EVEREST AND ANNAPURNA TREK The best of Nepal's Everest and Annapurna areas in a single trekking holiday A trekking holiday that shows off each of Nepal's most popular regions Exciting mountains flights to Lukla and Pokhara Two great treks and the best Everest and Annapurna lodges 5-Star Kathmandu hotels, including the Yak & Yeti and the Shangri-La FREE down jacket hire is available for this holiday HOLIDAY CODE AEL Nepal, Trek & Walk, 15 Days 10 nights luxury lodge, 4 nights hotel with swimming pool, 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners, max group size: 14, 11 days trekking, max altitude - 3840 metres
PAGE 2 VIEW DATES, PRICES & BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HERE Introduction The Everest and Annapurna regions of Nepal have been amongst the world's 'must see' destination for intrepid trekkers for more than forty years. Up until now, a trekking holiday in these spectacular mountain environments involved either camping or staying at basic tea houses. Now it is possible to trek in these famous valleys whilst taking advantage of comfortable lodges with all the modern conveniences of a hotel. The Yeti Mountain Home lodges that we use in the Khumbu and the Ker and Downey lodges on the south side of the Annapurnas each offer spacious rooms which are pleasantly decorated and which have running hot and cold water in their en-suite bathrooms. Best of all, each lodge has been carefully sited to present a magnificent panorama of the Himalaya or surrounding valley from the lodge itself. For those who would like to see both the Everest and Annapurna areas in a single holiday and would also like to do this in comfort, we can wholeheartedly recommend this holiday. The itinerary has been refined for 2017 and now includes 6 days of walking the Everest area, followed by 5 days of rather more leisurely walking in the foothills of the Annapurnas. Travelling to each of these areas by plane adds to the spectacle of this amazing holiday; the flight up to Lukla will live long in the memory and the flight along the chain of the Himalaya to Pokhara shows off the central part of the Nepal Himalaya to great effect. Our trek in the Everest region takes us up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, where we have time to explore this thriving town and to visit the nearby villages of Khunde and Khumjung for world-famous views of Everest and Ama Dablam. We also now include a night at the quieter and very traditional Sherpa village of Thame, before returning to Lukla. In the Annapurnas we trek in the foothills north of Pokhara through picturesque villages and with a sublime backdrop of snowy peaks. Here, too, we have added a day of walking and a night at Ker and Downeys La Bee Lodge in Landruk. One final additional element of this refined holiday is the night we now spend in Pokhara at a luxurious resort hotel. Using first class hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara and absolutely the best standard of lodge available in each of the areas where we trek, this really is a 'pampered' trekking holiday. FREE equipment hire on all Nepal holidays! Already booked on this holiday? Or looking to book on one of our departures in 2018? ALL travellers will benefit from free hire of a sleeping bag and down jacket worth 90 - when reserved up to 4 weeks before your departure date. Book NOW, save money and help support a country we love. View offer details Explore International. This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience! Is this holiday for you? Generally, the trekking conditions on this Nepal hiking holiday are straightforward, following good paths and local village trails throughout. The maximum altitude reached on the trip is under 4000 metres. By Himalayan standards this is a fairly modest elevation and the altitude issues attendant on a treks to higher elevations should not be of
PAGE 3 concern to us on this holiday. It should be noted however, that trekking at altitudes above 3000 metres makes greater demands on the body than walking at low elevations, and is of itself challenging even for fit hikers. Our itinerary is well staged and provides for a gradual approach to the higher elevations encountered in the Khumbu section of the holiday. No camping is involved on this trip and we stay each night in well-appointed lodges with ensuite facilities. The trekking element of this trip is neither long nor sustained. However you need to ensure you are physically prepared for the trek. You should be comfortable with walking for 5 to 6 hours each day with the occasional longer day and with daily ascent and descent figures of around 500 to 600 metres. The second part of the holiday in the Annapurna region is lower than the first and the walking days are shorter and easier. This trekking holiday should be well within the capabilities of all active hikers and hill-walkers. Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. All clients are met at the airport in Kathmandu by a KE representative who will arrange the transfer to the group s hotel. KE Land Only package services begin with this transfer. After checking in the rest of the day is free and the group will formally meet together for the evening meal which will be taken in one of the city s famous establishments. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL MEALS D Day 2: Fly to Lukla, then trek mainly downhill to the riverside settlement of Phakding (2610m). An early start for the flight to the high airstrip in the Everest region known as Lukla. This incredible flight is a highlight of the trip, taking us through the Himalayan foothills and offering perhaps a glimpse of Everest as we come into land on the tiny airstrip at Lukla. After meeting our porters for this section of our trip, we will take lunch in the Yeti Mountain Home lodge and then start our trek with an easy, mostly downhill leg, from Lukla to Phakding. This trek takes us through Sherpa villages and individual farms. Many Sherpas now make their living exclusively from trekking and there are many tea-houses and basic lodges where it is possible to stop for a drink. We will also pass by many stones intricately carved with prayers in the evocative Tibetan script, as well as prayer wheels of all sizes. Everywhere in the valley colourful strings of prayer flags flutter from high points and bridges. Dropping down to a trail above the Dudh Kosi (river) we head north to reach our Yeti Mountain Home lodge at Phakding. The elevation at this first night's halt is actually lower than Lukla at 2610 metres. DESCENT 520M ASCENT 270M TIME 3 HRS TREKKING HOURS DISTANCE 7KM Day 3: Trek through farms and villages to Namche Bazaar (3400m). Leaving Phakding we head north along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi, passing several lodges and tea houses to a high thin waterfall at Benkar (2710m). Here there are sensational views of Thamserku (6623m). Beyond Benkar, we cross the river on a high suspension bridge and continue along the east bank below high cliffs clothed in rhododendron forest. The trail undulates as we negotiate several side valleys bringing melt water from the high peaks. Crossing the Kyashar Khola, we make a final climb to the village of Monjo (2835m) where we pass the entrance to the Sagamartha National Park. We then have a short but steep descent on stone steps to another suspension bridge where we cross once more to the west bank of the Dudh Kosi. We continue up the wooded
PAGE 4 valley on a good trail and cross the river again before reaching a confluence of rivers one coming down from Thame and the other from the main Khumbu Valley. We make a final crossing here on a spectacular high suspension bridge and then begin an hour and half long ascent to Namche on a wide switch-back trail. This is the sting in the tail of today's otherwise gentle ascent, and one of the steepest of the trip. About half an hour below Namche, we gain our first views of Everest. On arrival in Namche, we can take a breather in one of the town's coffee shops before finishing off the climb to our Yeti Mountain Home lodge. The location of our lodge is superb giving us a bird's eye view over Namche and across the Valley to the serrated ridges of the Kongde range, while the magnificent peak of Thamserku (6623m) rises as a back drop. Just a short walk away is a classic view of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains in all Nepal and of Lhotse and Everest. DESCENT 200M ASCENT 1000M TIME 6-7 HOURS TREKKING HOURS DISTANCE 10KM Day 4: At Namche Bazaar. Optional day-walk to Khumjung and Khunde for views of Everest. Namche Bazaar is tucked away between 2 ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. An ancient market place where goods from as far away as Tibet were and still are traded, Namche today boasts an abundance of lodges, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Close to our lodge is the internationally known Museum of Sherpa Culture and the traditional villages of Khunde (3840m) and Khumjung are a highly recommended half-day excursion. We spend a second night at our lodge in Namche Bazaar. DESCENT 500M ASCENT 500M TIME 5 HRS TREKKING HOURS DISTANCE 8KM Day 5: Trek above the Bhote Khosi River via Phurte and Thamo to the Sherpa settlement of Thame (3820m). After breakfast at our lodge we start the day with a 2 to 3-hour walk through forest of spruce, juniper and pine to the village of Thamo. This trail is much less used by trekkers and we will immediately notice the difference. It is, however, an important trail which leads all the way to Tibet via the Nangpa La on the shoulder of Cho Oyu (8012m). On today's trek we are likely to see few other trekkers. We stop for our lunch in Thamo which is the home village of the Ang Rita Sherpa, who has summitted Everest 10 times without oxygen. After lunch, we continue walking for another 2 hours to arrive at a deep gorge where the Bhote Koshi River thunders through the narrow defile. We cross a sturdy bridge spanning the gorge to reach Thame (3800m). This important village is the home of many famous mountaineers including Tensing Norgay the first man to reach the summit of Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary. Apa Sherpa who has reached the summit at least 18 times lives here now. The village is very picturesque and also has a magnificent 16th century Nyingmapa gompa (monastery) built by Lama Rolwa Dorje. We check into our deluxe rooms with breathtaking views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. DESCENT 350M ASCENT 650M TIME 6 HRS WALKING HOURS DISTANCE 13KM Day 6: Trek back down to Namche Bazaar and onwards beside the Dudh Kosi to Monjo.
PAGE 5 We retrace our steps to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar with great views of the Khumbu peaks ahead of us. We have lunch at Namche before continuing our descent, steeply at first, to Monjo where we check in at the Yeti Mountain Home lodge. DESCENT 1350M ASCENT 450M TIME 7 HOURS TREKKING HOURS DISTANCE 18KM Day 7: Trek back to Lukla, with the afternoon free to explore this thriving airstrip settlement. With a chance to take in all of the views that were behind us on the way up, we now walk back to Lukla. The prominent mountain of today is Kusum Kanguru which is prominent from this direction. Descending to ever more lush environs, we walk through several villages before making a final short but steep climb to the airfield at Lukla where we check in at the Yeti Mountain Home lodge. There should be some free time to explore this thriving settlement before returning to our lodge for dinner. This evening we will say goodbye to the trek crew who have been looking after us in the Khumbu. ASCENT 600M DESCENT 600M DISTANCE 13KM TIME 6 HRS TREKKING HOURS GPS DATA VIEW NOW Day 8: Fly via Kathmandu to Pokhara. Then transfer to the roadhead and trek to Birethanti (1025m). We will be up early today to catch the spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. Here we connect with the 30 minute flight to Pokhara. This equally spectacular flight offers views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. We are met on arrival at Pokhara Airport and taken by vehicle (1 hour) to the start of our walk. Together with our new local team, we then follow a trail through the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. Finally we descend to the very comfortable Ker and Downey Sanctuary Lodge in the valley of the Modi Khola. Lunch is at the lodge and there is the option in the afternoon to walk to the nearby village of Birenthanti (1025m). Alternatively, you can rest at the lodge and do a bit of local exploration. ASCENT 150M DESCENT 600M DISTANCE 6KM TIME 3 HOURS TREKKING HOURS GPS DATA VIEW NOW Day 9: Trek beside the Modi Khola to Landruk (1565m). Optional afternoon guided village tour. After breakfast at the lodge, we have a pleasant morning of trekking alongside the Modi Kola (the river that flows out of the Annapurna Sanctuary). There are great views ahead of us of the Annapurna peaks and of the sacred 'Fish Tail' peak. We cross a suspension bridge to the opposite side of the river and from here it's about an hour's trek on a combination of a switchback trail and stone steps to reach the village of Landruk (1565m). Landruk affords more glorious views of the Annapurna range. We arrive at the Ker and Downey La Bee Lodge in time for lunch. After lunch, there is the option to accompany the guide on a sightseeing tour of this pretty mountain settlement.
PAGE 6 ASCENT 850M DISTANCE 10KM GPS DATA VIEW NOW DESCENT 280M TIME 4 HOURS TREKKING HOURS Day 10: We trek south-eastwards across the grain of the country to Majhgaon (1400m). Leaving Landruk and the valley of the Modi Khola, today's walk contours the valley-side to the east and heads south, with fairly minor undulations, passing through picturesque villages and farmland with great views looking back to the Annapurnas. We will reach the Ker and Downey Gurung Lodge near to Majhgaon in time for lunch. The lodge is built to resemble a traditional Nepalese village and every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The afternoon can be spent in the lodge gardens or we can opt to do some exploration to nearby villages with our guide. ASCENT 600M DESCENT 750M DISTANCE 11KM TIME 4 HOURS TREKKING HOURS GPS DATA VIEW NOW Day 11: Trek to Dhampus (1525m) with great views of the Annapurnas. This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. Once again, we aim to reach our next lodge in time for lunch. Our accommodation for the night is at the small, but splendid Ker and Downey Basanta Lodge, where we are treated to sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. ASCENT 575M DESCENT 350M DISTANCE 9KM TIME 4 HOURS TREKKING HOURS GPS DATA VIEW NOW Day 12: Trek out to the road, return to Pokhara and overnight in a hotel. After a leisurely breakfast at our lodge, we have a short downhill walk of about an hour and a half along a scenic ridge to the farmland and scattered houses of the broad Yangdi Khola Valley. Here, we meet the road and our waiting vehicle and make the 30-minute transfer to Pokhara, where we check in at a luxurious resort hotel. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of this friendly, lakeside town, before returning to the hotel for dinner. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu. Afternoon free to relax by the pool or to do some independent sightseeing. We take the morning flight to Kathmandu. One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which presents a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colourful temples and shrines. This evening we will have a dinner in one of Kathmandu's excellent restaurants.
PAGE 7 HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing, shopping or relaxing. A day to relax in the hotel gardens or beside the pool, or for further independent sightseeing. One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which presents a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colourful temples and shrines. Kathmandu is a very safe city (provided you watch out for the traffic) and exploring on your own is great fun. This evening we will have a celebratory dinner to mark the end of a most excellent trip. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL Day 15: Departure day. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. There are lots of extensions that can easily be added to your holiday in Nepal. Why not pre-book a simple day-tour in the Kathmandu Valley, or a multi-day excursion to one of the important wildlife reserves at Chitwan or Bardia. Extension packages are also available to include a visit to neighbouring Tibet or Bhutan. Contact our office for details. MEALS B Extend Your Holiday Extensions When booking your holiday, you will be able to 'add an extension option'. Once we have received your booking we will contact you to discuss additional services required for the extension and to take any additional deposit. Chitwan Jungle Extension The jungles of southern Nepal are an interesting counterpoint to trekking in the foothills or the high Himalaya. Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge provides a relaxing and comfortable base for a wildlife safari and cultural village experience. During two days of wildlife viewing in the Chitwan National Park 'buffer zone' - the interface area between visitors and the animals that live at Chitwan you will be accompanied by expert guides on safaris by jeep by boat and on foot.
PAGE 8 Chitwan Jungle Extension 3 days From 995 per person Tiger Mountain Resort Pokhara Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge sets the standard for comfortable and luxurious mountain lodge accommodation with its relaxed atmosphere, tranquil setting, eco-tourism and conservation ethos. Located on a spectacular hilltop ridge, it has panoramic views of Fishtail Mountain and Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. It has won several prestigious awards including the PATA Heritage and Culture Gold Award and the Conde Nast Traveler magazine Ecotourism Award. Tiger Mountain Resort Pokhara 3 days From 680 per person Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot And Bhaktapur The Kathmandu Valley contains the cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu itself, all of which were once independent kingdoms. An exploration of the valley s historic and cultural sights is an excellent way to begin or end your adventure in Nepal. Highlights of this tour includes a very early drive up to Nagarkot on the Kathmandu Valley rim, the perfect place to watch a Himalayan sunrise. This is followed by a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur, renowned for its temples and traditional buildings. Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur 1 day From 130 per person
PAGE 9 Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (Join Kathmandu) Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge sets the standard for comfortable and luxurious mountain lodge accommodation with its relaxed atmosphere, tranquil setting, eco-tourism and conservation ethos. Located on a spectacular hilltop ridge, it has panoramic views of Fishtail Mountain and Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. It has won several prestigious awards including the PATA Heritage and Culture Gold Award and the Conde Nast Traveler magazine Ecotourism Award. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (join Kathmandu) 3 days From 915 per person Holiday Information What's Included A professional and qualified Nepalese tour leader Kathmandu Airport transfers Internal flights and all land transport included in the itinerary All accommodation as described in the trip dossier All meals Once on trek the group will be assisted by porters and experienced Sherpa guides What's Not Included Travel Insurance Nepalese Visa Tips for porters and other trek staff Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc. Meal Plan All meals are included in holiday price from dinner on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary to breakfast on Day 15. Food Throughout this trip there will be the opportunity to sample local cuisine, but there will always be an option for more familiar international dishes. All the lodges on this trek have trained chefs and food is prepared to the highest quality. In Kathmandu the city s restaurants are internationally known and it is possible to see a restaurant or dish from almost every cuisine in the world.
PAGE 10 Joining Arrangements & Transfers Airport transfers are provided for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary. You will be met on arrival at Kathmandu Airport by a KE representative and taken to your hotel. If you are arriving earlier or departing later we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation. Accommodation Whilst in Kathmandu the group will stay in 5-star luxury at either the Hotel Yak & Yeti or the Shangri-La Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, each of these excellent hotels offers a range of first-class facilities including a pleasant tree-shaded garden area complete with swimming pool. Staying at either of these hotels, you can be assured of a restful start and finish to your time in Nepal. Whilst on trek we will have a total of 8 nights in Ker and Downey and Yeti Mountain Home lodges. These high-end lodges have comfortable twin or double rooms with attached bathroom and hot and cold running water. While these lodges are vastly superior to standard lodges in the mountains (which generally do not have running hot water and use shared washing rooms and toilets), they are never-the-less remote. All furnishings fittings and equipment have to be carried long distances by porters. You should therefore not expect the standards that can be achieved in luxury accommodation in the city. All accommodation is arranged on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Depending on availability, single rooms can be requested at a supplementary cost. Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can also be arranged. Internal Flights Internal Flights Access to the high and remote areas of the Himalaya where our treks start is often only possible using internal flights. The changeable nature of mountain weather makes flying conditions complex. In addition the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of western nations and all airlines in Nepal appear on the European Commission s list of airlines that are banned from flying into EU member states. Flying in Nepal is an acknowledged risk, and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice provides further details which you can read on their website at: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal/safety-and-security. KE is mindful of its duty of care to clients travelling with us in Nepal and we were stakeholders in a recent independent air audit of Nepal airlines undertaken by UK tour operators during 2013. KE uses only three airlines in Nepal which were approved by this audit as safe carriers. These airlines are: Yeti Airlines, Tara Air and Buddha Air. We continue to cooperate with other tour operators to monitor aviation safety in Nepal and will ensure we remain a stakeholder in any further air safety audits. While we have taken appropriate action to try to minimise the risks of flying in Nepal, you should be aware that flying in mountainous terrain is not without any risk. Please note that poor weather can cause delays on the flights to and from Lukla. If the flight to Lukla should be cancelled for the day, you will spend an extra night in Kathmandu and this may be at a hotel other than the group hotel. There is enough flexibility in the trekking itinerary to make up a lost day, but alternative arrangements must be made if your Lukla flights are cancelled for a second day. Helicopters can sometimes fly when the scheduled fixed wing aircraft cannot. If your group is offered the opportunity to use a chartered helicopter, either flying up to Lukla or back to Kathmandu, the cost will be shared between those choosing to take this option. In the extremely unlikely event that flight cancellations cause you to miss your homeward international flight, KE will render all assistance, but cannot be held liable for any extra costs incurred. We advise you to take out suitable insurance and to keep your receipts, as you may subsequently be able to make a claim
PAGE 11 Group Leader & Support Staff The group will be led by a professional and qualified Nepalese tour leader, assisted by an experienced team including Sherpa guides and porters. Altitude This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies. Spending Money Approximately 200 to 250 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc.) should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, beer, soft drinks etc. It is not necessary to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash, since you will exchange the majority of this on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara using your debit or credit card. During the trek it is possible to buy snacks, chocolate, soft drinks and beer on most days. Please be aware that since everything has to be carried up, these items become more expensive as you gain altitude. Guidance On Tipping Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the porters and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Your Nepali tour leader will advise the group on an appropriate level of tipping. Most groups will hand out the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the holiday. As a guide, we recommend that each group member contributes around 50 to 60 (in rupees) to these tips. At the end of their trek many people also like to donate various items of equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks are always warmly received by the porters. Your tour leader will make arrangements for a fair distribution (possibly by raffle) amongst the trek crew. Please note that you will have the opportunity to tip your tour leader separately during dinner on the final evening of the holiday. Beat The Jet Lag Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers. Free KE Gift We give you a free gift as a way to thank all our clients who book a KE holiday. Choose from KE T-shirts, buffs, KE trek bags* (where applicable) plus many more. Alternatively you can choose to make a 10 donation to the Juniper Trust Charity. You can make your selection in your My KE account after booking. * A free KE trek bag is available on this holiday. Delivery outside of the UK will be charged.
PAGE 12 Baggage Allowance For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage (which should be a soft bag such as the KE Trek Bag) and a daypack. Your bag on trek will be carried by porters or pack animals and should not weigh more than 15kg. For all flights to and from STOL airstrips in Nepal the maximum allowance, for hold baggage AND hand baggage combined, is 15kg. This weight allowance is strictly enforced and excess baggage will be charged. It is possible to leave items not required on trek at the hotel in Kathmandu. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Group Size & Holiday Status For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in Dates and Prices table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements. General Information Passport & Visas A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. Transit Via India If you are travelling via India (Delhi or Calcutta) to your destination you may also require a visa for India. This may apply even if you are not leaving the airport unless your baggage has been checked all the way through to your destination. Generally, if you use the same carrier for both legs of your journey, you will not need an India Visa. Please download the detailed information document: Visa PDF India. Visa Nepal All nationalities require a visa and this can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport.The visa process is automated and this includes having your photograph taken. The visa fee is $25 for 15 days, $40 for 30 days, $100 for 90 days. The visa if FREE for children under 10 years. Payment must be made in cash and USD, GBP or Euros are accepted. Whilst these are not now needed for the visa process, we recommend that you travel with at least 2 spare passport photographs. TREKKING PERMITS WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU? For treks in the Everest region EBL, EVL, EVP, EHW, EHP, ELL - we need your passport details and we need you to take with you to Nepal 2 passport photographs. You will hand these over to your local leader on Day 1. For the Gosainkund and Langtang Trek - GLT - we need your passport details and we need you to take with you to Nepal 2 passport photographs. You will hand these over to your local leader on Day 1.
PAGE 13 For treks in the Annapurna region ASL, ACL, UAT, ANL, KRT we need your passport details and we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself. Please send this to us once your holiday is guaranteed. For treks which combine the Everest and Annapurna regions AEL we need your passport details and we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself. Please send this to us once your holiday is guaranteed. We also ask that you to take with you to Nepal 2 passport photographs. You will hand these over to your local leader on Day 1. For these Conservation Area treks and other treks requiring Special Permits KAN, DLG, NAP, NTM we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu you may still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. If this does happen, your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner. For those trips requiring Climbing Permits MER, IPC, CTL, SBP - we need to send to Nepal ahead of your departure, a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu you may still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. If this does happen, your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner. Health & Vaccinations You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, like malaria. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Currency The unit of currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee. Electricity Supply & Plug We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ Preparing For Your Holiday It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking holiday getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Although the trekking on this trip is not difficult or sustained and is mostly on well-maintained trail, hiking at altitude is more demanding than similar terrain at lower elevations. We suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. Regular hiking in hill country is the best training but any regular exercise such as jogging, squash and swimming is also
PAGE 14 good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina. Before coming on the trip we recommend that you make time for some longer walks in hilly country. Travel Aware As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips. KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office. Climate The months of March to May and October to December either side of the summer monsoon season offer the best conditions for trekking. The post-monsoon months usually offer the clearest skies and the most settled weather while late spring brings the blooms of the rhododendron. In both seasons you should expect pleasant daytime walking conditions, even getting a little hot around mid-day. Above 3000 metres once the sun goes down (around 5.30 pm) the temperature plummets dropping close to freezing or even below beyond November. A selection of layers is the best option for dealing with the range of temperatures you will encounter. Books Lonely Planet Guide to Nepal. Lonely Planet Rough Guide to Nepal. Rough Guides Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Steve Razzetti Everest: A Trekkers Guide. Kev Reynolds. Cicerone Into Thin Air. Jon Krakauer The Climb. Anatoli Boukreev The Ascent of Everest. John Hunt & Edmund Hillary Sherpas & Himalayan Mountaineering. Sherry Ortner A History of Nepal. John Whelpton Field Guide to Birds of the Himalayas. Bikram Grewal Maps Annapurna Base Camp. 1:50,000. Nepa Maps If you would like to follow the route as you trek, this is a good scale map made by local publisher Nepa. It has with contour interval at 40 metres. This is the definitive map for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek and covers the route of our first trek.
PAGE 15 Flight Information Flight Inclusive Or Land Only? On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays. Flight Inclusive Notes The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London to Kathmandu. Outbound flights will usually depart from the UK in the evening, arriving mid-afternoon on the following day (Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary). Return flights will depart Kathmandu usually in the morning of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK later the same day. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. To avoid paying more for your flight, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times as there are only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. We are also able to quote for premium, business and first class seats. Please be aware that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Remember if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection. Land Only Notes The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Kathmandu. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Kathmandu Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to Joining Arrangements and Transfers in the Holiday Information for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is shown on our website as either Guaranteed or Limited Availability. Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Experience KE has 34 years experience of adventure travel worldwide. All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, muleherders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience. The team of KE office staff is amongst the most experienced in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Every one has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or e-mail, or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience.
PAGE 16 KE can guarantee the very best in trek support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and camp accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AND AWARDS Responsible Tourism has always fitted naturally with KEs travel ethic. It is important to us that our clients are not the only beneficiaries of the travel experience, but that we share a two-way relationship with the areas that we visit. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment and make the most of every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. In addition to holding an AITO 5-star Sustainable Tourism rating, we are recipients of AITO s Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Award in recognition of the work carried out over the past 20 years, giving back to the communities and areas we visit. We have been awarded Highly Commended status in the Best Tour Operator category of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and were named Best Trekking Operator on Earth by National Geographic Magazine, whose criteria included commitment to responsible tourism. We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at www.keadventure.com, and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: www.junipertrust.co.uk. KEs Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too! Your Complete Financial Protection KE Adventure Travel is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), bonded with the CAA (ATOL 2808) and ABTA licensed (W4341). You can book your trip with KE Adventure Travel in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY Making a Booking The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally 200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form. Adventure Travel Insurance IMPORTANT - It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form. CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In
PAGE 17 addition Campbell Irvine Direct cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard. TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m. We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.
PAGE 18 Equipment List The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 kgs. For all flights to STOL airstrips in Nepal, the maximum allowance for hold baggage AND hand baggage combined, is 15 kg. It is essential you keep the total weight of your baggage within this limit. Paying for transportation of excess baggage is not normally an option on these flights. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required on trek at the group hotel. You Must Bring The Following Items: Hiking boots Gaiters Trekking trousers Waterproof overtrousers Baselayer shirts Casual shirt and/or T-shirts Fleece jacket or warm jumper Waterproof jacket Warm jacket (down)* Sunhat Warm hat Sunglasses Warm gloves or mittens Headtorch and spare batteries Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.) Water bottles 1 Litre x2 Washbag and toiletries Antibacterial handwash Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry) Small padlock (to lock trek bag) Daypack 20-25 litres Basic First Aid Kit including: plasters, blister treatment (e.g. compeed), and pain-killers The Following Items Are Optional: Trekking poles (recommended) Trainers or similar (for use in the lodge) Shorts Scarf or buff Travel clothes Camera Penknife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage) Repair kit (eg. needle, thread, duct tape) Notes *FREE down jacket hire is included in your KE holiday booking on request.
PAGE 19 Please make all requests at least 4 weeks prior to the trip departure date. Please note all hire / rental equipment is issued in Kathmandu. Please remember to allow room in your trek bag for these items. You do not need a sleeping bag. Bedding and towels are provided at the lodges The Nepalese are still traditional and conservative in the way they dress. Therefore to avoid embarrassment on both sides we recommend that you respect this and do not wear revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach to just above the knee and be modest and for women it is preferable to wear trousers or a long skirt. Please note: This document was downloaded on 31 Mar 2018, and the trip is subject to change.