Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (2 nights), teahouse lodges (12 nights).
Transport
Plane, bus, on foot.
Meals
No meals included.
Staff
Group leader, local guides.
Age Restriction
Minimum 18 years unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
Optional Activities
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
We suggest you bring along USD150 for additional sightseeing.
Swayambhunath (Kathmandu) - NPR100
Bouddhanath - NPR100
Pashupati - NPR250
Kathmandu Durbar Square - NPR200
Patan Durbar Square - NPR200
Bhaktapur - NPR750 (USD 10)
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible, we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Suitcases are not recommended! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.
This is an active trip, meaning you will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible. Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking - we can leave luggage behind at the hotel and collect it at the end of the trek.
Trekking - What to Bring: Here is a general gear list you will need when trekking in Nepal, with specifications for winter months (Dec-Feb). Try to keep the weight and bulk to a minimum by bringing clothes made from lightweight material. Don't pack too much clothing; one or two changes will be all you need. However, as the weather conditions in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, unseasonable cold or heat.
Good walking boots/shoes with ankle supports that are well broken-in (this means worn frequently prior to travel because new boots invariably equal blisters and discomfort).
Porters will assist with carrying your luggage but you will be expected to carry your day pack and to keep your other luggage to a minimum.
Recommended baggage load to be carried by porter NOT to exceed 10-12kgs per person.
4 season sleeping bag.
Socks, several pairs, wool blend and thin cotton. Bring extra during winter month (Dec - Feb).
Running/tennis shoes or sandals, for wearing around tea houses.
Waterproof, thigh-length jacket of GoreTex or similar material.
Down-jacket.
Wool jumper / sweater / fleece: lightweight. 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweight during winter months.
Pants: lightweight long trousers, a pair of long shorts, tracksuit pants to wear around tea houses. Warmer trousers during winter months. Jeans are not suitable.
T-shirts/shirts: 2 or 3 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve to protect from sun.
Hat: Sun hat or cap for day wear. Wool hat or beanie covering the ears during the winter months.
Towel: lightweight medium size and/or sarong.
Water-proof gloves.
Thermal underwear as they are light and easily washable.
Water bottle and purification tablets.
Basic toiletries and toilet paper.
Biodegradable soap.
Hygienic hand wipes.
Torch / flashlight.
Penknife, Swiss Army style.
First Aid kit.
Sunglasses to protect eyes from glare.
Sun block.
Plastic/waterproof bags to use as rubbish bag while trekking & to keep clothing dry.
High energy foods such as nuts and chocolate.
Waterproof pack cover.
Please note that sleeping bags, packs of various sizes, cold weather clothes (for all treks) are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu and Pokhara at very reasonable rates. Most items can be hired for no more than US$2 per day. Your group leader can assist you in hiring gear. If you plan to hire a sleeping bag we recommend that you bring an inner sleeping sheet, which adds another layer of warmth as well as a layer of hygiene. For the trek all of your gear should be packed into plastic bags to protect from rain etc. Dry clothes are essential for your comfort.
TEAHOUSE TREKS: A medium size, comfortable daypack will be needed. Your main pack, to be carried by the porters, should be big enough to carry the requirements listed above, including a sleeping bag. Be careful not to pack too much. A sleeping bag is essential while trekking as only blankets are provided in the tea houses.
Before departing, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks during the trek (in the smallest denominations possible, as no one out there is going to be able to change a 500rps note). As a guideline, USD$25 per day per person should be more than sufficient.
We recommend that you dress respectfully at all stages of the trip especially when in and around religious sites and small rural communities
Group Size
Min 1, Max 12
Other Information
This trip is subject to change due to weather conditions or any other factors outside of our control.
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our group leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. The months of January and February may see the Everest base camp component of the trip delayed or even cancelled due to the inclement weather. Alternative itineraries will apply if this is the case. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
This is a trek that requires an excellent level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents and the walking is very strenuous.
While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation, you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek. Please be aware that your group leader may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.
Our expedition is led by an experienced local guide who speaks English. Two assistants help with the daily logistics of the trek and though you are expected to help carry your gear, there are porters provided to assist. We stop at teahouses or lodges where accommodation is multi share, toilet and washing facilities rudimentary and the food is basic, filling, usually vegetarian and cheap.
Water whilst trekking– We advise clients to use boiled/filtered drinking water that is available whilst on the trek along the trail. In additional to this and to be on the safer side we suggest that you add some water purifying drops – which you can bring from home or are easily available locally. Use of bottled water is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
It is important to note that if there is bad weather or low cloud conditions our flight back to Kathmandu may not go, giving us an extra day in Lukla to relax or do a day walk. We will return on Day 15 and will be into Kathmandu by late morning. The trip will end in this case with an arrival transfer back to our hotel.
Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
This trip starts at 1pm on day 1. Please be ready for the group meeting with your local payment.
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.