What is trekking?
Trekking is a gentle walk on mountain trail to explore the villages, valleys, mountains and its interior to get the maximum enjoyment in minimum discomfort. Trekking means foot travel on mountain trail from just a day to month or more, in the same style as exploratory or mountaineering expeditions. Trekking is not backpacking and you need only to carry what you might want during the day whilst walking – a binocular, a camera, a sweater, important documents etc.

Sherpas serve as guides interpreters, cooks, and camp staffs. Porters, horses or yaks carry all food, fuel, camping equipment and personal belongings. At night you stay in tents or occasionally local lodges and sleep in sleeping bags, all of which are carried with the trekking party.

All our full-service treks are managed by a team of professionally trained Sherpas with the Sherpa Sardar responsible for all aspects of the running of the trek. Trekking had basically everything the big expeditions had – guides, Sherpa porters, cooks, and kitchen boys. Clients didn't scale the peaks; but they came close and that was what they wanted.
Food on trek is plentiful, healthy, wholesome and varied, prepared by cooks trained in kitchen and table hygiene. Enough staple products are carried for the entire outing. Fresh supplies of vegetables, eggs and meat are purchased locally wherever available.

Porters/pack animals carry all equipment, food and duffel bags. All you need to carry in your daypack is a water bottle, rain gear, camera and other small items that you may need on the trail. All trekkers walk at their own pace with the lead and “sweep” Sherpas providing support throughout.

Trekking appeals to different people for different reasons. Most are drawn to the healthy exercise and magnificent mountain scenery, both of which are fully guaranteed. Because of the type of treks we operate, SAT particularly appeals to those who are seeking unspoiled areas and an opportunity to experience the indigenous culture, history and traditions of a region. 

For most first time visitors, the chance to view Himalayas, the highest mountains on earth, is the primary reason for trekking. Nepal is an ethnic mosaic and a trek is not just an opportunity to gaze at snow-covered peaks, it is a chance to observe the lifestyles of the different peoples who have inhabited these mountains for centuries.

How long are the treks?
Generally the trek duration depends on your interest and location of trek. Your trek can last anywhere from 2-3 days to an entire month or longer if you wish. We can accommodate day hikes, cultural visits to local villages, and relaxing rest days on your trek. The decision is up to you.

Some tend to ask how much does one walk on any particular given day on an average trek. To be candid, this depends entirely upon you and the choice of your trek or as some say, it is the time that matters rather than the distance, as mileage is dictated by altitude and terrain. Generally walking time, including rests, ranges from 4 to 8 hours, but as already mentioned, it depends on your choice of trek and the duration of your vacation.

How difficult are the treks ?
This is another major question frequently asked. And the answer to this is rather simple; the difficulty of any trek depends on where you want to trek and how much farther do you intend to go. Obviously, the shorter treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physical fitness. Be prepared for some really demanding steep trails while you are consequently assured of some of the most amazing views. We have very friendly and dependable porters to assist you with your personal gear.

Where do we stay on treks ?
Where up to standard hotel facilities exist, we use them. Teahouses are a way of life for almost all trekkers. They are the combination of guesthouse, restaurant, and social hangouts. We encourage all trekkers along the Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna treks to try our teahouse treks. They are so rewarding. Our many years of experience along these routes have helped us find the friendliest, cleanest, and most enjoyable teahouses with the best views. Most teahouses have clean running water. Many have hot water available for bathing as well. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood fires due to lack of firewood in most villages. Deforestation is a big environmental concern in Nepal and especially to us here at SAT . We have great respect for the Environment. This is an opportunity too to help and support local villages. In remote terrains, we camp in tents. Even if you've never camped before, you don't need to worry: the tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads/mattresses are relaxing. On all of our treks there is a toilet tent and a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers.

Where and what type of food is served?
If you are on a teahouse trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner at your teahouse. We stop for lunch at one of the various trailside restaurants. And snacks are always easy to find. If you are on a camping trek we will prepare all meals and snacks. Almost every teahouse serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice, curry, and lentils). Generally all teahouses we choose have a variety of different foods on the menu including noodles, rice, potatoes, vegetables and soup. Some have Nepalese versions of western food such as pizza and French fries too. The choice is yours. Sodas and beer are available at most of the teahouses and of course, Nepalese milk tea is served everywhere.

How safe is the food?
Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best to choose teahouses and restaurants with clean and hygienic kitchens. On our lodge treks, we provide a cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe.

Where do we get safe drinking water during the trek?
All teahouses have boiled water for trekkers. Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. In a camping trek, all water is boiled in the morning and treated with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water.

What equipment should I bring?
Choosing the right equipment is very important. You want to have enough clothes to stay warm or cool yet not over packed. Usually you will have warm days and cold nights. A warm jacket either fleece or down can be quite comfortable for the evening. Long under wear and woolen socks are good for warmth too. We encourage people to bring a light pair of pants and shorts for hiking. Sun cream and glasses are a must. Rain and hail can appear on a trek so we also recommend a Gore-Tex jacket. Most gear can be purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara at one of the many outdoor gear shops. The right footwear depends on the trek. Shorter treks can be done in comfortable running shoes while longer ones require sturdy but lightweight hiking boots. Shoes and boots are best purchased before arriving in Nepal . Comfortable fit is a must for boots. And we encourage wearing your boots before the trek to wear them in.

What happens if there is an emergency?
SAT prides itself on being prepared for any emergency situation. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that are associated with trekking. When a serious emergency does occur, then outside help is needed. Every client should have his or her own insurance arranged before coming to Nepal . If an emergency occurs, SAT will initially cover the cost of an evacuation until your insurance company can deliver payment.

Is there a doctor on the trek?
We can't guarantee a doctor on every trek, but we do try to encourage suitably experienced medical personnel to join our high altitude treks by offering a discount in return for looking after the medical needs of a group. In addition to trek doctors, our group leaders are trained in first aid.

Could you tell me how much money do I need to bring?
Without knowing your proper holiday plan, it is next to impossible to justify the correct amount you would need to bring. There are loads of activities that one can undertake during a vacation to Nepal. And this depends on your choice of holiday, the category of accommodation you are looking for and the activities you will be interested in. May be if you enquire SAT with the appropriate details of your holiday in the Himalayas, then we could surely help you in this area. We will brief you regarding money matter before your departure to a trek and expedition.

What sort of experience do your guides have?
SAT has some of the most dependable and experienced guides in Nepal . All of our guides have spent years exploring the mountains and they know the whereabouts of the countryside of Nepal almost blindfolded. All guides speak English and indeed they have a deep and thorough knowledge of the various trekking routes. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to react to any situation. And most importantly our guides are friendly and fun loving.

What if I am single/ with family?
Depending on your interest, we do both, single guided treks / tours and group tours. If you are alone and willing to join other trekkers (on the same trek), this is always possible. On your request we will give all the details of the member and size of the groups that you will be joining. People traveling with us may be of any nationality, sex, single or accompanied, experienced travelers or complete beginners. Groups are always small (in general 10 or less). English is the common language, and there can be a wide age-range. We apply no upper age limit, though we ask those over 70 years of age, for their doctor's confirmation of their fitness to participate. Generally speaking, we regard our trips for adults please note that unaccompanied minors are not accepted. Our family Trek is designed to accommodate younger children.

Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
Private rooms are available in most teahouses except for those at very high altitudes. Most bathrooms are shared. On our lodge treks we also provide someone to clean all bathroom facilities for our groups. Our lodge treks also include bed and pillow covers.

How difficult is the trek?
We can absolutely assure you that you do not have to be young, very experienced, or super fit to enjoy most of our treks. Our trekkers range from 17 to 70. Previous walking experience, though useful, is not essential: the great majority of our treks could be undertaken by anyone who is in good health, enjoys outdoor life, and is reasonably fit. Many of our guests casually participate in a sport such as swimming, cycling, tennis or golf. Our treks are graded for difficulty, from to .

What is the general schedule of an average trekking day?
A trek day begins around 6 a.m. with a mug of coffee or tea served through your tent flap. Hot water is provided for washing and shaving, followed by breakfast. Water is provided for your water containers. We strike camp and begin walking in the pleasant cool of the morning for 2-4 hours before stopping for lunch. This two-hour break offers an opportunity to write in your diary, read and relax. The full meal typically includes fresh fruit, tinned meat, cheese, rice, chapatis or biscuits, cooked vegetables, and tea or coffee. We usually reach our campsite by 4 p.m. and have tea and biscuits shortly afterwards. There is time to rest or explore before our evening meal at 6 p.m. This is the social event of the day. It begins with an appetizer and soup, followed by the main course and dessert with tea or coffee. The variety and quality of our "camp" food will delight you. Guests keep threatening to take our cooks home with them! As we mainly camp near villages, there is usually plenty of time to visit the locals before or after dinner and sample their home brews. As night approaches, most people retire to their warm sleeping bags and are fast asleep by 9:30 p.m.

What about Environmental awareness?
Our approach is to raise environmental awareness among visitors to Nepal . We also give information to our valuable customers on how to minimize maximum damage on the environment in Nepal . We guide and help them on how to trek gently and to support culture and environmental conservation. We are also trying to protect the fragile environment and indigenous cultures of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal . We cook food on kerosene stoves, suggest you to stay in lodges that use kerosene or fuel efficient stoves and advise you to take hot showers when the water is heated with solar energy or hydroelectricity or black coal stove etc. We always take one extra porter to carry and manage all the garbages that our groups make in their campsite. Yearly we invest 6% of our net profit for the above purpose and further more, in participating in various social works in Nepal & Sikkim . We always heartily welcome and enchant your comments and suggestions for a better way to serve our customers, environment and nature.

Why should I travel with SAT?
There are many good and profitable reasons why you should travel with us. In a nutshell, we go out of our way to make sure your experience of Nepal, through us, is an enchanting and a memorable one. We give you more for your money. Our safety record is unsurpassed. Above all an experience with us is a gift from Nepal with love.

The Himalayan region of Asia is rich in mountains, nature, cultural heritage and has much more to offer - extraordinary hospitality, warm and generous people with their authentic religion; Hinduism or Buddhism.  So you need some one experienced to make you absorb it. Our trips offer a varied pilgrimage tours from the vicinity of the birthplace of Lord Buddha to the high Himalayan range at Muktinath & Gosainkunda.