Day
01 : Join Kathmandu
Day 02 : In Kathmandu Day 03 : Fly to Lukla,
Commence Trek
Day 04 : To Monjo
Day 05 : To Namche Bazaar
Day 06 : Rest Day in Namche
Day 07 : To Thyangboche
Day 08 : Rest Day at
Thyangboche
Day 09 : To Dingboche
Day 10 : Rest Day in
Dingboche
Day 11 : To Lobuche
Day 12 : To Gorak Shep
Day 13 : To Kala Pattar
Day 14 : To Pangboche
Day 15 : To Khumjung
Day 16 : To Benkar
Day 17 : Complete trek
Day 18 : Fly to Kathmandu
Day 19 : In Kathmandu
Day 20 : Trip concludes
Kathmandu
Highlights
Land Cost
Cost
of the tour
per person US$2290,
from Kathmandu The above costing is subject
to change without notice.
Everest
Base Camp
THE ADVENTURE IN BRIEF
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes us into one of
the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the
Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks
in the world. The Everest massif as seen from Thyangboche
and Kala Pattar is a sight you will never forget,
and the hospitality of these tough mountain people
will remain with you for a long time. This is the
traditional trek to view Everest, following the
historic trail and travelling in true expedition
style; it will appeal to those who wish to retrace
the steps of history to the base of Everest. Whilst
the trek is camping based, we stay in simple hotels
in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. Worldwide Adventures
/ World Expeditions has exclusive arrangements with
these hotels to ensure you receive the same high
levels of hygiene and food quality you will experience
during the camping sections.
2004
Dates
12 Jan – 31 Jan*
08 Mar – 27 Mar
05 Apr – 24 Apr
19 Apr – 08 May
04 Oct – 23 Oct
11 Oct – 30 Oct
18 Oct – 06 Nov
25 Oct – 13 Nov
08 Nov – 27 Nov
27 Dec – 15 Jan*
2005
Dates
10 Jan – 29 Jan*
07 Mar – 26 Mar
04 Apr – 23 Apr
18 Apr – 07 May
03 Oct – 22 Oct
10 Oct – 29 Oct
17 Oct – 05 Nov
24 Oct – 12 Nov
07 Nov – 26 Nov
26 Dec – 14 Jan*
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day
01 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m).
You will be met by your group leader and transferred
to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where
arrangements will be made for the distribution of
your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket.
Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all Worldwide
Adventures / World Expeditions clients arriving
toDay. Drinks and snacks will generally be served
from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity
to get acquainted with your fellow group members
before heading out to dinner.
Day 02 : Half Day Sightseeing Tour.
Rest of Day at leisure.
This morning a sightseeing tour has been arranged,
taking in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu.
In the afternoon you have time to explore Kathmandu,
Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that
dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The
area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights,
whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive
markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast
with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual
significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage
sites than any other city in the world.
Day 03 : Fly
to Lukla (2800m). Trek to Choplung
(2600 m).
Walk approx 1/2 hour.
We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight
to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip
built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service
the Everest Region when he began his work of building
schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It
is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of
the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately
impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround
the village but this is only a foretaste of what
is to come.
Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the
Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest
peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders
around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes
through small villages, as we pass rows of tree
dahlia to make our way to our first overnight stop
in the village of Choplung.
Day
04 : To
Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.
ToDay we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial
river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river)
because of it's colour. Sections of toDay's walk
are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal
terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass
small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading
goods and trek-gear along the trail. Our own gear
will most likely be carried by yak, or more correctly
dzopko, a yak-cow crossbreed, A yak is a full-blood
long-haired male, more commonly found at higher
altitudes.
We pass through a variety of small hamlets as we
slowly gain altitude. Spectacular mountain peaks
unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree
line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly
after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary
stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru
(6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of
the valley. Further along the trail, across the
valley to the Northwest, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde
Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges.
At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises
majestically, seemingly from the river floor. We
will see our first Mani walls toDay. These stone
structures are a compilation of many stone tablets,
each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum"
which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the
lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by
Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk
to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but
you may notice that people of the lowlands who have
no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice.
The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but
we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise
slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at
higher altitude. ToDay's walk is not a long one,
and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and
enjoy every step of the way. It is the journey,
not the final destination, that is important.
Day 05 : To
Namche Bazaar (3440m). Walk approx
3-4 hours.
This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the
Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha
National Park. The establishment of this national
park is a significant attempt to stem the use of
firewood in the area and the few local people who
have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from
the authorities on the basis of it being primarily
for their personal use.
We follow the river course to the confluence of
the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular
high bridge before commencing our ascent to the
village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital"
of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes
through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides
our first view of Mt Everest.
The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche,
and the sight of this prosperous village spread
within a horseshoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful
peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch
you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls
or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Our
accommodation will be at Sherwi Khangba, a delightful
Sherpa Hotel above Namche village.
Day 06 : Rest Day in Namche
This rest Day in Namche Bazaar is very important
for safe acclimatization. Sagamartha National Park
Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers
a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia
and information on the park, and is a wonderful
vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja
Khola Valley towards Everest.
The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the
broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided
glacial valley before us gradually winds towards
the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines
left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate
of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher.
Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor,
spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are
Tawatse (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685
m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse
(8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848
m), rises at the head of the valley.
The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has
an interesting collection of mountaineering items
and photographs.
Those who are fit and acclimatizing well may wish
to take the optional morning walk to the Everest
View Hotel where spectacular views of Everest and
Ama Dablam may be seen.
Day 07 : To Thyangboche
(3870m). Walk approx 5-6 hours.
The walk to Thyangboche is one of the most pleasant
in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges
and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead
before we descend through splendid rhododendron
forest for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh
Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge
that flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail
takes us through pine and rhododendron forest and
as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife
is unharmed and not too shy.
As a result there is a possibility that we may see
Hog Deer and other animals in the forest and around
our campsite. As we approach the top we pass through
a traditional gateway and pass around a chorten
before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow
at the monastery village of Thyangboche. The monastery
was recently re-built with the assistance of Sir
Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire.
Your leader will arrange for you to be shown around
the monastery and will explain the relevance of
the many ceremonies that take place and discuss
the life of the monks in residence. The views of
the Everest massif, as well as all the other major
peaks of the area are astounding and if we are lucky,
we will see the glowing colour of the sunset and
perhaps even the moonlight on the mountains around
us.
Day 08
: Rest
Day at Thyangboche
The early morning mountain views from the monastery
are outstanding. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are
at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked
by Tawatse on one side, and Ama Dablam on the other.
Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku.
Completing a 360-degree panorama of mountains are
Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across
the valley.
Day
09 : To
Dingboche (4360m)
From Thyangboche we head down to cross the Imja
Khola before an easy climb along a wide, open trail
to the small village of Pangboche (3901m). We may
take a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa
- the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, said to be
over 300 years old. The views toDay of Ama Dablam,
one of the Himalayas’ most stunning peaks,
are spectacular. Continuing on, we cross the river
again and trek up to Dingboche, situated just beneath
the impressive Ama Dablam.
Day
10 : Rest Day in Dingboche
An important acclimatization/rest Day toDay with
the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking
the village, or perhaps up to Chhukung Village.
You spend the Day exploring or relaxing and taking
in the mountain scenery.
Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chhukung Peak
and Imja Tse (6189 m) are had from both in the valley
or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers
drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres
in this dramatic valley.
Day
11 : To
Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx 6 hours
We are gaining altitude and it is important that
we move at a slow, steady pace. The slopes are quite
barren now, as we have moved above the tree line.
Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche,
unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular
landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto
moraine towards Khumbu Glacier.
Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated
to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains
of the area, including Everest. The temperatures
drop here as we are more exposed with our camp situated
amongst this glacial moraine. We enjoy spectacular
views all Day toDay of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill
above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse.
Day 12 : To
Gorak Shep (5288 m). Walk approx
2 hours.
We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path
winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement
of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers of
the world's highest peaks. At the junction of two
large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of
peaks, this campsite is spectacular.
Pumori (7145 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Nuptse (7745
m) and of course Everest (8848 m) surround our camp.
The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the
sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can
be stunning. The afternoon can be spent exploring,
or gazing at the peaks.
Day 13 : To Kala Pattar
(5545 m) and to Lobuche (4930 m). Walk approx 5
hours.
By camping at Gorak Shep we can get an early start
to avoid the "crowds" that can converge
on Kala Pattar at some times of the year, and to
get the clearest views. The extra Day of acclimatization
we have had by staying at Gorak Shep is invaluable
toDay on the ascent of Kala Pattar.
Although it has undoubtedly been a cold night we
have time to comfortably ascend to the viewing point
and enjoy it to the fullest. It is feasible for
the very fit to both ascend Kala Pattar and visit
Base Camp this Day provided the weather is good.
This is, however, a tough Day. Kala Pattar is not
a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to
"black rock". From these black rocks atop
the hill the views are spectacular.
Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest, its
rocky buttresses immediately before us. Many of
the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below
us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall
and Western Cwm.
We can see the area where modern Everest expeditions
set their base camp but the original site was at
Lake Camp, now known as Gorek Shep. Take a look
in every direction and soak it in. The view south
and our route out are particularly beautiful. We
descend to Gorak Shep for lunch. Snow Cocks gather
around for scraps as we pack for the walk downhill
to Lobuche.
Day
14 : To
Pangboche (3867 m). Walk approx
9 hours.
Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout
and drop steeply onto the old moraine. We reach
the site of a row of cairns to climbers who died
in the mountains, before we continue to the small
settlement at Tugla.
Our path is along the old valley floor through the
village of Pheriche. There can be a tendency now
to rush, particularly as we are walking downhill,
but there is still much to see. We descend to Pangboche
and visit it's historic old monastery, thought to
be the oldest in the Khumbu.
Day
15 : To
Khumjung (3780m). Walk approx 5-6
hours.
There are excellent mountain views as we follow
the trail as it traverses high above the river and
drops to the fields at the village of Portse and
then descends to cross the Dudh Kosi at Portse Tenga.
A short but steep climb is taken in our stride as
we are now very fit and acclimatization is not an
issue.
We crest the ridge at a chorten draped in prayer
flags and traverse towards the villages of Khumjung
and Khunde. It is a comfortable Day's walk, with
time to explore these unique and more traditional
villages. As we near them we pass through terraced
fields that are home to a brightly coloured pheasant,
the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal.
Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his "Schoolhouse
In the Clouds", and the famed Khunde hospital
is close by.
Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions supports
both of these famous community facilities, as well
as the many other projects operated by the Himalayan
Trust. There will generally be an opportunity for
you to visit the hospital and school, as well as
the monastery at Khumjung where we may see the "scalp
of a yeti".
Day 16 : To Benkar (2600m).
Walk approx 4 hours.
Nearby on a hilltop, with views of the mountains,
is the Everest View Hotel, a joint Nepali - Japanese
project, where you can stop for refreshments before
passing through the yak breeding farm and descending
to Namche.
After a break we continue down through the forest
to the valley floor to follow the Dudh Kosi downhill
and out of the national park to our camp at the
small settlement of Benkar.
Day
17 : To
Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 5 hours.
Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through
a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle
climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets
of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey.
Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have
a small party for all the team, especially the porters
who will return to their villages from here. There
is usually lots of music, dancing and singing and
if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our
Nepali chefs are renowned for.
Day
18 : To
Kathmandu by air (1330m).
This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight
over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalayas
in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the
hotel. The rest of the Day is at leisure.
Day 19 : Day
at leisure in Kathmandu
There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and
we recommend you spend this Day wandering the town
and exploring the valley on bicycle or by taxi.
The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath
(the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu
shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath
are absolute musts. Our W.E. staff can arrange a
guide and/or transport should you wish, or you can
head off armed with a map and let the Day unfold.
Day 20 : Trip concludes Kathmandu
After breakfast arrangements cease unless further
ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft
will be transferred to the airport and assisted
with check-in procedures.
COST INCLUSIONSTOUR
COST INCLUDES:
- Trek Pre-departure Information Guide, with all
you need to know for your trek.
- Hotel accommodation at one of Kathmandu's best
hotels on a twin share basis with breakfast for
the nights listed in the trip itinerary.
- All internal transport by private bus, jeep, car
or scheduled air services.
- All group airport transfers.
- Gear package including kit bag (yours to keep),
sleeping bag and liner, and down or fibre filled
jacket on trek.
- All meals while trekking.
- Accommodation on a share basis in selected mountain
hotels (Lukla & Namche) or in tents.
- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.
Porter's insurance.
- Group leader, sirdar, guides and kitchen staff.
- All park entrance fees and trekking permits.
- Emergency medical kit.
- Half Day sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Welcome Drinks in Kathmandu
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- International Airfare
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek.
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls,
laundry, etc.
- Tips
- Airport and departure taxes.
- Visa.
- Travel Insurance.
Special
Note: The itinerary is a
guide to the trek and may be varied. There is sufficient
time for a comfortable pace for people of average
fitness to acclimatize adequately, and to vary the
days in accordance with specific needs.
Note:
When trekking in the Everest region you should
be aware that flights can be unreliable due to unfavourable
weather or shortage of aircraft. Please also note
that all people travelling to the Everest region
are required to leave a US$250 deposit with our
office in Kathmandu. This deposit will be utilized
if flights between Lukla and Kathmandu are cancelled
and a helicopter is required to fly passengers to
meet their international flights. This money can
be deposited by cash, credit card or traveller’s
cheques. If a helicopter is not utilized, this money
will be returned. It is not likely that this event
will occur, but we must protect your best interests
and be ready to evacuate you if required. International
flights out of Kathmandu are heavily booked and
failure to join your flight may result in long delays
in Kathmandu. Travel insurance will generally cover
this evacuation. Check with our office for details.
THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE
Nepal is known for its beautiful and dramatic scenery.
Avid walkers and non-walkers alike are drawn to
its mountains and foothills to view the Himalayas
and the world's highest peaks. Many also discover
the beauty of the forests and the enjoyment of time
spent as a self-contained expedition, far from the
rush of the modern world and in the delightful company
of the trek crew as they tend to our needs and ensure
that we are comfortable and able to enjoy the trek
to the fullest.
They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have
an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that
we would consider extremely tough. There is something
about a trek in the Himalayas that draws you back
time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise
and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just
seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of
what lies beyond. Nepal's population of around 20
million people is a blend of Hindu, Buddhism and
animist religion.
Nepal is a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups and
languages. It is remarkable that in a country of
this size there are over 30 different ethnic groups,
with at least as many languages. One million people
live in the Kathmandu Valley, but at least ninety
percent of the population live in the rural areas
of the lower and middle hills of the Himalayan Range.
Nepal is predominantly a simple rural society and
a trek in the foothills of the Himalayas is a strong
cultural experience as we spend time with our crew
and meet local village people.
WEATHER
PATTERNS
Our trekking season extends from mid-September to
May. From early September the monsoon rains decrease.
By mid-October through to December the weather is
usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights
and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach
25 deg C at low altitude and nights can drop to
below -15 deg C at higher altitudes.
Winter trekking, from December to February, offers
cool to mild and clear days with often very cold
nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will
be mild, around 15 deg C and at night may drop to
-15 deg C. At altitudes above 3000 m temperatures
can vary from 10 deg C during the day to -15 deg
C at night.
Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low
as 2500 m. In March the cold, dry winter season
begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions.
Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally
bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures
increase quickly in March, with temperatures of
up to 20 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes.
At higher altitudes it is still cool during the
day and at night temperatures can drop below -10
deg C. The increase in rainfall in the hills is
more than compensated for by the spectacular displays
of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time
of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and
May, are generally hot at low elevations and as
the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon
rainstorms are common.
This is a period that generally has clear weather
at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time
when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.
The weather patterns are never so predictable that
you can be absolutely positive of weather conditions
before hand, but there are well-established patterns.
Daytime temperatures and night temperatures at lower
altitudes vary through the seasons, but night temperatures
at high altitude are cold whatever the season. Modern
equipment and clothing will keep you warm.
DAILY TREK ROUTINE
When camping you will be woken with a cup of tea
brought to your tent between 6 am and 7 am, followed
by a small bowl of warm water for washing. Before
breakfast you pack your gear into your kit bag,
which is then taken by the porters and will not
usually be available to you until camp that afternoon.
We are usually on the trail between 7.30 am and
8.30 am. Following a good morning's walk, we stop
for lunch at around 11 am. Lunch is usually a 2-hour
break to allow for the trekker's meal followed by
the crew meal. This break also enables you to do
your washing in the warmest part of the day, catch
up on your diary, read or rest.
The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter
and camp is usually reached by around 3 pm to 4
pm. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is
set up afternoon tea is served. Washing water is
again provided to enable you to wash at the end
of the trek day. Until dinner there is time to rest,
explore the surrounding area and villages or sit
and chat with the crew and local people. Dinner
is usually served around 6 pm to 7 pm. Remember
to bring your torch and water bottle to the mess
tent so it can be filled with boiling water. It
then makes a great hot water bottle.
Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories
of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards,
chatting with the crew or joining in some singing
and dancing with the local people, it is always
a special time. The routine when in our mountain
hotel in Namche Bazaar is much the same. On arrival
at the mountain hotel/camp site your guide will
show you to your rooms/tents and the general facilities
available. Your kitbags will be available to you
at your rooms /tents at this time. In the meantime
afternoon tea (hot drinks and biscuits) is served
in the main dining/lounge area of the lodge/mess
tent.
This area is comfortable to relax and read, chat
or play cards. Until dinner there is time to rest,
explore the surrounding area and villages or chat
with the crew and local people. Dinner is usually
served around 6 pm to 7 pm in the dining area. Remember
to bring your water bottle with you so it can be
filled with boiling water in preparation for the
next day. (When it’s cold it also makes a
great hot water bottle!)
Our Mountain Hotels have been selected for their
location, quality of facilities and with the knowledge
that they are well managed to the high standards
we expect. They are substantial buildings of stone
or timber construction, and usually two stories
high, with accommodation upstairs. The rooms are
normally twin-bedded and lockable. Downstairs includes
the main kitchen and dining area, washing facilities
and a toilet (usually outside). All camp chores
are done for you, leaving you free to use your time
to the fullest. You carry only a light daypack as
yaks or porters carry your gear.
MEALS
Our menu is based on fresh food to provide three
nutritious, plentiful and tasty meals daily. Breakfast
is a selection of cereal, muesli, porridge, followed
by pancakes, chapatti, puri and local breads. An
egg dish usually completes the meal. Lunch is a
selection of salads, pasta, traditional breads,
cheese and potato dishes. Our evening meal commences
with soup and is followed by rice, pasta and a range
of vegetable and meat dishes. Fruit or a local dessert
completes the meal. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate,
cordial and biscuits are provided at meals and on
request. We can cater for specific dietary needs
if we know in advance. First-time trekkers are pleasantly
surprised at the quality of the meals.
HEALTH
All our leaders undertake intensive first aid and
medical skills courses with Dr Jim Duff. We carry
an extensive medical kit and if necessary can promptly
evacuate.
VISA INFORMATION
All nationalities require a visa for Nepal. You
will find visa application forms and detailed instructions
in your pre departure information kit and the up
to date prices for visas obtained in your home country.
It is also possible to obtain your Nepal visa on
arrival at Kathmandu Airport, however we recommend
that you obtain your visa prior to departure.
Currently the cost is USD30 for a single entry tourist
visa. A double entry tourist visa is USD55 (required
for passengers on our Tibet itineraries). You can
collect the application form required to obtain
your visa on arrival, from your Worldwide Adventures
reservation consultant or at the Kathmandu Airport
on arrival. You will need two current passport photographs
with you, to obtain the visa. These prices are subject
to change without notice, however we will do our
utmost to keep you informed prior to your departure.
LEADER AND CREW
Our leaders include males and females who are of
Western and Nepali background. All have years of
experience and are professional guides dedicated
to providing the best experience possible. They
have a high level of competence in wilderness and
emergency medicine as they all complete annual courses
with Dr. Jim Duff. We travel as a self-contained
expedition ensuring that we do not deplete limited
local food resources, and provide valuable employment
for the local people. We enjoy the company of the
crewmembers with whom we share our days.
Guides will ensure we take the right trail, kitchen
hands prepare our food and do the washing up, the
skilled cook's meals will enthral you, porters and
yak handlers move your gear from camp to camp and
the sirdar oversees the operation. The times you
spend with these people - walking, talking, playing
games - will often be the fondest memories of your
trek.
TIPPING
Tipping is a tradition throughout the Indian sub-continent.
At the end of the trek your leader will collect
what you wish to give and assist the group to distribute
it fairly amongst the crew. The staff will work
very hard and look forward to your tip as an indication
from you of a job well done. As a recommendation,
you should budget on tipping around 160 rupees (approximately
USD$2-3) for each trek day. If you wish to tip the
leader please do this in addition to the crew's
tip. We do not include the tip in the cost of your
trek because if we did the crew would not see it
as an expression of your satisfaction.
ITINERARY
Our itineraries are designed to allow you to acclimatize
to the altitude gains comfortably and without risk.
Although it would be possible to do this trek in
fewer days, we believe that extra time in addition
to the minimum days must be included to allow for
contingencies such as bad weather, or the opportunity
to attend a festival. The walking hours mentioned
are only a guide and could vary considerably according
to each individual, depending on your particular
pace and how often you stop for photographs or breaks.
The route and overnight stops are at the discretion
of the group leader and the itinerary should be
seen only as an indication.
ACCOMMODATION
Worldwide Adventures / World Expeditions clients
will generally stay at the Radisson Hotel, a first
class hotel within walking distance of the town
centre, where a full breakfast is provided. However
at peak times it may be necessary to use other hotels
of equal standard. You will leave all those items
not required on the trek at the hotel.
LUKLA FLIGHTS
Prior to April 1998, helicopters were the primary
mode of passenger transport between Kathmandu and
Lukla. However the government has ceased the use
of helicopters and implemented Twin Otter aircraft
services to and from the airstrip at Lukla. This
means that without scheduled helicopter services
any helicopter flight is an “evacuation”
and requires a helicopter charter.
The Twin Otter flights are much more weather dependent
than the scheduled helicopter flights that previously
operated. In the event that the scheduled Twin Otter
flight is delayed or cancelled, thus jeopardizing
your connection with international out-bound flights,
a helicopter will be utilized. Payment for this
must initially be met by yourself, and later claimed
from your insurance.
Please enquire with our office. In light of this
it is necessary for you to lodge US$250.00 deposit
with our office in Kathmandu prior to your trek.
This will be collected and receipted by your group
leader and can be lodged in US cash, or travellers
cheques, or credit cards (Visa card, American Express
only).
If required, your deposit will be used to pay for
the costs involved with helicopter evacuation and
you will need to recoup these monies from your travel
insurance company on your return. If a helicopter
is not required, a full refund will be given. While
the helicopter option is rarely used, the deposit
is precautionary and we request your cooperation
with our staff in Nepal.
Should you have any questions regarding this matter,
please contact our office.
ACUTE
MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have
to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of the oxygen
available. To allow our bodies to adjust, Worldwide
Adventures / World Expeditions has structured its
treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization
to occur. However, during the acclimatization process,
you may experience some of the following symptoms.
• Headache • Tiredness •
Disturbed sleep • Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of Breath • Cough
• Palpitation • Swelling of the
hands and face Individuals acclimatize at different
rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and
drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate
the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it
does not necessarily mean that you should not continue.
All Worldwide Adventures / World Expeditions group
leaders have extensive first aid training and we
urge you to communicate with the group leader at
all times should you believe you have any symptoms
in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms.
The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to
descend.
Please note that your group leader has ultimate
responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms
persist.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Nepal's environment is extremely fragile. The rapidly
increasing population puts immeasurable pressure
on the country's environment and resources and it
is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the
impact of our presence. Deforestation is Nepal's
greatest environmental problem and Worldwide Adventures
/ World Expeditions pioneered the use of kerosene
as an alternative fuel to wood on all expeditions.
We do not have campfires and we strongly discourage
trekkers from buying wood-fuelled hot showers in
teahouses along the trail. We do not cook in teahouses
as they burn wood but do our cooking on kerosene
stoves that we carry with us.
GEAR
We provide much of the gear you require. We provide
good quality a quality sleeping bag and inner liner,
insulating rubber mat, and a down or fibre-filled
jacket. You will need walking boots, a day-pack
and a water bottle in addition to your clothing
and personal gear.
PORTER INITIATIVES
Worldwide Adventures / World Expeditions was the
first trekking company to support the International
Porter Protection Group (IPPG). IPPG sets guidelines
for trekking companies and trekkers, aimed at fostering
the well-being of mountain porters, including providing
them with adequate clothing, medical care and sufficient
funds to cover the cost of rescue and treatment.
Our close association with the IPPG is part of our
ongoing commitment to improving conditions for our
porters and lessening the impact of trekking on
the fragile environment of Nepal.
PROTECTING
NEPAL’S FORESTS
Deforestation in Nepal is a major problem. By joining
a trek with Worldwide Adventures / World Expeditions
you are supporting a sustainable trekking service
where we use only kerosene, rather than depleting
natural resources. Camping, rather than staying
in teahouses, ensures we can fulfill this.
We are also the only company in Nepal with a policy
of providing mess tents, cooking equipment, food
and kerosene for our porters. Naturally these initiatives
come at a cost that you could avoid by travelling
with another trekking company. We hope you will
share our vision of protecting Nepal’s fragile
environment for future generations.
Important
Note: These trip notes represent
the most current information available for this
itinerary, and supersede any information detailed
in the current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. In remote and developing
countries do not expect standards you are used to
at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable
and itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that you are
flexible, positive and eager to take on all the
challenges that arise.
Highlights 
