We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Nepal |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£7.60 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£12.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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An entry visa is required by UK, USA, CAN, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Nepal Visa: Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese embassy prior to travel or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and various international border crossings beyween Nepal and its neighbours. A passport sized photograph is required, please bring this in your hand luggage. In addition, if you are trekking in Nepal, please bring an additional 5 photos for the various permits required (although won't always be requested)
All visas sold on arrival are multiple entry visas and they are available to cover 3 different durations of visit ; a 15 day visa costing US$25, a 30 day costing US$40 and a 90 day visa costing US$100. Please ensure you purchase the duration sufficient to cover your whole visit including days of entry and exit. Please do note that these durations refer to each entry into Nepal e.g. 15 days for each entry.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria and Japanese encephalitis. Most malaria transmission is in the low lying southern plains of the Terai which are not visited on this tour .In addition travellers may wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis and Japanese encephalitis - we suggest that you discuss this and the latest advice on Malaria in Nepal with your G.P or local travel clinic.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Altitude
The altitude of Everest region makes this trip more suitable for the serious walker with previous experience of hill-walking. We have included time for acclimatisation and extreme cases of altitude sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety the tour leader’s decision is final.
Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated below in the section entitled “Medical examination” before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.
Medical Examination: You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches.
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Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
Temperatures in the lower altitude regions are extremely pleasant and the Kathmandu Valley has a reasonably mild climate throughout the year. In Kathmandu average temperatures between March and May are around 16-22°C, whilst September-November sees the averages dropping form the low 20’s to around 14°C. Daytime temperatures in the mountains will vary from about 20°C/80°F to 35°C/95°F at lower elevations to around 10°C /50°F higher up. During the evening, night and early morning, the temperature will be considerably lower and may drop as low as freezing. Please bear in mind that snow may be encountered at higher altitudes and weather can change suddenly at any time of year.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
Customers on all our treks to Nepal receive a free distinctive Explore! Kitbag at the start of their tour in Kathmandu. Approximately 80 litres in size it’s ideal for all items you need to take on trek and is the luggage preferred by our porters. You can leave the things you don’t want to take on trek behind in the main bag you travelled with.
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Luggage: On Trek
Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:
Main Baggage: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all of the items you don't need on trek. This can be left behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek. Standard Airline allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Trek Kit Bag:
Customer on all of our treks in Nepal receive a free Explore kitbag on joining the tour in Kathmandu. Approximately 80 litres in size it’s ideal for all items you need to take on trek and the luggage preffered by our porters. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. Trek Allowance: 22lbs/10kgs.
Daysac/Rucksack: To carry all personal effects required throughout the day’s trek, such as waterproofs, suncream etc. Carried by yourself. During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should therefore be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, fleece jacket/sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull or with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack. We advise you to line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch. Your daysac could be used as hand luggage on the flight to Nepal bearing in mind that shoulder bags are not practical for the trek.
Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given at the tour briefing but it may be useful to do a trial pack before you leave home.
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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek
Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Use the following check list and notes to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.
Walking Boots
Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers etc. do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots and these are usually satisfactory. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Ideally, visit a specialist ‘outdoor pursuits’ shop who will offer advice, and resist the temptation to buy ‘fashion’ footwear which give little support. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing, which will be irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow out of your boots.
Long Trousers
For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are acceptable in the more remote areas, but to avoid giving offence in the villages, you should cover up with trousers. Although comfortable, leggings are also unsuitable as they too cause offence to local people.Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
Down Jacket
After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops. Down jackets can be inexpensively hired or bought in Nepal. Details will be given at the briefing in Kathmandu.
Waterproofs
Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.
Gloves
Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.
Socks
It is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Lightweight Shoes or Trainers
Useful in towns and when travelling.
Thick fleece pullover/jacket
A thick fleece pullover or jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or jacket.
Track Suit
Comfortable and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.
Thin Shirt/T-Shirt
Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest
Warm Hat
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Equipment
Equipment Hire
It is possible to hire equipment for your trek while in Kathmandu. The costs of hiring are as follows:
Please note: each item has a minimum charge of 7 days and then an additional per day charge added every after that if longer than 7 days:
Sleeping Bag (4 season)- Rs.60 per day (Rs.420 for 7 days- minimum)
Cotton sleeping bag inner liner (new)- Rs.150 per day (Rs.1050 for 7 days- minimum)
Down Jacket- Rs.50 per day (Rs.350 for 7 days- minimum)
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Equipment Provided: On Trek
Bedding in the tea houses- There is no need to take a sleeping bag on this trek as the tea houses provide duvets and heavy blankets. You may however wish to bring a sleeping bag liner with you on trek to sleep in.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Undertaking a section of the Everest Base Camp trek, we follow part way in the footsteps of the expeditions that have been hiking to the foot of Everest since the ‘50s, staying in a series of comfortable Sherpa lodges along the way. Starting from Lukla the trek takes us through the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar, the bustling centre of the Sherpa region, from where we then follow a meandering trail of spectacular ascents and descents towards the distant Himalayan peaks. We visit the lofty Buddhist monastery at Thyangboche and negotiate trails that take us through lush forest of pine and rhododendrons, taking in the distant peaks of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse as we go, all the while enjoying the benefits of hot water, solar power and a welcome bed. Returning to Kathmandu there should then be time to explore something of the architectural and cultural majesty of the Nepalese capital and the Kathmandu Valley before the return home.
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Please note:
Due to increasing environmental problems with the disposal of empty plastic water bottles on the trekking route, we do not provide nor do we recommend the purchase of bottled water. Additionally, we discourage water being boiled for this purpose due to fuel shortages in Nepal. Instead, you must bring Chlorine Dioxide with you on your trip to sterilise tap water.
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Note Regarding Lukla Flights
Lukla is a tiny airstrip clinging to the side of a valley at about 2840m. Adverse weather and other factors can cause delays, which can on rare occasions run into days rather than hours. Though we have built spare time into the itinerary to allow for ‘average’ problems it is possible that should severe delays occur then sections of the itinerary will need to be rearranged, and in extreme cases onward travel plans could be affected. Should delays occur in Kathmandu we will accommodate you in the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Should the delay be in Lukla we will continue to provide full trek services and all meals.
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Country info
Area: 147,181 sq km.
Population: 24 million.
Language: Nepalese, Hindi.
Religion: Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim.
Local Time: GMT + 5.45 hours.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. Type C and D.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Maps can be brought in Kathmandu.
Recommended Books: The Rough Guide to Nepal, Lonely Planet: Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya – Stan Armington t, Insight Guide to Nepal, Michael Peissel: Tiger for Breakfast, Han Suyin: The Mountain is Young, Eric Valli: Portraits of People: Nepal Himalayas, Jon Krakauer: Into Thin Air.
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