Extreme temperature variations, high altitude, snow glare & proximity to sun are certain factors which necessitate the need for proper mountaineering equipment. In order to enjoy your experience in the mountains, we have recommended that you carry the following with you.
Note: If you are unable to procure any of the mentioned items, then suitable arrangements will be made so that the same can be either bought or rented in Kathmandu based upon actuals.
This trek into the Everest region is strenuous but does not require any previous trekking, mountaineering or technical climbing experience; only that you be in good physical conditioning. The trek requires you to be able to hike for 4-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack for 11 days. Good cardio-vascular conditioning and exercises for muscles that are used to hiking will make your trip much more enjoyable. Our goal is to climb Kala Patthar at 18,700 feet, and walk on broken glacial moraine all the way into Base Camp, at 17,500 feet. You will spend 11 days in a land where life is simple, trails are steep and the air is thin. Begin training today if you want to make the most from this trip.
Your itinerary starts from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We receive you at the Kathmandu International Airport and transfer you to your hotel located in Thamel, the tourist district of the city. You spend this day in the city and the next morning take a small aircraft from Kathmandu to Lukla (Duration 30 mins) from where we start trekking. On reaching our destination, we take the downward trail back surrounded by breathtaking views of Nepal from river banks and pine forests to snow caped peaks. We fly back from Lukla to Katmandu, trying to keep an additional day as buffer in case of delays due to bad weather. After a day spent in Kathmandu, we transfer you to the International Airport, which marks the end of your itinerary.
In Kathmandu we will be staying in a 3/4 star Hotel or Guest House in Thamel, Katmandu often referred to as a trekker’s paradise. On the trek we will be staying in a combination of clean and friendly Sherpa Lodges / Tea Houses. This is popularly referred to as a Tea House trek, as opposed to a camping expedition.
No, as the trek does not involve any technical climbs, no special climbing equipment is required. A rucksack (60-70 lts), good pair of trekking shoes, a warm jacket and a pair of thermals are good enough. Also, we will be sending you a comprehensive mail on the list of Items to be carried which will help you pack rucksack better.
There are different ways to be in touch with your Family. You can purchase a local Prepaid SIM Card at the International airport. If you have a Mobile with International Roaming on it, your Phone will work till Day 3 of the trek so you can easily be in touch with your Family. Post which, most of the tea Houses we stay in have the facility of an ISD Phone and the Internet. You can call your family every day or E-mail them during the course of the trek. Although the prices for these facilities may vary from a minimum of 100 Nepali rupees to 500 Nepali rupees per minute.
You will notice in the Itinerary that there are 2 exclusive days for acclimatization at Namche & Dingboche (11,400 feet & 14,200 feet). These are rest days to allow our bodies to adapt to the High Altitude.
The Meals are freshly prepared in the Tea Houses that we stay in. Typical Days Meals – • Breakfast – Porridge, Two eggs, toast with jam or Butter and Hot tea/coffee/ Chocolate.
• Lunch – Rice with Lentils & Vegetables commonly known as Dal Bhat Tarkari, Choice of Fried Rice or Noodles.
• Dinner – Choice of Soup, Mashed potatoes, Choice of Noodles/fried Rice and Hot Drinks.
Yes there are hot water showers available on most of these tea houses that we would be staying in. You can avail of these facilities at an average rate of 300 Nepali rupees for a 10 minute shower. But usually after the 3rd/4th Day, you yourself would want to avoid it because of dropping temperatures and biting cold outside.
Adventure Pulse requires each of its clients to provide a medical fitness document before joining the group. Our crew is well qualified for any First-Aid procedures if required on the way. In addition a comprehensive Medical & first Aid kit is carried at all times. There are Medical stations available en-route in case of an emergency and also Helicopter evacuation procedures are available on actuals. When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust and to avoid any such situations, we have added acclimatization and rest days in the itinerary. Personal Adventure Travel Insurance can also be purchased, which includes helicopter evacuation in case of a medical emergency.
You will be woken in the morning by 5:45 to 6:00 am. Breakfast and hot beverage would usually be served in the dining room of the tea house by 6:30 am. Before breakfast you pack your gear into your duffel bags or rucksacks which are then taken by the porters and will not usually be available to you until the next teahouse that afternoon. We are usually on the trail between 7.00 am and 7.30 am to avoid the heat of the noon and to reach our destination by lunch time. Following a good morning's walk, we stop for tea at around 11 am. This is usually a 30 – 60 minute break to allow for the trekkers to relax and catch their breath. The subsequent walk is generally a little shorter and next destination is usually reached by around 2 pm to 3 pm. Once we have our next destination, tea is served. Washing water is available to wash at the end of the trek day, but it will be cold. Until dinner, there is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with the crew and local people. Dinner is usually served around 6 pm to 7 pm. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining in some singing and dancing with the local people, it is always a special time.
Weather is very un-predictable, especially in high-altitude and can change within minutes. In case we encounter bad weather, we have kept 2 buffer days in the itinerary which would help us complete the trek. In case the weather remains unfavourable and the Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flights are delayed beyond two days, a helicopter can be chartered, at an extra cost to be borne by the trekkers, in order to reach the destination. Please note – this is optional and if exercised will have to be paid for by the clients.