Trekking Team and Support Staff

Alpinist Club provides an experienced trekking team to manage the route, accommodation, meals, camping arrangements, and group safety.

Depending on the group size and operational requirements, the team may include:

• Trekking Leader / Sirdar: Oversees the itinerary, route conditions, staff coordination, altitude management, and overall group safety.
• Assistant Guide: Supports the leader, assists trekkers, and helps manage the group throughout the journey.
• Camping Crew and Cook: Prepare meals and manage tents, kitchen equipment, and camp arrangements in remote areas.
• Porters: Carry main luggage and group equipment along the trekking route.

For a group of approximately four trekkers, the support team may include one trekking leader, one assistant guide, camping staff as required, and an appropriate number of porters.

The final team composition depends on group size, luggage weight, route conditions, and camping requirements. Alpinist Club provides appropriate insurance and equipment for its trekking staff in accordance with applicable requirements.

Accommodation in Kathmandu

Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided in a comfortable hotel, according to the selected package and availability.

Equivalent hotels may be arranged if the listed properties are unavailable. Room arrangements, meal plans, and hotel categories will be confirmed before departure.

Meals in Kathmandu

A welcome dinner is generally included as part of the trekking package. A farewell dinner may also be arranged if specified in your confirmed itinerary.

Unless otherwise stated, lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are not included.

Kathmandu offers a wide range of Nepali, Tibetan, Asian, and international restaurants where you can enjoy meals according to your preferences.

Accommodation During the Trek

Accommodation combines local teahouses, lodges, and tented camping.

• Teahouse and Lodge Accommodation: Used in villages where suitable accommodation is available along the Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang routes.
• Tented Camping: Required in remote areas around Teri La Pass, where permanent lodges and other accommodation facilities are unavailable.

Teahouse rooms are generally simple and usually arranged on a twin-sharing basis. Shared toilets and limited washing facilities are common. During camping sections, the crew provides tents and manages the necessary camp arrangements.

The standard of accommodation becomes more basic as the route enters remote areas.

Meals During the Trek

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during trekking days according to the confirmed package.

In villages, meals are prepared by local teahouses. During camping sections, our cook prepares meals using supplies carried by the support team.

Typical meals may include:

• Breakfast: Eggs, toast, Tibetan bread, chapati, pancakes, porridge, tea, and coffee.
• Lunch: Dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, soup, pasta, potatoes, and locally available dishes.
• Dinner: Dal bhat, rice, noodles, soup, vegetables, pasta, and other available meals.

Food choices become more limited in remote areas. Please inform us in advance about any dietary requirements, allergies, or food restrictions so we can discuss suitable arrangements.

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is essential during high-altitude trekking. Trekkers should carry at least two reusable water bottles and bring suitable water-purification tablets or a filtration system.

Our team assists with drinking-water arrangements throughout the journey. Water should be boiled, filtered, or appropriately treated before consumption.

We encourage the use of reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste in the Himalayan environment.

Trek Difficulty and Physical Fitness

The Teri La Pass Trek is graded Challenging to Strenuous. It requires good physical fitness, endurance, and the ability to walk for several consecutive days in remote mountain terrain.

Trekkers should be prepared for:

• Approximately 6–8 hours of walking on many days, with some longer days depending on conditions.
• Steep ascents and descents over rough and uneven trails.
• Several nights above 4,000 m.
• A high-altitude crossing of Teri La Pass at approximately 5,595 m.
• Cold temperatures, possible snow, and changing weather.
• Remote camping and limited access to medical facilities.
• Several days without convenient road access.
• Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.

Physical Preparation

We recommend beginning physical training at least two to three months before departure, adjusting the training period to your current fitness level.

Useful preparation includes:

• Regular hiking and long walks.
• Weekend hikes lasting 4–6 hours.
• Uphill and downhill walking.
• Stair climbing and cardiovascular training.
• Running, cycling, or swimming.
• Leg and core strengthening exercises.
• Hiking with a loaded daypack.

If possible, complete several consecutive days of hiking before departure to prepare for the sustained physical demands of the trek. Good fitness improves endurance but does not prevent altitude sickness.

Medical Check-Up and Altitude Awareness

A medical check-up before departure is recommended, particularly for anyone with an existing medical condition, a history of altitude-related problems, or concerns about their heart, lungs, or blood pressure.

Tell your doctor that the trek reaches approximately 5,595 m and includes several days in remote areas. Discuss any regular medication and whether you need advice from a travel-medicine or high-altitude specialist.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Possible symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache.
• Nausea or loss of appetite.
• Dizziness.
• Unusual tiredness.
• Difficulty sleeping.

Trekkers must report symptoms to the guide immediately. Continuing to ascend while experiencing altitude-related symptoms can be dangerous. Depending on the situation, the guide may recommend stopping the ascent or descending.

Severe breathlessness at rest, confusion, loss of coordination, or a worsening headache with other serious symptoms requires urgent medical assessment and descent. Acetazolamide (Diamox) should be used only after appropriate medical advice.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is mandatory.

Your policy should explicitly cover:

• Trekking to at least 6,000 m.
• Emergency helicopter evacuation.
• Medical treatment and hospitalization.
• Repatriation.
• Trip cancellation or interruption, where appropriate.

Check the policy exclusions carefully, as many standard travel-insurance policies do not cover high-altitude trekking or helicopter rescue.

Please provide Alpinist Club with your insurance details and emergency contact information before the trek. Rescue and medical services may be limited by weather, terrain, and accessibility.

Restricted Area Permits

The route crosses restricted trekking areas in Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang. The permits required depend on the final itinerary, entry points, duration, and current government regulations.

Depending on the route, required documentation may include:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
• Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit.
• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.

Other permits or documentation required by the relevant authorities. Alpinist Club will coordinate the necessary permits for the confirmed itinerary. Restricted-area regulations, including guide and group requirements, must be followed.

Group Size

The usual group size is:

• Minimum: 2 trekkers.
• Maximum: Approximately 10 trekkers.

Private departures can also be arranged, subject to current restricted-area regulations and operational requirements.

Small groups help the team manage camping logistics, altitude-related concerns, and the practical challenges of travelling through remote mountain areas.

Personal Trekking Equipment

Personal clothing and trekking equipment are generally not included unless specifically stated in your package.

A detailed equipment checklist will be provided before departure. Essential items include:

• Waterproof trekking boots.
• Thermal base layers and warm mid-layers.
• Insulated down jacket.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Warm trekking trousers.
• Gloves, warm hat, and sun hat.
• UV-protection sunglasses.
• Trekking poles.
• Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Daypack.
• Reusable water bottles and water-purification supplies.
• Sunscreen and personal toiletries.
• Personal medication and first-aid essentials.
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected high-altitude temperatures.

Additional equipment may be required depending on snow, ice, and weather conditions.

Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket Rental

Alpinist Club can help arrange sleeping bag and down jacket rentals in Kathmandu with advance notice.

Rental availability, prices, and deposit requirements should be confirmed before arrival. Any rented equipment must be returned in good condition, subject to normal wear and tear.

Main Luggage and Daypack

Porters carry your main trekking luggage and the group's equipment. We recommend limiting your main luggage to approximately 15 kg per trekker, subject to the final porter arrangement and confirmed package.

During walking days, carry a daypack containing water, snacks, extra clothing, rain protection, sun protection, personal medication, valuables, and essential documents.

Unnecessary luggage can generally be stored at your Kathmandu hotel while you are trekking, subject to the hotel's storage arrangements.

Weather and Route Conditions

Weather in the high Himalayas can change rapidly. Snowfall, strong winds, rain, landslides, river conditions, and trail damage may affect the planned route.

The trekking leader may change a campsite, adjust the walking schedule, delay the pass crossing, modify the route, or turn the group back if conditions are unsafe.

Reaching Teri La Pass or completing the published itinerary cannot be guaranteed. Safety takes priority over the planned schedule.

Safety and Emergency Evacuation

The trekking leader monitors weather, altitude, participant health, trail conditions, river crossings, and the group's overall progress.

The team carries an appropriate first-aid kit and arranges communication equipment according to the needs of the remote route. Mobile phones, radios, or satellite communication may be used where available and appropriate.

Some sections of the trek are several days from road access. In a serious emergency, helicopter evacuation may be considered if the location, weather, visibility, and flying conditions permit.

Helicopter rescue cannot be guaranteed. Evacuation, medical, and related expenses are the responsibility of the participant or their insurer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Electricity, Charging and Internet

Charging facilities may be available in some villages for an additional fee. Electricity may be unavailable during remote camping sections.

We recommend carrying power banks, spare batteries, and a solar charger if needed.

Mobile phone coverage and internet access are limited and unreliable. Be prepared for several days with little or no connectivity.

Toilets and Washing Facilities

Teahouses generally provide shared toilet facilities, although standards vary between villages. During camping sections, basic camp toilet arrangements are used.

Hot showers may be available in some settlements for an additional charge but cannot be guaranteed throughout the trek.

Bring hand sanitizer, personal hygiene products, a quick-dry towel, and suitable biodegradable hygiene supplies. Please dispose of all waste responsibly and follow your guide's advice regarding sanitation in remote areas.

Responsible Trekking and Environmental Care

The Teri La route passes through environmentally sensitive landscapes and culturally important Himalayan communities.

We ask all trekkers to:

• Respect local customs, traditions, and religious sites.
• Ask permission before photographing local people.
• Avoid littering and minimize single-use plastics.
• Use refillable water bottles whenever possible.
• Follow local guidance when visiting villages and monasteries.
• Respect wildlife and the natural environment.

Our aim is to support responsible tourism while helping preserve the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information About the Itinerary

The Teri La Pass Trek takes place in a remote mountain environment where conditions can change quickly. The published itinerary is a planned program rather than a guaranteed schedule.

Weather, snow conditions, trail access, government regulations, accommodation availability, and participant health may require adjustments.

Alpinist Club and the trekking leader reserve the right to modify the itinerary when necessary for the safety and well-being of the group. Participants should remain flexible and understand that reaching the pass depends on conditions on the ground.

1. How difficult is the Teri La Pass Trek? : The Teri La Pass Trek is considered challenging to strenuous. It includes long trekking days, remote camping, high-altitude conditions, and a crossing of Teri La Pass at 5,595 m. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended.

2. What is the highest point of the trek? :

The highest point is Teri La Pass at 5,595 meters / 18,356 feet.

3. How many days is the Teri La Pass Trek? :

Our complete Teri La Pass Trek itinerary is 22 days, including arrival, acclimatization, trekking, the Teri La crossing, Upper Mustang, Pokhara, and departure.

4. What is the best time for the Teri La Pass Trek? :

The best seasons are generally April to May and September to November, when weather and trail conditions are usually more suitable for high-altitude trekking.

5. Do I need previous trekking experience? :

Technical climbing experience is not normally required in good conditions. However, snow or ice may be present around Teri La, and the guide may recommend additional safety equipment depending on conditions.

6. Can beginners join this trek? :

Teri La is not recommended as a first Himalayan trek. Beginners should first gain experience on moderate high-altitude treks before attempting this route

7. Can I trek Teri La Pass alone? : No. The route passes through restricted trekking areas, including Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang, and must be organized according to current Nepal government regulations

8. What permits are required? :

The trek normally requires:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit
• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

Alpinist Club arranges the necessary trekking permits for booked participants.

9. Is accommodation available throughout the trek? : No. The trek uses a combination of hotels, teahouses, lodges, and tented camps. Camping is necessary in the remote section around Teri La where permanent accommodation is unavailable.

10. Are meals included during the trek? :

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during trekking and camping days according to the confirmed package.

During remote camping sections, meals are prepared by our camping cook.

11. Are porters included? : Yes. Porters are arranged according to group size and logistical requirements. Your main trekking luggage is carried by porters while you carry only a daypack.

12. How much luggage can I give to a porter? :

We generally recommend keeping your trekking luggage to approximately 15-20 kg per person.

13. Is drinking water available? :

Yes. Drinking water is available from local sources, lodges, or camp supplies. Water is boiled, filtered, or treated where necessary.

We recommend carrying reusable water bottles.

14. Is travel insurance required? :

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.

Your policy should cover trekking up to at least 6,000 meters, emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.

15. Is altitude sickness a risk? :

Yes. The trek reaches 5,595 meters, so altitude sickness is a serious consideration.

The itinerary includes acclimatization days, and our guides monitor participants carefully. Any altitude symptoms should be reported immediately.

16. What happens if I become sick at altitude? :

Your guide will assess your condition. Depending on the symptoms, you may be advised to rest, stop ascending, or descend.

In serious cases, emergency evacuation may be arranged if weather and location allow.

17. Is helicopter rescue available? :

Helicopter evacuation may be possible, but it depends on weather, visibility, location, and flying conditions.

All participants must have insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation.

18. What happens if Teri La Pass cannot be crossed? :

If weather, snow, trail conditions, or participant health make the crossing unsafe, the guide may delay, modify, or cancel the crossing.

Safety always takes priority over completing the planned itinerary.

19. How cold does it get? :

Temperatures near the high camps and Teri La can fall well below freezing, especially at night and early in the morning.

A warm sleeping bag, down jacket, gloves, and proper layering system are essential.

20. Can I rent a sleeping bag and down jacket in Kathmandu? :

Yes. Alpinist Club can arrange rental sleeping bags and down jackets with advance notice.

21. Is electricity available during the trek? :

Electricity is available in some villages, usually for an additional fee.

During remote camping days, electricity may not be available, so we recommend bringing power banks or spare batteries.

22. Is Wi-Fi or mobile network available? :

Internet and mobile coverage are limited and unreliable.

During the remote Teri La section, you should expect several days with little or no mobile network or internet access.

23. Do I need to carry camping equipment? :

No. Group camping equipment, kitchen equipment, and tents are managed by our support team.

You only need to carry your personal daypack.

24. What should I carry in my daypack? :

Your daypack should normally include:

• Water
• Waterproof jacket
• Extra warm layer
• Gloves and hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Personal medication
• Camera or phone
• Important documents

25. Is Teri La Pass Trek suitable for private groups? :

Yes. We can organize private departures for couples, friends, families, and groups that meet the required trekking and permit regulations.

26. Why choose the Teri La Pass Trek? :

Teri La is ideal for trekkers looking for a remote Himalayan experience away from crowded trails. The journey combines Nar Phu Valley, a 5,595 m mountain pass, wilderness camping, traditional villages, and the dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang.