Oyster’s Himalaya treks – a popular feature of our Nepal volunteer projects since 2002 – can now be done by anyone. Our trekkers praise the support, the guides and excellent organisation that Oyster offers. This is a great way to discover the outstanding scenery and ancient culture of Nepal’s mountain ranges, all in the safe hands of our trusted trekking partners and local representative.
Our 16 day programme in Nepal includes 10 days of trekking in the famous Annapurna Sanctuary, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp itself. Trek to altitudes reaching over 4000m on this ‘moderate’ grade trek. Also included is a thorough orientation and briefing in Kathmandu, as well as rest days before leaving Nepal.
With 14 days of actual trekking, and reaching altitudes of 5500m, our Everest Base Camp trek is our most challenging trek, yet one of our most popular. It’s easy to see why. Follow in the footsteps of the most well known people to scale Everest as you make your way to Base Camp. From the famous flight into Lukla to views of Everest itself, this is certainly one to tick off the bucket list!
One of our shorter treks, this trek gives you a great opportunity to experience the Annapurna region, Nepalese hospitality and an insight into the mountain culture. You’ll trek for 7 days through varied landscapes whilst enjoying magnificent views of the Annapurna range. This trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3210m and is suitable for all reasonably fit walkers.
Head to Nepal with your fellow University students on our charity challenge and spend 4 weeks trekking, white water rafting, living with Nepali families and volunteering on a worthwhile community project. This is a great way to spend your holiday time whilst raising money for ADM Nepal Charitable Trust to support the excellent work that they do in Nepal.
Trekking in Nepal has to be the most exhilarating way to see and understand the country. Nepal has two very big attractions; its gentle yet hardy people and the world’s highest and most dramatic mountains. You travel as locals do – on foot and you are treated much more as a welcome visitor than as a tourist when you lodge overnight in traditional houses. For many the appeal of a Nepal trek is the complete escape from busy lives and the satisfaction of sitting around the fire with fellow trekkers at the end of a glorious day in the Himalayas.
The reassurance of an Oyster trek – our promises to you
1) First class organisation and support throughout
2) Quality at a fair price
3) Friendly guides with great experience, knowledge and a caring attitude
4) A responsible approach to the mountain environment and communities
5) Your money is protected through ATOL (if we book your flights) or IPP (if you book your own)
How our treks are graded
GRADE – Easy:
Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 2000m/ 6500ft. There are always plenty of ups and downs and participants need to be reasonably active walkers to get full enjoyment from their experience. It is possible however to design “easier” three to four day treks with perhaps only three to four hours walking per day on request. This trek does not require any trekking experience and any enthusiastic person can enjoy such treks. Cultural experiences, mountain views and historic sites are the main focus of these trips.
GRADE – Moderate:
Moderate trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 3000m/9840ft. These treks involve trekking for 5 to 10 days mostly on maintained trails. Expect plenty of steps! This kind of trekking often includes day excursions to higher elevations. It is good to have some past hill walking experience to fully enjoy the trek.
GRADE – Moderate to Strenuous:
These treks are reasonably demanding and require good physical fitness. Trekking often takes place at altitudes up to 4000m/13000ft. with side trips to higher elevations. These treks are often walked on less defined trails and are in more remote locations away from habitation.
GRADE – Strenuous:
These treks are of a demanding nature, requiring all participants to have high levels of physical fitness, be in excellent health and have previous experience of trekking. Participants must prepare for the trek well in advance and build up their fitness in order to avoid any problems during and be able to enjoy the trek. Trekking will be in remote areas with difficult conditions to contend with. Treks in these areas reach altitudes in excess of 5000m/18000ft.
Our cultural impact
We have always believed in the principle that individual and small group treks work best and therefore you will be trekking with a maximum of nine others (plus guides). By keeping groups small we can get to know all of our participants before and during your trip. You will also get real attention from our overseas staff – the guides and porters that will be trekking with you.
Individuals and small groups also have less impact on the environment and community that you will be visiting. We want all of our trekkers to be responsible trekkers and we will brief you to stick to paths, take rubbish with you and carry a refillable water bottle to reduce our impact on the environment.
Trekking has become one of the main sources of income for the remote Nepali villages along the routes. Our participants support this by eating local food, staying in lodges rather than camping and buying locally-produced crafts. We employ local guides and porters, ensuring good working conditions and a fair wage.
Accommodation and food
Whichever of our treks in Nepal you choose, the same tried and tested formula will apply. You will stay in simple but comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as the best available lodges en route. In our experience, participants enjoy flexibility when choosing their meals. We therefore exclude most meals from the price so that you can eat according to your taste and budget. A budget of £13 per day should be ample.
