Hi Robin
You said that this year there is still a thick snow pack on the Himalaya.I\'m planning for Pin Parbati Mid June, starting from Wangti or Kalpa.
Have you got any info on the snow conditions or avalanche risks?\"love your web site particularly the photos.
Best wishes

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Hi Eddy, there has been more snow than last year and many areas are still considered 'off-limits' by the authorities. I have heard there is a group attempting Kalindi Khal in May, and they have promised a trek report, so let's wait and see.
Keep on trekking!
Robin Boustead, 05.05.2012

Hey, This is amazing. Can I please get the email if of Javier Campos? I am from India having keen interest in and desire to do this trail.

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Hi Sucheta, you can contact Javier thru his blog:
http://tierrasdeaventura.com/blog.php
Keep on trekking!
Robin Boustead, 05.05.2012

I was looking for infofmation on my son Peter Mc Veigh,when i found youre story on G.H.T.Fantastic what an adventure,and experence for you;good luck with the rest of it.Peter is now on the 3rd stage of the full traverse. John McVeigh

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Hello and good morning, i am looking into putting together a non guided climbing expedition, can you direct me to which government agencies to get permits.

Thanks you

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Dear Mike,
Thank you for contacting the GHT! The official agency that handles all permits is the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) - www.nepalmountaineering.org - but you will need to use a registered local operator to apply for the permits... may I suggest you send a copy of your plans to the GHT Alliance registered trekking companies as some of them handle mountaineering trips? They are all fully accredited and adhere to the GHT Codes of Conduct, so you know you are dealing with good guys. See http://greathimalayatrail.com/trekking_Operator.php?cId=2 for a list and contact details.
Good luck!
Robin
Robin Boustead, 01.04.2012

Hi Robin,

First of all congratulations for your website. Great that you want to share your experiences with other trekking enthousiasts!

I will arrive in KTM on April 5 and want to trek a part of the GHT starting the week after. I have around 6 weeks for trekking continuously. I may come back in October to complete the trail.

I am an experienced trekker and climber and want to trek alone, however I want to hire a porter-guide for my own safety and to help me carrying some gear and supplies. I have some questions which I hope you could answer for me:

- Is it possible to trek alone with a porter-guide, since I read in some books that you only get a trekking permit when there are at least 2 trekkers?
- How and when should I arrange my trekking permits, and is there 1 trekking permit for GHT or do I have to apply for several?
- Which routes/areas would you recommend in this time of the year? I am particularly interested in Manaslu, Everest and Mustang
- I want to partly camp/homestay/stay in teahouses during my trek. When trekking in remote areas, how to deal with food/water supply? Do local villages sell food and in which areas is resupply on the way not possible?
- Can you please recommend a porter-guide (or should I hire different porter-guides, depending on the region?) who speaks quite o.k. English, who has some knowledge about mountaineering in case of crossing glaciers and snowed passes?

Many thanks for your help.

Best regards,
Renate

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Dear Renate,
Thank you for your kind words! I'll try to answer your questions as best I can:
1. There are many areas you need to apply for two trekking permits - if you trek on your own as I often do, then this means paying for 2 permits but only using your one... if anyone asks then your friend had to go home sick.
2. there has been very heavy late winter snow across much of the range. The east is less affected than the west and Manaslu might be open now (closed so far this year)... so I'd say start with Everest and head west.
3. If I indicate a campsite on the GHT maps it means there is permanent water. You will need to boil or treat it. Only expect to resupply basic foodstuff in the hills, eg rice, sugar, tea, maybe flour, veggies are a problem. But of course it depends on where you are... in Everest you can eat pizzas every night! Basically the more remote, the tougher is re-supply... I would need to know your plans more accurately to be more specific.
4. Please contact the GHT Alliance trekking companies for staff - http://greathimalayatrail.com/trekking_Operator.php?cId=2
they all have experienced staff who know the areas you are thinking of visiting... for more remote sections you will find some companies can't support this sort of trek... but send your plan to all of them and see what they say!
Please feel free to ask any more questions!
Happy trails!
Robin
Robin Boustead, 28.03.2012