, boiled, and sustaining. A typical plate includes rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and often a small portion of meat or an egg. Dal bhat is also "free refills" at most lodges: you can ask for more rice or more lentils at no extra cost. Beyond dal bhat, most lodges offer porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, pancakes for breakfast; momos, fried rice, fried noodles for lunch; soup, pasta, pizza at lower altitudes for dinner. Dietary requirements: we communicate vegetarian, vegan, and culturally specific dietary requirements to lodges in advance. Vegetarian is straightforward. Vegan is manageable below 4,000m but harder at altitude. Gluten-free is difficult most lodge kitchens do not have a gluten-free grain supply, so we plan menus around rice-based meals for gluten-free trekkers. Our guide inspects every lodge kitchen at every lunch stop and overnight lodge if the kitchen fails the hygiene check, we move. Food safety at altitude is not optional. Above 3,000m, we generally advise trekkers to eat vegetarian cold storage for meat is unreliable.

Question 47

What is the altitude, and should I worry about altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

You sleep at 3540 m in Manang. That is real altitude, and mild symptoms such as a headache, shortness of breath, or broken sleep are normal for the first night. We pace the drive, build in two nights in the valley, and check oxygen levels daily so your body has time to adjust. If oxygen levels drop too far or symptoms worsen, the response is descent, which is straightforward here because the valley is reached by road. Travel insurance covering high-altitude travel and helicopter evacuation is mandatory; LHJ does not sell insurance, and we confirm your cover before departure.

Question 48

Should I take Diamox for altitude?

Accepted Answer

Diamox (acetazolamide) is a prescription medication that helps the body acclimatize to altitude faster by accelerating breathing. It is effective for preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS) but is not a substitute for proper acclimatization, and it has side effects. This is a medical decision between you and your doctor not a decision LHJ makes for you. We cannot prescribe it, we cannot advise whether it is appropriate for your specific medical profile, and we will never pressure you one way or the other. What we can tell you honestly: Diamox is commonly prescribed for trekkers going above 3,500m, especially for those with no prior altitude experience. Side effects include tingling in hands and feet, increased urination (plan for night bathroom trips), altered taste (carbonated drinks taste flat), and occasional fatigue. Diamox is a sulfa drug if you are allergic to sulfa medications, do not take it. It does not replace descent as the treatment for altitude sickness. If you decide to take it, your doctor will prescribe a typical regimen: 125mg twice daily starting one day before ascent above 3,500m, continuing through the high-altitude portion of the trek, tapering off during descent. Bring enough for the full duration. If you choose not to take it, that is equally valid. Proper acclimatization slow ascent, rest days, hydration, the altitude-adapted breathing techniques from our Kathmandu Pre-Trek Session is the foundational strategy.

Question 49

What happens if my Lukla flight cancels due to weather?

Accepted Answer

Flight cancellations at the Tenzing-Hillary (Lukla) airport are frequent. The airport has one of the highest weather-cancellation rates of any scheduled airport in the world because of its short runway, mountain-cloud visibility requirements, and narrow weather windows. In high season, even a 48-hour delay is possible. What we do: build buffer days into every Everest-region itinerary. Coordinate alternatives from Kathmandu if the delay is extended (helicopter flight at additional cost, or itinerary adjustment). And we will not put a group on a flight in marginal weather. If the airline is willing to fly and we think conditions are unsafe, we override. What we ask of you: book your international flights out of Kathmandu with at least two buffer days after the scheduled trek end date. Travel insurance must cover trip interruption in addition to helicopter evacuation.

Question 50

What if I want to stop, take photos, or just slow down?

Accepted Answer

You can. The Small Group Promise (max 8 trekkers) and our guide authority over pacing mean the group can accommodate a slower walker, a photographer, or someone who needs a five-minute sit-down without a schedule crisis. On private departures (The Journey and The Transformation), this is fully yours the only "schedule" is the acclimatization plan, and the guide will adjust the walking pace to match your group. On fixed-date departures (The Trail), we ask returning travelers to be considerate of their companions but an 8-person group is small enough that individual needs rarely collide with group needs. If you know you are a slow walker and want the full privacy, The Journey is the right product for you.

Question 51

Can I see all six Gokyo lakes?

Accepted Answer

The standard route passes the first three lakes Longponga, Taboche, and Dudh Pokhari, the third, where Gokyo village sits at 4790 m. The fourth and fifth lakes lie further north along the Ngozumpa Glacier and need a dedicated day to reach. The sixth is rarely visited. On The Journey that dedicated day is built in. You walk out to the fourth and fifth lakes and up to Scoundrel's Viewpoint at around 5000 m, which is both the finest scenery on the trek and a textbook acclimatisation hike. The Trail, which is a day shorter, keeps to the first three lakes and Gokyo Ri.

Question 52

Is the Jomsom Muktinath trek safe for older pilgrims and families?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the trek's strengths. The moderate altitude means the risk of altitude sickness is low, and The Trail reaches Muktinath entirely by bus and jeep, with no walking. Safety is identical across all tiers. We are honest about the genuine risks, which are mundane: wind, dust, occasional flight delays, and rough roads, none of which require special fitness to handle with a guide.

Question 53

Who is this trek for, and why is it pre-qualified?

Accepted Answer

This route suits fit walkers who have done multi-day treks at altitude before and want to cross Thorong La without the gamble of the rushed versions. We ask about your trekking history and are honest upfront about what the route demands, because a 5416 m pass is not the place for a first high-altitude experience. Pre-qualification here is advisory, not a test you pass or fail. It is a conversation so that the people on the pass day are prepared for it. If the route is not right for you yet, we will say so, and the Manang Valley journey is a lower, road-based alternative that tops out well below the pass.

Question 54

What is the difference between The Trail, The Journey, and The Transformation?

Accepted Answer

All three tiers cover the same trek and the same safety protocol. The Two-Acclimatisation-Day Protocol, the safety equipment carried (pulse oximeter, supplemental oxygen, satellite phone, GPS tracking), the SpO₂ thresholds, the maximum group size of eight these are identical across every tier. What changes is comfort, pacing, and support ratio. The Trail is fourteen days, fixed-date departures, with a shared porter (1:4 ratio), standard teahouse accommodation throughout, and basic three-star Kathmandu hotel designed for fit trekkers who want the experience without spending more than necessary. The Journey is sixteen days, with extra cultural pacing, a dedicated porter (1:2 ratio), upgraded teahouses where infrastructure permits, a good four-star Kathmandu hotel, and a post-trek Traditional Nepali Recovery Massage designed for the majority of our clients. The Transformation is eighteen days, fully private departures, with a one-to-one guide and porter, best available lodge at every overnight where infrastructure permits, premium Kathmandu hotel, deeper private support, and a Kathmandu Valley cultural day. Your safety does not have a price tier. Your comfort does.

Question 55

Is the altitude on Mardi Himal dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The altitude is the main risk on this trek and it is taken seriously. For a short trek the height is gained quickly, and Base Camp at 4500 m is high enough that altitude sickness is a real possibility. Altitude sickness has no reliable link to age or fitness, so the protections are the same for everyone: a steady pace, oxygen-saturation monitoring above 3500 m, and a clear rule that if symptoms are serious the response is to descend. The biggest single safeguard is time to adjust, which is why The Journey includes a second night at High Camp before the push to Base Camp. Your guide is trained to spot the early signs.

Question 56

I have heard the trail to Tilicho Base Camp has rockfall. Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

The approach from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp crosses a slope of loose rock that is prone to rockfall, the section local guides call the landslide area. We are direct about it rather than quiet, because how it is handled is what matters. We cross it in the morning, after the overnight cold has settled the ground and before the sun warms and loosens it, and the guide makes a call each day on whether the weather and any snow make it safe to go. It is not technical ground, but it asks for a steady pace and attention, and trekking poles help. If conditions are not right on a given morning, the safe call is to wait or adjust, and we make that call. This is the same on every tier.

Question 57

Is Upper Mustang a trek or a jeep tour?

Accepted Answer

It can be either, and we are deliberate about telling you which. A dirt road now runs the length of the valley to Lo Manthang, so many trips sold as treks are really jeep tours. Our Trail tier is an honest jeep tour - fast and accessible, but you gain altitude quickly with little walking acclimatisation, and we say so plainly. The Journey walks the classic trail to Lo Manthang and back on foot. The Transformation walks a full circuit. We tell you, day by day, what is driven and what is walked.

Question 58

How many days does the Annapurna Circuit take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much of the lower route you walk versus drive. Our Trail is a 13-day trip door to door with 11 active trekking days, driving in to Chame to save the lower road section. The Journey is 16 days door to door with 13 active trekking days, starting on foot lower at Chyamje. The Transformation is around 19 days door to door with 17 to 18 active trekking days, walking the full classic line from Besisahar, adding a second acclimatisation night and a Poon Hill finish. We list both the door-to-door length, so you can book flights, and the active trekking days, so you know what you are actually walking.

Question 59

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

We check your oxygen saturation every day on a two-checkpoint protocol and watch for early symptoms. Mild symptoms mean we slow down, hold, or descend, and the guide has the authority to turn you around. The rule above 4000 m is simple: when in doubt, go down. Serious cases are evacuated by helicopter, which is why insurance covering evacuation to at least 6000 m is mandatory on this trek.

Question 60

I am a solo traveler. Will I be the only solo person on the trek?

Accepted Answer

On The Trail (fixed-date departures), no you will typically be joined by other solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3. The maximum is 8 per departure, and the mix varies by date and season. On The Journey (private departures), yes you would be the only trekker in your group unless you choose to invite others. Some solo travelers love this (complete privacy, full guide attention, a pace that is entirely yours). Others find the per-person cost higher because the fixed logistical costs (guide, permits, lodges booked-out) are not shared. We are honest about that in the quote. If you are a solo trekker weighing The Trail vs. The Journey, write to us and we will give you a straight comparison based on your dates and the current The Trail departure schedule.

Question 61

Are there any hidden costs I should know about?

Accepted Answer

No hidden costs. But there are visible costs we do not include in the trek price because they are personal or variable. International flights to Kathmandu $800–$2,500 depending on your departure city and season. Nepal visa $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation $100–$300 depending on duration and coverage. Personal trekking gear if you do not already own it, budget $500–$1,500 for boots, layers, insulated jacket, gloves, hat, trekking poles, headlamp, daypack. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu $5–$15 per meal at a decent restaurant. Hot showers and phone charging at lodges roughly $30–$60 total for a 12-day trek. Tips 10% of trek price approximately. Alcohol and bottled drinks on the trail bottled water is $1 at lower altitudes, up to $4 at Gorak Shep. Budget roughly 20–25% on top of the trek price for all non-included costs, excluding your international flights.

Question 62

How many days does the Annapurna Base Camp trek take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much of the lower route you walk versus drive, and whether you add anything. Our Trail is a 7-day trip door to door, Pokhara based, with around 5 to 6 active trekking days, jeeping in and out at the trailhead. The Journey is 10 days door to door with 7 active trekking days, including the Kathmandu to Pokhara travel. The Transformation is 12 days, adding a Ghorepani and Poon Hill start and a second acclimatisation night. We list both the door-to-door length, so you can book flights, and the active trekking days, so you know what you are actually walking.

Question 63

Do I need crampons for the Cho La Pass, and are they provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the glaciated section near the top of the Cho La needs crampons or microspikes, depending on the season and conditions, and we provide them as part of the trek. We treat this as basic safety kit, not an optional rental you sort out yourself or find you need at the last teahouse. You do not need to be an ice climber to use them; your guide shows you how on the day and sets the line across the ice. You should still bring sturdy, broken-in boots that the crampons or microspikes can fit.

Question 64

How do I get to Langtang and how long is the drive?

Accepted Answer

There is no flight. You drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the trailhead - roughly 117 to 122 km but six to nine hours on a winding, sometimes rough road. Monsoon rain can slow it further. We use a shared vehicle on the Trail and Journey, and a private jeep on the Transformation.

Questions we get before every booking

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Questions we get before every booking

Talk to our trek experts

General Information

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