DOLPO TREKKING

WILD YAK Team:

Trekking at a high altitude is challenging, physically tiring, and mentally demanding, and choosing the right guide and local team is crucial for the safety and success of such a trip. Therefore, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS carefully determines and assigns the best WILD YAK Team of trekking guides and porters for our Upper Dolpo Trek. Here are some elements that we take into consideration to evaluate and choose the right team for our Upper Dolpo Trek: 

Experience: Our WILD YAK Trekking Team has extensive experience guiding around the Dolpo region and other significant areas in the Himalayas. They are familiar with the route, conditions, and risks while guiding at a high altitude. 

Expertise: Our WILD YAK Trekking Team is a highly skilled guide who performs best in difficult situations. It consists of new-generation dynamic trekking guides, qualified and trained under the banner of the Nepal Tourism Board.  Last but not least, our WILD YAK Trekking Team has excellent physical fitness and can withstand the rigors of such adventure in high altitudes.

Communication: Communication and personal compatibility within the team are crucial for a safe and successful adventure trip. Interaction with the participants, response to their queries, and willingness to address each participant’s concerns are vital requirements in Trekking. Our WILD YAK Trekking Team communicates effectively with the participants and ensures everyone is on the same page. Indeed, it is also advantageous to be a small group of adventurers, where the participants and the WILD YAK Team have sufficient time to understand each other appropriately. Some of our WILD YAK Trekking Guides speak multiple languages. 

Profile: You will spend much time with the WILD YAK Team during your WILD YAK  trek experience. Each participant must feel comfortable with the members of our WILD YAK Team and should establish a good relationship. Our WILD YAK Trekking Team is friendly, kind, and supportive.

Tailor-made workshops and training:

With WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we ensure you’re well-prepared for your trekking. Our pre-trekking workshops and training sessions in the Alps will give you essential high altitude skills. We’ll organize virtual meetings for those you can’t attend in person.

Our preparation workshops in the Alps cover everything from physical and mental fitness advice to emergency procedures and the risks associated with high altitude.

With our expert advice, you’ll be well-prepared and confident that you’re ready to meet the challenges of your next high altitude trekking.

Feel free to contact us for a tailor-made training session in the Alps.

Our emergency features

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS has well-defined emergency response protocols, such as:

– medical kits with high-altitude medicine

– oxygen with masks and regulators

– plan for immediate response to medical emergencies in case of altitude sickness, frostbite, or injury.

In addition, our WILD YAK Team of trekking Guides is trained to administer first aid and coordinate rapid evacuations if necessary, including high-altitude helicopter evacuations.

WILD YAK’s commitments

We demonstrate a solid commitment to responsible tourism by integrating sustainable practices into our WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS operations.

Since 2014, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, in collaboration with our charity organization “The Butterfly Help Project“, has contributed namely to schools constructions, sponsoring Sherpa children who have lost their fathers in the mountains, collaborating with local organizations to preserve their culture, and financially supporting community development initiatives.

In addition, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS encourages travelers to actively participate in community-based activities and respect local customs and traditions. We highly encourage reusable water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics. We also provide proper waste disposal facilities during the trekking.

Furthermore, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS greatly emphasize the well-being of porters and the WILD YAK guiding Team. We are committed to treating porters fairly and providing them with better working conditions by limiting the weight carried by each of them. Additionally, we apply a strict policy of fair wages and provide them with proper clothing, footwear, and necessary accessories. Finally, we purchase insurance for each porter’s emergency medical and rescue services on each trip.

Last but not least, we contribute with each of our trip to the projects of “The Butterfly Help Project”.

During our Trekking:

We will set up camp at specific locations outlined in our itinerary during our Upper Dolpo trekking adventure. At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we provide tents on a sharing basis and personal mattresses. Besides, we also provide an isolation mattress that covers the entire sleeping tent surface.

To ensure the best experience in remote landscapes, besides our WILD YAK trekking guide, our dedicated WILD YAK Team includes a cook and kitchen staff who expertly prepare fresh meals and drinks. They offer cuisine options, including local Nepali, Italian, and continental dishes. You can also indulge in our selection of teas and coffee.

On longer walking days, while crossing passes, we will provide packed lunch to energize you. For added convenience, each camp will have kitchen tents, dining areas, and toilet tents. Solar lights will also be available to charge your phone and camera batteries.

Furthermore, we provide an essential resource for enhanced safety and emergency preparedness during our Upper Dolpo trekking adventure. Our provisions include top-quality medical kits stocked with high-altitude medicine and oxygen with masks and regulators. We also ensure constant communication by equipping ourselves with reliable radio and satellite phones.

At the beginning and end of the trek, we will stay in traditional mountain lodges recommended by WILD YAK EXPEDITION. Please note that single rooms are not available at these lodges.

The lodges offer diverse cuisines, including continental, Indian, Tibetan, and local cooking. Please be aware that beverages, except for coffee and our selection of teas provided for breakfast and afternoon refreshments, are at the expense of each participant. Additionally, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS will provide special snacks for your enjoyment.

Our Trekking Guides:

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we carefully choose our trekking guides for their specific expertise and individual abilities in the high altitude environment. This ensures our team is highly experienced, skilled, courteous, and supportive.

We take pride in supporting our local staff by offering fair salaries and encouraging their professional development. Our staff regularly participate in mountaineering workshops, wilderness first aid training, environmental preservation courses, garbage management, team leadership, and language refresher programs.

Introducing our exceptional Trekking Guides:

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we are proud to have trekking guides, professional government-trained and licensed guides with extensive experience guiding treks around the majestic Himalayas. With a strong focus on safety, our trekking guides are well-versed in first aid training and possess extensive knowledge of the local landscape and the importance of environmental preservation. 

Embark on an unforgettable journey:

As you embark on your trekking adventure, our expert guides will lead you through various majestic trails and mountain passes, providing fascinating insights into the mountains, the rich culture, unique traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Acting as a valuable interpreter, our Guide will facilitate communication with the local communities, ensuring seamless interactions and cultural understanding. 

A trusted companion:

Your safety is our priority, and our trekking guide will be by your side, attentively ensuring your well-being and addressing any needs that arise throughout the trail. In addition to caring for our members’ needs, our trekking Guide also takes on the crucial role of supervising our WILD YAK Team of porters, guaranteeing that safety requirements are met at every step of the journey. Their commitment extends to maintaining cleanliness, responsibly managing waste, and preserving the pristine condition of the trail and campsites throughout the entire trekking trip. 

Constant communication:

We commit to staying well-informed about your group throughout the trekking experience at WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS. This allows us to provide the best support and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Our Team of porters:

Introducing our reliable porters: 

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we understand the importance of reliable porters who ensure the safe transport of your belongings during trekking. With a focus on proper handling and punctual delivery, our dedicated Porters are committed to making your journey as smooth as possible. 

Supporting and respecting our porters: 

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we highly value our porters and have established strict standards to ensure they are treated with the utmost care and respect. This includes offering them a fair salary, bonuses, allowances, clothing, footwear, sunglasses, and comprehensive medical insurance. 

Committed to fair practices: 

In line with our commitment to the rights of our porters, we strictly adhere to the one member to one porter policy. This ensures that each porter has the minimum weight, support, and attention to fulfill their duties effectively.

Payment and Cancellation:

Payment Methods: bank transfers 

Currency: The default transaction currency will be specified on our website or provided when booking. If you pay in a different currency, currency conversion fees may apply, and the payment provider or financial institution will determine the exchange rate. Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter’s account.

Payment Schedule:

• The payment schedule will depend on the type of booking and the specific terms and conditions associated with your booking.
• For some bookings, full payment may be required at the time of booking.
• For other bookings, a deposit will be required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due before a specified deadline.
• Failure to make the required payments within the specified timeframe may cancel your booking, subject to our cancellation policy.

Payment Security: We prioritize the security of your payment information and comply with industry standards and best practices.

Payment Disputes and Refunds: In the event of a payment dispute or if you believe an incorrect payment has been made, please get in touch with our WILD YAK service team immediately. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to our cancellation and refund policy.

Modifications to the Payment Policy: We reserve the right to modify this payment policy at any time without prior notice. Any changes to the payment policy will not apply retroactively and will only affect future bookings.

Please note that this is a general overview of our payment policy. The payment terms and conditions may vary based on your booking and destination. We recommend reviewing the detailed payment policy provided when booking or contacting our WILD YAK service team for further assistance.

Trip Cancellation Policy (cf. Article 5 of WILD YAK Terms and Conditions):

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we understand that unexpected events can disrupt your travel plans. To ensure a smooth and transparent experience for our valued customers, we have developed the following trip cancellation policy:

Cancellation Requests:

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email, registered letter, or through our designated cancellation form on our website. The date of receipt by us of your cancellation will be considered for calculating the charged money. If the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day, the time limit shall expire at the end of the first subsequent business day. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

Cancellation from your side:

The cancellation charges will vary depending on the type of booking, destination, and specific terms and conditions associated with your reservation.

Once you have paid your deposit, your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the fees owed 45 days before your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:

• Cancellations outside of 45 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
• For cancellations made within 45 days of the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the total fee.
• For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total fee applies.

Non-refundable components of your booking, such as certain flights, accommodations, or activities, may not be eligible for a refund.

Refunds will be issued using the original payment method used for the booking.

Cancellation by WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS:

We will notify you immediately if we need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

If we cancel your trip, you will be eligible for a full refund of the amount paid for the affected booking.

Modifications to the Cancellation Policy:

We reserve the right to modify this cancellation policy without prior notice.

Any changes to the cancellation policy will not apply retroactively and will only affect future bookings.

Please note that this is a general overview of our trip cancellation policy. The specific terms and conditions may vary based on your booking and destination. We recommend reviewing the detailed cancellation policy provided when booking or contacting our WILD YAK service team for further assistance.

Fitness and Difficulty level:

Choosing a trek that matches your fitness level is essential to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience. Our expert guides have created a straightforward grading system to simplify the process. We can help you choose the mountain that matches your abilities and capabilities. Trust our expertise to guide you toward the perfect climb.

WILD YAK Upper Dolpo Trekking Level: Difficult

• A moderate trekking grade takes into account the following factors: 
• An altitude up to 6000 m above sea level
• An average trail inclination of about 30%-60% with some sections that may be loose, sandy, with gravel grounds and boulders, icy, snowy, in a landslide area and to be done by abseiling
• An average of 400 to 1000 elevation ascent a day (especially while crossing the passes)
• To be confident to walk on glacier moraines and glaciers covered with snow
• The trail may be rough paved, with the need to fix a rope by our WILD YAK Team
• At some places, you might need the help of your hands and be strongly assisted by a partner/guide
• The aptitude to walk 8-12 hours per day especially while crossing the passes
• To be confident to cross a river

It requires the following skills from each participant: 

• Excellent stamina, to be able to walk for several hours at a sustained walking pace in a high altitude environment during several subsequent days
• To have some basic mountaineering knowledge, such as glacier walk with crampons, use of ice axe and repelling down
• To be familiar with assessing obstacles and hazards along the trail and walk confidently (depending on the trail conditions, you may need some help in certain sections, especially while crossing the passes)
• To be able to carry a small personal backpack (4 to 5 kg)

Your personal equipment:

Acquiring the necessary equipment for your Himalayan journey can be expensive, with specific requirements that you might only need for this particular adventure. To help minimize expenses, we provide our guests with the option to rent sleeping bags and warm-down jackets. This allows you to experience your trekking without purchasing gear you may never need or use again.

Note: We kindly ask you to order the required trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket) 30 days before the departure. Don’t miss out on securing these essential goods in time!

We will provide you with a comprehensive list outlining all the essential clothing and equipment you must bring individually.

Travel Insurance:

Having the right travel insurance is essential to enjoy your trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS fully. Travel insurance must cover trip cancellation due to personal emergencies (insurance should cover mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation), medical issues, natural disasters, or other covered events.

Therefore, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations, is mandatory for anyone booking a trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS. To this extent, you must submit a copy of your insurance policy to the WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS office with your registration form.

We recommend carefully choosing your insurance policy, as some insurance companies make exceptions for such trips. Before booking your insurance, check that the insurance company knows the itinerary you will be following with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS and that all activities undertaken during the trip are covered. 

Finally, check that your insurance policy also covers trip cancellation.

Due to the international situation of our clients, please note that WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS does not sell insurance. For more information on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Before traveling with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, please check the validity of your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return date. 

Nepal is one of the countries where obtaining a visa is quick and straightforward. There are two ways of getting a visa to enter Nepal:

– Upon your arrival at the immigration office at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport.

To apply at the airport, you must fill in a form using the electronic terminals. Take the printed receipt from the machine to make the payment (we recommend that you have an exact change in U.S. dollars) at the airport bank. Once you have paid, take your receipt to the immigration desk. 

– Before your departure, contact your country’s Nepalese Embassy or Consulate.

According to the provisions in force, the amount of the visa obtained on arrival is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days.

Become a Volunteer:

Make a difference through volunteer programs, where you can contribute to community development, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation projects. Experience the satisfaction of leaving a positive impact and gain a profound understanding of Nepal’s social challenges and initiatives.

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS is dedicated to sustainable tourism and actively contributes to the community. Through their charity organization, “The Butterfly Help Project,” the co-founders of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS have undertaken various initiatives, including constructing four schools in remote areas of Nepal. Additionally, they run a hostel for underprivileged mountain children, providing them with accommodation and education opportunities. They also sponsor numerous children who have lost their fathers in the mountains.

In addition to their educational efforts, the co-founders of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS have established two apple orchards in the Kanchenjunga region at more than 3000 meters, supporting the local economy. 

You can visit one of these schools or volunteer at the hostel if interested. By engaging with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, you can contribute to the co-founders’ impactful projects and make a difference in the lives of others.

Helicopter Tours:

Suppose you are too tired or not feeling motivated to hike for days after crossing the passes, or simply want to enjoy a stunning helicopter flight. In that case, you can take a helicopter service from anywhere. It is then easier to return directly to Kathmandu. 

You can also book the helicopter service for mountain tour flights and get amazing views of the Himalayas