FAQ on Risk Assessments, Safety, and Comfort

Below is the FAQ regarding Risk Assessments, Safety, and Comfort. Please take a moment to review it. If you require any further information or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at any time. We’re here to assist you

Section 1: Culture

– What is the safety culture of Moonlight Nepal Treks?

Moonlight Treks prioritizes safety, emphasizing risk assessment, staff training, and clear protocols.

– How do they approach risk management?

Risk management involves continuous monitoring of weather, trail conditions, and participant health, supported by detailed risk assessments.

– Are safety practices embedded in their staff training and daily operations?

Yes, all staff undergo safety training, including first aid, altitude sickness management, and emergency response.

– Are there any cultural considerations for students (e.g., dress codes, customs)?

Students should dress modestly in villages (e.g., covering shoulders and knees) and respect local customs, such as greeting elders with “Namaste.”

– Can you share a copy of your risk assessments and any third party providers risk assessments that use

Here is our risk assessments link for more details.

https://moonlighttreks.com/risk-management-documentation/

Section 2: Activities (Programme Design)

– Describe the trekking itinerary: distance and elevation gain for each day.

Details will be finalized, but typically the trek covers 6–10 km per day with a gradual elevation gain, reaching the highest point as outlined in the itinerary

– Are alternative routes available in case of weather, health issues, or other disruptions?

Yes, shorter routes or return paths are identified during planning.

– Are there any known high-risk areas on the trail (e.g., landslide zones, narrow paths)?

Yes, there are sections with landslides, narrow paths, and river crossings, but our guides ensure safety at all times. We will also carry the necessary safety equipment.

– What contingency plans are in place for route changes or delays?

Backup routes and additional rest days are incorporated into the itinerary.

-Describe the activities and visit to Moonlight School.

Students participate in a service project at our nonprofit Moonlight School, engaging in teaching, interactive games, and meaningful cultural exchanges.

Section 3: Staff

– What are the qualifications and experience of the trekking guides and support staff?

Guides are licensed by Nepal’s Trekking Agencies Association and have extensive trekking experience.

– Are they trained in first aid and altitude sickness management?

Yes, all guides receive certified first-aid and altitude training. Please note that all of these trainings are conducted by the Nepal Tourism Board during the process of obtaining a guide license.

– How are staff screened and selected?

Background checks and interviews ensure the reliability and experience of our staff. Most of the Moonlight team members have been with us since the company’s establishment.

– Are they trained in current safeguarding practices?

Yes, safeguarding and child protection protocols are in place.

– What is the staff-to-participant ratio?

The staff-to-participant ratio is typically 1:4, providing thorough support. This team includes experienced guides, porters, and a medical professional for enhanced safety.

Section 4: Equipment

– What safety equipment is provided by Moonlight Treks (e.g., first aid kits, oxygen cylinders)?

We carry essential items such as first aid kits, vital-sign monitoring equipment, and emergency communication devices.

– Is the trekking gear, if any is provided, inspected regularly?

Yes, gear is inspected before every trip.

– What are the protocols for ensuring that students’ personal equipment is suitable for the trek?

Pre-trip guidance and gear checks ensure suitability.

Section 5: Participants

– What pre-trip health and fitness requirements are recommended for participants?

Participants should complete light cardio and strength training.

– How should students best prepare their physical and mental fitness for the trek?

Students should prepare by practicing long hikes and mindfulness exercises. Running and swimming are also excellent activities to build stamina for hiking.

– Are there provisions for students with different levels of physical ability or health concerns?

Yes, slower paces and alternative routes can accommodate varying abilities.

– How are students briefed about expectations, risks, and personal responsibility during the trek?

Pre-trek orientations thoroughly address these aspects. We also conduct detailed briefings after dinner or at the end of each day.

Section 6: Sub-Contractors

– Who are the sub-contractors involved (e.g., transportation, food suppliers)?

Reputable airlines, local transport services, and teahouses are used.

– What vetting process does Moonlight Treks use to ensure sub-contractors meet safety standards?

Regular inspections and reviews of their safety records.

– Are contracts and responsibilities clearly defined between Moonlight Treks and its sub-contractors?

Yes, through detailed agreements.

Section 7: Transportation

– What is the safety record of the domestic airline (Kathmandu–Pokhara)?

Buddha Air has a good safety reputation.

– What is the weight limit for baggage on the Kathmandu to Pokhara flight?

15kg total, including carry-on.

– How reliable are the schedule for flights in December  to Pokhara, considering weather disruptions?

Moderately reliable; morning flights are less likely to face delays.

– Are contingency plans in place for delays in domestic travel?

Extra time is built into the schedule, and alternate transport options are identified.

– What is the condition of the roads between Pokhara and the trailhead?

The roads are mostly gravel with occasional rough patches. Moonlight staff conducts thorough inspections as part of the program.

Section 8: Accommodation

– What is the quality and safety of the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara?

The hotels we use are mid-range with good reviews, providing clean rooms, functional fire exits, and essential amenities. Most are situated in safe, well-known tourist areas.

– Are emergency exits, fire alarms, and extinguishers available and functional?

Yes, these are checked during pre-trip inspections.

– What is the standard of the teahouses or lodges along the trekking route?

Simple yet clean accommodations with shared facilities and adequate bedding.

– Are there adequate sleeping arrangements for December temperatures?

Yes, additional blankets and insulated rooms are available.

– What type of sleeping bags are recommended for December?

Sleeping bags rated for -10°C to -20°C are ideal.

Section 9: Food Hygiene and Safety

– How is food prepared and served at hotels, teahouses, and during the trek?

Food is freshly prepared using boiled water and served hot. To ensure hygiene and safety, one of our own cooks is present to prepare meals, ensuring they are well-cooked and tailored to dietary needs.

– Is drinking water safe, or are purification measures (e.g., boiling, filtration) in place?

Bottled water is available at some teahouses but not in all mountain locations. Relying on natural water sources, purified using methods like tablets, drops, or boiling, is often a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

– What is the level of hygiene in kitchens and dining areas?

We maintain high standards with regular cleanliness checks. All locations are notified in advance to ensure compliance with protocols.

Section 10: Medical Emergency Procedures

– What is the protocol for handling medical emergencies during the trek?

At Moonlight Nepal Trekking, the safety and well-being of participants are our top priorities, particularly during trekking expeditions with young international students in remote mountain environments. To uphold this commitment, we always include a qualified medical doctor as part of our trekking team. The presence of a medical professional ensures that any health concerns are promptly addressed, which is especially critical in high-altitude settings where conditions can change rapidly. The doctor conducts daily monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to identify early signs of altitude sickness, fatigue, or other health issues. This proactive approach allows for immediate care and informed decisions regarding a participant’s ability to continue the trek or require further medical assistance.

– Are guides trained in administering first aid and responding to altitude sickness?

Yes, all our guides undergo certified training, which is conducted by the Nepal Tourism Board as part of the process for obtaining their guide license. Additionally, a medical doctor always accompanies the group to ensure the health and safety of participants.

– What provisions are in place for managing altitude sickness (e.g., oxygen cylinders, evacuation plans)?

Oxygen cylinders and immediate descent plans are in place; helicopter evacuations are pre-arranged if needed.

– Is Diamox (acetazolamide) recommended for managing altitude sickness? If so, what are the guidelines for its use?

Diamox is optional but recommended for those prone to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness); medical consultation is advised.

– What are the nearest medical facilities, and how can they be accessed in an emergency?

The nearest facilities are located in Pokhara or Kathmandu, and can be reached by helicopter or jeep, depending on the situation.

Section 11: Communication

– What communication methods are available during the trek (e.g., mobile phones, satellite phones)?

Mobile phones with local SIM cards work in most areas, while satellite phones are used in remote zones. All trekking routes used by Moonlight Nepal Trekking are well-connected to phone networks.

– Are there areas with no communication coverage, and how are emergencies managed in these zones?

Yes, in such areas, satellite phones ensure communication. But all trekking routes used by Moonlight Nepal Trekking are well-connected to phone networks

– What is the protocol for updating school staff and families during the trip?

Daily updates are sent via email or messaging apps by the school trip leader or teachers.

Section 12: Business Administration

– Are all necessary permits and permissions in place for the trek? Can you provide copies?

Yes, we ensure all permits are in place, including trekking permits, insurance coverage, and other relevant documentation. Copies can be provided.

– Does Moonlight Treks have adequate insurance coverage (e.g., liability, medical evacuation)? can you provide copies?

We do not offer liability insurance, as no insurance companies in Nepal provide liability coverage for foreign citizens. Therefore, participants are responsible for managing their own insurance. However, all of our staff on the trip are fully insured.

– Are there clear financial terms and refund policies in case of trip cancellations or emergencies?

Yes, these are detailed in the trip agreement.