Oshwal Everest Base Camp Trek Oct 2018 Figure 1 5 21/23 Oct 2018 Information Pack 4 March
Table of Contents Introduction to Everest Base Camp... 3 Vision... 3 Hope for Nepal... 3 Trip Facts... 3 Route... 4 Important Disclaimer... 5 Everest Base Camp Itinerary & Cost... 6 Mountain Guides... 11 Trekking Kit List... 12 Accommodation... 13 Travel Company for the Trek... 13 Insurance... 14 Flights... 14 Nepal... 14 High Altitude Sickness:... 18 Page 2 of 19
Introduction to Everest Base Camp Oshwal Everest Base Camp Trek 2018 Embark onto one of the famous treks in the world at 5362m and spend 17 days soaking up some of the most spectacular mountain scenery. The trek to Everest Base Camp will be in aid of Hope for Nepal, an all volunteer charitable organization devoted to bringing HOPE through education to the poorest children of Nepal. In Sept 2017, the Oshwal community successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in support of the Jamnagar medical camp Feb 2018, raising a fantastic 30k+. Following the success of this trip, Oshwal Youth will be leading the cause for Hope for Nepal by undertaking a fundraising trek. Attempting Everest Base Camp will be the 2 nd organised trek by Oshwals, this year will be particularly special as we celebrate OAUK s 50 th golden year in the UK. Vision Inspire young Oshwals to embark upon an adventure of a lifetime to help the underprivileged through the relief of poverty, advance of education and protection of health, in line with Jain teachings. Hope for Nepal Coming Soon Trip Facts Trip duration: 17 Days Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging Activity: Trekking and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Starts in: Kathmandu Ends in: Kathmandu Trek type: TH Trek (Includes: Accommodation in Everest Inn lodges, Guide, porters and all meals) Accommodation: Hotel, Everest Inn Lodges Transportation: Flight, Private vehicle as per group size Maximum altitude: 5362m Page 3 of 19
Route After flying in to Lukla, you will start trek to Phakding and enter into the home of Sherpa community perched in the nook and corner of the valleys known as Khumbu. After Phakding the trail gradually climb to Jorsale where you will stop for a while at the Park Office and take the steep but gradual walk to Namche Bazar. You spend two nights in Namche bazaar. While at Namche Bazar visit the villages at Thame (3811m) and Khumjung. Thame village was the original home of the famous climber Tenging Norgey who reached the summit of Mt. Everest for the first time in human history with Sir Edmund Hillary. The extra days at 3400 meter allows you to acclimatise in the increasingly thin air as you go up higher. After Namche Bazar the trail drops down to Dudh Koshi River; cross the small hamlet of Punki Thanka and climb another steep trail that gradually takes you to the famous monastery at Tengboche. Tengboche monastery is famous for Mani Rimdu festival that usually happens in October. The trail from Tengboche gently drops down to Dudh Kosi river and follows it. You will reach the summer settlement of Dingboche. Next day walk down the valley of Chukung; It is a short walk. Exploring around the area. There are several high viewpoints to see the panoramic view of the region including the icefall at Amphulapcha. Very close by is the base camp of Island peak; it is one of the most popular trekking peak. Another two days at 4300m around Dingboche also provides sufficient time to acclimatise your body. Lobuche is your last stop on the way to Kallar Patter and base camp of Mt. Everest. Depending upon weather and logistical condition you may stop at Gorakshep for an overnight or you may go straight to climb Page 4 of 19
Kallar Patter to see the close up stunning view of Mt.Everest. If you are energetic and have time you may visit the base camp of Mt. Everest. The high point in this trek is the majestic view of Mt.Everest and surrounding lofty Himalayan peaks in the back drop of deep blue sky. The grandeur of nature that you see would be one of the most memorable times in your life. After completion of your journey you follow same trail back to Lukla. The trek ends with flight to Kathmandu. Important Disclaimer Trekking in generally a safe and beneficial activity but needs to be practised judiciously, correctly and cautiously. As with any physical activity there is a risk of injury associated. The participants, by trekking organised on a voluntary basis, by ( OAUK ), expressly assumes ALL risks, full responsibility and liability for participating in trekking and related training sessions. Participating in the trek and related training sessions is entirely at participant s risk and any loss damage, injury or any other mishap will not be the responsibility of the organiser. If an individual experiences pain at any stage of the trek or during the related training sessions, the individual must stop immediately and seek qualified medical help. If in doubt, whether to take part in the trek and the related training sessions, please consult your doctor for advice before joining. The organiser does NOT take any responsibility and will NOT be liable for any claims resulting from taking part in the trek or the related training sessions. You MUST be over 18 years to take part in this trek. You MUST consult your own doctor to ensure that you are fit and health to undertake the Everest Base Camp trek. You MUST arrange to get your own travel vaccinations before you travel. You MUST arrange your own Travel and Medical insurance for the trek. You MUST book your own international return flights to/from London-Kathmandu. By taking part in the Oshwal Everest Base Camp Trek you are agreeing to this disclaimer. Page 5 of 19
Everest Base Camp Itinerary & Cost Oshwal Everest Base Camp Trek 2018 1. OPTION 1: Everest Base Camp Trek 17 days Cost 1030.00 2. OPTION 2: Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Ri extension 19 days Cost 122.00 supplement NB. Payment details will be sent separately once registered. Friday 5 th Oct DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU Latest arrival into Kathmandu, Nepal Arrival in Kathmandu met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu. Bed & Breakfast NB. YOU MUST ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU BY FRIDAY 5TH. Saturday 6 th Oct 2018 DAY 02: PRE TREK TOUR BRIEFING AND SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing tour of Boudanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square. There will be a thorough pre trek briefing by your trek leader in the evening to sort out any last minute queries etc. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu - Bed & Dinner/Breakfast. Please take note that the weight allowance for the flight ktm/lukla/ktm is 14kgs and weight allowance per person on trek that the porter will carry is also 14kgs. Sunday 7th Oct 2018 DAY 03: FLY KATHMANDU TO LUKLA TREK TO PHAKDING 2652M Early breakfast and early transfer to the airport. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most spectacular in the world S.T.O.L. Twin otters fly this route of contrasting country with the snow line of the Himalayan range to the north and rugged foothills of Nepal immediately below and stretching away to the south. The landing at Lukla airstrip (9,184/2,800m) adds considerably to the general excitement of landing on a mountain airstrip. At Lukla we will be met by our Sirdar and the entire trekking crew which includes Sherpas, kitchen staff and porters who will be with us for the duration of the trek. After a sort out and a cup of tea, we begin our trek to Phakding. Overnight at Phakding. Monday 8th Oct 2018 DAY 04: PHAKDING - NAMCHE 3440M After three hours of following the banks of the Dudh Kosi River we come to a spectacular suspension bridge, which marks the start of the climb up to Namche. Near the halfway point up the hill views of Everest (29,028 /8,850m) and Lhotse (27,916/8,511m) come into sight. Namche is the most prosperous and largest town in the Khumbu. A traditional trading center, a market is held every Saturday. The wares on display include grains and vegetables, tennis shoes and trinkets as well as hand woven aprons and Tibetan boots. Thamserku (21,806 6,648m) and Kwangde (20,417/6,224m) loom to the east and west, and the sacred mountain Khumbila (18,729/5,707m) dominates the skyline to the north behind the village. Time 8hours. Please take note that this is a tough day but the head Sirdar will liaise with the trek leader on how everyone is feeling and make camp (tea house) at Monjo which is approximate half way to Namche. Head to Namche next day. Tuesday 9th Oct 2018 DAY 05: NAMCHE (acclimatisation day) 3440M A day walk towards Thame (12,467/3,801m) for acclimatization. During an acclimatization day it is important to take some sort of exercise and preferably to gain some altitude before sleeping at the same height for a second night. From Namche we traverse westwards on our acclimatization walk with views of Kwangde (20,806 /6,343m) and the waterfalls, cascading off its Page 6 of 19
flanks into the Bhote Kosi far below. We cross the river higher up and climb up through rhododendron forest to Yak pastures, which Surround Thame. This is the birth place of Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa ever to climb Mt. Everest. Time 6 hours round trip, it is easy to cut it short for anyone finding it hard going. Wednesday 10th Oct 2018 DAY 06: NAMCHE - TENGBOCHE 3867M The trail descends forming a dramatic view of Ama Dablam (21, 9641/6,696m) and Kangtaiga (22,235 /6,779m) flanked by the towering heights of Sagarmatha (the Nepalese name for Everest). Lhotse and Nuptse. Cross the Dudh Kosi at Phungithanga and climb through rhododendron forest to the saddle at the top of the hill. Here lies Tengboche, the main monastery of the Khumbu area. The views from here are unforgettable. Tengboche lies at the base of Kangtaiga and the spur of this ridge affords panoramic views of the main peaks of Khumbu including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Time 5 hours. Thursday 11th Oct 2018 DAY 07: TENGBOCHE - DINGBOCHE 4530M Descend from Thyangboche and again cross the Imja Khola, and then trek uphill gradually to Pangboche. There is an interesting Gompa site above the main village. The trekker is in the midst of the Himalaya here, with spectacular views all round. For acclimatization, there is a need to spend two nights around the 14,000 /4,268m level and Dingboche lying in a sheltered spot above the Imja Khola is generally more attractive than Pheriche. It is however, of note that the Himalayan rescue association has their aid post at Pheriche. Time 5 hours Friday 12th Oct 2018 DAY 08: DINGBOCHE 4530M Rest and acclimatisation day A day walk up to Chukung (4730m) is highly recommended. The route gradually ascends to the few scattered stone huts that make up the settlement. To the south are ever changing views of Ama Dablam and to the north the massive walls of the Nuptse ridge and the south face of Lhotse. Time 5 hours. Saturday 13th Oct 2018 DAY 09: DINGBOCHE - LOBUCHE 4,930M The route past Pheriche slants over a ridge and stays above the village. It joins the trail below Thugla. There are great views of Cholatse (21,129/6,442m) across the valley. After another steep ascent, the trail climbs up and over the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Up and along the west lateral moraine of the Glacier, the trail is in parts. Stark and rugged beauty creates almost a moonscape. Camp site at Lobuche, a windswept collection of huts tucked in a narrow meadow between the glacier and the Lobuche peak (20,192/6,156m). Tawache and Nuptse are particularly spectacular from Lobuche, towering almost 2 kilometres directly overhead. Time 5 Hours. Sunday 14th Oct 2018 DAY 10: LOBUCHE KALA PATTHAR 5545M - GORAK SHEP 5160M The route continues along the north bank of the Khumbu glacial moraine crossing rough boulder fields. Great views of Pumori and all the peaks across on the other side of the glacier. There is a short descent down into a sandy bowl known as Gorak at the foot of Kallar Patter. Time 4 hours. Monday 15th Oct 2018 DAY 11: GORAKSHEP EVEREST BASE CAMP LOBUCHE 4930M (OPTION 1) / DZONGLHA 4835M (OPTION 2) From Gorakshep there is a short steep descent down the lateral moraine onto the Khumbu glacier. Once on the glacier the route meanders through the Ice bluffs following a well-worn trail laid down by the yaks supplying base camp. It takes approximately four hours to reach base camp at 5,360M/17,044. Once at base camp the Sherpas will organize a small Puja, ceremony, with prayer flags and incense to mark your arrival. Great opportunity to take photos on the Khumbu ice fall. The return retraces the route to Lobuche. For the extended trip to Gokyo Ri you will retrace back to Dzonglha. GROUP SPLITS OPTION 2 STARTS SEE SECTION BELOW FOR EXTENDED TRIP Tuesday 16th Oct 2018 DAY 12 (16TH OCT. 2018): LOBUCHE - DEBUCHE 3820M Continue your trek down to Debuche. Overnight at Debuche. Wednesday 17th Oct 2018 Page 7 of 19
DAY 13: DEBUCHE NAMCHE BY TENGBOCHE MONASTERY VISIT Trek to Namche Bazar via the Tengboche monastery. Overnight at Namche. Thursday 18th Oct 2018 DAY 14: NAMCHE - LUKLA Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villages, the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and it is sad to leave them. After the sharp descent to the Dudh kosi we cross it by the high suspension bridge and then enjoy a pleasant day walking back through the valley villages of Monjo, Benkar and Phakding and then the deceptively long climb leading up to Lukla. Our campsite and lodge are well located and offer a good final resting sport for the one night stay before the early morning departure. This evening a party is organized with our trekking crew during which there is lots of Nepalese dancing and everyone is expected to dance!!! After the party with heavy hearts bid them goodbye. At this point it is recommended that the trek leader collect tips that clients may wish to give to the trekking crew. All tips collected will be given to the Sirdar who will then distribute it to the crew. Please take note that you will be advised on the amount to be tipped to the trekking crew at the pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu prior to the trek. Time 6 hours Friday 19th Oct 2018 DAY 15: LUKLA KATHMANDU Flights to Kathmandu operate during the mornings before the winds above the Dudh Kosi build up. The take off is as spectacular as the earlier landing and then 45 minutes later, Kathmandu. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight hotel sharing bed & breakfast basis. Celebratory dinner during which all members will be presented with achievement certificates. Sharing bed & breakfast basis. Saturday 20th Oct 2018 DAY 16: KATHMANDU Day of leisure in Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu - Bed & Breakfast GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING CONDITION Flight Condition: Because of weather and technical reasons, the flight to the remote mountain airstrip could be delayed or postponed. Therefore, this extra day has been kept as a buffer to ensure your international flight to London is not affected. Sunday 21st Oct 2018 DAY 17: DEPARTURE Oshwal Everest Base Camp trips ends. Transfer to airport. --------------------------------------- OPTION 2 EXTENDED TRIP TO GOKYO PEAK Tuesday 16th Oct 2018 DAY 12 (16TH OCT. 2018): CROSS CHOLA PASS 5420M TREK TO DRAGNAK 4765M Wednesday 17th Oct 2018 DAY 13: TREK TO GOKYO RI 4750M/ GOKYO PEAK 5357m An easy but slow day due to the altitude. We arrive at Gokyo- a high altitude Sherpa settlement along one of many lakes which dot the left side of the Ngozumpa glacier. Gokyo and Luza are typical of the high seasonal settlements used by Sherpas for grazing livestock and growing barley and potatoes. Page 8 of 19
Depending on how tired you are and the weather, you can ascend Gokyo Peak on this day, or, you can attempt Gokyo Peak the following morning. Thursday 18th Oct 2018 DAY 14: DECEND TO DOLE 4200M You can attempt Gokyo Peak on this day before descending to Dole. Friday 19th Oct 2018 DAY 15: DOLE NAMCHE BAZAR 3440M Saturday 20th Oct 2018 DAY 16: NAMCHE BAZAR LUKLA 2800M Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villages, the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and it is sad to leave them. After the sharp descent to the Dudh kosi we cross it by the high suspension bridge and then enjoy a pleasant day walking back through the valley villages of Monjo, Benkar and Phakding and then the deceptively long climb leading up to Lukla. Our campsite and lodge are well located and offer a good final resting sport for the one night stay before the early morning departure. This evening a party is organized with our trekking crew during which there is lots of Nepalese dancing and everyone is expected to dance!!! After the party with heavy hearts bid them goodbye. At this point it is recommended that the trek leader collect tips that clients may wish to give to the trekking crew. All tips collected will be given to the Sirdar who will then distribute it to the crew. Please take note that you will be advised on the amount to be tipped to the trekking crew at the pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu prior to the trek. Time 6 hours Sunday 21st Oct 2018 DAY 17: LUKLA - KATHMANDU Flights to Kathmandu operate during the mornings before the winds above the Dudh Kosi build up. The take off is as spectacular as the earlier landing and then 45 minutes later, Kathmandu. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight hotel sharing bed & breakfast basis. Celebratory dinner during which all members will be presented with achievement certificates. Sharing bed & breakfast basis. Monday 22nd Oct 2018 DAY 18: KATHMANDU Day of leisure in Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu - Bed & Breakfast GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING CONDITION Flight Condition: Because of weather and technical reasons, the flight to the remote mountain airstrip could be delayed or postponed. Therefore, this extra day has been kept as a buffer to ensure your international flight to London is not affected. Tuesday 23rd Oct 2018 DAY 19: DEPARTURE Oshwal Everest Base Camp trips ends. Transfer to airport. Cost Includes: All airport transfers as mentioned in the itinerary Accommodation in hotels (as applicable in Kathmandu) on sharing Bed & Breakfast basis All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and standard Guest House accommodation during the trek Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu airfare Porters to carry personal baggage (each 14 kg) National park entrance permit, TIMS permit Farewell dinner Page 9 of 19
Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible. Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company) A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license-holding guide Cost Excludes: Visa fees Nepal (US$ 30/40) Entrance fees to the monument during sightseeing tour in Kathamndu All International air fares from and to Kathmandu Personal clothing, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu Additional soft & hard drinks (hot water is included) Battery charges and hot shower Tips for guide, Sherpa and porters etc Your Personal expenses such as (laundry, phone calls, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, extra porters.) Wi-Fi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wi-Fi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $3 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour. Personal travel medical insurance should include cover for emergency evacuation including helicopter evacuation (World Nomads recommended) Entrance fees for the day tours in Kathmandu Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned Monument Fees in Kathmandu Should you wish to enter the temples in Kathmandu, please see the fees below. Pashupatinath Temple US$ 10 for tourist and non-hindu, Kathmandu Durbar Square US$ 10, Bhaktapur US$ 15, Patan US$ 10, Boudanath Stupa US$ 3, Swyambhunath Stupa US$ 3 per person. N.B. Please take note that every effort will be made to stick to the trek itinerary, but circumstances can force change due to the vagaries of the elements\weather etc. though we will try to make sure it will be as enjoyable as possible. Page 10 of 19
Mountain Guides Our mountain guide will be, he is one of our best English speaking guides. He is a government licensed trekking guide and has over 20 years trekking experience. Trek guide known as Sardar (guide): He is a head sherpa in charge of the trek once you have left Kathmandu he hires porters. All staffs are under his command. He ensures everything is in order according to plan. He takes care of all your need and problem. If there is anything that you want it should be referred to him. His responsibility includes logistics arrangement and safety of the staffs, porters and members of the group. They are chosen from selective group of staffs who had worked in trekking for several years as Sherpa assistants, kitchen boys and some of the even have worked as porters. Porters: They are hired either in Kathmandu or at the starting point of the trek. They help to carry baggage of the trekkers, camping equipment, food load, etc. In average each porter carries 30 kg. All loads are carried behind their back with the help of a strap on their forehead. Foods are carried in a wicker basket. Page 11 of 19
Trekking Kit List Recommended Packing List This is a guideline for the gear you will need on the trek. Ask if you have questions! One 14kg ( 33lbs) maximum weight limit for the duffel bag + your hand luggage for flights. 12-14 kg weight limit for treks. Sleeping Bag ( -20F/-30C recommended (you can hire in Kathmandu $ 1.00 per day) Down Jacket (you can also hire in Kathmandu) Trekking Boots Trekking Pants (2-3) T-Shirts (3) Long- sleeve Trekking Shirts (2-3) Trekking Jacket GORE-TEX Jacket & Pants Fleece or Thermal Top (evenings) Fleece or Thermal Bottoms (evenings) Lightweight long Underwear (to sleep in or layer under clothes) Socks (4) Gloves (lighter & heavier for passes) Wool Hat Baseball Cap or Wide- brimmed Hat Camp Towel Trekking Poles (recommended) Sunglasses (2) Water Bottles (2-3) Toiletries, Suns cream with SPF, Lip Balm with SPF Watch (with alarm) Extra Batteries Battery Chargers Head Lamp Water Purifying Tablets, Small Water Filter or Steri-pen Hand Sanitizer Books (s) Soft Toilet Paper, Tissues Personal Medical Supplies Available in Namche Bazaar Snacks, chocolate bars, energy bars, dried fruit & nuts Laundry Detergent Batteries Trekking Poles Duffel Bag (you can buy in Kathmandu $10 each bag) + padlock Page 12 of 19
Equipment Hire You can hire down jackets and sleeping bags in Kathmandu. Down jacket rent cost per day about $2 per day and sleeping bag US $2 per day. Duffle bags can be provided if required. Medical Supplies We strongly suggest bringing Western meds with you as there are lot of Indian fakes on the market! Suggested; Diamox for altitude sickness. Bring COMPEED for covering blisters & good tasting electrolytes and/or rehydration salt. We also recommend bringing strong knee and angle supports & braces, ACE bandages for sprains & strains, Tegaderm & / or other would coverings. Duct tape is always useful. NB. Please consult your local GP to ensure the medical supplies are suitable for you. Accommodation Trek The accommodation in one room 2 twin beds system. Some accommodation have attached bathrooms but most of accommodation will have a twin bed room with a separate toilet and bathroom. Hotel You will be staying in Aryatara Kathmandu Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. Hotel Tibet Pvt. Ltd. Keshar Mahal Marg Thamel,Kathmandu +977-4412873,4423385 info@aryatarakathmanduhotel.com http://aryatarakathmanduhotel.com Travel Company for the Trek Kailash Himalaya Trek Pvt. Ltd. Tours & Adventure Travel in the Himalayas PO Box:4781,Bag Bazar, Kathmandu, Nepal http://www.kailashhimalaya.com Page 13 of 19
Insurance You MUST arrange your own Travel and Medical insurance for the whole trek including any international travel. You are free to use which ever company you like to take out insurance with. Recommendation only: World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com NB. Please check your chosen travel insurance covers you up to 6,000m. Flights Please note you will need to book your own international flights in Kathmandu. Internal flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are included in the cost. Please arrive in Kathmandu by Friday 5 th October, the trip ends on Sunday 21 st October (Option 1) or Tuesday 23 rd October (Option 2) Estimated flight cost London Kathmandu 550 (as of March 2018) Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. It is a landlocked central Himalayan country in South Asia. Nepal is divided into 7 states and 77 districts and 744 local units including 4 metropolises, 13 sub-metropolises, 246 municipal councils and 481 villages. It has a population of 26.4 million and is the 93rd largest country by area. Bordering China in the north and India in the south, east, and west, it is the largest sovereign Himalayan state. Nepal does not border Bangladesh, which is located within only 27 km (17miles) of its south-eastern tip. Neither does it border Bhutan due to the Indian state of Sikkim being located in between. Nepal has a diverse geography, including fertile plains, subalpine forested hills, and eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and largest city. Nepal is a multi-ethnic nation with Nepali as the official language. Location: Between India and the Tibetan autonomous region of the Republic of China Area: 147,181 square kilometres Capital: Kathmandu Location: Situated between China in the north and India in the south, east and west Population: 25.8 million People: Nepal has more than 106 ethnic/caste groups and 100 spoken languages. Language: Nepali is the national language; people involved in travel and trade understand and speak English as well. Religion: Nepal is a secular state with predominance of Hindu and Buddhist population. Currency: Nepalese Rupee - NPR Political System: Federal Democratic Republic Climate: Nepal has four major seasons (1) winter: December-February, (2) spring: March-May, (3) summer: June-August, (4) autumn: September-November. Nepal can be visited the whole year round. Page 14 of 19
FAQs 1. Is the trek difficult? The trek is not physically difficult, however you should be generally active. The greatest challenge on the trek will be a positive mental attitude. 2. How risky or dangerous is the trek? There is no danger but altitude sickness in quite risky if you are not acclimatised well; walking too fast or too much altitude gain in one day. 3. Do I need to have an earlier trekking experience to do this trek? Yes, you need have an earlier trekking experience or some walking practice to do this trek. 4. What is the level of physical fitness that is required? The level of typically long arduous walking on foot. 5. How long does the trek take? The trek will take about 12-14 days not including few days before and after trek. 6. How far will we trek per day? You will trek per day about 4-6 hrs. Morning 8 am to afternoon 2 or 3 pm including a one or half hour lunch stop each day. 7. What is the best time of the year to trek to EBC? April May and October / November is the best time of the year to trek Everest Base Camp. 8. What are the things I need for Everest Base Camp? Please see the recommended kit list. 9. Do I buy hiking gear from my hometown or Nepal? It is recommended you buy the hiking equipment prior to arriving in Nepal. There are however hiking shops in Kathmandu if you have last minute requirements. 10. What are the possible medical emergencies that I may encounter during this trek? The possible medical emergencies that you may encounter during this trek is helicopter rescue evacuation. 11. What are the medical facilities that are available? We will send a small first aid kit with necessary medical facilities for the trek. But if you are taking some kind of medicine regularly then you need to bring your own medicine with you. 12. Do I really need a guide/company or a porter? Yes, you need a company guide or porter. 13. Do I need to bring backpacking tents? You don t need bring pack packing tents. There are lodges at all stops. 14. Is it safe to carry electronic devices like laptop, mobile phone, and camera or so on? It is safe to carry any electronic devices so on. Only bring essential electronics as the weight allowance is 14kg. 15. Can I charge my electronic devices? You can charge your electronic devices in the lodges where there is electricity available, however, places such as Lobuche or Gorak Shep it will be more difficult. 16. How to I contact my family in my hometown during the trek? You can bring your mobile phone or buy a cheap mobile phone and SIM card here in Kathmandu. 17. What are the documents that are required to trek to EBC? The organised trek includes your TIMs Card. Page 15 of 19
For safety all trekkers in Nepal must acquire the Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card before trekking. TIMS Card is mandatory to ensure the safety and security of trekkers in the general trekking areas. You will require a visa to enter Nepal, please see the link below for up to date information. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal/entry-requirements 18. Is there an alternative way to have a close up view of Everest without having to trek? There is an alternative way to have a close up view of the Everest without having to trek. You can either take a 1 hr Everest Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Kathmandu or a helicopter charter to Everest Base camp from Namche to Namche or from Lukla. 19. What happens if you get sick? If you really get sick then a helicopter can pick you up and take you to the hospital in Kathmandu. You must have travel insurance that covers the medical and rescue evacuation charges. 20. What happens if I get altitude sickness? Same thing rescue evacuation by helicopter. 21. Vaccinations? No Vaccinations 22. Do people have to pay for hot water during the trek? How much should be budgeted for this? Hot water, tea, coffee is included, however any additional drinks will need to be purchased from your personal expenses. 23. What type of weather can I expect during the trek? Guideline temperatures Oct Jan Apr Temperature in C Max Min Max Min Max Min Kathmandu (1332m) 31 14 19 3 29 8 1500 to 2500m 25 12 16 3 23 6 2500 to 4000m 18 5 11-8 16 0 4000 to 6000 m 8-3 5-10 6-3 24. What type of food can I expect to eat during the trek? See sample menu below. Breakfast: Tea/coffee Bread, chapatis, pancakes Porridge, granola Butter, jam, honey, peanut butter Lunch: Tea/coffee Hot lunch, vegetable chapati Fruits Dinner: Soup Page 16 of 19
Noodles, Nepalese daal bhat, chapatis with vegetable curry, momos Fruits Tea, coffee, hot chocolate 25. Where will I stay? We will stay at teahouses/ lodges during the trek. Please see examples of lodges in Nepal used during the trek. Page 17 of 19
High Altitude Sickness: If you have not experienced walking in high altitude region before you may feel uncomfortable with headache, nausea, and lethargy. Even if you have previous experience it is not a guarantee that you are immune. If you are in good physical shape you should slow down your walking pace as you trek above 4000 meters. Experience and statistics has shown that this measure has reduced likelihood of getting altitude sickness. This is neither an assurance nor a guarantee but caution to ask you to be prepared emotionally. In such situation you should be prepared to retreat to lower camp. The average altitude during a long trek or overland Tibet Tour is 2300 meters (7,500 ft) but on a strenuous trek it may reach as high as 5,400 meters (17,500ft). It is advisable to drink considerably more liquids at high altitudes than at sea level as dehydration is common. If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, you should consult your own doctor before undertaking such a trip. Headaches are common during the first days of a trip, it is best to keep away from any alcoholic drinks until you are acclimatized. Most fatal cases of altitude sickness (pulmonary edema) resulted from people pushing themselves beyond their capabilities when they were severally affected by altitude problems. Usually altitude problem does not occur below 3600 meter, however at least one extra day should be allowed if you have flown direct to that altitude. There are Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) health post in Pheriche (Everest area), and Manang (Annapurna) where maximum number of trekkers pass through. This health post has foreign medical doctors (volunteers), emergency medical instrument and medicine to treat sick trekkers especially when they are affected by high altitude sickness. These post have radio to communicate with its Kathmandu office. What can I do to prepare? If you are worried about high altitude sickness, you can visit The Altitude Centre in central London which simulates high altitude up to 6,500 metres. The centre can help you prepare through (i) exercise classes at high altitude (ii) Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure, a technique of breathing short bursts of mountain air through a mask, alternated with normal air. IHE is the quickest way to adapt to low oxygen. https://www.altitudecentre.com Page 18 of 19
Figure 1 : https://www.momondo.com/inspiration/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/north-base-campmount-everest-base-camp-trek.jpg Page 19 of 19