We have years of experience organising and guiding adventure travel groups.
We have tried to answer as many of the questions that travellers usually ask us ahead of their trip but if there is anything we have missed please contact us!
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.
Yes, taking photos is an absolute must! We do however advise you only to take a small camera as the extra weight of large SLR type cameras and accessories can all add up. Any extra weight will contribute to a more difficult day and possibly affect your balance on any tricky/technical sections.
No, Site specific training is generally only valid for the named, specific venue. If you need a qualification that is transportable between venue then you may want to consider the Climbing Wall Instructor award.
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.
Yes, of course, we would be happy to offer advice in selecting new items of PPE.
Whilst ultimately this is your choice, we would say yes. They are undoubtably warmer and offer the best type of insulation per weight ratio. They come into their own on summit day and during any winter assent.
Using a fully qualified guide is not mandatory and we would encourage experienced hillwalkers, climbers, and mountain users to explore and have their own adventures. Employing a guide does, however, bring some benefits which include making the most of your available time to achieve more than you though possible and learning new skills as well as getting a greater insight into the Cuillin.
No. We will provide all the technical equipment, all you need to bring is normal hill-walking clothing and basic equipment, see our kit list tab for more information
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.
Whilst Toubkal is not considered a technical climb if you decide to take on Toubkal during the winter months then yes crampons will be required. You will be walking on compacted snow and crampons help to prevent slips and falls. You will also need an ice axe for this purpose. Your footwear does not need to be technical (unless you are planning on taking other adventures) but needs to be compatible with C1 crampons. Your local outdoors shop can help with this or you can get in touch with us for advice.
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:
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.
Waterproofs are an essential item of clothing for all seasons. Whilst the summer assent of Toubkal can see many glorious days of sunshine, it is not uncommon for there to be occasional heavy downpours, having good quality waterproofs such as a gortex hard-shell jacket and over trousers is a must. These items will also help as we climb higher, helping protect you from the wind.
Please refer to our kit list for more information on specific kit for summer and winter.
No, we don’t charge a retainer, all our advice is offered on a bespoke basis and charged for either at a daily rate or hourly rate depending on the nature of our agreement.
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.
Yes, the hotel has a small pool so make sure you bring a swimming costume so you can make the most of it.
Throughout this trek you will be provided with bottled water for drinking. We use locally sourced water from the streams for cooking and hot drinks. This is first boiled and purified. All plastic drinks bottles that we provide you with are collected and transported back down to Imlil for recycling. Maintaining good hydration is a key factor in the acclimatisation process, so we make sure water is always available.
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.
There are no charging points for electrical items whilst on the trek, so 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. Before and after the trek, whilst staying in Imlil Lodge or Marrakech you will require a standard European adaptor. The voltage in Morocco is 220v similar to the UK and plugs are compatible with one of 2 types, C and E, more information can be found here.
Monkey Mountaineering is an approved Partner Company with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and are Partners for Responsible Travel with the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC). We are extremely proud of our involvement with this programme and feel it is important to support and look after our porters and mountain crew; without them your Kilimanjaro climb wouldn’t be possible. We voluntarily allow KPAP to monitor how we treat our porters and mountain crew and we are committed to improving their pay and working conditions. By choosing Monkey Mountaineering for your ascent of Kilimanjaro you can be certain that your porters and mountain crew will be happy and well looked after. You can find out more about KPAP and the Partner for Responsible Travel programme here.
Our local team will be working very hard to make sure your Toubkal trip runs smoothly and help you to achieve your goals. Tips are generally given to the crew on the last day of the trek. 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. We suggest around €60-€80 (600-800 Dihrams) per client for the entire local crew, which will be shared amongst them. However, you can tip more if you feel you have received exceptional support from individuals.
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.
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, and reach the summit of Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains.
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. To answer the question, most people of average fitness are capable of climbing Kilimanjaro and lots of people of average fitness do actually manage to stand on that prized summit every year. Being fit helps and the fitter you are the more likely you are to enjoy the journey. If you are thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro or have already booked a trip, then our advice is to try and improve your fitness before you go. Not only will you feel better for it, but it should make your endeavours on Kili that much more manageable. For information on how to train for Kilimanjaro, why not read our ultimate guide to climbing Kilimanjaro.
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.
Most Site Specific qualifications are valid for one year. After this time Staff will require a re-assessment.
The duration of the course depends on how much experience your Staff already have. If they have no previous climbing experience then you should allow two days for training and one day for assessment.
This depends on the size of your facility. A small school or private wall can generally be inspected within a day. Larger facilities take longer to inspect. We will provide an estimate of how long it will take to inspect your facility along with our quote once you have been in touch with us.
Your passport needs a minimum of 3 months left after the date of travel starts. If you don’t have a valid passport you could be refused entry into Morocco. For up-to-date advice please check on the Gov.uk website for passport advice.
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.
This depends on what you intend to do after the trek, if you are planning on buying gifts and if you want to buy anything whilst on the trek (this option is limited). Morocco is a relatively cheap place and good value for money. After the trek you will spend one night in Marrakech, breakfast is included in this stay, but you will need to pay for other meals and any drinks. We think that £150 should be plenty for this and will also leave you with some money for gifts and some spending money whilst on the trek. Whilst you can purchase snacks before arriving in Morocco, we encourage you to support the local economy as much as you can.
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.
In the vast majority of cases we will provide you with advice in writing by email. We may also use WhatsApp or Messenger.
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.
On June 1st, 2019, Tanzania prohibited all use of plastic bags. This means any imported, exported, manufactured, sold and stored. If you have any plastic bags on arrival regardless of size or thickness (excluding the ones you are given at airports to store small quantities of liquids whilst travelling) you will not be allowed to take them in.
There are a number of different routes up Kilimanjaro, but the Lemosho offers the best chance of success because it has a gradual ascent profile allowing more days to acclimatise before the push to the summit. The Lemosho route also allows us to guide you through all 5 different climatic zones on the mountain. Remember acclimatisation is crucial so slowly slowly is the key to success, or, as the locals say ‘pole pole’ will get you to the top.
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.
Tanzanians don’t have a very strict dress code when it comes to foreigners. Our advice would be to respect the people as you would in any other country. Most Tanzanians are Christian, although there are around 25-30% Muslim in the towns of Arusha and Moshi. During the day shorts and tee shirts will be fine. When out and about in the evening casual clothing such as long trousers and shirts and long dresses and blouses are more appropriate. Clothing and equipment not needed on the trek can be safely left at the hotel whilst you are climbing Kilimanjaro.
There is some limited mobile phone coverage low down on the route, but this disappears the higher you get although there is sometimes a signal on the summit!
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).
This is entirely up to you.
Our summer trips are camping treks and our route takes us past some spectacular waterfalls, over high passes and provides superb views of the Atlas Mountains and on clear days, all the way to the Anti-Atlas and beyond to the Sahara. The weather is generally warm and other than having a good level of fitness no technical skills are required.
On our winter trips we trek directly to the Toubkal Refuge and since it is generally much colder, we stay in the refuge instead of camping. You don’t need to be any fitter for the winter trip, but you do need to be familiar with the use of ice axe and crampons. The crisp cold winter days can often provide better views than in the summer although these are not as guaranteed as the weather can be a bit less predictable.
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:
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.
Once you have been met at the airport, we transfer you to Imlil where you will spend your first night in the comfortable surrounds of Imlil Lodge. Our summer trek is a camping trek so you will stay in tents. We use three-man mountain hardware tents shared between two so there’ll be plenty of space. During our Winter Toubkal trips it’s too cold for camping so we stay in the Toubkal Refuge. This is a large building with shared heated, communal rooms as well as unheated dormitories for sleeping and shared washing facilities. We advise ear plugs for light sleepers! When we return to Marrakech, we use the comfortable, traditional Riad Africa within the old walled city.
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.
Public toilets are located at each camp, but these are not serviced and tend to be un-hygienic. To avoid any problems and ensure your health and safety we provide our own toilet tents and portaloos. These can be used at any time whilst in camp and will be kept spotlessly clean by a member of our crew. During the trek on the mountain if you need to go, choose a secluded spot and leave no trace.
A comprehensive list of clothing and equipment required for your trip can be found by visiting the ‘Kit List” tab on the relevant experience.
The currency of Morocco is the Dhiram. This is a closed currency and so can only be brought when in Morocco. Most people take euros or dollars which are widely recognised and can easily be converted into Dirhams on arrival as can sterling. We recommend you take lots of small denomination notes for purchasing small gifts or snacks as some shops struggle with the larger notes. Most places in Marrakech accept Visa and MasterCard but be aware there is often a surcharge for using cards.
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.
We advise taking US dollars as these are readily recognised and can be easily converted into the local currency (Tanzanian Shilling) should you require. Please make sure you ask the bureau in the UK to only give you US dollar notes from 2016 onwards as most places in Tanzania will not accept any denomination of note printed prior to this date. Generally, if you pay in US dollars, Tanzanian Shillings will be given back to you in change. We recommend you taking lots of small denomination notes for any gifts or snacks that you might want to buy as some shops struggle with the larger notes.
We use our own chefs and locally sourced fresh produce to provide you with the highest quality meals possible whilst on the mountain. We know that a well-balanced and nutritional diet whilst climbing can be a key factor in success, so we make every effort to ensure that your dietary requirements and preferences are met. Considering the wild places we find ourselves in on Kilimanjaro and the very basic equipment available to our kitchen teams we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the food that we provide. We also provide you with tea/coffee/drinks with all meals, when you arrive in camp after the days trek and first thing in the morning at your tent. You are also most welcome to bring your favourite snacks and/or sweets with you from the UK to help you along when the going gets tough.
Food is crucial on the trek and we use locally sourced fresh produce to provide you with the highest quality meals. 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. Breakfast times normally include plenty of breads, cereals, porridge and fruit. For our lunchtime meals we typically eat salads with lots of vegetables as well as soups and hot dishes. Evening meals will consist of meat or vegetable tagines. Coffee and tea are also provided at mealtimes. Please feel free to bring along additional snacks. Items such as nuts, energy type bars and food that give you a boost throughout the day are always good to have.
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.
If this happens for any reason don’t worry our Head Guide and Office in Moshi will make all the arrangements. That said, you will be responsible for any additional costs, such as transport, hotels, meals etc.
In the event that we find something wrong with your PPE that makes it unsafe to use we will quarantine the item, make you aware of the defect and advise you on our recommended course of action. If the item is still safe to use we will advise you on any repairs or further inspections.
Any advice that we give will be based on current best practice coupled with our sector specific knowledge and experience and will come with justification and rationale to back it up. That said, you are entitled to disagree and we won’t be offended if you do. You are also entitled to seek other opinions.
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.
There are no official statistics for success rates on Kilimanjaro, unofficially though, the success rate on the 8-day Lemosho route is around 70%. At Monkey Mountaineering, our success rate on the Lemosho route currently stands at 94% (as of 12 Nov 2022) and this is something we are extremely proud of. Our high success rate is down to the fact that we have a very good approach to operating at altitude, ensuring you have access to the right knowledge and that our Guides and Mountain Crew know how to look after you and encourage you to acclimatise well.
Please refer to our Booking Conditions which can be found here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact a member of the team.
Tanzania is a relatively cheap place and most things are very good value for money. The same applies for food and drink. The average price for a good meal is around 12-15 Tanzanian Shillings. (6-10US$ – without tipping). It can be cheaper for breakfast and lunch.
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 from camp to camp, 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 and your packed lunch/snacks, a head torch, hat and gloves and sunglasses if you aren’t wearing them.
Our mules will be carrying your main duffle bag day to day, but you will need to carry your own daysack. This should be about 30lts 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, hat, gloves and sunglasses if you aren’t wearing them – don’t forget your camera!
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.
During the winter months the night-time temperature can fall to -5 degrees C or less, so we advise a sleeping bag rated down to at least -5. It is important you keep yourself warm so if you feel the cold more go for a higher comfort rating or add a silk liner. Down sleeping bags offer the best insulation and are lighter than synthetic bags, but that makes them more expensive. There are some very good synthetic sleeping bags on the market which would be an option for this trek should you be wanting to keep the cost to a minimum. Please keep in mind synthetic sleeping bags are heavier than down when considering weight.
Climbing season on Kilimanjaro starts from late December through to early March. In the daytime it tends to be quite warm with minimal cloud cover giving great views. You can also climb Kili from June to October where the weather tends to be cooler in the day, but the skies are still clear. When choosing a time to travel it’s worth thinking about the main holiday months in Europe and the US as the routes will be busier during these periods. You can find out more about the best time to climb Kili in our Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro here.
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 when it comes to weight. Unlike other trips where porters carry your main duffle bag on your trek to Toubkal mules will take the main load up the mountain. We ask that you keep your main bag to 15Kg or less. Any clothes or gear that you don’t require whilst on the mountain can be left at Imlil Lodge and collected on your return. If this is your plan, then please make sure you bring a small bag which can be secured with a padlock to store them in. For more information about what is needed in your duffle bag please refer back to our kit list tab.
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.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 often have to carry other things for camp set up. Park regulations state that porters can only carry 20kg. It’s also important you consider a light duffle bag rather than a large rucksack as porters carry most of the load on their heads. Having a rucksack that is shaped different and not so soft can make things difficult for them.
Here at Monkey Mountaineering we take responsibility for our porters’ welfare and the weight they carry on the trek. with this in mind we ask that you keep your porter load weight down to a maximum of 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 Everest Base Camp trek. 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.
The best months to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp are from mid-March to late-May and late-September to late-November.
Our detailed and comprehensive inspection report and inspection certificate will normally be with you within ten days of the inspection being completed. Our inspectors will give you a summary of their findings before leaving your premises on completion of the inspection and any immediate safety concerns will be communicated to you as soon as practicable once identified.
We have written a very useful guide containing everything you might need to know about to climbing Kilimanjaro which can be found here.
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.”
Standing at 4167m Toubkal is the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. It is the centre point of the Toubkal National Park and the highest mountain in North Africa.
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.
Venturing into the mountains or taking part in rock, ice or mixed climbing brings with it a certain amount of risk. To minimise these risks, we often deploy ropes to keep each other safe – you will need a harness to attach yourself safely to the rope. The mountain and crag environment is littered with loose rock so we always advise on a helmet to help protect your head from any falling objects.
Monkey Mountaineering is a family-owned business with a wealth of mountaineering experience. We only use fully qualified professional mountaineers to provide guiding and instruction and only work at small ratios (1 to 1 or 1 to 2). We will never pair you up with someone you don’t know, and our focus is on giving you the best experience possible. If you have booked onto one of our courses, then you can rest assured that the training will be tailored around your specific needs and previous experience.
Yes – A Monkey Mountaineering representative will meet you at the airport to begin your trip.
Yes – A Monkey Mountaineering representative will meet you at the airport in Marrakech once you have moved through passport control and collected your luggage. Look for our logo or a sign with your name on it as you exit the terminal building.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer single occupancy rooms in the Refuge. Refuges are large buildings with dormitory style accommodation, there are no single rooms.
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.
Generally, symptoms of altitude related illnesses start to show after arrival in camp and during the night. For this reason, we recommend sharing tents whilst on the mountain. Clearly, if you are travelling with a friend or partner you will be sharing the same tent. For those joining a group, we always arrange tent sharing on a same sex basis and try, where possible, to match people of a similar age. Single tent occupancy is available for a supplement. This must be arranged in advance so please get in touch if you would like a tent to yourself. We use top spec 3-man mountain tents but only ever sleep 2 people in them, so you’ll have plenty of room inside. An example of the type of tents we use can be found here.
Walking poles are not mandatory, but many people do use them to help reduce the pressure on knees or help with balance. If you regularly use walking poles then please feel free to bring them with you.
At the summit of Kilimanjaro temperatures can fall to as low as -20o 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 at the top. If the winds are low this makes the temperature feel less harsh. If the winds are blowing this is when it will feel cold. The main thing to remember is be prepared for the weather. Our Mountain guides will inform you on summit night what to expect.
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.
During the summer trek you can expect warm, clear days and plenty of sun, there is still a risk of short showers which is why we insist on waterproofs whatever season you choose to trek in. The temperature will still drop at night times making for a few chillier nights higher up the mountain.
The winter assent comes with plenty of snow and ice making it much colder. The winds can be quite strong higher up the mountain and at night you can expect the temperature to fall to around -5 degrees C.
The main thing to remember is to be prepared for the weather. Our guides will advise you as to what to expect.
Summit day is often very cold, and it can be windy too with temperatures falling as low as -20oC. This is pretty normal at the top of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, so you need to be prepared. To keep warm and improve your chances of success on summit day, we recommend you set out with:
Some people like to listen to music on summit night, or some simply prefer to zone in and have that goal of the summit in mind. It’s close, one last push!
No. When you arrive in camp all of your tents will be set up and your bags will be placed close by them leaving you more time to relax. On short days you might arrive in camp before the porters and crew but the dining tent will quickly be set up so you can enjoy a hot drink and snacks whilst you wait.
No, we are able to inspect your facility whilst it is in use. Our team will create a rolling cordon, putting specific areas out of use, to ensure your users are not put at risk whilst our inspection is taking place. Whilst doing this we will work with you and strive to achieve the minimum level of disruption to your normal daily operations.
Mera Peak is one of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal.
Read moreKilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and one of the coveted seven summits.
Read moreWhether you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Kilimanjaro, or looking to do any travel over 2500m then you ought to have a basic understanding of altitude sickness and how it might affect you.
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