GOKYO TREK

WILD YAK Team:

Trekking in the high altitude is challenging, physically tiring, and mentally demanding endeavor, and choosing the right guide and local team is crucial for Safety and success of the trip. Therefore, WILD YAK Expeditions carefully determines and assigns the best guide and Sherpa Team for the Gokyo Trek. Here are some steps that we take to evaluate and choose the right Team for our WILD YAK Gokyo Trek:

Experience: Our WILD YAK Trekking Team has extensive experience guiding around the Everest 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 Sherpa 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. 

Personality: 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. 

Briefing and Training:

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we make sure you’re well-prepared for your Trekking. Our comprehensive pre-trekking briefings and training sessions will equip you with essential training for the trekking. Even if you can’t attend in person, we’ll make sure you’re covered with virtual meetings. Our training covers everything from physical and mental fitness advice to emergency procedures and altitude-related risks. With expert guidance, you’ll be well-prepared and confident knowing you’re ready for whatever challenges and risks come your way.

Safety and Emergency:

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 Sherpas is trained to administer first aid and coordinate rapid evacuations if necessary, including high-altitude helicopter evacuations.

Sustainability:

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 expedition.

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.

During our Trekking:

During the trek, we will stay at the lodges recommended by WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, quaint and traditional mountain guesthouses carefully chosen by WILD YAK representatives.

Please note that booking single rooms in the lodges is not possible. While blankets are provided by the lodge, we suggest bringing your sleeping bag. If needed, you can also rent one from WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS.

While the sleeping rooms may not be heated, rest assured that the dining hall in most lodges will be nicely warmed up every evening. Please remember that the toilet facilities are generally shared, except in select lodges like Namche, Gokyo, and Lukla, where we strive to provide you with attached rooms (subject to availability). These deluxe rooms offer a chance for you to enjoy a well-deserved rest day, complete with a refreshing shower and the convenience of charging your phone and batteries.

Aside from the mentioned places, you’ll find that showers are still possible at other stops along the way, charging a nominal fee of USD 3 to 5. Similarly, mobile and battery charging services are also available (members’ charge).

Regarding culinary delights, the lodges serve a delightful variety of cuisines ranging from Nepalese and Tibetan to continental dishes. It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in diverse flavors and satisfy your taste buds.

Please note that while most beverages and drinks are not included, we do provide coffee/tea in the morning and upon your arrival at the lodges. Additionally, to complement your tea selection, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS offers a few snacks at the end of the day.

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 specific 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 available 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:

If we need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible.

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. That’s why our team of expert guides has created a straightforward grading system to make the process easier. With this system, we can help you choose the mountain that best matches your abilities and capabilities. Trust our expertise to guide you toward the perfect climb.

Gokyo Trekking Level: moderate++

A moderate++ trekking grade takes into account the following factors:

• An altitude up to 5500 m above sea level
• An average trail inclination of about 30%-45%; some sections may consist of loose, sandy, gravel ground and boulders
• An average of 400 to 800 elevation ascents a day (especially when crossing passes)
• The capacity to walk comfortably on glacier moraines
• A trail, which may be rough paved, loose dirt, slippery, in a landslide area, icy or snowy (in some parts, you might be assisted by the guides)
• The aptitude for walking at least 4-7 hours daily (longer days when crossing the passes 8-10 hrs.)

It requires the following skills from each participant:

• Good stamina, to be able to walk for several hours at a sustained walking pace in a high altitude environment during several subsequent days
• You are 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)
• You can carry a small personal backpack (4 to 5 kg)

Your personal equipment and gear:

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 some expensive equipment at a very reasonable price. Our offerings include trekking sleeping bags and warm-down jackets. This allows you to experience your trekking without purchasing gear you may never need or use again.

Note: Members must order the required Trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket) 45 days before the departure. Don’t miss out on securing these essential goods in time!

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

Travel Insurance:

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

Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations is therefore 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.

Extra Visits:

Discover the Hidden Gems of Nepal beyond Adventure Activities

Besides mountaineering or trekking, you can explore diverse experiences in Nepal. With its cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Nepal offers endless opportunities to create meaningful and unforgettable memories.

Cultural exploration and local immersion:

Uncover the richness of Nepal, where adventure activities are just the beginning. Elevate your senses with sightseeing tours of Nepal’s historical sites and architectural marvels – Marvel at ancient palaces, temples, and intricate woodcarvings in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Explore monasteries, museums, and art galleries to unlock the secrets of Nepal’s rich history and artistic traditions.

Immerse yourself in vibrant festivals, traditional villages, and the warm embrace of locals eager to share their customs and traditions. Immerse yourself in the local culture with homestay programs, where you can experience the daily life of Nepalese families, learn traditional cooking, and engage in community activities. Forge genuine connections and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Wildlife and Nature Experiences: 

Unleash your wild side with wildlife safaris in national parks like Chitwan and Bardia, where rhinos, tigers, elephants, and exotic bird species roam free. Or embrace the serene beauty of Nepal’s mountains, lakes, and rivers through nature walks, birdwatching, and boating activities.

Spiritual and Yoga retreats: 

Embark on a spiritual journey to Nepal’s sacred sites, such as the revered Pashupatinath Temple, the peaceful Swayambhunath Stupa, and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini. 

Find serenity and rejuvenation through meditation retreats, yoga classes, and spiritual workshops that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Indulge in a world of wellness and Ayurveda, as Nepal offers a sanctuary for rejuvenation. Pamper yourself with spa treatments, Ayurvedic therapies, and healing practices that promote relaxation, stress relief, and holistic well-being. 

Be 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. 

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