Hiking format
Distance, duration and pace Depending on gradient and terrain, full day hikes are generally between 12km to 15km, or 7.5mi to 9.3mi, totaling 6hrs +/- 1hr. Mini hikes are 7km to 9km, or 4.3mi to 5.6mi, in 3hrs +/- 0.5hr. The hikes are slow- to medium-paced, designed as a social day out in nature, rather than a fast-paced workout or brisk walk. We will be hiking at a pace of ~2.75kmph / 1.7mph, accounting for breaks. The guide in front will set the pace. We need to ensure we move as a group and that nobody is left behind or worse, lost.
Trail Our hiking trails are thoroughly scouted and meticulously designed. There will be a good mix of farms, villages, culture, jungles and views on undulating trails. The guide team makes a final safety check on Thursday (reserving Friday as contingency to make any changes if needed), and clear any shady bits of trails of bushes and thorns, slippery pine needles, etc. Where the trail is steep, we make steps. We ensure the trails are as safe as they are fun.
Breaks There will be one lunch break (30 to 45mins), two loo/view/breath breaks (15mins each), and a few short pauses (2-5mins).
Loo When nature calls, we find a bush – at least in many cases. Shops and eateries can be scarce on the trails (your guide will let you know), but do carry toilet paper in case you need to do your business mid hike.
Finish point We generally stop at a nice cafe or resort, so you can unwind, buy a drink or two and use the loo. Based on what everybody prefers this leisure time can be between 30mins to 1hr.
Food
There’s one stop for lunch and a couple smaller ones for tea with a view. You’re welcome to purchase additional food from shops along the way. Your guide will let you know where shops are, and will carry extra drinking water as reserve.
Sandwich Veg or chicken Sandwich
Chips/crisps Homemade chips from Patan
Cheese balls Everybody’s favorite
Sour patches Local sour patches (titaura) and western ones (Chupa Chups)
Choco cookies Delights from the Lemon Tree Bakery
Transportation
Type of vehicle All ground transportation is on reserved and private vehicles.
Pickup locations and schedule For convenience, we have several pick up locations (see Itinerary). Pickup schedule will be finalized and sent to you via WhatsApp on Friday night, around 8pm. (This is because we cannot make the schedule until sign ups are sealed.)
Drop off route While the drop off locations will be the same, the route might be different, depending on which ring road exit is taken.
Crew
We are a bunch of trail rats who love to explore the outdoors and have been scouting trails (more than we should) all over Kathmandu valley. We have found some really interesting ones that we are eager to share with you in a safe, fun and organized manner. We’ll do our best to give you, your family and friends a great day out in the outdoors.
Pace guide At the front of the pack, the pace guide will – you guessed it – set the walking pace. Depending on the situation, this guide will also make calls for breaks and pauses, to close the gap between hikers. Again, this is a slow-medium hike, not to be confused with a workout. So please do not overtake the pace guide – to keep the group together and not to miss a turn.
Support guides They are be dotted in mid pack. Any time you need a hand or water or anything, they’ll be there.
Sweeper guide Sweeper guide will be right at the end, making sure everybody is accounted for.
Extra cash to carry
Expenses Please bring change if you’d like to purchase anything from shops along the way. Depending on the hike, we will likely finish at a cafe or resort where you can buy a drink, maybe two.
Tipping Tipping is optional. If you like the guides’ services, you are welcome to set aside a few hundred rupees as tips. This can be centrally collected and handed over before you get on the vehicle on the way back.
