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Everest Base Camp Trek Nepal








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    Amazing experiences at affordable prices

    The Mountains

    Mount Everest, at 8848m, is the highest mountain in the world and as such it holds a great deal of historical and spiritual significance for locals and foreigners alike.  Ever since the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, known locally as Chomolungma (Goddess Mother of the World), was made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay the mountain has attracted immense interest from scientist, geographers, mountaineers and, more recently from trekkers.  To climb to the top of Everest takes commitment, fitness and courage combined with a good weather window however, you don’t need to climb it to see it and marvel in its magnificence.

    The Route

    Trekking to Everest Base Camp takes you on a well-worn trail that slowly winds its way up through historic villages such as Namche Bazaar, Khumjung and the spectacular monastery at Tengboche bringing you right into the heart of the Everest region and finally into Base Camp.  Standing in Base Camp, looking up at the Khumbu Icefall you suddenly realise how insignificant we are compared to the wonder of nature and these mighty mountains.  Leaving Base Camp behind and making an ascent of Kala Patthar (Black Rock) provides you with an unrivalled 360-degree view of the mountains.

    Best Time To Go

    The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is spring during the months of April and May.  At this time of year Base Camp becomes a busy place with the hustle and bustle of expeditions climbing all the way to the very top of the world.  Autumn, from early October through to mid-November is also a great time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek although the Base Camp itself is unoccupied at this time of year.  You can of course trek to Everest Base Camp at other times of year and we would be happy to help and advise you if you wanted to do so – just get in touch.

    Board your international flight from the UK (International Flights are not included in the price).

    Once you have collected your luggage and made your way out of the airport terminal building you will be met by one of our local representatives and transferred to your hotel in the busy Kathmandu district of Thamel.

    After breakfast you will be collected for your sightseeing tour. Highlights include:

    • Durbar Square – This ancient location has been the home to Kings throughout different dynasties and is also the home to some of the finest Hindu and Buddhist architecture in the region.
    • Swayambhunath – Set on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The site itself is a collection of small stupas and a pagoda temple built over different periods by a succession of kings and noblemen. The main structure is made of a solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting a conical spire of copper gilt. Painted on the four sides on the base of the spire are the “All Seeing Eyes” of Lord Buddha. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple.
    • Bouddhanth – This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of Nepal’s most unique monuments and is said to be the world’s biggest Stupa. Baudhanath Stupa is said to hold the remains of Kasyapa – the Buddha of the previous time. One hundred meters in diameter, this Stupa is 36 meters high. Its pinnacle represents the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana.
    • Pashupatinath – With its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors this temple is famous for its superb Newari architecture. Situated near the banks of the sacred Bagmati River only Hindus are permitted to enter, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the eastern bank of the river.

    After the sightseeing tour you can relax before we take you to a traditional restaurant for a welcome dinner and live Nepali cultural show.

    After breakfast in your hotel you will be transferred to Kathmandu’s Domestic Air Terminal for a morning flight to Lukla. On arrival you will meet your Sirdar and the rest of the crew. Lunch will be taken in Lukla whilst your baggage is being sorted into loads.  The first day trekking towards Everest Base Camp is spent high above the Dudh Kosi as we make our way to our overnight accommodation in the village of Phakding (2610m). Flight Time: approx. 35 mins. Trekking Time: approx. 3 hrs

    Leaving Phakding we follow the banks of the Duhd Koshi through pine forests and across suspension bridges to the village of Monjo and the entrance to the Sagarmartha National Park. After the formalities of park entry, we continue our journey to the junction of the Duhd Koshi and Bhote Koshi before the final ascent of the day, which provides you with your first brief glimpse of Mount Everest, up to Namche Bazaar (3440m), the gateway to Everest and a bustling ancient trading centre. Overnight accommodation in Namche Bazaar. Trekking Time: approx. 6 hrs.

    To help with your acclimatisation this day will be spent on a gentle walk to the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung (3780m) and Khunde (3840m). Lunch will be taken on the trail, and we will return to Namche Bazaar for dinner and overnight stay. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Sherpa museum.

    As trekking days in Nepal go, this is up there with the best of them! Spectacular views and beautiful rhododendron forests are the order of the day as the trail cuts its way around huge hills. We’ll take a lunch break at Phunki after crossing the Imja Kohla and before climbing steeply up to the meadows that are home to the impressive Buddhist Monastery at Tengboche. There is an opportunity to visit the Monastery before we take the short journey down-hill to finish our day in Deboche. Trekking Time: approx. 5 hrs

    A day of steady ascent with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Nuptse. That said, we start with a short descent to cross the Imja Khola which we then follow on a steadily rising trail first to Pangboche at 4000m, where we will break for lunch, and then on to Dingboche (4410m). Dingboche sits to the edge of a large flat area containing a mosaic of small fields for growing barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, all protected by stone walls. Trekking Time: approx. 6 hrs.

    This is our second acclimatisation day, and it is important that we rest and allow our bodies to get used to the altitude. That said, it is also of enormous benefit to take a gentle walk and gain some additional altitude – climb high, sleep low as the saying goes! To achieve this, we will take a steady walk up the ridge to the north of Dingboche towards the summit of Nangkar Tshang, stopping at a viewpoint at just over 5000m. Descending back to Dingboche the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the village.

    Getting close now. After breakfast we start with a short climb up the hill to the north of Dingboche before reaching a level plateau that takes us all the way to Dughla with views of the Chola Lake and Pumori. After lunch we climb up to the Thokla Pass, an eerie place full of monuments to those who have perished whilst attempting Everest. After some moments of contemplation, we continue along the trail to Lobuche (4910m) and a well-earned rest. Trekking Time: approx. 6 hrs

    The actual distance covered today isn’t that far. The trail takes us from Lobuche on a gentle climb up to the Lobuche Pass (5110m) before dropping down to cross the terminal moraine at the end of the Changri Nup and Changri Shar glaciers and then gently climbing up to Gorak Shep. Trekking Time: approx. 4 hrs.

    With a very early start we will head out to climb Kala Patthar. This is a tough little climb in the cold and dark but more than worth the effort to witness the splendour of sunrise over the highest mountains in the world. Surrounded by the giant mountains of Pumori (7,145m), Lingtren (6,697m) and Khumbutse (6,623m) separating Nepal from Tibet and just over the Lho La pass, the huge rock of Changtse (7,750m) in Tibet itself. But Sagarmatha, or Mount Everest, the queen of them all, towers over everyone. This is the roof of the world. After a short time to take in the splendour of the views we retrace our footsteps down and head towards Everest Base Camp before picking up the trail back to Lobuche for our overnight stay.

    Avoiding the crowds and making best use of little used trails, today we will make our way to Upper Pangboche. As we descend you will start to feel the benefit of increased oxygen in the air. The route, dominated initially by Taboche (a 6367m peak that is directly in front of you for the first part of the descent), takes us back down through Dughla and then on quieter trails passing through Pheriche, crossing the river, and winding our way across the hillside on a little used trail to Upper Pangboche. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs

    On-route today you will catch glimpses of the busy trail you followed on the way up including the village of Deboche as well as spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku and the Monastery at Tengboche. You might also be fortunate enough to see Himalayan Tahr or the mighty Lammegeier with its 3m wingspan and other wildlife before rejoining the busy trail and descending into Namche Bazaar. Trekking Time: approx. 6 hrs.

    Our final day of trekking. We retrace our steps back down the trail to Lukla stopping at Phakding for lunch and taking in completely different views and getting a different perspective than that gained on our way up. Overnight in Lukla. Trekking Time: approx. 6 hrs.

    After breakfast we make our way around to the airfield terminal building and catch our flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for your final night with us.

    This is a spare day that we will use during the trek if required to cater for bad weather etc. or if not used during the trek it will be a free day in Kathmandu.

    A private transfer will take you to the international airport in time for your flight home.

    From To Price Availability  
    29/03/2024 16/04/2024 £1400 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    27/04/2024 15/05/2024 £1400 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    05/10/2024 23/10/2024 £1400 3 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    26/10/2024 13/11/2024 £1400 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now

    Included in the price of this trip

    • Private arrival and departure transfers to and from the airport in Kathmandu.
    • Pre Trek (2 nights) and Post Trek (2 nights) accommodation in the bustling district of Thamel, Kathmandu in the Thamel Eco Resort (http://www.thamelecoresort.com/) in shared rooms (twin) on Bed & Breakfast basis (single rooms available for a supplement).
    • Traditional Nepalese welcome dinner.
    • Kathmandu sightseeing tour (including Guide, private transport, and all entrance fees).
    • Transfer to/from domestic air terminal.
    • Internal return flight to Lukla.
    • Sagamartha National Park and all other entry fees and all permits.
    • Tea House accommodation whilst on the trek in shared rooms.
    • All meals plus tea/coffee whilst trekking (see frequently asked questions for more details).
    • 3lts of boiled water for drinking per day.
    • Professional guiding and support team.
    • Portage of 15kg per client.
    • All wages, clothing and insurances for Guide/s and porters.
    • High quality Monkey Mountaineering branded duffel bag for use on trek (you will receive this on arrival in Kathmandu).

    Not included

    • International Flights from/to the UK.
    • Personal clothing and equipment (see our clothing and equipment section for guidance about what to bring).
    • Additional accommodation in Kathmandu at the start or end of your trek.
    • Meals whilst staying in Kathmandu (hotel is Bed & Breakfast basis).
    • Drinks whilst in Kathmandu or trekking (water, soft drinks, tea/coffee, alcoholic beverages etc – see frequently asked questions). Expenses of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry etc.
    • Tips for Guides, Drivers, and Porters.
    • Personal travel insurance (to cover you for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects etc.) You must ensure you have adequate cover for emergency medical treatment and rescue costs (including helicopter rescue costs) whilst trekking up to 5600m.
    • Lunch, dinner, and drinks etc. whilst in Kathmandu (hotel accommodation is B&B).
    • Additional expenses incurred should there be a need to amend your itinerary or curtail your trek early for whatever reason and transfer you back to Kathmandu or a medical facility or hotel (it is essential that you have personal travel insurance that includes cover for trekking to Everest Base Camp).

    Essential Clothing & Equipment

    • Boots

      A good pair of light-weight GoreTex lined walking boots which provide ankle support and are well broken-in. Boots are essential - Please do not bring trail shoes.

    • Buff

      Essential for helping to keep the sun off your neck at lower altitudes, protecting from dust and wind and as neck/face protection higher up.

    • Dry Bags

      A selection of rucksack liners and dry bags as required to keep your clothing, sleeping bag and equipment dry and organised.

    • Duffle Bag

      This should be big enough to carry all the clothing and equipment you have with you. It will be carried by a porter, so a soft duffle type bag is best – suitcases are not suitable.

    • Fleece or Soft Shell Layer

      This can be a fleece jumper or fleece jacket or a soft shell jacket.

    • Gloves

      A lightweight windproof pair of gloves for wearing on a daily basis as required.

    • Head Torch

      With spare batteries or the means to recharge.

    • Hiking Socks

      We recommend a good pair of proper hiking/trekking socks. A minimum of three pairs but ideally you should have a pair for each day.

    • Insulated Jacket

      Can be down or synthetic.

    • Lightweight Walking Trousers

      To wear on a daily basis if not wearing shorts and for evening wear. Jeans or tracksuit bottoms are not suitable.

    • Long-Sleeved Thermal Top

      Essential base layer for colder days and nights. Pack at least 2 of these.

    • Personal First Aid Kit

      This should include suncream, lip balm, blister plasters (compeed), plasters, painkillers and any prescription medicines, insect repellant etc.

    • Rucksack 30lt

      A small rucksack, around 30lt will be ideal.

    • Shorts

      These are optional but the weather is often good enough for shorts.

    • Sleeping Bag - 3 Seasons

      This should be a minimum of three seasons and able to keep you warm down to at least minus 5 (we recommend taking as warm a sleeping bag as possible).

    • Small Padlocks

      As required to provide security for your bags.

    • Sports Bra

      Ladies only, take 2. Should be a technical fabric, avoid cotton.

    • Sports Sandals/Flip Flops/Crocks

      Or something similar for river crossings/around campwhen not wearing your boots/in the tea houses etc.

    • Sun Hat

      To keep the sun off your head!

    • Sunglasses

      For general eye protection, wearing whilst trekking or on glaciers if applicable to your trip – for wearing on glaciers sunglasses need to be Category 4 and be close fitting or have side protection.

    • Tee-shirt

      For wearing on a daily basis whilst trekking. Should be a technical fabric – avoid cotton as it is slow to dry. You will need 2 or 3 of these.

    • Toiletries and Travel Towel

      Include wet wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet tissues as well as nappy sacks or dog poo bags (to bag your toilet paper and keep rubbish under control).

    • Underwear

      Ideally these will be quick drying and moisture wicking. Take 3 pairs as a minimum.

    • Water Bladder

      It is essential that you have the means to carry at least 2 litres of drinking water. The best solution is a bladder type water carrier such as a camelbak as this then allows you to drink whilst walking with no need to stop to get out a water bottle.

    • Water Bottle

      At higher altitudes your Camelbak may freeze and so it is a good idea to have a 1 litre Nalgene type bottle. Also great for events like the Cuillin ridge Traverse.

    • Water Purification System

      Running water found along the trail ‘should’ be drinkable but it makes sense to have some sort of purification system such as ‘water purification tablets’, filtration system or UV light purification system (recommended).

    • Waterproof Jacket

      Hard shell jacket ideally this will be waterproof and breathable (GoreTex or equivalent) and it will have a hood.

    • Waterproof Trousers

      Ideally they should be windproof and breathable (Gore Tex or equivalent) and with full or ¾ length side zips.

    • Woolly hat

      To keep your head warm - Ideally a hat that will cover your ears too and fit under a climbing helmet.

    Optional Clothing & Equipment

    • Camera

      Make sure you have spare batteries or the means to re-charge.

    • Ear Plugs

      To help with sleeping.

    • Long Sleeved Shirt

      For covering up during the day or wearing in the evening.

    • Mobile Phone

      You may want to use you phone as a camera. On our overseas trips signal is often limited or non-existent so making calls or sending texts may not be possible - see FAQs for trip specific info.

    • Travel clothing

      Clothing that you will not wear whilst on the trek. This can be packed in a small bag and left at your accommodation for collection on your return.

    • Walking poles

      Not essential but extremely useful when carrying a load, descending and for any river crossings.

    Paperwork

    • Booking Confirmation

      This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure

    • Immunization Papers

      Check requirement - see specific country information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

    • Insurance Documents

      It is crucial that you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment and rescue apropriate for your trip. You must ensure you take your insurance documents with you and that the 24 hour emergency contact number for your insurance is clearly identifiable.

    • Passport and Visa

      Your passport should have at least 6 months validity beyond your last day of travel. It is worth making a photocopy of your passport and bringing this with you too just in case. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for information about Visa requirements. See also our FAQs for Visa information.

    Carbon Footprint

    We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Everest Base Camp Trek but we reckon it will be somewhere around 500kg.

    What are we doing about it

    Trekking and mountaineering trips such as this are low carbon in comparison to other forms of travel and activities. That said though, we are working hard to understand exactly what the carbon emissions are for all our products. By the end of 2024 we hope to have measured everything we do and have a good understanding of all the individual carbon footprints. This will then act as a starting point for us to take action to reduce our emissions to as low as reasonably practicable and drive towards net zero.

    FAQs

    No, unfortunately we don’t currently provide equipment for hire but can recommend Expedition Kit Hire.

    Allergies and intolerances shouldn’t limit what you can do, so we make sure we cater for everyone. We ask that you let us know at the time of booking about any dietary requirements so that we can make sure these are taken into account on the trek. That said it is worth noting that kitchen conditions and facilities on some of our trips are fairly basic. Standards of food hygiene are good, but we cannot guarantee against cross contamination of ingredients. If you have a particularly serious allergy or are extremely sensitive to certain ingredients such as nuts or wheat for instance, then please get in touch with us to discuss options.

    You are likely to require vaccinations for the majority of our overseas trips. We recommend you book an appointment with your GP to discuss your trip so they can provide you with specific advice. More information can be found here.

    Yes, you will need to book your own flights for this trip.

    Yes. Most insurance companies do not cover you for trekking above 4000m. Make sure when taking insurance cover the policy covers you for trekking up to the appropriate altitude as follows:

    Kilimanjaro – 5895m
    Everest Base Camp – 5644m (summit of Kala Patthar)
    Kanchenjunga Base Camp – 5200m
    Toubkal – 4167m

    Your insurance should also include medical and emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue). Insurance is a condition of booking and we request that all clients provide us with proof of insurance before travel (8 weeks before departure).

    Mosquitos don’t generally survive above 1800m. However, a risk still remains and we recommend taking advice from your GP before you travel. Further information including advice on bite prevention and vaccinations can be found here.

    Yes, we recommend you carry a small first aid kit in your day pack containing the following items:

    • Blister plasters
    • Antiseptic cream
    • Personal medications
    • Ibuprofen
    • High factor sun protection
    • Imodium

    Your first aid kit should be small and light so as not to add too much weight to your day pack. Our Guides carry full group first aid kits for dealing with more serious injuries.

    Ultimately this is your choice, but we would say yes. It’s important you keep yourself warm and down is without a doubt the best insulation. You will really feel the difference when the temperatures drop and especially on summit day. There are some very good synthetic brands on the market, and these have the advantage of still keeping you warm when they are wet but synthetic insulation is heavier and bulkier than down – you need a bigger, bulkier synthetic jacket for the same warmth as a lighter down jacket. Sleep helps us to recover from our trekking and is an important part of the acclimatisation process. So, our recommendation for a sleeping bag would again be down. Be sure to pick a bag with a comfort rating of -20oC and 3-4 seasons. You can buy silk or similar liners which will also enhance the warmth. With all down sleeping bags, the best way for you to keep warm is to remember to wear as little as possible whilst inside it. The heat from your body then warms the bag and the feathers retain the heat.

    On all our trips (unless specifically excluded) we provide you with adequate safe drinking water. Early on we generally provide bottled water. As we move further from civilisation water is sourced from local streams and springs. All water provided for drinking is filtered and boiled to ensure it is safe.

    We believe prevention is better than cure and all our trips are planned and structured to reduce the likelihood of problems arising. That said, things can go wrong. Our local Guides are experienced and first aid trained. They work hard to prevent problems however, if a problem does arise they deal with it in the first instance. If the problem is beyond their abilities, we can call on the support of local rescue services and get you evacuated to the nearest medical facility without delay. Please ensure your insurance covers rescue and medical emergencies.

    The best way to avoid AMS is to follow these five simple steps:

    1 – Go slowly. Trekking up to 5600m should be done at a snail’s pace. Be first out on the trail in the morning and last into the teahouses in the afternoon, take your time, keep your pulse and breathing rate down, enjoy the views and take plenty of breaks to take photos. Going slowly means that your body can focus on acclimatising rather than keeping you moving at a fast pace.

    2 – Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water whilst on the trail. Being hydrated helps with the acclimatisation process. As a guide, you should need the toilet more than normal and your urine should be clear.

    3 – Eat. Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires lots of energy and so does the acclimatisation process. Eat well at each meal.

    4 – Keep Warm. If you start to get cold your body will need to use extra resources to keep you warm. This slows down the acclimatisation process so make sure you put that fleece on when you stop and that you take a 4-season sleeping bag to stay warm at night.

    5 – Get good rest. Sleep and rest are extremely important and also part of the acclimatisation process. Don’t be up chatting all night, get an early night and make sure you are warm and comfortable so that you can get a good night’s sleep.

    Being physically fit will help you take each day in your stride. Fitness will make everything you do feel that much easier and, in theory, the fitter you are, the easier you will find the task in hand and the quicker you will recover from exertion and physically demanding tasks. Being fit helps and the fitter you are the more likely you are to enjoy the journey, reach the viewpoint of Kala Patthar and enjoy the Everest Base Camp trek.

    A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip/course is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date. If the booking takes place less than 8 weeks before departure, then the full amount is due at the time of booking. If you would like to discuss payment options, then please get in touch.

    This depends on what you will be doing before and after the trek and if you are planning on buying gifts. Nepal is a relatively cheap place and good value for money. Your guide will be happy to point out the places for good bargains in the area. Whilst you can purchase snacks before arriving in Lukla, we encourage you to support the local teahouses as much as you can. Buying snacks along the way will also mean less weight in your pack.

    You may be experiencing altitude for the first time, and the facilities at times will be basic, it may become difficult to sleep and eat so yes you might feel a little out of your comfort zone. Our experienced team will be with you to help you through these moments and remember your trekking partners will be going through this too so you can help each other along the journey.

    Our team of guides and leaders do everything we can to make sure all your possessions remain safe, but we recommend a small padlock on your duffle bag for extra piece of mind. Like any other trip we recommend things like passport, money etc should be kept with you at all times (in your daysack). If you normally wear jewellery, unless it is absolutely necessary or for medical reasons, we suggest this is left at home. It is important that you take responsibility for your valuables and look after them whilst you are travelling.

    Diamox has been shown to reduce the chances of getting AMS, but it does not replace proper acclimatisation. We don’t recommend you take or use Diamox on our trips and would encourage you to take your time and acclimatise naturally.

    Visas requirements vary from country to country and can change from time to time. Specific and up to date requirements can be found on the UK Government’s Foreign Travel Advice website.
    In all case, we recommend that you apply for a Visa on-line before travelling where possible.

    Kilimanjaro: There are no plug sockets or recharging points on the mountain so we recommend you bring a solar battery charger or a power pack that will last for the duration and provide sufficient charge for all your devices. If your device has disposable batteries, then please take spares and make sure you carry the used batteries back down the mountain for recycling. Keeping your devices warm at night by taking them in your sleeping bag is a good way to prolong your battery life.

    Nepal: Some teahouses will offer a re-charging service for a small fee however, as a general rule, there are no plug sockets or recharging points. We recommend you bring a battery bank (or similar) or a solar charger. If your device has disposable batteries, then please take spares and make sure you carry the used batteries back down the mountain for recycling. Keeping your devices warm at night by taking them in your sleeping bag is a good way to prolong your battery life. If you are planning on staying in hotels before and after the trek the voltage is 230v similar to the UK and uses one of three types of plugs with round pins (Type C, D & M – see here for more info).

    Our local teams work very hard to make sure your trip runs smoothly and to help you achieve your goals. Tipping is down to you but I’m sure once you see how hard the crew work and what they earn in comparison to our own wages you will want to reward them. Tipping is generally done on the last day of your trek, before your guide and crew disappear back to their homes and villages.

    Kilimanjaro: For guidance on tipping please read our article on tipping your Kilimanjaro Mountain Crew.

    Nepal: For guidance on tipping in Nepal please read our article Tipping in Nepal.

    Kala Patthar is a viewpoint that offers fantastic views of Everest and the surrounding mountains. At 5644m it is the highest point you will reach on the Everest Base Camp trek. Kala Patthar means ‘Black Rock’ and it is located on the south ridge of Pumori (a 7000m+ peak just to the west of Everest) above Gorakshep. Whilst it is not itself classed as a mountain it is very popular with trekkers due to the fantastic views gained from standing at its high point.

    It can feel especially cold whilst climbing Kala Patthar and temperatures can fall to as low as -20oC. This is pretty normal and so you need to be prepared.

    To keep warm and improve your chances of reaching the viewpoint of Kala Patthar, we recommend you set out wearing:

    • Base layer top and bottom (2, dependant on how much you feel the cold)
    • Thick socks on top of a liner sock
    • Mid layer
    • Fleece layer
    • Down or synthetic jacket
    • Windproof jacket
    • Waterproof trousers
    • Mittens – with liner gloves underneath
    • Warm hat
    • Walking poles (optional)
    • Head torch
    • A small hot drink
    • Quick energy/sugar snacks

    Throughout this trek we make use of Teahouses. Teahouses vary in style and quality dependant on their location. Most of them have a communal room with several bedrooms upstairs or outside in small annexes. Most have shared toilet facilities; some have showers although there is normally a small fee to pay for their use. The communal room is generally heated using a wood burning stove, but the bedrooms are mainly unheated.

    Electricity is available at most of the teahouses during the early part of the trek however as we gain height this resource becomes increasingly scarce. We recommend you take some form of battery pack with which to charge your devices and that you keep all electrical items warm at night ideally by keeping them inside your sleeping bag or by wrapping them in a warm jacket.

    We suggest you change sufficient cash in Kathmandu to get you through the trek as there are no money changing facilities on the trail or in the Teahouses. Your local guide or your Monkey Mountaineering leader can advise on this.

    HACE stands for High Altitude Cerebral Edema which is essentially a swelling of the brain due to excess fluid.

    HAPE is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or fluid in the lungs.

    These two conditions are fairly rare and can be prevented by careful management of any symptoms of AMS whilst ascending to Everest base camp.

    A comprehensive list of clothing and equipment required for your trip can be found by visiting the ‘Kit List” tab on the relevant experience.

    We advise taking US dollars as these are readily recognised and can be easily converted into the local currency (Nepalese Rupee). Generally, if you pay in US dollars the local currency will be given back to you in change. We recommend you take lots of small denomination notes for purchasing small gifts or snacks as some shops struggle with the larger notes. Larger bills are best for tipping your guides at the end of the trek. Your lead guide will discuss how much should be taken with you before you travel.

    Food is crucial on the trek and we use locally sourced fresh produce to provide you with the highest quality meals. On our Everest Base Camp trek, you will stay in lodges locally known as tea houses. The food is cooked on big stoves and ovens fuelled mainly by propane gas although a small minority still burn wood or yak dung. A well balanced and nutritional diet can be a key factor in success and plenty of carbohydrates like pasta, rice and breads are the staples. The menu gets a little simpler the higher we trek as every ingredient is brought up by porters or Yak. For our lunchtime meals we normally eat at trailside restaurants. Coffee and tea are also provided at mealtimes. Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased from lodges, tea houses and small shops on the trail.

    If this happens for any reason don’t worry our Guide will make all the arrangements. If you need emergency attention you will be accompanied by one of our experienced Sherpas. You will be responsible though for any additional costs, such as transport, hotels, meals etc. so make sure you have appropriate insurance that covers you for the maximum altitude you will be trekking to. (please get in touch with us to confirm if you are not sure) and that it includes emergency evacuation and medical treatment.

    AMS is short for Acute Mountain Sickness, an illness caused by being in a high-altitude environment, where the body needs more time to adjust to the low levels of oxygen. Symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and poor or disturbed sleep. Whilst we can’t promise you won’t experience these symptoms, we can promise that we will carry out checks twice per day (at breakfast and again at evening meal) to make sure we monitor your resting heart rate and blood/oxygen saturation levels, recognising any symptoms and taking action to help reduce the risks. AMS might sound scary but it is really easy to avoid. You can find out more about AMS and altitude sickness HERE.

    Please refer to our Booking Conditions which can be found here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact a member of the team.

    The porters will be carrying your main duffle bag day to day, but you will need to carry your own daysack. This should be about 30 to 40lts and have a good waist strap so that the load can be carried on your hips. In it you should have only the essential items that you will need during the day. These include any personal medication and your first aid kit as well as a fleece layer and a full set of waterproofs (jacket & trousers). You should also carry at least 2 litres of water, some snacks, a head torch, hat and gloves and sunglasses if you aren’t wearing them – don’t forget your camera!

    The teahouses are generally heated by a stove fuelled with wood or yak dung. This will provide warmth and comfort in the communal and dining areas but not in the bedrooms. A light down or fleece type jacket will keep you warm whilst inside the lodges. A comfy pair of shoes like a trainer for the evenings will provide your feet with a break from your boots. Don’t forget to take your headtorch with you in the evening as it can be dark trying to find your way back to your room.

    You need to look after your feet, after all it will be your feet that get you to the top. Making sure you choose the right footwear, preferably boots, and allowing time to break them in will help prevent injuries like blisters, which can be very painful and potentially prevent you from reaching the summit. When choosing suitable boots make sure they are waterproof, insulated, have a good sole and provide ankle support and above all, make sure they are comfortable. If you are looking to buy specifically for Kilimanjaro, then the best advice we can offer is to pop into your nearest outdoor gear shop and speak to a store assistant who should be able to help you choose the most suitable pair.

    Trekking seasons in Nepal run from late March to early June and then again from mid-September through to December. In the spring season, days tend to be quite warm with minimal cloud cover giving great views. In the autumn the weather tends to be cooler in the day with clear skies however, later in the season cloud cover can develop in the afternoons and rain or snow showers are not unheard of.

    Here at Monkey Mountaineering we take responsibility for our porters’ welfare and the weight they carry on the trek so your bag must not exceed 15kg (if it is over this weight you will likely have to pay an excess baggage charge when flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and again on the way back).

    This should be more than enough to fit all your clothes and equipment in for the trip. The lighter the load the better as porters also have to carry their own kit and equipment. It’s also important you consider a light duffle bag rather than a large rucksack as porters carry most of the load using a strap across their heads. Having a rucksack that is shaped different and not so soft can make things difficult for them.

    For more information about what is needed in your duffle bag please refer back to our kit list tab.

    Our base in Kathmandu is the Thamel Eco Resort.

    Nepal is a country in Asia. It lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain range. It is bordered by China to the North and India to the south, east and west. Nepal has a diverse landscape, including fertile plains and subalpine forested hills. It has eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest which stands at 8848m, the highest point on Earth.

    Nepal’s capital city is Kathmandu, it is also the largest with around a 1 million multi-ethnic population with Hindu and Buddhist the majority. It is also known as the city of temples, it has been and remains the main city for arts, culture and history. Kathmandu holds many cultural and religious festivals, and this is a way of life for the people who reside in this area.

    “Tourism is a big part of the Nepalese economy and Kathmandu is considered the main gateway for exploring the great Himalayas and world heritage sites which attracts 1.5million visitors a year.”

    The Sherpa people are an ethnic group who have lived at high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains for generations. The main language is derived from Tibetan and the Sherpa people practice Nyingmapa which is an Ancient school of Buddhism, allegedly the oldest Buddhist sect in Tibet. In addition to Buddha the Sherpa believe in deities and demons who they believe inhabit every mountain. These beliefs are respected and are practices that have been woven into the Buddhist life. Sherpa’s consider the great Himalayan mountains sacred, and rituals and prayers on the mountains are part of their beliefs.

    Many Sherpa people are considered as elite mountaineers because of their experience in high altitude and expert knowledge of the area, because of this they became invaluable to the early explorers of the Himalayas. Today Sherpas are an integral part of high-altitude climbs on expeditions to the 8000m mountains, especially Mt Everest.

    Yes – A Monkey Mountaineering representative will meet you at the airport to begin your trip.

    As a rule, no. This is because generally, symptoms of altitude related illnesses start to show during the night. For this reason, we recommend sharing rooms whilst on the trek. Clearly, if you are travelling with a friend or partner you will be sharing the same room. For those joining a group, we always arrange sharing on a same sex basis and try, where possible, to match people of a similar age. Unfortunately we cannot offer single occupancy rooms even if you paid a supplement, we cannot guarantee availability.

    At the viewpoint of Kala Patthar temperatures can fall to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, but this can vary widely dependant on the time of year. Sometimes it can be relatively warm and only a few degrees from freezing. If the winds are low this makes the temperature feel less harsh. If the winds come in this is when it can feel cold. The main thing to remember is be prepared for the weather. Our guides will advise you as to what to expect.

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    Bespoke experiences

    Can’t see what you are looking for? All our trips can be customised to meet your needs so, if you need bespoke dates, want to add extra days, or modify the itinerary then please just let us know – we will be happy to help.