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Everest Base Camp

Nepal - Trip code WEB Walking and Trekking
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670Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

An iconic 22-day trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world - Mount Everest. Walk through forested foothills and up the Khumbu Valley, cross bridges across glacial rivers and pass through remote communities on this bucket-list trek.

Why we love this trip
  • Namche Bazaar - Visit the Tibetan market and explore this bustling home of the Sherpa community
  • Kala Patthar - Hike to the summit (5645m) for fantastic views of Everest and surrounding 8000m+ peaks
  • Teahouses - Enjoy a warm Nepali welcome and hearty food in these cosy mountain huts
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 21

    Lunch: 18

    Dinner: 18

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Trek Crew

  • Transport

    4WD

    Minibus

    On Foot

  • i

    Accommodation

    18 nights simple guesthouse

    3 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Walking grade:

    Challenging and Tough

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Kathmandu (1370m)

The trip starts today in Kathmandu, the busy, colourful and chaotic capital city of Nepal.

Your Leader plans to meet everyone in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting at 5 pm. For those that wish, there is the chance to go out together as a group for dinner afterwards. There are no other activities planned for today. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your leader will leave any essential information and details of the best time to catch up with them, at the hotel reception.

If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You should allow at least 45 minutes to reach our hotel in central Kathmandu as traffic congestion in city can be bad.

Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you may wish to explore the city. Our hotel is located a short walk from the lively Thamel area - home to a multitude of outdoor gear, souvenir shops, great bookshops and a huge variety of restaurants - it's a fun place to wander.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Drive by 4WD from Kathmandu to Salleri (2362m)

It's an early start this morning as we travel out of Kathmandu on our 265 km drive to Salleri, which should take around 9-10 hours. We travel in 4WD vehicles especially adapted for the roads, as once outside the Kathmandu Valley the asphalt roads soon give way to unsealed roads. The long drive is a scenic one, with snow-capped mountains ever present in the distance, as we travel alongside rivers and through lush forests. As we pass through Pattale Village at an elevation of 2,840 metres, we catch our first distant glimpses of the high mountains with Mt. Makalu visible in the distance. Finally, we reach the charming mountain town of Salleri, the administrative headquarters of the Everest region where we will spend our first night in a cosy mountain lodge.

Please note, due to ongoing road construction, there may be dust and heavy vehicles operating during trekking days 2, 3 and 4.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Hike from Salleri to Takshindo Village, via Takshindo Pass (3081m)

We meet our friendly Sherpa crew this morning, and after our trek briefing we embark on our trail into the Everest region. Passing through the lively Salleri Bazaar, we head off into the forests towards Phaplu. The walk passes through dense woodlands and terraced fields, passing by small Sherpa and Rai settlements. The trail takes us uphill from Ringmo Village, offering beautiful views of Buddhist Chortens (shrines). We reach the high point of today's walk - Takshindo La pass at an altitude of 3,081 metres, where we are treated to stunning mountain vistas. Today's walk ends in the small village of Takshindo where we spend the night in a traditional teahouse.

Nepal's teahouses are ubiquitous in these mountain regions - they are local homes converted to offer guests basic accommodation with a warm welcome. Rooms are sparse and facilities are often outside and communal, but there's a warm and cosy central dining area that a provides a great place to relax, eat and share stories with fellow trekkers.

Today's 16 kilometre/10 mile walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 720 metres/2300 feet and a descent of 10 metres/30 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Walk from Takshindo to Kharikhola (2250)

We set off this morning for the village of Kharikhola, stretching our legs as we pass fields filled with maize, millet, potatoes and of course rice, and passing many small settlements along the way. This area is known for having a diverse number of communities including Sherpa, Magar, Rai, Tamang and Chettri settlements.

We'll no doubt encounter a number of sherpas along the trail, skilfully transporting an array of items up and down the mountain, often fixed to their head using a strap so their hands are free and the bulk of the weight is spread across their backs and their strong necks. Nowadays there are strict upper weight limits on how much the sherpas can carry to avoid overloading.

Today's 12 kilometre/7 mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 80 metres/250 feet and a descent of 900 metres/3000 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Trek to Paiya village (2817m)

Leaving Kharikhola behind this morning we make our way back onto the trail and upwards towards the small village of Paiya. Today's walk criss-crosses small streams and passes waterfalls as we head up the Khumbu Valley and towards the high point of today's trek - the Kari La Pass (3,000m) which offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Also seen along the trail are yaks - these cantankerous animals serve a multitude of purposes in this difficult environment - from transporting people, heavy goods and food up and down the mountain, whilst also providing milk and meat to locals and trekkers alike.

Part of the experience of hiking in this area is spending some time taking a break at one of the many teahouses dotted along the trails, and enjoying a refreshing chai whilst soaking up some of the warm Nepali hospitality.

Today's 12 kilometre/7 mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 680 metres/2200 feet and a descent of 120 metres/400 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Trek to Phakding via Lukla (2660m)

This morning's walk takes us onto the main Everest trail, towards the village of Phakding. We snake our way up through Surke village which, although not on our trail today, is nearby to the famous village of Lukla. Lukla is known for having one of the shortest runways in the world at 527 metres in length, it also has a steep gradient of 11.7% to aid take off and landing. Only the most skilled pilots in Nepal are allowed to take off and land here, and only in specialist light aircraft. As there are no roads in the region, the airport is also an important place for bringing in vital supplies for the communities that live in the Khumbu Valley. Our walk ends today in the settlement of Phakding.

Today's 14 kilometre/8.5 mile walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 40 metres/ 130 feet and a descent of 200 metres/650 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Trek to the Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Now on the Everest trail proper, we start to see the surrounding scenery change as we ascend in altitude over 3000 metres. The walk criss-crosses suspension bridges that sit high above the Dudh Khoshi River, a glacial river than starts high in the Himalayas. At Monjo village we catch a glimpse of Thamserku Peak (6,608m), before our permits are checked and we enter Sagarmatha National Park. We ascend out of the dense pine forests on a zig zag trail that climbs all the way up to the amazing town of Namche Bazaar, the spiritual home of the Sherpa community.

Today's 10 kilometre/6 mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 1050 metres/ 3450 feet and a descent of 270 metres/900 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Free day in Namche Bazaar -optional acclimatisation walk and sport massage at Lehara Foundation

Today is a free day to explore the bustling town of Namche Bazaar. The town acts as a gateway to the higher Himalayas and sits in a horseshoe-shaped valley which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is home to the famous Sherpa community, renowned for their excellent mountaineering skills and ability to thrive in extreme high-altitude conditions. The town also acts as a trading centre between Nepal and Tibet and still today has a bustling Tibetan market.

Today has been left free to explore the narrow streets, bazaars and teahouses of Namche. There will also be a short, optional walk up to the air-strip at Syangboche and on to the mountain viewpoint where, if the weather is favourable, we may just catch our first glimpse of Mount Everest.

There is the opportunity to visit the Lehara Foundation to relax and enjoy a sports massage. This foundation is a non-profit organisation and a chosen charity of the Explore Foundation, the charity arm of Explore. The Lehara Foundation has provided opportunities for local people to become qualified as massage therapists, in a region with very few other employment opportunities.

As well as providing benefit to our fatigued muscles, any massages taken will also directly contribute towards the good work the Lehara Foundation is doing. It is recommended to book your massages in advance following this link: www.lehara.org

Massages could be taken here or at their Namche clinic on Day 8 or 15.

Today's optional 6 kilometre/3.5 mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a total ascent of 480 metres/ 1570 feet and a descent of 480 metres/1570 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Hike to Debouche (3860m)

Recommencing our trek today, we ascend out of Namche and round a corner to get another great view of Everest, along with the other 8,000m + peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse. The walk then takes us through forests of rhododendron and pine, and onwards to the Tengboche Gompa. This Gompa is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region and a focus for the area's deep spirituality. This beautiful monastery houses a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha and is home to a number of monks and nuns.

From Tengboche we continue on, with the trail descending through a forested area to the village of Deboche.

Today's 11 kilometre/7 mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a total ascent of 480 metres/ 1570 feet and a descent of 60 metres/200 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Trek to Dingboche (4410m)

Today is all about the changing landscapes as we ascend above the tree line and the greenery gives way to a lunar-like landscape of rocky plateaux. We start amongst coniferous forests before descending to the banks of the Imja Khola river, crossing it via a sturdy footbridge. We pass alpine meadows with views of the dramatic Ama Dablam (known as the Matterhorn of the Himalaya) as we head towards Pangboche. From here we start to ascend a path that takes us above the tree line for the first time to the village of Dingboche, where we will spend the night.

Today's 9 kilometre/5.5 mile walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 590 metres/2000 feet and a descent of 40 metres/150 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Free day in Dingboche - optional acclimatisation walk

Today has been left free to relax in the small village of Dingboche. After a relaxed breakfast there will be an optional acclimatisation walk up to Nangkartshang Peak. From this vantage point, we enjoy stunning panoramic views of Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse and the Imja Valley. After some time soaking up the scenery, we trek back down to Dingboche, concluding today's trek after approximately 3 hours of walking. This relaxed walk will offer the body a good opportunity to further adjust to the altitude.

Today's optional 4 kilometre/2.5 mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a total ascent of 680 metres/2250 feet and a descent of 680 metres/2250 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - Trek to Leboche (4910m)

We climb further up the Khumbu Valley this morning as the scenery becomes more and more barren, and we may encounter our first traces of snow, depending on the season. On our way along the rocky, uneven terrain we will spot the twin peaks of Taboche and Cholatse as well as the rounded peak of Pumori towering high at 7145m. We overnight in Leboche, the last permanently inhabited (and highest) village along the trail.

Today's 8 kilometre/5 mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 580 metres/1900 feet and a descent of 80 metres/250 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - Trek to Everest Base Camp (5150m)

We leave early this morning, layered up as we ascend the trail towards Everest Base Camp. Our trek starts with a gentle ascent initially which later develops into a steeper ascent for about half an hour. A descent then brings us to Gorak Shep (5150m) where we will pass the teahouse that we will use for tonight's stop. The trail splits at this stage and goes to the small peak of Kala Patthar one way and Everest Base Camp along the other. We will take the Base Camp route and head out onto the incredible Khumbu Glaciar where the climbers of the high mountains make their camp. Depending on the season (Mar-May), there may be the possibility to meet climbers and their crew at the camp on their way up the mountain. Once we have explored the Base Camp and seen all it has to offer we will retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep where we will spend the night.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.5 mile walk is expected to take around nine hours with a total ascent of 500 metres/1640 feet and a descent of 40 metres/140 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - Summit Kala Patthar (5645m) for breath-taking views of Mt Everest, then descend to Pheriche (4200m)

We have a challenging day ahead of us today as we ascend to the highest point of the trip - the summit of Kala Patthar at 5645 metres above sea level. The walk takes us up a steep and rocky ascent, sometimes scrambling up and across large rocks and small boulders up to the top where we find Nepali prayer flags to signify the summit. On a clear day we can enjoy majestic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest and the South Col, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu and of course the sprawling and infamous Khumbu Icefall.

After taking in the views we retrace our steps, past Gorak Shep and on to Pheriche, back down to an elevation of 4,200m and our overnight stop.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.5 mile walk is expected to take around nine hours with a total ascent of 480 metres/1600 feet and a descent of 1075 metres/3500 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Following the western bank of the Imja Khola, we continue our descent today, passing through Shomare, and the familiar villages of Pangboche, Debuche and Tangboche on our way back to the heart of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar.

As well as a market, shops and cafes, there are some great lively bars in Namche, so it's an ideal place to share a celebratory beer with our fellow trekkers and local support crew. Alternatively, if your muscles are sore and you feel in need of a good sports massage, the Lehara Foundation also have a clinic in Namche. Pre-booking is advised.

Today's 19 kilometre/7.5 mile walk is expected to take around eight hours with no ascent and a descent of 960 metres/3150 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - Trek to Chaurikharka (2620m)

Continuing our descent, we walk amongst stunning mountain landscapes, and back amid lush forests now that we are down below the tree line once again. There is plenty of time to stop along the route, with tea breaks taken in a couple of the Sherpa villages along the route. We end our walk today in the village of Chaurikharka.

Today's 13 kilometre/8 mile walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 20 metres/65 feet and a descent of 841 metres/2760 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - Walk to Paiya (2730m)

The trail today takes us through rhododendron forests as we descend along the trail until we reach Paiya. Our trek continues alongside the Dudh Koshi River, bypassing the Lukla, which is infamous for being the world's most dangerous airport, before leading us to the village of Paiya after approximately 6 hours of trekking. The day's journey is a mix of landscapes, and lots of small villages as we now find ourselves at the lower altitudes.

Today's 14 kilometre/8.5 mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 200 metres/656 feet and a descent of 397 metres/1300 feet

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 - Hike to Rigmo (2720m)

Today's walking has a mix of up and down hill as we continue to make our way through beautiful forests of pine and oak, crossing streams and passing through small villages. We continue to follow Khari Khola stream which leads us to the village of Jubhing after approximately 7 hours of trekking.

Today's 14 kilometre/8.5 mile walk is expected to take around eight hours with a total ascent of 1390 metres/4500 feet and a descent of 350 metres/1150 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19 - Trek to Phaplu (2362m)

Our final day of walking sees us crossing a mixture of landscapes that include forests, terraced farms and Sherpa and Rai settlements as we make our way to Phaplu. This area of the lower Khumbu Valley feels a world away from the upper Khumbu region, with far fewer trekkers and smaller, charming farming communities which gladly welcome us in from the trail for refreshing tea and snacks. Our walk today ends in the village of Phaplu.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.5mile walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 120 metres/400 feet and a descent of 478 metres/1550 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20 - - Full days drive back to Kathmandu (1350m)

We bid farewell to our trek support crew today as it is time to give our feet a well-earned rest and travel by 4WD back to the capital, Kathmandu. The drive takes us along winding roads and past rivers and small villages before we start to see encounter more civilisation and move onto sealed roads as we reach the greater Kathmandu valley. From here we drive into the city, a drive of around 8-9 hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 21 - Morning tour of Kathmandu, including Durbur Square

This morning we have arranged a walking tour visiting the bazaar and the Durbar Square area, the centre of old Kathmandu. Much of the day to day life of Kathmandu takes place in the bazaar: a fascinating mixture of people selling fruit, vegetables and spices; potters spinning their wheels to produce small household bowls and containers for temple offerings; devotees visiting their favourite gods at temples and small shrines dotted along the sides of alleyways; rickshaw wallahs honking their horns and the ever present sacred cow wandering amongst it all. We also visit Boudhanath, the largest stupa in the country and a destination for Buddhist pilgrims from all over Nepal.

This afternoon has been left free to relax, or perhaps explore the city further. The colourful Thamel district is a popular place to wander around and is great for some last minute shopping, whilst the historic city of Bhaktapur offers a glimspe into the life of the Newar Kingdom between the 12th and 14th century.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 22 - Tour ends in Kathmandu

The trip ends in Kathmandu after breakfast.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Nepal

Climate

Temperatures in the lower altitude regions are extremely pleasant, with variations in temperature from 8°C (46°F) to the highest of 31°C (88°F). The mountains are best admired, with greater air clarity, from October to January, while from February to May the skies may be hazy. Monsoon rains are strongest in June, July and August. The coldest months are December and January.

Time difference to GMT

+5.45

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Hinduism

Language

Nepali

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Long Trousers - for everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are generally acceptable now throughout Nepal. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
Down Jacket - after sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops. Down jackets can be inexpensively hired or bought in Nepal. Details will be given at the briefing in Kathmandu.
Waterproofs - breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They 'breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from non-breathable nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.
Gloves - especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.
Socks - it is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters.
Lightweight Shoes or Trainers - useful in towns and when travelling.
Thick fleece pullover/jacket - a thick fleece pullover or jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or jacket.
Track Suit - comfortable and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.Thin Shirt/T-Shirt Thick Shirt or Thermal VestWarm Hat

Footwear

We strongly recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support - leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Trainers and tennis shoes do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of walking boots. Ideally, visit a specialist outdoor pursuits shop who will offer advice. Also bring trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20Kg

Equipment


Sleeping Bag - As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it should be 4-season (temperature -10 to -5 degrees celcius). As most treks pass through a variety of climatic conditions, a long side zip is a good idea. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean. Good sleeping bags are expensive but can be rented or bought quite easily and cheaply in Kathmandu, so if you don't own one you could consider this option. Details will be given by your Tour Leader at the briefing in Kathmandu.

Dry Bags - If you pack bits and pieces in a selection of dry bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A liner to pack inside your daysack is also a good idea.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb - A small torch is essential for finding things in your room, going to the loo in the night, etc. Petzl head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).

Toiletries - Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, bio-degradable soap, small towel, small nail brush and toilet rolls!

Sunglassesnow Goggles - A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Personal First Aid Kit Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but no prescription medicines. You should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit plus any other medications you or your doctor feel advisable. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet.

Trekking poles Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.
Gaiters
Whistle to attract attention in an emergency.
Boot Cleaning Kit
Spare Laces
Swimsuit
Anti bacterial handwash

Equipment Hire in Nepal - Almost every item required for a trek can be purchased or hired in Kathmandu and your Tour Leader can advise on the best shops to visit at your tour briefing. The costs of hiring are as follows:
Sleeping Bag (4 season)- Rs.150 per day
Down Jacket- Rs.100 per day

Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days in the UK - Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow £70 for tipping of trek staff, drivers, guides etc.

In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Nepal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£10
Beer price
£3
Water price
£0.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Nepali Rupee.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US$ or GBP.
Where To Exchange
In major cities and towns
ATM Availability
Although you may occasionally find cash machines these are very unreliable - do not rely on plastic!
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are not generally accepted except in larger establishments in Kathmandu.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

4WD, Minibus, On Foot

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we spend three nights in comfortable hotels and 18 nights in simple teahouses. While our accommodation has been chosen with comfort, location and authenticity in mind, it's worth noting that standards will differ from home. Although the welcome will always be warm, service levels might be less efficient than what you're used to.
Tea houses in Nepal were originally local homes where a family had opened its doors to visitors, offering them a drink, a simple meal and a place to sleep for the night. Over time, these developed into a homestay-hotel hybrid and the concept of the 'tea house' was established. The tea houses we use usually feature a twin room with a bed, mattress and pillow - you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag. Occasionally, when there is a larger group and the trails are very busy, you might need to share a triple or even quad room with other customers from Explore (same sex). Likened to 'indoor camping' - there is no central heating, and the shared toilet and shower facilities will be basic (there may be a squat-style toilet and hot water is not always available).
Meals are taken in the heated, communal dining area which also provides a place to relax and socialise after the day's walking. Throughout the trek, there will be a range of Nepali, Chinese and some Western dishes provided. Vegetarians are well catered for. A comprehensive range of hot and cold drinks will also be available.
Using tea house accommodation is a great way to meet the kind-natured people of Nepal whilst helping to support the economy in these remote mountain communities.

Food and drink

All meals are included for the trekking portion of the trip. Breakfasts and Dinners will be served in the Teahouses and the morning meals will typically consist of porridge, eggs and bread along with tea and coffee. Dinners will be a mix of local and western dishes like chicken and vegetable curries, rice, pasta or pizza, along with soup and a dessert. Lunches are often picnic in style and may be sandwiches, rice dishes, noodles or potatoes and will be prepared by the trek team ahead of your arrival at the lunch spot. Meals are always hearty and will provide plenty of calories to cover off the exercise.

You will be provided with drinking water throughout the day to refill your drinking bottle. Each day you must sterilise water with Chlorine Dioxide with which to fill your own bottle. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. You MUST bring Chlorine Dioxide with you on this trek. For environmental reasons, we do not encourage the purchase of bottled mineral water


Nepal

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Nepal: An entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport and various international border crossings between Nepal and its neighbouring countries. This currently costs $30 USD for a 15 day visa, $50 USD for a 30 day visa and $125 USD for a 90 day visa. All visas are issued as multiple entry visas and are valid from the date they are issued. There have been reports of lengthy delays when completing the form to obtain the visa at the airport, especially during peak times. We therefore recommend that you fill in the visa information prior to arrival using the following link: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ . This will produce a receipt with a reference number, which you will need to print off and produce on arrival to obtain the visa. Please note if you are filling in the form before you arrive, please do so only within 15 days of arrival as application forms are only stored for a maximum of 15 days.

Whether you are filling in the form on arrival or before, a passport-sized photograph for immigration is required along with the exact cash. Payment must be made in cash, UK sterling and US dollars are both accepted.

If you are ineligible for the visa on arrival or wish to obtain a visa before you travel, please refer to your nearest Nepal embassy.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Nepal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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