Kathmandu provides us with a bit more luxury than during the trek, so we stay in beautiful hotels, twin share deluxe rooms, with breakfast included. The city is vibrant and offers many cafes and restaurants to explore and sample the local dishes, as well as Asian or International if you prefer. A welcome dinner is our opportunity to gather for the first time and get to know each other, over wonderful Nepalese cuisine, as well a farewell dinner on the last night.

During the trek we really go back to basics with a simple bed in shared rooms, communal dining rooms, and sometimes hot, but mostly cold showers. Most of the accommodation is in home stays with the locals, sometimes in Buddhist monasteries and other times in simple guesthouses. This way we get to sample the real way of life of the local culture, and hospitality of the people who welcome you with large smiles and yak butter tea! The meals are also simple the more remote we trek, cooked in the local villages. The traditional meal of Nepal is dal bhat, a nutritious dish of rice with lentils and vegetable curry. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.

I always had the desire to travel to Nepal and Tibet, nowhere else in the world had this effect on me. I spent my 20s traveling through these countries, as well as India and South East Asia, which led me to spend 16 months living in Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries/Centres in Nepal and the UK. Since then I have dedicated my life to the path of Yoga & Buddha Dharma, living in Asia full time for over a decade now.

First arriving in Nepal in 2003 traveling overland from Lhasa, Tibet, to Kathmandu, as a young 25 year old, I remember it being an awe inspiring journey! The rugged terrain, alpine scenery and waterfalls cascading over the jeeps along the meandering cliff edge route. The vibrancy of Nepal, the mountains, the colours, sites, smells and deep richness of Tibetan Buddhism and the Nepali people gained a special place in my heart. Returning many times, I lived in Pullahari Monastery, Kathmandu, studying Buddhist Philosophy for three months in 2006, and my current teacher has a monastery in Kathmandu, Tergar Osel Ling.

Another thing, I love walking! It clears my mind, it connects me to nature, and it opens me to the vastness of life and possibility, tuning into something much bigger than myself. I never owned a vehicle when I lived in the West, I walked or cycled everywhere. I have trekked above 5200m three times, completing the Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal side (2005) at 5364m, and Tibet side (2003), at 5200m, as well as Holy Mt. Kailash in Tibet (2011) at 5630m. Passionate about sharing my love for Yoga, the mountains and Tibetan Buddhism, it is my pleasure to assist you on this journey developing wisdom and compassion.

1. Why should I choose Himalaya Travel Adventures to organize my trek/expedition?

HTA are the local trekking agency with experience of more than 15 years in the tourism field. Their guides and trekking staff are government authorized with yearly enhancing the different kind of tourism courses. Every year they organize trek and tour with 99% successful rate in the Himalaya.

2. Why should I choose Pure Nature Yoga for my Yoga Trek experience?

Roni is a highly experienced Yoga Teacher and Therapist able to cater for beginner students as well as more advanced. She also has 25 years experience in Tibetan Buddhism and meditation to support your practice and experience of the Tibetan culture. Roni also has frequently traveled to Nepal and undergone various high altitude treks herself. Together HTA and PNY provide a unique opportunity to combine Yoga and Trekking with highly knowledgeable guides and teachers.

2. What if I have never been trekking before?

Himalaya Travel Adventures are appropriate for beginners/experienced people. It is expected that you should be in good physical shape prior to the trek/expedition, that you maintain a regular exercise routine, walking, cycling or jogging, and that you are able to walk 4-8 hours per day for most days during trek. The Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate trek suitable for keen walkers/trekkers who are able to walk with a light rucksack. The homestays and accommodation along the way is very basic, with quite often cold showers, so we will be roughing it a little bit, but it all adds to the experience!

3. How about Altitude Sickness during the trek ?

HTA does their best in itinerary for the pacing and progression to altitude adjustment during high altitude treks. Sahadev (our guide) closely monitors the effects of altitude on clients/trekkers, and in case of sickness, he can move you quickly to a lower altitude. Altitude sickness can occur above 3000 meters, especially if you rise too fast, which is caused by an oxygen deficiency in the brain.The highest altitude we go on the Tsum Valley Trek is 4060m, and we try to minimize the risk of altitude sickness by not climbing more than 500 meters per day, but total prevention is not guaranteed. The guide will keep a watchful eye if you notice a headache, nausea or dizziness.

4. What if I need medical assistance at some point during the trip?

In case of an emergency, our staff are well trained and know how to facilitate medical treatment and emergency transport. In the mountains they do our best in the most effective way possible. Please ensure you have travel and medical insurance for high altitude.

5. What kind of Yoga do we do?

1. Booking and Cancellation Policy

Upon booking, the client is requested to pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total price. Once the cliënt has paid the deposit, the trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. The client may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:

• For cancellations > 60 days prior to the trip, a full refund of the fees applies (excl. deposit).
• For cancellations made within 59-30 days before the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee (plus deposit).
• For cancellations < 30 days of the commencement date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.

Himalaya Travel Adventures reserves the right to change the travel dates, itinerary and programme. In case of cancellation of the trip by Himalaya Travel Adventures, the client will receive a full refund. However, we are not liable for any costs outside of our services. It is recommended to take a cancellation insurance for these costs

2. Liability

By signing the reservation form, which will be sent after the initial contact, the client declares to be in good health and in a reasonable physical condition. Himalaya Travel Adventures is not liable for any accidents or injuries or damages to property during the trek. We recommend to take a travel insurance for the trip.

We are not liable for any traveling delay, strikes, lost baggage or damage to property of any kind. Insurances are not included in the price of the trek.

We are working with qualified guides and teachers who will make efforts to keep the client safe, however, the risk of injuries or accidents cannot be fully eliminated. We therefore recommend the following:

• Consult your doctor if you have any doubts about personal health
• In case of an injury, please inform us in advance of the trip
• Follow the instructions of the guides and teachers
• Ask questions if you do not understand the instruction

3. Privacy

We respect the client’s personal privacy. We do collect information for our administration, payment and travel planning. We only collect information that is necessary for these purposes. All information we collect will be protected and will not be shared with third parties.