TRIP GRADE
The trek up to the Everest base camp is relatively easy but requires one to be in good physical condition. Expect to walk between 3 to 5 hours a day on good paths.
The first section of the Island peak climb is a rocky and not too technical. It requires around 4-5 hours to ascend it. After that you will have to cross the glacier(requires crampons) where a few crevasses are visible. End by climbing the ice wall at a slope of around 50 degrees leading to the narrow summit ridge. Previous experience is better but not necessary.
TREKKING TYPES
We offer several options regarding the organization of your trek:
1) Guide, Accommodation and Porter trek (GAP trek)
This is an abbreviation of Guide Accommodation and Porters (GAP). This option of the trek is for those who want basic support from us. This is the most economic way to do trekking in Nepal. We provide an English speaking local Sherpa guide, book and pay for the accommodation in local lodges during trek and arrange required porters and trekkers pay for meals directly to the local lodge owner.
Includes: Accommodation, guide and porters
Excludes: Food
2) Camping trek
On camping trek you will be sleeping and eating on tents. A trekking crew contains one sirdar, one cook and the numbers of kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the Sirdar (the local trek leader) the crew will ensure you take the right path. The kitchen crew will keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals. The porters shall transport the gear from camp to camp. Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. Sirdar and his assistants speak basic English, good enough to explain to you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes.
Includes: Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tents
3) Lodge or tea house trek
Although simple, the teahouses or lodges do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. The lodge or tea house treks are less expensive then camping trek and are largely suitable for small group.
Includes: Accommodation in Lodge, guide, porters and all meals
This trip is usually organized as Camping Trek. However, Tea House or GAP Trek can be organized if a separate camp support is sent for 3-4 days to cover climbing section at and above the Base Camp of Island Peak.
ACCOMMODATION
Trekking in the Solu Khumbu region (Everest area) doesn't need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate yourself and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot always be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary. It is cheaper to stay in Lodge rather than organizing a camping trek.
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are 'Two men dome' or 'A' shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own 'Air pillow'.
FOOD
Lodge Trek:
Meals are included in our price and are taken in Lodges available along the trail. You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer).
Camping Trek:
Meals are prepared by our cook. We provide three tasty and nutritious meals daily along with drinks.
GAP Trek:
You will have to make your own eating arrangements in the many Lodges available along the trail. Expect to spend around 700-1500 Rupees a day in food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.
WATER
On camping trek, our staff will boil water and cook meals treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. On GAP trek and Lodge trek, you will be able to buy mineral water and soft drinks and beverages in the tea house.
We recommend you to bring water purification pills. On the trail, water from stream is safe if away from settlements.
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter or yaks. The weight of your packed luggage should not exceed 15 kg. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel's safekeeping.
GROUP LEADER AND CREW
We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements:
1) Western leader
2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2/3 porters for each members while on GAP and Lodge trek 1 porter for 2 members.
GROUP SIZE
We bring together a small group of like minded people to give them more memorable and insightful travel experience with an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in a fun-filled environment. Our travel group generally comprises of maximum 12 members.
We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, no minimum and maximum apply.
If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people (min 1 max 100 at a time).
PERSONAL EXPENSES
Everest region is more expensive than the other regions in Nepal, as most of the goods have to be shipped by airplane and then carried to their final destination by porters.
Lodge trek and Camping trek:
You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking, tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
GAP trek:
You need to pay for your meals and should expect to spend around 700-1500 Rupees a day for your food and snacks.
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips.
FLIGHT / LAND TRANSFERS
The starting point of the trek is in Lukla which is connected by a 45mins flight from Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu). On your return to Kathmandu our bus will take you back to your hotel.
COMMUNICATION
There are a couple of telephone facilities in the Everest region up to Namche Bazaar. Cell phones work fine up to Tengboche.
If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
TREKKING / CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
For trekking in the Everest region, you will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun cream and day pack.
For climbing: down-jacket, plastic boots, crampons, ice-axe, headlight, harness, jumar, carabiners, belay device, prussiks.
A comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip.
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Lodge/ Tea House Trek, GAP Trek & Camping Trek
Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
However, on a camping trek, you begin your day with a hot cup of tea which is served to you in the tent at 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. Other day activities are the same as mentioned above.
MEETING AND GREETING IN KATHMANDU
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a 'meeting and greeting' service at the Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard that states either 'Explore Himalaya' or your own name.
CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO GO
The best season to trek to the Everest base camp region is Autumn (from mid-September till November end), and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon and winter is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited, upper parts and high passes could be covered with snow in winter.
March, April, October and November are the most favored months.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Sherpas live in the upper regions of Solu Khumbu. They emigrated from Tibet about 600 years ago. The Khumbu region has provided a strong group of able bodied, hardy and fearless Sherpa porters and guides. Sherpas practice Tibetan Buddhism which is also known as Lama Buddhism
FESTIVALS
Losar is celebrated in the month of February by the Sherpas. 'Losar' means New Year in Tibetan. Buddhist monks offer prayers for good health and prosperity at monasteries. People exchange various goods and gifts among them. Families organize feasts and perform dances.
Dumje is celebrated to mark the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava).The celebration takes place in June and lasts for six days. It is celebrated in a big way in the villages of Namche, Thame and Khumjung.
Mani Rimdu is a festival that celebrates the victory of Buddhism over the ancient animistic religion of Bon. This festival is celebrated in the monasteries of Thyangboche, Chiwang and Thami. At Thangboche the celebration takes place during the November- December full moon.
ITINERARY CHANGES
The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into a remotest mountain region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original program.
TREK DURATION
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client's wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.
VISA
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates of your country. Visa is also issued at entry points. The easiest solution is to get the visa at the Kathmandu airport. You need to provide 2 ID pictures along with US$30 for a 2 months visa.
VACCINATIONS
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the start of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.
FIRST AID KIT
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors as standard medicines. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you carry your own medical kit.
ALTITUDE
Altitude sickness has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. Your body needs days to adjust to smaller quantities of oxygen in the air at 5500m/18,044ft, the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level, i.e. there is half the amount of oxygen.
Acute Mountain Sickness is caused by going up high too fast and can be fatal if the entire warning signals are ignored. We have included a rest day in Namche (3450m) to avoid any health issues as well as in Pheriche (4252m) to ensure a safe trek to the Everest Base Camp. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate.
RESCUE / EVACUATIONS
In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.
INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. There are good hospitals in Kathmandu where you can get good care.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Explore Himalaya, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible.
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene as cooking fuel. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
TRIP EXTENSIONS
- 3 major valleys of Khumbu region through two high passes (Bhote valley, Gokyo valley and Everest valley).
- Chitwan safari after your trek.
- Kathmandu to Beijing by land cruiser and train.
- Rafting on Bhote Kosi or Trisuli.
- Extension trip to Pokhara.
- Cultural Tours in Kathmandu.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Explore Himalaya works with the motto 'Development through Tourism'. Keeping in line with this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) was conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising. Explore Himalaya encourages its clients who besides trekking and climbing the Himalayas are also interested in contributing for the development of Nepal.
CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFF
We ensure that all porters and all other staff going into high altitude (climbing above 14000 ft.) conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons.
We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG - www.ippg.net).
BOOKING CONDITIONS
1) It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary can be taken as a guideline only. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by international or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Explore Himalaya shall be only responsible for refund, after deducting expenses already incurred.
2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received the deposit of USD 300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
DATE OF CANCELLATION (CHARGE INCURRED)
2 months before departure
loss of deposit (US$ 300)
29 days to 2 months before departure
30% of total trip cost
10 to 28 days before departure
60% of total trip cost
less than 10 days before departure
100% of total trip cost
BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you still have any queries regarding this trip, please don't hesitate to contact our office staff. We will respond to you within 24 hours. You can book a trip by e-mailing us at office@explore-himalaya.com or by phone: 977-1-4418-100. |
