FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for The Ganesh Himal Charity Trek
- Is there a max/minimum age?
If you are under 18 or over 70 please contact heartspaceexpeditions@gmail.com
- What is the max/minimum group sizes?
The max is 12 and the minimim is 8
- Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required to join our expedition. Your insurance plan will need to include full medical cover, emergency evacuation and emergency repatriation. You also need to be covered for trip cancelation. We recommend protection for other issues including, but not limited to, flight cancelations or delays, loss of luggage and personal effects, and theft.
- How does the payment schedule work?
Once we receive your 20% deposit your place on the expedition is confirmed.
The remaining balance must be paid 90 days prior to the trip departure date.
- What is your cancelation policy?
The 20% deposit is non refundable. If you cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure you will receive a full refund minus the deposit. If you cancel your trip 30 – 90 days prior to departure you will receive an 80% refund minus the deposit. If you cancel less than 30 days from the trip departure you will receive a 60% refund minus the deposit, (Your travel insurance should cover cancellations if your reason is relevant to your policy). Please contact us so we can do our best to help
- How fit do I need to be?
A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this multi-day trek. You will be carrying up to 5kgs (12lbs) in your daypack. We will hike for about 3 to 5 hours a day with plenty of breaks and photo opportunities. We will reach altitudes of up to 2200m (7200ft) as the trails pass through local villages, forests and terraced fields on varied terrain. We follow undulating local paths, stone steps and dirt roads. We recommend preparing yourself by taking weekend day hikes in your area and becoming accustomed to your boots and backpack. This is a hiking adventure for most levels including beginners. Please contact us if you’re unsure if it is suitable for you.
- Will you provide a porter bag for my lodge/campsite gear?
Yes we will provide a 60L Heartspace porterbag per person
- How much weight can I bring for my porter?
Our porters will carry a max of 15kg (35lbs) of guest weight.
This does not include your sleeping bag and down jacket.
- What happens if I need to leave the trip part way through?
If an emergency occurs our ground and HQ team will do everything we can to get you safely to where you need to be. We assist with medi vacs, transport and observation in hospital and hotel. We will help with any flight booking to get you safely home. We cannot provide any refund of your trip cost once the tour has begun.
- What temperatures can I expect?
Depending on the season it is possible to have between 0C to 30C (32F to 90F)
Usually we will be hiking in temperatures of between 15C to 25C (60F to 80F)
- What are the distances like each day?
We can expect to cover between 5 to 10km (3 to 6 miles) each day
- What are the toilet facilities like on the trek?
We will be using toilet tents on the trek. We provide all toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
- What are the room arrangements?
Rooming is twin share when staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels unless a single supplement is paid. While on the trek tents will be either single or twin share.
- Is the drinking water safe?
We recommend treating all water on our trips. Purification methods will be provided.
- Can I hire a sleeping bag/down jacket/hiking poles?
Yes you can. Sleeping bags are $50USD to hire.
Down jackets and hiking poles are free of charge.
- Can I bring my own sleeping bag and down jacket?
Yes you can. Your sleeping bag must be rated to -15C (5F) for Ganesh Himal Expeditons. We encourge you to borrow a Heartspace down jacket free of charge.
- Do you provide sleep sheets for sleeping bags?
Yes we provide a cotton sleep sheet.
- Can you help arrange accommodation/tours outside of the trip?
Yes we can. Just email your questions to heartspaceexpeditions@gmail.com
- What is your Covid policy?
We will comply with the current rules and regulations laid out by the Nepali government.
- What is Active Hearts Foundation and how is my trip benefiting the children of Nepal?
The Active Hearts Foundation is a non-profit non-governmental organization founded by Heartspace owner Dan Keys. Its mission is to provide positive education and health outcomes for the children of rural Nepal. A percentage of your trip cost will be donated to their efforts. Please watch the Active Hearts Documentary to learn more:
