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The iconic Himalayan trek to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth
The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu. There will be a full trek briefing this evening. *Royal Singi Hotel*
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m), where we spend our first night. *Tea-house* (sleeping altitude 2,652m)
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 3
Heading out of Phakding we follow the Dudh Kosi northwards. This day's walk takes us through magnificent forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by bridges as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up this ascent, we may get our first glimpse, cloud-permitting, of the summit of Everest appearing majestically behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. A last 300m of climbing brings us to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and the main town in the area. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning but the town bustle all day every day with trekkers, coffee shops, bakeries and stores selling all kinds of trekking and climbing gear as well as Tibetan souvenirs. *Tea-house *(sleeping altitude 3,440m)
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 6.5
Altitude Gain: 790
We climb steeply out of Namche past the airstrip at Shyangboche to the Everest View Hotel, the highpoint of our day at 3,880m. Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. Descending through forest we come to Khumjung, where we have lunch close to the Sir Edmund Hillary School. After lunch, we walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. The twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung are set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. For much of the walk, we have great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants. We walk back down through Khumjumg to the monastery. Sadly it was damaged in the earthquake but is now being repaired. Inside is a small box and after paying the entry fee (which goes towards the repairs) - we will be shown the only Yeti skull in the world! Descending to the main trail we spend the night at Kyanjuma. *Tea-house *(sleeping altitude 3,600m)
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 160
This morning we descend to the river; we cross it at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha at 3,250m, then climb steeply through the forest to Thyangboche at 3,867m. We will be here by lunchtime and in the afternoon we will visit the famous monastery. The sunset and sunrise on the fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us are not to be missed - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to our teahouse. Look out for Himalayan Tahr in the forest surrounding the monastery. *Tea-house* (sleeping altitude 3,870m)
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 4-5
Altitude Gain: 270
We descend through the forest to Devoche and a little further on we cross the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. Climbing steadily, the trail enters Pangboche, at 3,900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. Ascending the valley, we have lunch at Shomore, after which we leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas. A short steep climb brings us to Dingboche, at 4,350m, a summer settlement where great peaks surround us. *Tea-house* (sleeping altitude 4,350m)
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 6.5
Altitude Gain: 480
We spend the day at Dingboche to continue our acclimatisation. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100m for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam. There is the option to climb halfway to the peak or for the energetic it takes about 3.5hrs to the top. It’s a tough and steep climb but well worth the effort for the amazing views. We return to Dingboche for a late lunch and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise. *Tea-house*
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 5 (acclimatisation walk around Dingboche)
The trail climbs steeply out of Dingboche past a chorten and ascends the valley gradually to Dugla at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We stop here for a tea break and a snack before the steep climb up to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, yet poignant place where there is a line of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest and from where we have a beautiful panorama of the peaks lying on the Nepal-Tibet border. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuje, a tiny hamlet with a few teahouses. In the late afternoon there is the option to walk up onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier and the sunset on Nuptse is not to be missed. *Tea-house *(sleeping altitude 4,930m)
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 5-5.5
Altitude Gain: 580
Today is a very long, hard day as we leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,184m). The trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short steep sections. The trail is rocky as we are now on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. It will take us about 3 hours to reach Gorak Shep where we will have a rest and something to eat. From here to base camp and back there are no lodges so we will fill our water bottles and take some snacks for the walk to Everest Base Camp. We start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, we might see in the distance some of the expedition teams as they prepare to climb the mountain. From the Base Camp we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall and we can appreciate just how difficult it is for the climbers to negotiate a route through the huge blocks of ice. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. After a short photo stop by the Base Camp rock we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep. *Tea-house* (sleeping altitude 5,184m)
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 9-12
Altitude Gain: 250
We have another hard day as we climb steeply above Gorak Shep to the small peak of Kala Pattar, 'Black Rock', at 5,545m from where we can look down over the base camps of the various Everest expeditions. This climb affords a magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and above all a close-up view of the world's highest mountain. We return to Gorak Shep and retrace our steps to Lobuje for lunch and then continue on down the valley to the lower altitude of Pheriche for the night. (Please note that the walk to Everest Base Camp and the climb of Kala Pattar are both very tough. Sometimes we may change the order in which we tackle the walks depending on the group's ability and weather conditions). *Tea-house* (sleeping altitude 4,243m)
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 10-11
Altitude Loss: 940
Descending through Pheriche, we cross a small bridge and have a short climb before descending to join the main Imja Khola Valley. We follow the valley down to Pangboche through an alpine meadow landscape. We drop down to the rushing river then walk through the peaceful rhododendron forests to the village of Devoche from where we climb back up to Thyangboche on the ridge for lunch. We descend off the ridge to Phunki Tenga and walk back up to Kyanjuma, where we spend the night. *Tea-house *(sleeping altitude 3,600m)
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 7.5-8
Altitude Loss: 650
The walk to Namche Bazaar takes us along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Kosi. We have some time in Namche and after lunch we descend through Namche Bazaar and pick up our outward trail again to Monzo, where we stay tonight. *Tea-house *(sleeping altitude 2,850m)
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 4.5-5
Altitude Loss: 750
We retrace our steps to Chaunrikhara where we start the last climb to the airstrip at Lukla. *Tea-house* (sleeping altitude 2,800m)
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 4.5-5
Altitude Loss: 50
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu (it is also a spare day to allow for any delays in the flights to or from Lukla). You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We offer a full range of sightseeing tours which can be booked and paid for locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section within the Trip Notes or the Exodus notice board in the hotel in Kathmandu. *Royal Singi Hotel *
* 3 nights standard hotels and 12 nights teahouses
* 12 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Min. age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 5545m, average 3900m
* Travel by private minibus and 2 internal flights
* Between 5 and 8 hours walking per day, with some longer days
* Staff carry oxygen and a first aid kit on trek
* Expedition departures [1] available in April including 2 nights camping at
Everest Base Camp
[1] node/8910
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
In the teahouses breakfast will comprise of a choice of bread (a slice of
toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or
omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot
tea/coffee will also be served. On specific days, there will not be a choice
for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans
and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served - these options are not
available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations
where they can be guaranteed.
Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides
will go ahead with the group's order to make it more expedient. Dinner will
be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as
teahouses base their room rate on it).
Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably
extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese
dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and
comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil
dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular
snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with
meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on
trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for
several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or
illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend
using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some
extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will
be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of
the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten free breakfast options will
be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days
only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be
served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of
muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers
breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you
are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although
you will also have a choice of egg each day.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than
the suggested amount.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this
contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal.
The teahouses sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price
increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is
also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if
requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you
bring a reusable bottle with you and use an effective form of water
treatment. There are a wide range of products available these days which are
more effective than the traditional purification tablets - we recommend
talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are
improving all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in
cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are
best in cold conditions).
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are very effective, can treat 1
litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately –
look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that you will need
to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the products
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank">Water-to-Go for more information*. Exodus customers can claim
15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value will be
donated to the **Exodus Travels Foundation* [1]*.* Please note that if the
water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before
use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
[1] node/211076
* 3 nights standard hotels and 12 nights teahouses
* 12 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Min. age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 5545m, average 3900m
* Travel by private minibus and 2 internal flights
* Between 5 and 8 hours walking per day, with some longer days
* Staff carry oxygen and a first aid kit on trek
* Expedition departures [1] available in April including 2 nights camping at
Everest Base Camp
[1] node/8910
For those confident of their physical fitness, this is a challenging grade
trek (level 5) with a chance to walk to Base Camp and ascend Kala Pattar,
from where we get superb close-up views of the highest mountains in the
world. Please refer to our activity level guidelines [1] and
https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/exodus_wt_fitness_training_gui...
target="_blank"walking and trekking fitness training guide.
There are 12 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout - you
need only carry your daypack. You should have some previous trekking
experience and if you do not partake in regular exercise or hill walking then
you should do some physical preparation beforehand. The trail crosses
approximately seven modern suspension bridges (twice), all of which have mesh
sides but some are quite long and high and anyone with a strong fear of
heights or vertigo may find them difficult.
The maximum altitude on this trek is 5,545m and the average is approximately
3,900m. Ample time is given for acclimatisation, but altitude is a factor and
must be considered - we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the
Trip Notes.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only.
Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of
your group.
To help you better prepare for your Nepal holiday, please also see our
https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/2020_nepal_destination_guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Nepal Destination Guide.
*Why Trek with Exodus?*
• Over 30 years’ experience of organising treks in Nepal.
• ‘Ask an expert’ – talk to Exodus office staff who have done the
treks themselves.
• Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid
and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.
• One of the highest staff to client ratios on trek - 1 staff member: 4
clients.
• All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair
wage.
• Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in
acclimatisation and contingency days.
• Staff carry oxygen and a first aid kit.
• Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at altitude.
• Established protocol for Lukla flight delays – see below.
*Internal Flight Delays*
Please note that adverse weather conditions at Lukla airport occasionally
mean that flights to/from Kathmandu cannot operate. We include an additional
day at the end of the itinerary to allow for this, but on occasion,
persistent bad weather may delay the start of your trek or your return to
Kathmandu.
Should there be a lengthy delay at the start of a trip we will aim to provide
a shortened Everest trek, but if adverse weather conditions continue and the
main objective of the trek become impossible to reach, an alternative trek to
another region of Nepal will be offered. When fixed-wing planes are unable to
fly, but helicopters to Lukla are available, clients may choose to travel by
helicopter; in this event, the price per person will be approximately
US$500-600 per person, of which Exodus will cover half.
Should there be a significant delay at the end of your trek, we will
endeavour to get you on the first fixed-wing flights to Kathmandu available.
Should helicopters be able to fly, we will consider paying for these on a
case by case basis to enable clients to meet their international flights. In
the case of persistent adverse weather, Exodus will re-book international
flights for Flight Inclusive clients, but please be aware that clients
booking on a Land Only basis will be responsible for re-booking their onward
travel and for any associated costs.
[1] node/714
Hotels & Lodges
The twelve nights on the trek are spent in lodges (teahouses) and the three
nights in Kathmandu are in a comfortable hotel.
In Kathmandu, we usually stay at the Hotel Royal Singi, a 4-star
hotel located within walking distance of the Thamel district. All rooms have
en suite facilities and there is a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor
courtyard. There is complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby and Wi-Fi
throughout. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel lobby and an Exodus
representative will usually be available daily in the mornings and evenings.
The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to
expect in the mountains.
The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful
traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee
to put the heater on). Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such
as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all lodges have electricity but it
is not wholly reliable and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a
torch is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available
only in the dining room (charged at approx. Rs150-350 per hour per
device). Many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough
electricity for charging. Many lodges have Wi-Fi these days – in some areas
it works well but in others, it is slow and temperamental.
We book twin-share bedrooms throughout this trek. Beds with foam mattresses,
bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are unheated and can get cold
at night so you will need to bring or hire a sleeping bag.
Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are
located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian
’squat’ style; although many lodges have now installed ‘western
style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your
own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the bin provided – do not
put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a
container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either
refill it or ask the lodge to.
Some lodges now have hot 'showers' (charged at approx. Rs250-500 per shower).
Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a showerhead.
Standards of cleanliness vary especially in the peak trekking season and in
winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your
leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use
soap or hand sanitizer gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and
mealtimes.
As a general rule, the higher the altitude you go to, the more basic the
lodges and the more expensive food and services become.
*Extra Accommodation*
If you require any additional accommodation in Kathmandu either before or
after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please
enquire with your Sales Consultant.
*Single Accommodation*
If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the three
nights in Kathmandu only (subject to availability). While in the teahouses,
single rooms cannot be guaranteed but if a single room is available that
night, you can pay locally on a day by day basis.
Dingboche Tea House, Nepal 
The group will generally be between 4 and 16 people.
We have representatives in Kathmandu who will look after your transfers to
and from the airport and will be around to answer other questions you may
have about your trek. There is an Exodus desk and noticeboard in the Royal
Singi Hotel in Kathmandu. The desk is manned morning and evening.
All departures will have an English-speaking Nepali Tour Leader throughout
the trip who will be assisted by Nepali Trekking Guides. All Exodus leaders
are highly experienced and as well as Exodus leader training courses they are
all trained in wilderness first aid. The trekking guides are licensed by the
Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and also receive additional
training through Exodus.
On all of our Nepal treks, there will be one member of trek staff for every
four clients - this ratio may change if for any reason a guide has to stay
behind with a member of the group. The leaders are assisted by additional
guides and as many porters or dzos (cow-yak hybrids) as necessary to carry
the kitbags. All your main gear is carried for you and you only have to carry
whatever you require for that day's trek. Dzos carry four client's kitbags
each and porters carry two – kitbags should be restricted to 10kg maximum.
Porters are given porter clothing for treks above 4,500m (windproof jacket
and trousers, boots, socks, gloves, hats, sunglasses). All the trekking staff
are insured by our local partner in Nepal.
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
In the teahouses breakfast will comprise of a choice of bread (a slice of
toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or
omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot
tea/coffee will also be served. On specific days, there will not be a choice
for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans
and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served - these options are not
available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations
where they can be guaranteed.
Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides
will go ahead with the group's order to make it more expedient. Dinner will
be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as
teahouses base their room rate on it).
Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably
extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese
dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and
comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil
dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular
snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with
meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on
trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for
several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or
illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend
using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some
extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will
be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of
the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten free breakfast options will
be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days
only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be
served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of
muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers
breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you
are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although
you will also have a choice of egg each day.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than
the suggested amount.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this
contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal.
The teahouses sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price
increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is
also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if
requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you
bring a reusable bottle with you and use an effective form of water
treatment. There are a wide range of products available these days which are
more effective than the traditional purification tablets - we recommend
talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are
improving all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in
cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are
best in cold conditions).
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are very effective, can treat 1
litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately –
look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that you will need
to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the products
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank"Water-to-Go for more information*. Exodus customers can claim
15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value will be
donated to the **Exodus Travels Foundation* [1]*.* Please note that if the
water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before
use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
[1] node/211076
For airport transfers, we use a private minibus. Flights to and from Lukla
will usually be in a Twin Otter or Dornier plane.
This point to point trekking holiday requires customers to walk between each
overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be
available along the route (horses, jeeps etc) but Exodus is not able to take
responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers
choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
*Flying in Nepal*
Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas.
The mountainous terrain is often subject to changeable weather which makes
flying conditions complex. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of
Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of western nations. The
EU has recently chosen to highlight the relatively poor safety record in
Nepal, and as of December 2013, all Nepalese registered airlines have been
included on the EU ‘Banned list’ preventing them from flying in EU
airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU,
the EU have instigated this ban to encourage the CAA of Nepal to tighten its
systems governing Nepalese aviation. Flying within Nepal is, therefore, a
known risk and the current travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and
Commonwealth Office provides an overview which we encourage you to read.
In response to general concerns over this safety record, Exodus asked
independent air safety experts to visit Nepal on our behalf to assess the
suitability of the available carriers. Following these comprehensive audits,
Exodus decided to restrict our use of airlines to only those approved as part
of the most recent audit. It remains our firm policy to only use these
approved carriers for our customers and further audits will take place
regularly. For emergency situations, we also have an approved list of
helicopter companies for our use.
Exodus is supportive of the EU’s move to put pressure on the CAA of Nepal
in this way. We are hopeful that, alongside our own risk control measures,
this will make a difference to all who fly in Nepal. Please consider the
information above when deciding to book this holiday.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London:* *17 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Turkish Airways or occasionally
Oman Air (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.
Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline.
*Travelling land only: 16 days starting and ending in Kathmandu*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Kathmandu in the afternoon of Day 1
of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the
Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Please pay attention to the Internal Flight Delays section of the Trip Notes.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £6/US$10 should you decide to make
your way independently.
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime
temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky
is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences.
Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to
around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go. Different
seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
*Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November.* This is the main trekking
season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC.
Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear
mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to
minus 10ºC at the highest altitudes.
*Winter: December to end February.* Despite the cooler conditions this is an
ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in
December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold
with temperatures down to minus 15ºC to minus 20ºC at the highest altitudes
but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this
time of year. In Kathmandu maximum daytime temperatures are 19ºC.
*Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May.* Both day and night temperatures will be
warmer in general but often a haze will build up in the afternoons. It is
very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers
bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in
spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly
predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any
differences in weather beyond the conditions described above
It is essential that you have suitable clothing and equipment for your trek
to protect from the elements and trail conditions. Please download our
Everest Region kit list
https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/everest_region_kitlist_2019.pd...
target="_blank"HERE for reference. Please ensure that you follow the advice
for the time of year you will be trekking and for your tour (trip code TNT).
All luggage for the trek should be packed in a soft duffel bag / Exodus
kitbag. Many people find it easiest to pack the duffel/kitbag inside a
wheelie case which can be left in at the hotel Kathmandu free of charge with
anything not needed for the trek, whilst the duffel/kitbag will be carried by
your porter on the trek.
Animals are usually used for porterage and each carries four kitbags (where
human porters are used, they carry two bags each), therefore please
respectfully limit your kitbag to 10kg maximum per person. There is also a
weight restriction on the flight to and from Lukla of 10kg checked baggage
plus 5kg hand luggage. If your check-in luggage exceeds this, there is
an excess luggage charge (approx. £1 per kg).
There can be unseasonal snowfall on any trek. You may want to bring a pair of
Yaktrax (mini-crampons) or similar if you have a pair. If your leader thinks
there may be snowfall they will recommend carrying a pair for safety. It is
possible to buy them in Kathmandu or Namche cheaply.
We recommend bringing at least one standard passport photo with you just in
case of need as although they are not currently required for your trekking
permit or to obtain a visa on arrival (provided you use the electronic visa
kiosks), regulations can change at short notice or the kiosks may be out of
order (in which case a photo will be required).
*Equipment hire*
There are many equipment shops in Kathmandu where you can buy much of the
above clothing. The quality does vary and cannot be guaranteed so you should
choose carefully.
The following equipment can be hired through Exodus - the equipment is good
quality and will keep you warm but it is bulky and you should take this into
account when packing due to the weight limits for both porterage and domestic
flights. Hire equipment should be requested and paid for in advance of travel
but will be provided locally in Kathmandu. Approximate hire prices are as
below:
Down jacket (approx. 1.8kgs): from £52.50
4 season sleeping bag (approx. 2.3 kgs): from £52.50
Package including a down jacket and a 4-season sleeping bag: from £60
*Donations for porters, children and the elderly*
If while packing, you find a spare bit of space in your bag then you may be
interested in donating to one of Exodus' projects. Exodus supports a Porter
Clothing Bank in Kathmandu, as well as children in local schools in Kathmandu
and various villages, and an old people's home in Kyanjin Gompa in the upper
part of the Langtang Valley. If you have any old walking gear this can be
donated to porters, and similarly, any warm clothing or blankets would be
appreciated by the old people's home - please leave these items with your
leader or at the Exodus desk at the Royal Singi Hotel. Books, stationery,
games, warm clothes/underwear etc. suitable for children aged 5-18 years
should be taken to the Ambassador Garden Home in Thamel and given to Prakash
Lammichanne. Contact No: +977 1 4700724.
You can either bring your spending money to Nepal in cash to exchange or use
a combination of cash and card withdrawals from ATMs. Most major currencies
(including Pounds Sterling, Dollars and Euros) can be exchanged in Nepal but
notes must be in good condition – torn, tatty or marked notes will not be
accepted. However, Scottish or Irish Currency cannot be changed in Nepal and
nor can travellers' cheques.
There are money change facilities at Kathmandu airport both before and after
immigration – whilst exchange rates are generally good here, it’s
worthwhile checking the fees. You sometimes get a better rate for changing
larger denomination notes. Most large hotels also offer a currency exchange
service (including the Royal Singi Hotel) and there are also countless money
changers in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Remember to keep your exchange
receipts in case you want to change any Rupees back into hard currency when
you leave Nepal.
You will need to take out enough money in Kathmandu to last for the duration
of your trek – to cover meals, drinks, tipping and other incidentals. It is
a good idea to carry some spare cash on the trek in case of an emergency.
Carrying a large amount of cash is unavoidable so we suggest splitting it up
into a few different places - but remember to keep track of how much you have
stashed where.
It is possible to buy things like beer, soft drinks, chocolate, toilet paper
etc. from the teahouses en route. Spending habits are subjective, so it is
impossible to give an exact amount of spending money required, however as a
rough guideline, we recommend between GB£300-500 (approx. US$390-650)per
person in total (inclusive of tips, expenditure on the trek, and meals in
Kathmandu). Imported drinks and snacks are relatively expensive. Your
expenditure will be towards the top end if you buy boiled water rather than
treating cold water, and depending on how many hot showers you take, if you
pay to charge electrical devices, drink alcohol, use Wi-Fi on the trek, and
so on.
*Optional Excursions*
A number of optional tours and activities are available from Kathmandu.
Prices for a half day sightseeing tour start from £25 (approx. US$40) per
person, based on a group of 6 and above. For all trips, return transport and
a qualified sightseeing guide are included. The price does not include lunch
or entry fees. Please enquire with your leader in Kathmandu, who will be able
to provide further information.
An optional Everest sightseeing flight is available on your free day (weather
permitting) from around GBP165 (USD215) per person (the price may be subject
to change). Anyone taking an internal sightseeing flight in Nepal should pay
attention to the statement 'Flying in Nepal'.
Tipping is very much part of the culture in Nepal and although entirely at
your discretion, it is usually expected. Often people would like to tip in
recognition of good service but are unsure how much would be appropriate in a
foreign country - for this reason, we have listed guideline amounts below
(these are intended as a guideline only and you may see fit to give more or
less depending on the service that you have received).
For the tipping of your trek staff and your tour leader, we suggest passing
an envelope for each staff member around the group so that everyone can put
in what they feel comfortable with anonymously.
*The following are /guideline/ amounts received by each staff member from
the group as a whole... *
* Tour Leader: Rs30,000 - 35,000 (usually tipped on the last night in
Kathmandu)
*Your trekking crew *(tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek
in Lukla):
* Head Trekking Guide and Assistant Guides: Rs20,000 - 25,000 for each guide
* Trek Porters/yak men: Rs10,000 for each porter or yak man
*General tipping guidelines: *
* Hotel Porters: Rs100 each time for each room
* Teahouses and lunch stops on the trek: it's customary to round your bill
up to the nearest Rs50 or Rs100
* Restaurants: 10% of the bill if good service
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request, Kathmandu only)
* Visas and vaccinations
* Sleeping bag (hire in advance from £52.50*)
* Down jacket (hire in advance from £52.50*)
* *Hire package incl. down jacket and sleeping bag from £60
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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