What is the Best Season for trekking?
Trekking is possible throughout the year in Nepal. The ideal seasons for trekking in the Himalayas like the Everest region, Annapurna region, Manaslu region, and Langtang region are Spring (March to early May) and Autumn (September to November) season. Trekking in peak season offers a majestic view of skyrocketing mountains along with a lush green forest. The winter and summer seasons cover the view of snow-clad mountains with fog and clouds.
WHO CAN GO?
Are there any age limits for Himalayan trekking?
No, there are no age limits for Himalayan trekking as long as you are healthy and enthusiastic. We have completed the journey with a kind as young as 7 years under the guidance of their parents and the oldest trekkers were in their late 70s. If you are planning on trekking with your family members, donot hesitate to schedule a private trek and inform us about the required arrangement.
Is previous trekking experience really necessary?
We have trekked with many first-time trekkers who have easily completed the trek to the lap of the Himalayas. If you are comfortable walking all day, then you can easily complete this trek. It will be a plus point for you if you have previous hiking experience.
Are solo female travelers safe on Himalayan treks?
Yes, solo female travelers are safe when traveling under our guidance of us. While ensuring safety we only book the hotels and lodges which we frequently visit and have a good connection with them. Likewise, we walk in small groups and assign guides for respective groups that are mindful of your safety and basic needs.
PAYMENTS & EXTRA COSTS
When I pay the remainder of the money on arrival in Kathmandu, how do you take that money? US cash or credit card?
We accept all currencies and offer credit card services as well. If you are paying the money via credit card, we charge a 13 % fee for credit card payment as a foreign transaction fee.
Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?
In Nepal, credit cards are of limited use. Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley offer a huge range of ATM services. You can withdraw your money by exchanging it and they charge $5 US as a service fee along with an additional charge. You can withdraw NRS 25,000 ($215 US approx) from the ATM booth daily.
What extra costs can I expect?
When booking a package with us, we take care of all the costs from the time you land in Nepal. Having extra money is essential as it can be used at times of tipping porters and guides, for Nepal visas, renting essentials like sleeping bags and down jackets, shower facilities, wifi, snacks, and charging electronics during your stay at tea houses and lodges. We suggest you have an extra $300 to $600 for these extra expenses. Sometimes you need funds in case your flight from Lukla gets canceled or you decide to charter a helicopter. Check out the terms of services and extra expenses.
What about extra hotel nights?
If you want to stay extra days in Kathmandu before or after the trek, we can easily arrange the hotel rooms for you but you have to inform us before you arrive in Nepal.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
How difficult is trekking?
Trekking is quite challenging in the Everest region due to its adverse climatic conditions, rough terrain, and high altitude. With appropriate training and determination, one can easily complete this trek but you must be able to walk 5 to 8 hours a day. Usually, trekking starts at 8 am and we conclude it by reaching the destination of the day at 4 pm.
How fast do you go on the trek?
We suggest everyone walk at a slow pace while enjoying the views of nature and its beauty. It is a trek not a running competition, so we encourage everyone to live in the moment and enjoy their time with nature. If you are a slow walker do not worry our guide will stay at the back of the group with the slowest trekkers.
What is the Best Fitness Program to Prepare?
We encourage trekkers to do some cardio workouts like running and distance walking for the physical preparation of the trek. Make sure to check the training guide for Everest Base Camp. You will get all the answers to your queries.
What physical criteria will ensure I'm fit enough to trek?
If you are not suffering from any acute or chronic illness that decreases stamina, motion, coordination, or balance, then you are fit for the trek. You can clear your doubt of physical readiness simply by consulting with the physician before booking your trip.
PREPARATION & PACKING
What is the next step once I pay the deposit?
When you pay the deposit for the trip, we need a scan or photo of your passport followed by arrival details so that we can book your flight to Lukla. We also have to buy trekking permits so you must send us them as soon as possible.
What type of insurance should I have? Where can I obtain a policy?
You must have travel insurance for trekking in the remote regions of Nepal. It is mandatory and it’s your responsibility to bring it during the trekking. You need to provide proof of your insurance before arriving for the trek. For more details regarding the insurance click our terms of service.
What should I pack for my trip?
If you have any queries regarding the packing list for trekking in Everest Base Camp, visit the blog with the title of the packing list for Everest Base Camp. The trekking equipment and clothing are also available for rent in Kathmandu.
Do you rent sleeping bags or down jackets?
Yes, our company provides renting of sleeping bags and down jackets. We charge a $20 US rental fee for a -20C sleeping bag and $15 US. We provide it the night before the flight to Lukla.
What about the duffel bag for the porters?
The duffel bag will be provided by our company in Kathmandu. It is necessary to carry your luggage item on the flight and as well as by porters. You must carry a backpack for essential items until you reach the tea houses because most of the time porters get ahead on the trail.
How big should my day pack be?
We recommend you bring a backpack of about 40 L. It must carry all the essentials and extra layers and must be the size of a school backpack.
What about weight limits?
The weight limit of luggage for the domestic flight must be 10kg (22 lbs) for luggage and 5kg (11 lbs) for a carry-on for a total of 15 kg or 33 lbs. It is weighed when you are traveling to Lukla from Kathmandu.
What should I do with passports, medication, and valuables?
Passports, medication, and valuable things must be kept safely on your day back or carry-on during the flight. This will prevent delays in the documentation checking and having it on your day pack during the trek keeps you out of stress.
Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu during the trek?
Yes, you can leave any luggage at the hotel or our office in Kathmandu during the trek.
ARRIVAL & VISAS
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Our company representative will pick you up at the airport. They will be there with our company signboard, Mystic Adventure Holidays. Then, he will transport you to the hotel and help you check in.
Can I get the visa for Nepal on arrival at the airport?
Yes, there is a facility for an arrival visa for some nations only. It will only take 20 to 30 minutes depending on the crowd. You must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity on the date you are entering Nepal. You can learn more about visa fees and other details in Terms of Service-Visas.
What sort of hotel can I expect in Kathmandu?
We offer a 4-star hotel, the Apsara Boutique Hotel for your stay in Kathmandu. It is located in Thamel which is in walking distance from our company.
What about extra hotel nights in Kathmandu?
If you intend on staying nights in Kathmandu, we can arrange an extra night on request. We provide only 2-night accommodation in Kathmandu according to our package and an extra night can be managed by an additional charge. When booking extra accommodation with us, we can manage this arrangement by shifting with no extra cost in case your flights to Lukla get delayed.
ROOM AND BOARD
What kind of accommodation is there on the trek?
The accommodation throughout the trek is either in a lodge or guest house except for the camping trip. Besides this, you need to spend a night in tents in some trekking areas where there is no access to lodges and guest houses.
Is there a possibility of getting separate rooms for the trip? If so how much extra will this cost?
The possibility of getting a separate room on the trip depends on the season you are trekking and the elevation of the trek. If you are traveling in off off-season like winter and monsoon, we can arrange a private room for you but during the peak season, the tea house owner does not give a private room to the guest. Likewise, private rooms are available in higher quantities in lower altitude regions than in higher altitude.
Where will our drinking water come from?
Our package doesn’t include the supply of drinking water. You have to manage drinking water by yourself. The tea houses and lodges offer local water and you can fill it in your water bottle and treat it with a chlorine/iodine tablet or sterile pen. Add this water purifier and wait for 30 minutes to dissolve. You can also buy mineral water throughout the trek in teahouses at $1 US at lower altitudes and it increases up to $4 US at a higher altitude. We encourage you to use water purifiers instead of buying mineral water bottles and promote sustainable tourism.
What kind of meals are offered on the trek?
The three meals will be included in the trekking cost. It depends on your choice whether you want to eat traditional dishes or continental dishes. The traditional dish is Dal Bhat which comes with lentils and vegetable soups while you can choose other options like omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, pizza, or chow mein. We prefer vegetarian dishes on the trekking because meat on the mountain is not hygienic.
Can you accommodate vegetarian or other special diets?
We recommend clients to stick a vegetarian diet as local meat is not refrigerated properly in the higher altitudes. Make sure to inform us about your special diet requirement so that we can manage the menu items at the tea houses.
Can I charge electric devices on the trek?
Yes, you can charge electronic devices on the trek. You need to pay $1 to $4 to charge an electronic in higher altitude areas while it is free in lower altitudes. The charging cost is expensive because there is no electricity outrage in the remote region and they use solar panels to generate electricity.
What type of adapter might I need?
Most of the tea houses have American outlets designed power strips. Bring a common adapter so that you can charge your C or D type of electronic strips for charging.
What about wifi or phone calls?
You can use wifi or phone services by paying an extra dollar to the tea house owners. They charge you $3 to $4 US for using wifi services. You can buy local SIM cards in Kathmandu and enjoy 3G services on the trek without any intervention on phone calls and the Wi-Fi network. You can use your guide's phone for internet and phone calls by paying him at the end of the trek.
What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse?
The tea houses and guest houses at higher altitudes are made in Asian style with a ceramic basin on the ground. The bathrooms are shared and are not attached to the rooms. There is an availability of western-style flush toilets in the lower region.
Where can I use the restroom along the trail?
The tea houses and lodges let you use bathrooms throughout the trek but if you are on the trail where there is no trace of human settlements then you can go off the trail and find some privacy.
Do I need to bring toilet paper for the trek?
Yes, you need to bring toilet paper to the trek. It is expensive if you want to buy a roll of toilet paper during the journey. It may cost around $5 for a roll of tissue paper in higher latitude regions like Gorak Shep.
Is it possible to shower on the trek?
Yes, there is an availability of a shower on the trek. There is an availability of hot showers in the tea houses of a lower altitude while buckets of hot water will be given at a higher altitude. They charge you an extra $3 to $5 for a hot shower.
Is it possible to do laundry on the trek?
Yes, you can do laundry on the trek. We encourage you to bring extra undergarments and clothes and avoid spending time doing the laundry. You should be in touch with nature and avoid any kind of distraction. In some places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, they will wash your clothes for a small fee.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
What about acclimatization and altitude?
The altitude sickness is common in the Everest treks because of its high altitude. We ascend slowly during the day to avoid any problems. We only cover a distance of 300m or 1000ft a day to avoid any sort of altitude problems. Check out our Welcome to Nepal Brochure for a list of symptoms. Our guides are experienced and will recognize your AMD symptoms and treat them accordingly.
What about sun protection?
Trekking to the base of Everest requires long days of walking in the daylight. Your skin is in danger of the harmful UV rays of the sun and its intensity increases on the higher elevation. Applying sunscreen on the exposed portion of your body like the face, hands, neck, and ears is essential. Carry a sunblock with a SPF of more than 50 to protect your skin from sunburn. If you have a prescription for eyeglasses fit your sunglasses with the prescription as well.
What happens if I get sick or injured while trekking?
Our trekking guides and leaders ensure the safety of all the clients throughout the journey. They are trained for medical emergencies and at the time of serious cases they will utilize your travel insurance and call a helicopter to rescue. Then, you will be treated according to the hospital of Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What happens if I have symptoms of altitude sickness on the trek?
Minor symptoms of headaches are common in the Everest Base Camp trekking. If you experience symptoms that make it difficult to continue the trek, then you should rest for several days before joining the next group. In such a case, you need to pay an extra charge for the additional day. Sometimes walking down to a lower elevation also helps to deal with sickness.
If I am sick can I continue the trek the next day after a day of rest?
Yes, you can further continue the trek after resting days in case of sickness. We will place you with the next trekking group and encourage you to take extra time on the trail rather than risk your life for altitude sickness. You need to inform about your condition to your trekking leader and guide. If you have other queries click Terms of Service to clear your doubt.
What safety measures are in place?
Our guide and trekking leader are certified by the Red Cross along with a certificate of international WAFA. They also have a certificate of Wilderness Advanced First Aid training which allows them in remote and challenging environments. They observe your condition with a pulse oximeter and daily reading of blood oxygen saturation levels. The guide will confirm the emergency rescue service according to your health condition.
How cold does it get on the trek?
The temperature of the Everest Base Camp trekking varies according to the season. When starting a trek from Lukla the temperature is warm and trekkers usually wear t-shirts and shorts from March to May and from Septemeber to November. Throughout the year, the nighttime temperature falls below the freezing point even during the warmer months. The temperature drops to -25 Degrees Celsius at night in winter so warm clothes and a good sleeping bag are a must. Click for the packing list of the Everest Base Camp trek.
What sort of footwear is recommended?
Bring a sturdy and comfortable shoes or boots. If you bought a new pair of shoes make sure to break them before wearing them at the time of an actual trekking. Your shoes must support your ankle with a Gore-Tex or similar lining along with the thick soles.
Is the food and water in Nepal safe?
The water available on the journey should be treated before drinking them. You can also buy mineral water if you want to avoid treating them frequently. Avoid eating uncooked vegetables but the meals provided on the trekking lodges and tea houses are safe.
What immunizations will I need?
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.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
What happens if the flight from Lukla or Kathmandu is delayed?
The flights from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu mostly get delayed or canceled due to the bad weather conditions at Lukla Airport. Our 14-day package to the Everest Base Camp trek includes one extra day in case the flight gets canceled. While planning for this trek, we suggest you plan extra days on your holidays, which will be useful in this case. We have a chartered flight option which will cost an additional $500 or more depending on the group size. Likewise, the extra hotel nights and meals in Kathmandu and Lukla are not included if flights get delayed. (Flying to Lukla-What you need to know).
Will I be flying from Ramechhap or Kathmandu to reach Lukla?
As of July 2024, almost all the flights to Lukla have been shifted to the Ramechhap Airport. This is because of construction work and overcrowding at the Kathmandu Airport. Ramechhap is only a 5-hour drive away from Kathmandu. Read our blog: Ramechhap Flights Updates.
Should I tip my guide? How about my porter?
Tipping is not compulsory but you can appreciate your team leader, guide, and porter for their support and guidance. The team's hard work and devotion to your safety can be repaid by tipping roughly 10 % of the cost of the trek divided between the guide and porter.
How much money should I bring along?
Bringing extra money on the trek is useful and necessary. It will be helpful at the time of buying water, snacks, tipping guides and porters, donations in the monasteries, buying handicrafts and souvenirs. Our package includes three times food, accommodation, permits, and transportation services anything except have to be paid by the extra money. You can allocate $15 to $20 US a day for the extra expenses.
Do you have any extra charges for solo travelers?
No, we don't charge any fee for solo travelers who join our group. Our team will inform you about the extra charge to deposit in case you have requested a private trek or different trekking dates.
Can I get a refund if I don't finish the trek?
There is no refund if you don’t finish the trek or finish it ahead of our scheduled time. We have to pay for the guides and porter for the day we have committed so, we charge the same even though you got sick and couldn’t continue further or finish it ahead of our scheduled time.
What is your cancellation policy? How about other terms and conditions?
The change of plan on the dates of the trek is normal and we don’t charge any fee unless you give advance notice. Check our Terms of Service for all the details.
Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
Yes, you can have extra days for the trekking if you have arranged a private trek with us. You must inform us in advance in case you are traveling in a group.
Who else is in my trekking group?
We only share information about the number of people signed up for a group and queries regarding the other trekkers like nationalities, sex, and approximate age ranges. Our policy doesn't allow us to share personal data regarding another member of the group.
I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
If you want to extend your holiday, our ground team in Kathmandu will assist by arranging tours according to your time and days. We also manage out-of-valley tours like 3-day trips to Chitwan for safari.
ON ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
- $30 to USD 50 for Visa Application 15 or 30 Days
ON THE TRAIL DAYPACK
- Extra layers, gloves, windbreaker, and punch
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen
- Broad-brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection) ● Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
- Water Bottles or Camel Back ● Sunglasses
- Headlamp with extra batteries ● Favorite Snacks
- Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Umbrella (works great in light rain or to protect from the sun) ● Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
- Toilet Paper
- Trekking Poles (optional)
- Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
CLOTHING: BASE, MIDDLE AND OUTER LAYERS
- Moisture wicking long sleeve tee-shirts (2)
- Moisture wicking tee-shirts (1)
- Long underwear pants (2)
- Underwear (5 to 7)
- Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket
- Long sleeve shirts (2)
- Sweatshirt (optional)
- Fleece Pants
- Trekking Pants (2)
- Shorts (optional)
- Gortex or Waterproof Jacket with hood
- Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
- Waterproof Pants
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Wool hat (Should cover ears)or Balaclava
- Lightweight Gloves
- Insulated Wool or Down Mittens
- Gaiters (optional)
FOOTWEAR: SHOES AND SOCKS
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
- Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
- Hiking socks (10)
- Sock Liners (optional) SLEEPING BAG
- Sleeping bag rated to -15° C/ 0° f
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Sleeping bag stuff sack
DUFFEL BAGS AND DAY PACKS
- Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
- Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
- Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and a day pack
- Waterproof cover for a daypack
- Drybags in several sizes
- Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
FIRST AID KIT AND TOILETRIES
Our team brings along a basic first aid kit but we recommend you also carry the following;
- Advil or Ibuprofen
- Diamox (for altitude sickness)
- Personal Prescriptions
- Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
- Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
- Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
- Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant...)
- Wet wipes
- Panty Liners and Tampons
- Face lotion
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Hand warmers
- Ear plugs for sleeping
PAPERWORK AND MONEY ON THE TRAIL
- Passport (needed at the entry gate for registration)
- Spending Money
- One Passport Size Photo if trekking in the Annapurna Region (Needed at times for trekking permit). Not needed for Everest Treks.
OTHER ITEMS
- Portable Solar Charger
- Journal, pen, and paper
CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER TREKS IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY
Temperatures can be pleasant during the day in December and January but are often quite cold at night. If you are going during the winter you can essentially use the above packing list but you should make sure you have heavyweight long underwear, insulated trekking pants, a heavy down jacket, insulated socks, wool mittens plus glove liners, and thick warm wool hat.
