How can I get more information about a particular trek?

We produce comprehensive information for each of our treks. Once you’ve decided which treks interest you, please phone for a trek itinerary. They contain a detailed day by day route, photos and other information which may help answer any questions you may have. You can discuss any particular trek with our office staff, who can give you practical first-hand advice. Please contact us for further information.

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How long a trek should I opt for?

If you have never trekked or camped before, it is often a good idea to start with a shorter trek of less than 12 days. However, if you have walked any of the long-distance trails in the UK or elsewhere, then you will be familiar with the cumulative effects of walking day after day. The main difference in the Himalayas is the change in altitude and the reduction in oxygen as you ascend.

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How will I cope without my home comforts?

Most people soon adapt to the trek routine and to sleeping in a tent. On some trek routes solar showers, bottled drinks and chocolate bars are available at tea houses/lodges along the way but in off-the-beaten-track areas there are no facilities. However, our staff will do everything possible to make things comfortable for you. You’ll be brought a hot drink with your wake-up call and warm water for washing. Our staff erect and pack away the tents – all you do is pack your own bag and day sack. All your meals are provided during the trek, leaving more time for you to relax and enjoy yourself.

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What sort of people travel with us?

A typical Community Action Treks group comprises a mix of couples, friends, family and single travellers in the age range 18 to 70. Just over half of our clients are women.

What happens if we don’t get enough people to run a trek?

The minimum number of trekkers varies according to the destination. Each itinerary confirms the minimum numbers required. In general, we can run treks with as few as 1 or 2 people, where tea houses are available, but a minimum of 4 people is needed for camping treks.

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I have selected a trek but would like to add a day or two to the schedule, or add an extension – can you help?

We are very happy to talk about customising trek routes to suit customers.

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Age – am I too old or too young?

There will be people of all ages trekking, the most usual range is mid 20’s to mid 60’s. Trekkers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. We have a policy of not arranging treks which ascend over 3500 metres for trekkers who are 14 years old or younger. With this exception we are happy to organise treks to suit all age ranges and will advise on physical/medical conditions if you have any doubts.

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How fit should I be?

Whether you have done any trekking before or not you will still need to train – on as varied terrain as possible – so that you gain maximum enjoyment from the trek. You will be walking for between five and nine hours a day for several days in succession. This will depend upon the planned route for the day, local weather conditions, your own pace and that of all group members. The trek is not a race; you will be encouraged to go at your own pace but we must stress that pre-trek training is essential. Notes and advice on a training routine will be sent to you on registration.

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Lodge treks: what will facilities be like on a Lodge / ‘Tea House’ trek?

You will share a double room unless you wish to pay a supplement for a single. There will probably be no showers. However, you will be provided with hot water for washing each morning and Lodges typically provide indoor toilet facilities, which can be rather primitive. The sleeping rooms are unheated so you will need to take a good sleeping bag and liner. Communal dining rooms in Lodges are usually heated by a stove and feel very cosy but you may need to wear your down / quilted jacket and hat to keep warm on colder days or evenings.

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What will the food be like on a Lodge trek?

All meals and hot drinks on trek are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner comprising 3-cooked meals are provided each day at Lodges. You can choose from a mixture of western and local food off the menu, providing a high-carbohydrate, largely vegetarian diet consisting of a mixture of western and regional food. This diet is perfect for trekking. In addition, we will provide 2 litres of boiled drinking water for each trekker on each trekking day.

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Camping treks: what will camping facilities be like?

You will share a double tent unless you wish to pay a supplement for a single. You do not have to do any cooking or erect tents – our treks are fully catered with staff to guide, cook, put up the tents and clear the campsites prior to departure. There will be no showers; you will be provided with hot water for washing and there will be toilet tents.

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What will the food be like on a camping trek?

All meals and hot drinks on trek are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner comprising 3-cooked meals, as for the Lodge treks but prepared by our own cooks. In addition, we will provide 2 litres of boiled drinking water for each trekker on each trekking day.

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What is the trekking day like on trek?

Every morning you will be woken (early – usually daybreak) with a hot drink and hot water for washing; you will get a good, cooked breakfast before you set off. The distance walked each day is measured in hours rather than kilometres – estimated times are on the detailed itineraries. There is a break at midday when lunch is provided and every evening there is a three-course meal. On camping treks, you will be served in the mess tent at camping tables and chairs for breakfast and dinner; and provided with a packed lunch. Your holdall containing your luggage (sleeping bag, toilet bag, spare clothing and footwear, etc.) will be delivered to your tent or sleeping room by your nominated porter, whom you will share with another team member.

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What equipment will I need?

When you register you will be offered full advice about any equipment you need – this consists of sensible walking clothes, a good waterproof, walking boots that support your ankles and a good four-season sleeping bag. We can arrange the hire of sleeping bags in many of our trekking regions.

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What will I have to carry whilst on trek?

You will carry a small daysack with, for example, your camera, sun cream, waterproof layer, lightweight additional clothing, snacks and water. Your water will be provided each day – boiled and safe to drink. You should not attempt to carry more than 6 kg in your

daysack.

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What will the weather be like?

As our treks are in mountain terrain the weather can be variable. The best times to trek on any particular route are indicated on each page (described as ‘Trek windows’) .

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What happens if I am ill or have an accident?

There is a first aid kit and the trekking staff have received first aid training. You must be responsible for your own, personal medical requirements (if any) and you must complete CAT’s standard medical information form. You will also need travel insurance that will cover helicopter rescue and repatriation in the event of serious emergency. Further information about this is provided on registration.

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What’s included/excluded in the price?

A full list of exclusions and inclusions is given at the end of all our itineraries but the most important point to note is that our trek prices are for the land only part of the package, international airfares are excluded.

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Will I have to carry my luggage?

Not on trek. All trek baggage will be transported by porters or in support vehicles unless otherwise stated. You will only need to carry your day sack on trek with your personal items you need for the day.

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Do I require specialist kit?

We will send you a full list of kit upon registration, but for most of our treks you'll need a decent pair of walking boots (that have been 'worn in' for two to three months in advance), a selection of waterproof outer coverings, thermal layers, shorts, walking tops, walking socks, good quality sunglasses, sun lotion (+ sun protection lip balm), a sun hat and a first aid kit. We also recommend the use of walking poles. You should pack comfortable items for time spent at the hotel before and after the treks. In many cases, you can leave a bag at the hotel whilst out on the trek. It's always nice to come back to a clean, comfortable outfit and some comfy shoes/trainers.