ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Is there any age limit?
We do not apply age limits but it is important to discuss with us the appropriateness of a given trek or tour. Regardless of age you do need to be in good health to enjoy our holidays.

How difficult are the treks?
On this website you can find the holiday that meets your activity level and aspirations. Each trek/tour has been graded to help you choose the holiday that is right for you.

TREK GRADES

• EASY - involve the least amount of trekking - on average less than 6 hours a day -  predominantly at low altitudes of under 10,000ft, and on good paths. Any active person in good physical condition should enjoy these treks.
• MODERATE - a reasonable level of fitness is required for these treks as the trekking day will involve a greater degree of height gain/loss than easy treks. Moderate treks are suitable for most hillwalkers with on average 5 -7 hours of walking a day.
• DEMANDING - demanding treks involve extended periods of trekking, some long days and may include the crossing of a high pass over 15,000ft. These treks are suitable for regular hillwalkers who are confident about their fitness.

Who will answer my calls before and after I sign up?

Your contact will be with Andy Binns, the owner and founder of Golden Hill Travel . Professional, knowledgeable and friendly advice is always available from someone who has been there.

Andy Binns

Who will lead my trip?
In Nepal your trek will be led by professional, well educated and experienced Sherpa mountain guides who are personally known to us. They all speak good English and are highly knowledgeable about the areas we visit. Our guides have worked in the Himalayas for many years on treks and mountaineering expeditions and have a wealth of experience in dealing with potential emergencies. An experienced western leader accompanies our extended treks and tours in Tibet -see individual trip dossiers for details. In Peru your guides will be from the local area but also may be English, Swiss or American - all trips are escorted by a minimum of two guides.

Ang Thukten

Kancha Nuru

What will I need to carry?
All personal and camping equipment is carried by porters or yaks in tough cordura kitbags that we provide upon arrival in Kathmandu. You only have to carry the items that you will need during the day such as camera, water bottle, sun-cream, fleece and waterproof jacket that should fit into a daysack of approx 35 to 40 litre capacity.
For treks in Peru you will need to bring your own kitbag though here we provide you with thermarests.

Will I need any expensive equipment?
In Nepal we provide down sleeping bags and a kitbag for the duration of your trek. For high altitudes and trekking in winter we recommend the hire of a down jacket for £25 for the trip duration. We expect you to have comfortable walking boots and quality walking socks. Clear guidelines for the selection of equipment are provided upon booking and we are always happy to offer advice.

Where will we stay ?

Accommodation specific to each trip is detailed in the trip dossiers. Our treks and tours use comfortable 3 star accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis close to the shops and restaurants. In Kathmandu we stay in 5 star hotel accommodation such as the Hotel Yak & Yeti. Upgrades or downgrades in accommodation can be arranged upon request for private groups.

What are the trekking lodges like?

Most lodges in Nepal offer rooms on a twin share basis, though occasionally rooms will accommodate more than this. The lodges we use provide comfortable but basic accommodation by western standards. Clear guidelines on lodge trekking are provided in our trip dossiers.

Typical lodge

When is the best time to go?
In Nepal October/November is the peak trekking season with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. December through to February is colder though much quieter and the mountain views are stunning. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant for trekking though at night with clear skies temperatures can fall below -10C. In the spring season from March to early May it is much warmer and greener with hillsides often covered in rhododendron bloom. June to late August is the monsoon season in Nepal and is a great time to visit Tibet or trek in the rainshadow areas of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki Valley. In the mountain areas of Annapurna and Everest, treks are possible though mountain views are often obscured by cloud. However, for those looking for a quieter, out of season trek, the benefits are fields of wildflowers, festivals and altogether a more relaxed pace of life. In Peru April to October are the best months with July and August being the busiest and most expensive.

Can you arrange flights and trip extensions?
Golden Hill Travel acts in the capacity of retail agent for ATOL holders and as such can arrange flights to and from the UK. For flights to and from the US the following agents can arrange flights to Nepal:
Lida Behnam
lida@erols.com
 
Lida Travel 888 - 719-9191
Ticket Planet 800 799 8888
Himalayan Treasures and Travel 800 223 1813
Globe Travel 800 969 4562
Airfare Busters 800 232 8783  

FLIGHT ALERT - flights to Kathmandu and Lima are often booked up months in advance; we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment

TRIP EXTENSIONS - there are many options for extending a holiday to Nepal be it relaxing at a lakeside or mountain resort, wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park, white-water rafting, mountain flights to Everest or a longer extension to Tibet or India. Fly to Nepal via Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal as part of a Golden Triangle tour, or take a journey into the past on the Palace on Wheels. Visit our website or call 015395 52281 for more information.

Do you offer group discounts?
For groups of 4 or more booking on the same trip we offer a 5% discount off the land price when flight arrangements are made through Golden Hill Travel.

Are there small group surcharges?
Please note that our holidays are costed according to a minimum group size as stated in the brochure. Our small group policy means surcharges are unlikely. However, where this minimum is not reached a small surcharge may be levied to cover the extra costs involved in handling a very small group. This shall not exceed 5% of the land only price.

Will I need a visa?
You must hold a full passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. Upon receipt of your booking we will send you a visa application form where required. Details of visa costs and how to apply are contained in our trek dossiers and can be downloaded from our website.

What Financial Protection is provided?
Golden Hill Travel is an approved member of the Travel Trust Association, which we believe provides the best financial cover for your holiday. Your funds are placed into a designated trust account, which is supervised by a Certified Accountant acting as an independent trustee and the TTA. Your money is held in this account and may not be released until you return from your holiday. As added protection we provide complimentary insurance against tour operator failure, called the Safe Seat Plan, which secures all funds deposited in our trust account. This means that your money is safely held in Golden Hill Travel Trust Account to pay for every aspect of your holiday. Thus there is no possibility of being stranded or having to cut short your holiday. You can book with Golden Hill Travel in the complete confidence that all monies you pay for your holiday are fully protected.

Do you provide trip insurance?
It is obligatory for anyone travelling with Golden Hill to have adequate travel insurance. We can only arrange insurance for citizens residing in the UK. You may make your own arrangements, or take advantage of our own Travel Protection Plan. The full terms and conditions will be incorporated in the Certificate, which will be forwarded to you on receipt of your deposit. The insurance policy contains restrictions regarding pre-existing medical problems concerning the health of the people travelling and of other people upon whose health the trip may depend.
If you require coverage for pre-existing conditions or clarification on what is a pre-existing condition contact the TTA Helpline on 0870 241 1885. 
The Travel Protection Plan is designed to help make your travel easier, more secure and cost effective. We provide Safe Seat Insurance at no extra cost to you. If you choose to arrange your own insurance, documentary evidence of your policy is required, which must contain the same or higher level of cover that includes helicopter evacuation.

What should I do if I'm interested in a trip?
Call 00 44 (1)5395 52281 or email sales@goldenhilltravel.co.uk to request a detailed trip dossier and check availability

How do I book?
Read the trip dossier and booking conditions carefully. Download a trip application form and forward with a deposit of £200 per person to Golden Hill Travel. We prefer payment by cheque made payable to Golden Hill Travel Trust Account or alternatively we accept payment by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Payment can be made by direct bank transfer into our Trust Account and details are provided upon request.

PLEASE REMEMBER

Trekking is an adventurous activity in areas where unpredictability is the norm. Health and hygiene standards will not be the same as in the West and people often have a different concept of time. A flexible approach and sense of humour are essential for maximum enjoyment of adventure travel. Bad weather, flight cancellations, sickness, damage caused by monsoon rains etc, may necessitate a change in the most carefully made plans.

IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS YOU SHOULD NOT TRAVEL WITH US

Itineraries should be seen as statements of intent rather than contractual obligations on the part of Golden Hill Travel. Delays, discomfort and inconvenience are possible despite the best efforts of our leaders. When you join a trek or tour with Golden Hill Travel you acknowledge that the above may occur and agree to respect the authority of the leader to make decisions that are in the best interests of the safety and well being of the group. Major changes in itineraries are rare, but it is essential that you are aware of thie possibility.