Everest Base Camp
Nepal
Season: Autumn, Spring
Grade: Moderate
Duration: 14 Days
Max Altitude: 5550m
Route: Original 1953
Deposit: €399,00
Total incl deposit: €2,995,00
Dates
Overnight at Base Camp
Date : 29 March – 11 April 2024 (J)
Date : 04 April – 17 April 2024
Date : 03 April – 16 April 2025
Date : 12 April – 25 April 2025
Basecamp
Date : 19 Sept – 02 October 2024
Date : 28 Sept – 11 October 2024
Date : 01 Oct – 14 October 2024 (J)
Date : 10 Oct – 23 October 2024
Date : 25 Sept – 08 October 2025
(J) – leader Jason Black
OVERVIEW
Jason Black Mountaineering is the only company offering you the tented style opportunity to sleep under the stars at Everest base camp during our March-April expeditions.
Our unrivalled approach follows the remote original 1953 route first done by Hillary and Tenzing Norgay from Phablu starting at a lower altitude in the heart of Sherpa culture.
Our route is different pure and honest its off the beaten path and your unique experience a gentle reminder of the simplicity of himalayan mountain life and how it’s the envy of the world today.
WHY HIKE FROM PHAPLU?
Starting the trek south of Lukla and much lower down will give you a more well-rounded experience of the Khumbu. With the standard Lukla-EBC trek, you have nothing but dramatic alpine scenery – a constant backdrop of snowy mountains. By contrast, the Phaplu- Everest base camp provides you with the following:
- Warmer weather
- Hilly, green scenery
- Sherpa culture villages
- Less trekkers (if any at all!)
- Much better acclimatisation staring out at 2000m before reaching higher altitudes of Lukla at 2900m.
1953 ROUTE

COST INCLUDES
- PRIVATE HELICOPTER : Transfer lukla to kathmandu
- DOMESTIC FLIGHT : Kathmandu – to phaplu
- AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport – Hotel
- ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 2 nights sharing at the hotel in 4 Star category in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
- WELCOME DINNER : in Kathmandu with Jason black Mountaineering team
- PERMITS : All necessary paper works: Sagarmatha National Park permit, Tims card & Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee.
- INSURANCE : for all staff during the trek.
- PORTERS : 15 Kg per member carried by porter during the trek
- FOOD: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner during the trek.
- MEDIC : High altitude specialist and Emergency first responder on every expedition.
- OXYGEN BOTTLE MASK/REGULATOR : 1 Set of Summit Oxygen bottle mask in case of an emergency.
COST EXCLUDES
- INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : (to/from your home to Kathmandu)
- NEPAL VISA FEES : at airport is $60 USD per person.
- LUNCH & DINNER : during the stay in Kathmandu.
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE : Personal travel and high altitude insurance inc helicopter medical & emergency evacuation. *Mandatory.
- PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking /Climbing Gears.
- TIPS : Tips for team and porters $80 pp

ITINERARY
Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu airport and will be met by JasonBlackMountaineering Guide and brought to the hotel - Gear check, team briefing and expedition welcome dinner.
Day 2 | Hike Time: 7h
Day 3 | Hike Time: 7h
Day 4 | Hike Time: 6h
Day 5 | Hike Time: 6h
Day 6 | Hike Time: 5h
Day 7 | Hike Time: 6hr
Day 8 | Hike Time: 6h
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,300m)
Day 9 | Hike Time: 7h
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,960m)
Day 10 | Sleep at Everest Base Camp | Hike Time: 5h
Day 10 | Standard Everest Base Camp | Hike Time: 8h
Day 11 | Sleep Everest Base Camp
March / April expedition only - Waken up and have Breakfast at Everest base camp and explore the famous Icefall for the morning, hiking to Pheriche in the afternoon. (4160m)
Day 11 | Standard Everest Base Camp 5364m | 8-9hr
From Gorakshep, early moring hike up to Kalapatthar 5546m over looking Everest basecamp, and hike back to Pheriche in the afternoon. (4160m)
Day 12 | Hike time: 8-9hr
Trek from Pheriche to Namche (long day)
Trek distance: 19 km
Trek duration: 8 hours
Day 13 | Hike Time: 9-10hr
Trek from Namche to Lukla Private Helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel (long day)
Trek distance: 18 km
Trek Duration: 9 hours
Day 14 | Depart
Transfer to International Airport for final departure

Altitude Map

Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) – Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Enjoying snow-laden mountains surrounding the green valley, land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Jason Black Mountaineering will greet you at the terminal and transfer you to a hotel in Thamel. Thamel is a lively neighborhood located just 5 km from the airport.
Upon reaching the hotel, take some rest, then head out to our office nearby. Meet the team and enquire about the trek if you need any clarifications. After being briefed by the guide, we’ll prepare the documentation and permits. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the alleyways of Thamel. If time permits, visit the nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical and religious site. Explore the museum, which was once a Shah palace. Visit shrines and temples in the courtyards. Enjoy an authentic Nepali welcome dinner at night.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 2
Fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2,413m/7,915ft) (270km)
It is an early morning flight from Kathmandu airport to Phaplu town in the northeast. Once in Phaplu you will be heading to Nunthala village further into the Khumbu region. The initial leg of the trek stretches to Tak Sindo La pass. It is decorated with prayer flags and is a vantage point to see Mera Peak, Thamshekhu, Kusum Kanguru, and Kangtega Peak. Make a quick stop at Taksindu gompa, a religious shrine for the locals. Following a rugged trail, you will pass through the Sherpa settlement. From there, a forested trail leads to Nunthala.
Nunthala is a distinct village in the eastern region. You’ll see a lot of mules, yaks, and horses along the streets. The village is connected to the trading route as it is the last village in the district’s north. You will witness animals and locals carrying essential supplies back and forth.
Overnight stay in Nunthala.
DAY 3
Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (2,070m/6,790ft) – 6 to 7 hours (14km) trek
After having breakfast, pack up your belongings, then head downhill through the Dudh Koshi River, sourced by Ngozumpa Glacier. Crossing a long suspension bridge, you will walk through a rocky, muddy, and unstable path. Then a steep climb will bring you to a picturesque Jubing village mainly inhabited by the Rai settlement.
From there on, you will climb stone stairs and pass by terraced fields and forests into Kari Khola. Have your lunch there, then take a quick stroll around a nearby Gompa sitting on a ridge. Views of the valley look phenomenal from the ridge. Continue your trek while passing by stone houses, farmland, millet fields, then into Bupsa.
Bupsa is a small village inhabited by the Sherpa community. You will find many other tourists who have taken an overnight stop as it is a famous point in the Jiri to Everest trail. Upon reaching your teahouse, take some rest, then visit the nearby monastery to explore the rich culture and tradition of the Sherpa.
Overnight in Bupsa
DAY 4
Trek from Bupsa to Surke (2,290m/7,512ft) – 6 to 7 hours (14km) trek
Mera Peak in the distance
Have breakfast and morning prayer at the bupsa monestry, then make an early start towards Surke. You will have an uphill journey for the initial part of the trek, walking alongside mules carrying heavy basic supplies. From there, the trail then takes you to Kari La, an altitude of 2800m, from where you can see the valley at a full glance. You can see the planes flying towards Lukla carrying supplies and passengers. After a couple of ups and downs in the trial, you will pass a forest to reach Paiya. From there, take a downhill hike until Surke.
Surke town is known for its fertile land suitable for growing vegetation. The ground is damp, and the climate is cool. The town is located beneath Lukla airport. Enjoy local dishes and drinks served by the locals.
Overnight stay in Surke.
DAY 5
Trek from Surke to Phakding (2,610m/8,561ft) – 6 to 7 hours (15km) trek
On this day, you will reach Phakding, meeting the main Everest Base Camp trail from Lukla. After breakfast, the initial stretch of the trek takes you on an uphill climb but not as steep as the past days. In between the trail, there are flat sections for a gradual and easier climb. Cross a suspension bridge and enjoy the gushing waterfalls from cliffs. In a short while, you will reach Chaurikharka.
Passing the Mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortan, you will enter the village of Cheung. The up and down trail will then lead to Ghat village with abundant vegetable fields. You can quickly visit the red-walled Gompa as well. Walking beside Dudh Koshi, stop at Chhuthawa for a cup of tea and enjoy the scenery. Eventually, you will reach Phakding village.
Phakding village is located south of Monjo and north of Lukla. The stone-built houses, chortans, Mani walls depict the modest way of livelihood and traditions of the Sherpa community living here.
Overnight stay in Phakding.
DAY 6
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,440 m/11,284ft) – 6 to 7 hours (10.5km) trek
Wake up early in the morning because it is a long trekking day towards Namche Bazaar. The first phase of the trail is relatively easier walking beside the Dudh Koshi River, passing scenic pine forest. With views of Thamserku peak towering above the valley, you will reach the small village of Benkar. Passing by a small waterfall, you will head further along the suspension bridge while walking alongside donkeys and mules carrying a heavy load.
You will get to witness the views of Khumbila peak then climb towards the village of Monjo. Your guide will help you purchase an entrance ticket by showing related documents and trekking permits at the Monjo checkpoint. You will officially enter Sagarmatha National Park from hereon. The trail drops down to the river again, then passes a suspension bridge towards Jorsale village. Your first distinct views of Mt. Everest will most certainly excite you.
Having some lunch, continue to the valley through a stony and sandy trail. After a steep forested area is crossed, you will reach the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. Climbing up the route, you will go to Tope Danda, from where you can see a broad view of Namche settlement. Continue your walk up to Namche Bazaar. After the long trek, take some rest at your tea house. In the evening, you can head out to the colorful streets filled with two to three-story stone and timber houses.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
DAY 7
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m/12,661ft) – 5 to 6 hours (10km) trek
You will pack up your belongings and head on to Tengboche further to the north. Walking along the Dudh Koshi river, the trek begins with a slight inclination through a sandy trail. Occasionally you will have to walk on a flight of stone steps.
Views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse are at full display. Passing through a lush forest in rocky terrain, you will cross a suspension bridge over the Phunki Tenga river. From there, the trail is rather zig-zag. You may witness the beautiful Himalayan Griffons nesting further up in cliffs. Passing a steep rocky route between treelines of rhododendron, you will reach an Army checkpoint. You might even witness rare musk deer and blood pheasant in the area.
Then a steep climb from there will take you to Tengboche. Tengboche village is known for housing the largest monastery in the entire Khumbu region. Upon your arrival, you can drop off your belongings at your tea house then head to the monastery. Tengboche Monastery is known locally as Dawa Choling Gompa. You will be amazed by the gigantic monastery sitting silently with close-up views of Ama Dablam towering in the backdrop. Explore the floors of the buildings filled with paintings, statues, shrines, and the vicinity consisting of stupas, mani walls, and prayer wheels. It is a clear depiction of the Buddhist religion and the Sherpa heritage.
Overnight stay in Tengboche.
DAY 8
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft) – 5 to 6 hours (10km) trek
Leaving behind Tengboche, you will take a hike to Dingboche. As you head further, the weather gets colder, so stack up on some warm clothes. You will pass a small nunnery of Milingo then cross the route to the Imja Khola gorge. You will come across a lot of mountain goats/rams along the way. Views of Ama Dablam proceed throughout the trail.
After about two hours from Tengboche, you will reach Pangboche village, where you can have lunch. The village is the starting point for the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek or climbing the peak. While you are there, you need to visit the famous Pangboche monastery, the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region.
Then following the Lobuche river in the Imja Khola valley, you will trek through an easy sloppy trail towards Shomare village. It is the last village before Dingboche. Continue your hike by crossing another river towards Dingboche. Head to your tea house and get settled. Dingboche altitude is 4,410m/14,469ft, so the weather is freezing. You can drink some warm butter tea or milk tea while chatting with the locals and other tourists in the common dining hall.
Overnight stay in Dingboche.
DAY 9
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m/16,109ft) – 5 to 6 hours (8km) trek
Trek begins after breakfast towards Lobuche. You will climb the foot of the Khumbu glacier. It is located on the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge and is regarded as the highest glacier globally and the largest glacier in Nepal. You will reach Dugla village, where you will stop for lunch.
Steadily you will take a steep climb to Thukla Pass. It is a challenging climb to the pass decorated with colorful prayer flags and memorial stupas built in honor of the mountaineers who lost their lives in the Everest expedition. Among the tombstones is one dedicated to the ill-fated 1996 climbers based on the movie ‘Everest.’ Along the way, the Lobuche peak comes into focus.
The icy southern wind blows right at your face at times, making the trek even more adventurous. Clouds and mist hover around you during the day. In a while, you will reach Lobuche. Lobuche is a small Sherpa settlement that is busy most times because of the inflow of tourists and is a central stopping point for Everest expeditions and trek.
Overnight stay in Lobuche.
DAY 10
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m/16,864ft) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – 7 to 8 hours (12km) trek
Finally, the most awaited day of the entire trek is here as you will be heading to Everest Base Camp! Early in the morning, even before dawn, you will make way to Gorak Shep. Earlier in the 1952 Swiss Expedition, Gork Shep was used as the original base camp; however, later, it was moved a little closer to Everest. Take small steps and do not rush to reach the destination. As the oxygen level drops, you need to be mindful of keeping yourself calm. Your guide will undoubtedly assist you. Reaching Gorak Shep, you will head to a teahouse and keep your stuff there.
Then you will continue your hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft), which is an hour and a half away. The trail passed by some rugged terrain with loose stones, gravel, and icy slopes. However, the views will keep you awe-struck. In a short while, you will have reached Everest Base Camp! All the tiredness vanishes away as you are welcomed by the views of the amazing 8,000m mountains surrounding the base camp. The top of Mt. Everest, however, can not be seen from the Base camp. Views of the Khumbu glacier and Khumbu Icefall are visible, one of the best views and experiences you might have ever had.
After enjoying the views, you will retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep. The descent is trickier as the trial can be slippery; watch your step while walking through the slopes. Upon reaching the tea house, have a hot cup of coffee and tuck yourself in heaps of clothing and a blanket.
Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.
DAY 11
Hike from to Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,209ft) then Trek to Pheriche (4,240m/13,980ft) – 6 to 7 hours (12km) trek
Early in the morning, you will take a hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of this trek. As the top of Everest is not seen from its base camp, you will be heading to Kala Patthar. It is a notable landmark in the Khumbu region. Tourists don’t leave without having a glimpse of the views of this vantage point. Kala Patthar is translated to ‘black rock.’ It is a ridge on the south of Pumori peak just above Gorakh Shep.
At the height of 5,550m/18,209ft, the view of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848.86m/29,031.7ft), is visible. It seems almost dreamy to see the 360 degrees view of the surrounding gigantic mountains. Everest, Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864 ft), Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Changtse (7,543m/24,747ft), Pumori (7,161m/23,494ft) are just some of the numerous mountains seen from this point, indeed a major highlight of your trek.
After the amazing time in Kala Patthar and tons of videos and photos later, you will head back to Gorak Shep. From there, gather your belongings and head to Pheriche. It is easier to take a downhill hike. The altitude sees a drop making it easier for you to walk as well. Pheriche is a farming village that grows potatoes and buckwheat. You will also witness many yaks. There are a couple of lodges here, as many trekkers stay the night after their EBC trek.
Overnight stay at Pheriche.
DAY 12
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) – 7 to 8 hours (19km) trek
From Pheriche, the trail follows the Imja river towards Tengboche. Views of Ama Dablam, Cho You, and Mt. Everest will continue to be visible throughout the trek. After having your lunch, continue to hike towards Namche Bazaar. There is a drop in altitude, making it easier to walk. In a short while, you will reach Namche.
The local sherpa settlement has a lot to offer. As you might not have had the chance to take a shower for many days in the higher area, you can take a hot shower at your tea house. Furthermore, if you crave some coffee or sweet bakery item, you can visit the cafe or bakery. Enjoy the luxury after many days of eating local food.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
DAY 13
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla and private helicopter flight to Kathmandu (2,840m/9,318ft) – 6 to 7 hours (18.5km) trek
After having breakfast at Namche, you will bid farewell to the lovely locals then head on to Lukla. Trek follows the Dudh Koshi river valley passing by Jorsale village. Further, hike to Phakding village bidding farewell to the views of Mt. Everest for the last time. Passing by stone houses, you will reach Pasang Lhamu Memorial gate signifying the entrance to Lukla.
We have food and fly directly by private helicopter to Katmandu to our hotel.
In the evening, you can head out to the streets of Thamel and shop for souvenirs like pashmina shawls, Dhaka clothing, arts and crafts, thangka painting, and more. At night, you can enjoy authentic Nepali meals or any other cuisine at a restaurant and dance the night away with your Nepalese friends.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 14
Final Departure from Kathmandu
Jason Black Mountaineering will drop you off at Kathmandu International Airport after breakfast. With a heavy heart, we bid farewell as you board on a flight for homeward return.
- Merino wool Underwear (2-3 pair): cotton smell
- 1 x Lightweight Long leg Base Layer.
- 2x long sleeve base layer merino wool doesn’t smell
- 2x Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt or T-shirt for low down on the trail.
- 1x Trekking shorts for low down on trail.
- 1x Soft Shell or hoodie or fleece top to be worn over other layers
- 1x Lightweight walking Pants
- 1 x Heavyweight walking Pants (higherup)
- 1x Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable
- 1x Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable
- 1x Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
- 1x Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
- 2x Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun and high winds
- 1x Lightweight Base Layer Gloves: for wearing on cool morning starts.
- 1x heavier ski Gloves: to wear for cold days, Cold nights or days with high winds
- Comfortable Wool or Synthetic hiking Socks (3 pairs)
- Hiking Boots/Shoes: comfortable boots or shoes for the trek to base camp.
- crocs style footwear for wearing in lodges with good thick warm socks
- Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -4°F
- Pillow case to put over the pillow supplied in the tea houses.
- Earplugs (A must if a light sleeper)
- Trekking Backpack: to carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light 40ltrs.
- Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc., in your pack/duffels
- A few strong trash/Black Bag: to line backpack.
- Trekking Poles adjustable
- Headlamp: with 2/3 extra sets of new batteries or can charge each night in tea houses
- Large 120L Duffel Bags with Locks for porters to carry each day transporting your gear head
- 2 sets of Travel Clothes, for days while back in kathmandu
- Wait and do your currency exchange (in kathmandu) to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and villages
- Water Bottles (2): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity (easy buy in KMD)
- Water Treatment (optional): UV-based or tablets
- Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
- Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
- Toiletry Bag: include small towel, toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Pee bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night (personally a must, to avoid cold night walk to outdoor toilet)
- Female Urination Device (FUD)
- Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, cough drops, etc.
- Medications and Prescriptions: bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox and dexamethasone
- Country-appropriate plug adapters to charge phone camera etc.
- Camera: bring charger, and memory cards.
- books, iPad or Kindle
There’s no limit on our adventures, as long as participants are healthy and willing! We have had families with kids as young as 7 years do the Everest Base Camp Trek and our eldest trekkers have been in their late 70s. We generally suggest that families schedule a private trek and schedule a few extra days. Don’t hesitate to ask us about arrangements.
We get a lot of first time trekkers in our groups so even if you don’t have experience you will be in good company. Your fitness level should be such that your comfortable walking all day. Previous, hiking or trekking experience is always a plus.
Generally, most places in Kathmandu do take credit cards however on the trek its cash. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and you can get a good exchange rate withdrawing rupees.
Our trekking packages are pretty much all inclusive from the time you arrive in Nepal, except accommodation and meals in kathmandu. We generally suggest you plan on about 300 or 400 euro for extra expenses including tips. Other expenses include items such as: Your Nepal Visa, Phone sim card, extra snacks and charging electrical devices at tea houses along the way.
We can arrange extra hotel nights for you in Kathmandu before or after the trek at additional cost. Please let us know before you arrive in Nepal so we can make the arrangements as required.
Trekking in the Everest Region is challenging but leisurely, but comfortable with good fitness from training and determination.
We’re here to enjoy ourselves take in the surrounding its not a race.
The trek consists of 5 to 8 hours of walking a day. In general, we start trekking around 9 am after breakfast and reach the destination for the day around 4 pm.
We encourage everyone in the group to keep a slow pace at our pre-trek briefings. It’s about enjoying the mountains and not a race to the next tea house. The head guide will normally stay at the back of the group with the slowest trekkers.
Generally, we recommend a day pack of about 40 L, or roughly the size of a school backpack to hold your extra layers as well as essentials for the day.
The main limitation on the weight is the luggage limit on the flight to and from Lukla which is 10kg (22lbs) and another 5kg (11lbs) for a carry-on for a total of 15Kg or 33lbs.
Make sure to keep all of the items in your carry on during the flight. You don’t want to be without important documents or medication if your luggage is delayed for some reason. You should carry these in your day pack on the trek as well.
Yes, you can leave any luggage at the hotel during the trek.
Yes, either myself or our airport representative will be there to greet you as you step out of the airport. Please look for our driver with a Jason black adventures signboard.
Most guests are eligible to get a visa on arrival at the airport and it takes between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the rush. Guests are responsible to check and verify all visa requirements before arriving, and that includes your current Covid vaccine card. (you will not get in if not vaccinated). Your passport needs to have at least 6 months validity on the date you are entering Nepal. Check this as soon as you book your trek.
We use tea houses for lodging on all of our treks. This is probably the most popular style of trekking and simply involves going from teahouse to teahouse. Teahouses are essentially small hotels found in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers per/room. Bring your own pillow case and sleeping bag. Bathrooms are shared as well and in the Everest region they usually have running cold water and western style toilets.
Food on an Everest Base Camp trek is very good quality, a mixture of local Nepali / Sherpa food and western recipes. Omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, pizza or chow mein.Burgers and chips are a common meal, as is dal bhat with rice. You will find everything from fresh pastries to beer, stir fries to deep fried Mars bars available in the lodges and shops. And there are many shops selling all types of drinks and snacks, sweets and chocolate. The biggest challenge will be avoiding all the unhealthy foods and sticking to a simple diet of rice and dal!
This is not a problem and in fact we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
They have electricity at the tea houses in the common areas. They do charge an extra fee of $1 to $4 an hour for charging.
Some of the lower elevation tea houses offer wi-fi for an extra charge of $3 to $10. Another option is to get a Nepalese SIM card in Kathmandu for both internet and calls. Even if you have a SIM card data use is mainly limited to lower elevation tea houses.
Most of the tea houses have western style flush toilets and cold running water. In almost all cases the bathrooms are shared and not attached to the individual rooms. Some of the higher elevation tea houses have the Asian style toilets which consists of a ceramic basin on the ground.
Most of the time you can use the bathrooms in one of the tea houses or lodges, but if it’s urgent you can go off the trail and find some privacy.
It’s always a good idea to take toilet paper in your day pack. I use kleenex tissues small and compact.
The best way to avoid problems with altitude is to ascend slowly and all of my Everest treks are designed to average about 300m or 1000ft a day in elevation gain which helps to minimize any elevation problems and is the rate recommend by high altitude doctors. Jason Black is a high altitude expert experienced at recognizing symptoms related to AMD and carries a pulse oximeter and will monitor your blood oxygen level on a regular basis.
We take all possible precautions to proactively ensure the safety and wellness of our trekkers, but rest assured that our guides are trained and experienced in dealing with emergencies. If necessary, your guide will utilise your travel insurance information to call a rescue helicopter, and you will be flown to Kathmandu for medical attention.
All of our guides are certified wilderness first aiders and also have an international WAFA certification. Wilderness Advanced First Aid is comprehensive medical training designed for remote professionals or wilderness leaders who venture into remote and challenging environments. Our guides are all equipped with pulse oximeters and in addition to keeping a close watch of your condition they will take daily readings of your blood oxygen saturation levels. In addition our guides carry a basic first aid kit and have a mobile phone. In an emergency situation the guide will coordinate rescue efforts with the office in Kathmandu where our team is available 24/7.
Comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes or boots are a must. Look for shoes with ankle support, and ideally your footwear will have Gore-Tex or similar lining, along with thick soles. This will ensure that your feet stay warm and dry, and that you are comfortable walking on rocky paths. It’s always best to break your boots in before you arrive and make sure they are comfortable. If you start to get a blister it’s best to stop immediately and cover it with duct tape or moleskin.
All of the water in Nepal needs to be treated before drinking. If you want to avoid treating the water you can buy bottled water on the trek or in Kathmandu. Whether trekking or in Kathmandu its best to avoid uncooked vegetables. To be on the safe side make sure all your meals are cooked and avoid meat on the mountain.
We strictly follow the nepalese government health guidelines and vaccine entry advice. We generally recommend the standard vaccinations as per the CDC (See link). If you have any pre-existing medical conditions please let us know at the time of making the deposit.
Tipping is customary and always appreciated in Nepal and on our treks. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the team’s hard work and devoted attention to your happiness. A personal $100 is a sufficient tip.
Our treks are all-inclusive and cover accommodation, food, park fees, permits, and many other costs, as a means of making your adventure as stress-free and convenient as possible.. Travelers generally bring a small amount of pocket money to cover bottled water, snacks, or tea beyond your included meals, souvenirs, tips, or donations to monasteries along the route (if you are inclined to give one). Trekkers find that around $15 to $20 USD a day is reasonable for these extras although if your on a tight budget you can get by with less.
It’s sometimes the case that trekkers finish ahead of schedule or they end up stopping the trek early for health or personal reasons. If this is the case please understand that we do not offer any refunds for unused days on the trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.
Jason runs small number unique trekking groups. He never shares personal data but we can give you a general idea on nationalities, sex and approximate age ranges, if you contact us directly.
Your smile and an open mind and an open heart.
Do i need Travel Insurance
On any trip it is MANDATORY to take out travel insurance appropriate to the countries you are visiting and what you will be doing when you get there. It is important to take out your policy as soon after booking your trip as possible. If you need to cancel for a legitimate reason then your trip costs and flight costs will be covered.
Our recomended Insurance provider is
https://www.trailfinders.ie/insurance#/
Single trip – world wide excluding north America.
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers trekking as an activity up to the trek max altitude. Some policies require that you pay for evacuation up front and will reimburse you when you get home and submit the documents. Evacuation can cost up to €5000 so make sure that your policy will actually pay for any expenses while you are travelling. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
It does not happen often but if you are evacuated and want to make an insurance claim its mandatory to get a hospital report in the country as soon you get off the mountain. Often, trekkers with altitude sickness feel better once they get to a lower elevation, but it’s important to get the proper medical documentation for claims. The hospital will charge you a fee of $150 for the medical report required by your insurance. You are responsible for any evacuation or medical bills that are incurred. Most insurance companies will cover these costs for you before you leave the country, but some will want you to pay all costs out of pocket and then reimburse you. We suggest that you check your insurance policy and ensure that they will cover all costs upfront in the event of an evacuation.
We allways encourage you to know what your insured for and check specifics before you arrive.
Measure twice cut one.
Jason Black
Do i need a visa
You will need to check if you require a Visa to enter the country of the trip. Please ensure you do this immediatley as it generally can be a lenthly process.
Google the visa requirements required on the internet. If you have any diffictult reach out to Jason for advice.
When do i book my flights
Once you have booked your trip you can book your flights to coinside with the arrival and departure date’s required for the expedition.
Check in with Jason on exact arrival and departure dates.