Detailed Itinerary

TRIP GRADE: Moderate to fairly challenging

Longer treks going right into high mountain country, to some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps over high passes. Physically quite tiring, involves approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercises and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions.

TREKKING TYPES
We offer several options regarding the organization of your trek:

1) Guide, Accommodation and Porter trek (GAP trek)
Includes: Accommodation, guide and porters
Excludes: Food
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. Trekkers pay for meals directly to the local lodge owner. Expect to spend around $25 a day for food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.

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 than camping trek and are largely suitable for small groups.

Includes: Accommodation in lodge, guide, porters and all meals

YOUR TREK CAN BE ORGANIZED IN ALL THE 3 WAYS AS MENTIONED ABOVE.

ACCOMMODATION

Trekking in the 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. You stay in single rooms where possible, but you will often have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric blanket, hot bags (luxury lodges) and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a comfortable local lodge 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. On camping trek, you sleep in tents either ‘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 considerable 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 lodges available along the trail. Expect to spend around $25 a day for food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.

WATER
On camping trek, our staff will boil or filter water and cook meals treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. On GAP trek and Lodge trek, you will be able to buy bottled water in tea houses. 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. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs. 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.

JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘2020 departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time).
If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor your trip to
suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to meet your needs.

GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE TRIP
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 12 people.

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), tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places) and snacks while walking.

GAP trek:
You need to pay for your meals and should expect to spend around $25 a day for your food. 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 Jiri, which is about 7/8 hours overland drive from Kathmandu.
Lukla, your trek ending point, is connected by a 45mins flight from Kathmandu. We will arrange
both airport pick up and drop transfers as per the itinerary.

COMMUNICATION
For using internet, Wifi service is available in lower altitudes. You have to pay extra charge for

this service about $5 (per stay) up to Namche though you can’t be really sure about signal

strength. Beyond Namche, teahouses normally don’t have WiFi facility. A better option is to use

Everest Link network which works throughout the region. It has better connectivity and faster

speed. You can buy the data package at approximately $2 (10GB) and $3 (30 GB) valid for 30

days. You can also use Ncell and NTC network (both for internet and mobile network) but they

don’t work properly in some places as you go higher. 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 GEARS & EQUIPMENT

Trekking: You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket

and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day

pack. Comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip. It's not

necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip.

Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.

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 will be 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

airport. You just pass the Customs desk and come out of the Terminal building where you will

see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Explore Himalaya’ or your name written on it.

Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.

ITINERARY CHANGES

The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the 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 the remotest 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.

TREK DURATION

We ensure liability as indicated in 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 for Hotels/services incurred

in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

TRIP EXTENSIONS

In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring

countries. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour.

You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you..

VISA

All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at

the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. You can also get “On Arrival Visa” at

entry points. Some countries’ nationals need to get visa prior their arrival. Please check

http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa for detailed information.

Visa can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Children

under 10 years need not pay any visa fee.

VISA APPLICATION FORM

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries

Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Tourist Visa Extension

* Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 45 or equivalent convertible currency and visa

extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 3 per day

* In case of delay, (less than 150 days), additional US $ 5 per day as late fine.

HEALTH ISSUES AND VACCINATIONS

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2

months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus,

typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

The main health consideration in high altitude is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may

experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty

sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS),

people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor

and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and

handle the low oxygen rate.

If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we

highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude

areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough

medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills

will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions

FIRST AID KIT

We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s

manual. 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 have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.

RESCUE / EVACUATIONS

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do

everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. 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 to 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.

CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO

The best seasons 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. Please choose the date that is

convenient for you.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Environmental Responsibility

Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population

density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Explore Himalaya, we are

extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible.

As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use

kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. 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 and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear

strewn with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We

carry out all our 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.

Social Responsibility

Explore Himalaya works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with

this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) has been 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 and culture preservation.

Explore Himalaya encourages its clients to contribute for the development of Nepal.

Care for Porters and Staff

We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude 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).

For more details on our responsible initiatives, please visit

https://www.explorehimalaya.com/csr/

BOOKING CONDITIONS

1) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we receive your 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

months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.

2) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:

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

• December 31 2020

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