Do I need glacier experience, or do I need to hike 20 miles a day on the Nepal trip?
You don’t need glacier experience for this trip, and you definitely don’t need to hike 20 miles (32km) a day. The itinerary is designed for people with a normal level of fitness, with rest days built in and a pace that’s meant to be manageable. We go up slowly for acclimatization - I’ll share the full details on the trip page before bookings open.
What fitness level do I need for each trip?
Nepal is the more demanding trip - we hike most days and spend time at altitude. Bolivia is more accessible - we do shorter hikes and viewpoints, with plenty of time for photography.
Do I need trekking poles, special gear, or a huge backpack?
You don’t need expedition or backpacking gear. For Nepal, trekking poles are recommended, and we’ll have porters carrying the majority of our stuff - you’ll hike with a day pack. Nights and mornings can be cold, in both Nepal and Bolivia, so warm layers matter. See the trip pages for a packing list.
What about altitude - should I be worried?
Altitude sickness is hard to predict and doesn’t depend on fitness. Some people handle altitude very easily, while others are more sensitive to it. For some people it can help to use Diamox as a preventative medication to reduce altitude sickness symptoms. Both trips are designed in a way that we ascend very slowly. In Nepal this means gradual elevation gain with built-in rest days for acclimatization. In Bolivia, it can help to arrive a few days early in La Paz to acclimatize properly.
Can I join solo?
Yes. Many people join solo - the whole point is meeting like-minded travelers and sharing the experience together.
What’s included, and what’s not included?
A lot is included. Flights to the country, travel insurance, tips, and personal snacks/drinks are not included. Check the trip pages for the exact details of what is included and what isn’t.
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your passport. Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival. Bolivia visa rules vary by country - check the trip pages (and official government sources) for the latest requirements.
Do I need prior backpacking or camping experience for the Nepal trip?
No - absolutely not. This is a very accessible trek. We’ll stay in local teahouses and have warm meals - we’re not camping. You do need decent fitness, but you don’t need experience backpacking, camping, thru-hiking, or having done a trip like this before. Most days are around 3-7 hours of hiking, with a maximum of about 13km (8mi).
What if the trip sells out - will you add more spots?
No - group sizes are intentionally limited to keep it personal. But no worries: the trips are yearly, and if you can’t secure a spot this time, you’ll be able to join next time.
