Different trips have different fitness requirements. Our beginners’ treks and expeditions can be done by absolute beginners, and the majority of our trips are focussed on beginners. As the trips get harder and more challenging, fitness begins to play an increasingly important role. On mountaineering expeditions, fitness is crucial. We realise that clients will need to work up to ideal fitness levels for such trips. On all trips, we provide a free Gear and Fitness Consultation phone call, where experienced guides will be able to advise you on how best to prepare for your upcoming expedition.
How fit do I need to be to join a trip with you?
We also provide intensive three-month training programs, which are closely monitored by a fitness coach, which will help you start the expedition physically ready.
Your trips seem challenging! Do I need prior experience?
Our beginners’ treks, climbs, and climbing courses do not require any experience.
Intermediate and advanced level trips do have joining pre-requisites. For intermediate rock & ice climbing trips, we ask that you have some climbing experience in a gym or outdoors, but we do not require any particular climbing grades. For mountaineering trips, we have certain altitude pre-requisites: for instance, our 6,000-meter climbs require some high-altitude trekking or climbing experience, and our 7,000-meter climbs require at least one trip to 6000 meters.
In certain cases, we are willing to waive pre-requisites after a conversation with our team and the understanding that you will need to work harder than usual to skip a level.
I am differently abled, can I still join one of your trips?
Without a doubt – YES!! Sharing the outdoors with people is our core value, and we train to share it with everybody. Our founder, Karn, led a team of blind climbers up Mt. Kilimanjaro, and his learning from the experience are applied to every trip, regardless of who is on the trip. Our guides are not just trained for technical skill, but also for sensitivity and inclusivity in all spheres, including physical ability and gender.
If you, or somebody you know, is differently abled and wants to get into the outdoors with us, drop us an email or give us a call. After understanding the clients ability, we will set up a system where they can join us on a trip.
I am a solo traveler, can I join a trip?
Certainly, you can! Other than not having to wait for your friends to confirm, it’s a great way to make lifelong friendships. All our fixed departures are open to solo clients. If you would like to set up a trip just for yourself, we are happy to do that, though expenses may be more as they are not shared.
Can you customise a trip for my group?
We are happy to customise a trip for your group according to your dates, difficulty and ability level, budget, etc. Drop us an email or give us a call to set up a consultation.
What is the group size of trips?
While group sizes vary from trip to trip, we believe in small groups. The maximum group size is 12, while the group size for some trips like Multipitch Climbing is only 2. In all cases we have a guide or instructor : participant ratio that is far above the industry standard.
What kind of food is provided on trips?
All trips are full service, meaning a full menu is provided. We pay a lot of attention to nutrition, and a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided (unless it is impossible, say if the day were spent trekking and there is no lunch, where a pack-lunch is given). On most trips, clients start the day with tea or coffee in their tents and end it with a sweet dish and hot drink before bed. Our tea kettles are always on the boil, and our Kitchens are an open space where clients are welcome.
While the menu is largely Indian, we vary it with Indo-chinese, continental (pizza at 5000 meters yum!), traditional food like momos or thukpa.
We provide both vegetarian and non vegetarian food, but meat usually does not last on long trips, where we use tinned or dried meat. In some mountain ranges, we do not serve meat after a certain point due to religious and cultural considerations.
Will toilets be available on trips?
Yes, toilet tents are provided on trips. WCs or Comodes are not given, and deep holes in the ground are dug, which are then covered up.
I have dietary restrictions – Can I still join a trip?
Do let us know exactly what your dietary restrictions and allergies are, and we will make sure to cater to them.
What happens if I start a trip but cannot complete a trip for any reason?
The most common reasons for starting a trip but not finishing are weather, sickness or illness including altitude. In mountaineering trips, physical fitness also plays a major part in people choosing to turn around before an expedition.
In case you cannot finish a trip, but others in the group choose to continue, a staff member will be deputed to take you back. Our logistics team prepares for this situation on every trip – and you will either be put up in a hotel or guesthouse, or you may return home early, the choice is yours. Please keep in mind you will be responsible for any transport, rooms, food etc, and will not be eligible for any returns.