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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nepal








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    The Trek

    Gaining a maximum altitude of just over 5100m and covering over 200km this trek ventures into the remote north-eastern part of Nepal. Seldom visited by tourists the trails will be quiet but will supply you with nonstop awe-inspiring views leaving you with unforgettable memories. It has been said that this is one of the best treks in the world but it’s not to be underestimated, with 20 days on the trail you’ll need to be well prepared, familiar with multi-day camping treks and have a good level of fitness.

    The Route

    Leaving Tapeljung we head out through the beautiful Nepali villages of Mitlung, Tapethok, and Amjilosa to mention just a few before the valley opens out giving fantastic mountain views. Following the rivers, we steadily climb towards Pengpema, the northern base camp, taking a couple of acclimatisation days as we go. From Pengpema we retrace our steps slightly and then turn east to cross some high passes to reach the southern base camp at Ramche.

    Best Time To Go

    The best time to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is during spring or autumn. April and May are good months to go with generally clear weather as are October and November. It is also possible to do this trek in December although temperatures will be getting very low as winter approaches. If our scheduled dates don’t work for you then we are happy to arrange this spectacular trek on dates that suit you although there will need to be a minimum of two people booking as this is a requirement for a permit. Please get in touch for more information.

    Under your own arrangements, it’s time to catch your international flight to Nepal.

    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 flight to Taplejung. On arrival we will take a short trek to a nearby campsite where we will spend the rest of the afternoon and overnight. Flight Time: approx 1 hr. Trekking Time: approx 1 hr.

    We officially kick start the trek today with a great downhill section taking us to Mitlung. The trails in the lower part of the Kanchenjunga region pass through fertile valleys, beautiful pastures and small villages. After crossing the Hangdewa Khola, we turn north and follow the raging Tamor Nadi, climbing gradually again before the final descent into Mitlung where we will camp for the night. Trekking Time: approx. 4-5 hrs.

    An undulating day of trekking through the beautiful rural landscape and across a superb suspension bridge takes us to the pretty Limbu village of Chirwa which now boasts a number of small Lodges and tea shops. We make camp here for the night. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs.

    Dense forest, cardamom fields and lush green pastures are the order of the day today as our route undulates towards the Ghunsa Khola whioch we cross before arriving in Sukathum. Overnight camping. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs

    The trek turns a bit more challenging today as part of the trail is narrow and steep in places. We start though by crossing another superb suspension bridge across Ghunsa Khola and walking through dense forest. The village of Amjilosa and our campsite for the night will be a welcome sight towards the end of this day. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    Bamboo, Fir and Rhododendron forests are on the cards for today along with spectacular waterfalls as our trek takes us gradually uphill to the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    We start the day with a fairly steep descent before the trail levels out and follows the riverbank. You’ll really start to get the feeling of being in the mountains today especially as the valley starts to open up as we reach Phale, a Tibetan refugee settlement. Continuing along the river we eventually reach Ghunsa, the largest village on the trek and one that is known for its hydroelectric plant and also a tragic helicopter crash. We camp in Ghunsa. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs

    An important day as we help our bodies become accustomed to operating at high altitudes. After breakfast we will take a gentle walk up towards the Laspsan La Monastery gaining valuable height before dropping back down to Ghunsa for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Camping overnight.

    Refreshed from our acclimatisation day we continue in a northerly direction along the banks of the Ghunsa Khola. There are some great mountain views to be had today as the spectacular 7711m Kumbhakarna (Januu) comes into view. Eventually we reach Kambachen, a collection of several shingle roofed stone buildings with some good flat areas for camping. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs.

    Our second acclimatisation day will be spent around Kambachen. A short walk up the ridge to the north of the village will help us acclimatise and provide splendid views of the peaks to the south. Overnight camping.

    An early start is on the cards for this challenging day crossing desolate boulder fields left behind by ancient glaciers we continue to generally follow the river northwards. Crossing at Ramtang we then follow the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier before reaching the village of Lhonak. It’ll feel cold and desolate here but the stupendous 360-degree views will more than make it worthwhile. Overnight camp. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    Today the trail takes us to our first objective, the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp from where all ascents of the North side of Kanchenjunga start from. Our trek will take us over some particularly rough terrain today as we continue to track the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier. Pangpema consists of a couple of stone huts with plenty of flat space for camping. We will spend the night here, make sure you are well prepared for a drop in temperature as the sun goes down! Trekking Time: approx. 4-5 hrs.

    Start the day early and go for a short walk up the ridge north of Pangpema (at dawn perhaps) for some absolutely breath-taking and inspirational views before heading down for a hearty breakfast. The trek back to Kambachen is a reverse of the route we followed on the way up but offers a totally different perspective with yet more stunning views. Overnight camp at Kambachen. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs.

    Another reverse day as we continue heading back down the trail and through the forest with a spectacular mountain vista in the backdrop towards Ghunsa where we will camp for the night. Trekking Time: approx. 3-4 hrs.

    New ground today as we make our way towards Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Our route today climbs steeply up to Sele Le through dense rhododendron and juniper forests. Lunch on the trail and overnight camp in Sele Le. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    A tough day awaits today but don’t be put off, you should be well acclimatised by now and it’s all worth it. Our route climbs up crossing the Sinion La (4660m), the Mirgin La (4663m) and the Sinelapche La (4724m) giving unequalled views of Jannu and, if conditions are right, way over to our right, Makalu which at 8485m is the world’s fifth highest mountain. After crossing the passes, we drop back down to Cheram where we will camp for the night. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    Ascending past the snout of the Yalung glacier and following the banks of the Simbuwa Khola takes us past the village of Lapsang and onwards to Ramche. Continuing up the valley and climbing the moraine provides awesome views of Kanchenjunga’s south face and if we push a little further, Jannu comes into view making for a fantastic mountain vista. Depending on how we are feeling and how much time we have it may be possible to push on a little further to the monastery at Oktang before descending back to Cheram and an overnight camp. Trekking Time: approx. 4-5 hrs.

    We descend to Tortong following the Simbuwa Khola and pass-through lush rhododendron forests. Overnight camp at Tortong. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs.

    The trail to Yampudin changes on a seasonal basis after the monsoon rains wash parts of it away and some of it becomes covered by landslide debris. By mid-October there is usually a good new trail established but it’s always interesting. Overnight camp at Yamphudin. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    As the altitude drops ever lower, you’ll be feeling the benefit of the extra oxygen now! Descending from Yamphudin we cross the bridge at Samekham and follow the Kabeli Khola before passing through Mamankhe which houses the Limbu Museaum and Cultural Centre. Crossing over the Khaksewa Khola we ascend through cardamom forest and some small villages before dropping down to Yangpang and our overnight camp. Trekking Time: approx. 6-7 hrs.

    The route to Thorpu undulates and takes us through some really beautiful, terraced villages. Overnight camp in Thorpu. Trekking Time: approx. 5-6 hrs.

    No walking today! Sit back and enjoy the drive to Birtamond and watch the scenery change from mountains and hills to the flatter more agricultural terrain as the temperature rises and the climate changes. Overnight hotel in Birtamod. Drive Time: approx. 5-6 hrs.

    A short drive takes us to the regional airport at Bhadrapur where we fly back to Kathmandu. The remaining time is free for you to relax and unwind from your trek, and maybe wander around in the hustle and bustle of Thamel looking for souvenirs or beers! Farewell dinner in the evening and overnight in the Thamel Eco Resort.

    After what we hope has been an amazing time in Nepal today, we will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight back to the UK.

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    From To Price Availability  
    26/10/2024 22/11/2024 £2950 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 (1 night) 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 at the start and farewell dinner at the end.
    • Kathmandu sightseeing tour (including Guide, private transport, and all entrance fees).
    • Transfer to/from domestic air terminal.
    • Internal flights: Kathmandu to Suketar/Taplejung - Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
    • Kanchenjunga Special Trekking Permit, National Park and all other entry fees and permits.
    • A fully supported camping trek based on two people sharing tents.
    • 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 including Chef and porters.
    • Portage of 15kg per client.
    • All wages, clothing and insurances for Guide/s, Chef, and porters.
    • Access to satellite phone (all calls must be paid for).
    • 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 etc.
    • 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 5200m.
    • 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 up to 5200m in the Nepalese Himalaya).

    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 - 4 Seasons

      This should be a minimum of four seasons and able to keep you warm down to at least minus 10 degrees.

    • 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 Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

    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

    Yes, it is also written as Kangchenjunga or Kinchinjunga, and Nepali Kumbhkaran Lungur. The word Kanchenjunga is generally thorough to mean ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snows’

    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.

    The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp takes you through some remote and extremely rugged scenery at high altitudes. This is a demanding multi-day trek so you will need to be physically fit before setting out.

    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.

    From start to finish, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is around 220 kilometres or 138 miles which takes around three weeks to complete.

    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.

    We would advise that beyond Kathmandu you adopt a vegetarian diet. Meat such as lamb, beef and chicken is available on the trail but it generally has to be transported in and then carried along the trail by a porter. Refrigeration is not possible, and many trekkers experience severe travel illness after consuming meat on the trail. This could put an end to your trip and so we advise against eating meat until you are back in Kathmandu.

    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.

    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.

    The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek passes through a restricted area and a conservation area so you will need a Restricted Area Permit and a Conservation Area Permit. We will sort all the permits and paperwork for you in advance, but it is worth noting that there must be a minimum of two trekkers before any permit is issued – solo travel is not permitted in the Kanchenjunga region.

    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.

    Kanchenjunga is 28,169 feet or 8586m and is the third highest mountain in the world after Everest and K2.

    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.

    The best months to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp are from mid-March to late-May and late-September to late-November.

    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.

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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.