Frequently asked questions
There are no silly questions, but there are questions that everyone asks: find the answers here!
FAQ by theme
Reservations
HOW TO BOOK A STAY
You can book your stay online by filling in the form below:
- contact details of the person making the reservation
- the identity of each traveler (first and last name)
- additional information such as allergies, dietary requirements, special needs, etc.
It’s simple, and we’re off to a great start!
You can also consult detailed information on how to book a trip, trek or hike.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE OF DEPARTURE CAN I BOOK A STAY?
You can book a stay up to 30 days before the big departure!
Payment for your stay must be made in full by this date. Please note that you will not receive a reminder from us for payment of the balance.
IF I BOOK A STAY, IS MY DEPARTURE GUARANTEED?
There are two possible scenarios:
- Departure is guaranteed at the time of booking, quite simply.
- Departure is not guaranteed and/or there are not enough people registered for this trip. We will do everything in our power to enable you to travel on the dates you have chosen. We can offer to reschedule your trip or provide you with a credit note.
Insurance
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPULSORY?
No, you don’t have to be insured to travel with us.
Nevertheless, we strongly recommend it.
CAN I TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE WHEN I BOOK?
To leave with peace of mind, we offer you two insurance packages underwritten by our partner Assurever. To find out more, visit our Insurance page.
If you would like to benefit from one of these contracts, please let us know when you register.
WHAT RISKS ARE COVERED BY YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICIES?
Our two insurance policies do not cover the same risks.
The Comfort Cancellation contract includes:
- Trip cancellation before departure
- The missed flight
The Multirisque Confort policy with Sports and Leisure extension includes :
- Cancellation before departure and trip interruption
- Missed flights and air delays
- Luggage and personal effects option included
- Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
- Search and rescue costs up to €30,000
- Personal travel accident insurance
- Third-party liability abroad
- The impossible return and the anticipated return
CAN I TAKE OUT INSURANCE OTHER THAN YOURS?
Of course! You’re free to take out other insurance policies, just check the terms and conditions carefully.
For certain holidays, such as treks in Nepal, you should ensure that your insurance covers search and rescue costs up to €30,000 and accepts helicopter rescue.
HOW MUCH DO YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES COST?
Our insurance rates vary according to the price and duration of your trip. You can choose the option that suits you best when booking your trip.
Equipment and clothing
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?
It depends! Not at all the same for a hiking holiday in the Alps or a three-week trek in Nepal.
Here are a few basic principles to bear in mind:
- The onion technique For example, you’ll want to layer your clothes rather than put on a single layer.
- A breathable first
- a second insulator
- a third protector from the elements.
- Protecting yourself from the sun : summer and winter alike, protect yourself from the sun in the mountains: hat or cap, sunglasses (SPF 3 or 4), neck brace.
For each trip, you’ll find the list of hiking and trekking clothing recommended by our guides in the free downloadable PDF data sheet.
WHAT BIVOUAC GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
None at all!
On most of our trips, we sleep in accommodation: gîtes, lodges, mountain refuges, inns, etc. You don’t need to bring your own tent, comforter, sleeping bag or stove.
For the few trips where we bivouac (in Peru, for example), our agency takes care of the logistics. For added comfort, two of you sleep in three-person tents.
HOW BIG SHOULD MY HIKING BAG BE?
For our hiking and trekking trips with luggage transfer, a 30-liter bag is sufficient. Watse takes care of the luggage transfer between the different accommodations, and your hiking bag should be able to hold your belongings for the day.
For itinerant trekking trips, without luggage transfers, a 50 to 60-liter backpack is recommended. This will obviously depend on the length of your stay.
For our snowshoeing and ski-touring holidays, a backpack for a day outing is also sufficient.
What’s more, for each trip, you’ll find details of the recommended equipment in the technical data sheet.
Hosting
DO I NEED TO RESERVE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE TRIP?
No, Watse takes care of booking accommodation and meals during your trip. Don’t forget to tell us about any dietary requirements or allergies you may have at the time of booking.
Before and after your stay: we don’t take care of accommodation, but we can recommend some great places to stay!
HOW ARE ACCOMMODATIONS CHOSEN?
For trekking holidays and the gîtes/auberges/hotels in the villages crossed during the treks, we favor comfort for the accommodation we offer and we pay attention to their geographical location.
Internationally, we stay in accommodation run by local people, helping to keep local businesses going!
I WOULD LIKE ACCOMMODATION OTHER THAN THAT OFFERED IN YOUR PACKAGE. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
For certain treks and hiking trips, we offer a “Dormitory” option and a “Comfort” option, which includes nights in private rooms.
We can also help you organize a free or tailor-made trip that will satisfy your needs in terms of comfort and overnight stays.
Other questions
ARE PLANE TICKETS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Yes, for all our trips requiring air travel (Peru, Nepal, Cape Verde, etc.), round-trip airfare is included in the price of the trip.
This is also specified for each stay in the “Price includes” section.
Transfers and domestic flights are also included in the price of the trip.
ENSURE BAGGAGE TRANSFER?
Yes, as long as it’s possible.
As a general rule, we do our utmost to ensure that your luggage is transferred between the various accommodations. In the Alps, our team takes care of the logistics, while in Peru and Nepal, porters and muleteers do the work.
However, this transfer is not always possible. In this case, the program specifies “Night without luggage”. Your guide will remind you of this during your trip.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FALL ILL DURING MY TRIP?
If you fall ill during your trip, you can be repatriated to France or hospitalized in the country.
Please note this entails costs that can be enormous. We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover such situations.
Trained by Ifremmont (the French institute for mountain research and medicine), our guides are in constant contact with specialist doctors via satellite telephone, and are equipped according to altitude.
HOW CAN I BE SURE I HAVE THE RIGHT LEVEL FOR THE TRIP I'M PLANNING?
If you are unsure of your hiking level, please refer to our Quotations. Here you’ll find information to help you determine your level.
That said, physical preparation is highly recommended. We advise you to keep in shape by regularly practicing an endurance sport (swimming, running, etc.) before setting off.
ARE STAYS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Some are not, such as trekking to Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo lakes or climbing Mont Blanc.
However, some treks and hiking holidays can be enjoyed with children!
The recommended minimum age is 10. At this age, motor skills and stamina can be sufficiently developed for everyone to enjoy a pleasant trip.
However, it’s important that children have some experience of the mountains and hiking.
If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to contact us: our team will be delighted to discuss the matter with you.
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