Fully Escorted Tour: Local Guide and porters

Hotel Yak & Yeti

Durbar Marg

Kathmandu

Nepal

Tel: +977 1 426 8999

Kathmandu (1310m/4298ft) For those clients that have provided us with their flight arrival details, our airport representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The hotel is 7km from the airport and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Please meet in the hotel foyer at 6.00pm for the pre-departure meeting which will be held at a local restaurant followed by a welcome dinner. The briefing will cover the itinerary and reconfirm flight times and city tour departure time on Day 2.

Kathmandu to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) Breakfast. An early start takes us to Tribhuwan International Airport for the 30-minute flight to Lukla (2804mtrs). On arrival at the airport our guide will brief us and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2610mtrs). 3 hours.

Dingboche to Lobuje (4910m/16109ft) The trek continues, ascending to reach Dugla situated below the snout of the Khumbu Glacier, which will be a convenient place for lunch. The trail starts steeply to climb up beside the glacier moraine, the track eventually leading to a small cluster of tea houses pleasantly situated at Lobuje, after a couple of hours. Today our trek climbs to 4910m. 5:30 hours

Everest Base Camp (5363m/17595ft) and back to Lobuje. Leaving  early we trek up to the Base Camp where many explorers have begun their attempts at scaling the world’s highest mountain. Today we reach our goal by trekking to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5363m. Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and eventually reaches base camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. After appreciating our efforts and photographing the achievement we return to Gorak Shep and after lunch descend  to Lobuje. 7:30 hours

Zongla to Thagna (4500m/14764ft) via the Chola-la cross (5420m/17782ft) We begin the day by climbing to Chola-la (5483m) crossing over and descending once more to Thagna (4500m). 7 hours

Gokyo to Gokyo peak (5410m/17749ft) Our day begins with a steep climb to the top of Gokyo Ri (5483m). Despite the early start all those who attempt this will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views. Overlooking the Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and taking in the panoramic views of the whole Khumbu Himalayas. See the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu (8481m), Cho-oyu (8153m) and Gychung Kang (7922m). Take time to enjoy the views or for the more adventurous explore the glacier and Gokyo peak before returning to the camp early afternoon. 4 hours

Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) Continuing our descent we overnight in Phakding. 5 hours

Lukla to Kathmandu. After breakfast,we will walk about 5 minutes to the airport to catch our return flight to Kathmandu. The planes usually leave early from Lukla and the flight takes 35 minutes. Please note, however, that the flights from Lukla can be subject to delay or sometimes even cancellation due to the weather, and so you are advised not to book your onward flight from Kathmandu on this day. The tour ends on arrival back into Kathmandu.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler.

You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

NB* Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

Your local guide has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. We also recommend you take water purification tablets with you.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Information on Altitude sickness.

Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known
as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical
consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude illness rarely
occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the
oxygen available as at sea level, on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-20 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks, hot and cold drinks and showers whilst trekking etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling, although in Kathmandu most major currencies can be changed into Nepal Rupees. 

US dollars cash are needed to pay for visas on borders

Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable.

It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.

Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning.  In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns.

Some Hotels will also change money.

Whilst treking, Nepal Rupees are essential - small denomiantions are preferable. You will not be able to use or exchange foreign currency whilst trekking.

Pleae note that if you prefer not to purify water using water purification methods, but instead buy bottled water, then this will add to your expenses. particularly whilst trekking. 

How much should I take?

·          Please bring strong walking boots or summer hiking boots, and a day sack for the Nepal Trek. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Be prepared for all weather conditions during the day while walking. 

·          Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kgs. Please note too that there is a 15 kg limit on domestic flights, so please be prepared to leave items not needed for the trek in Kathmandu, or be prepared to pay the excess charge on the flights.

·          A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.

·          A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions, and vital for any trekking. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. Whilst trekking, valuables not needed for the trek can be left at the hotel safe in Kathmandu. All valuables that you decide to take with you on the trek including money, passport, camera, and other documents should be carried by you in your day pack, or in a money belt.

Recommended equipment for trekking:

Head:
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
Upper Body:
* T-shirts (2)
* Light and expedition weight thermal tops
* Fleece jacket or pullover
* Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
* Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
* Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands:
* Lightweight gloves
* Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof   shell outer
Lower Body:
* Underwear (4)
* Hiking shorts (2)
* Lightweight cotton long pants
* Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
* Fleece or wool pants
* Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
* Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
* Hiking boots with spare laces
* Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
* Gaiters
Accessories:
* Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F, plus sleep sheet
* Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
* Basic First Aid Kit
* Water bottles and water purification tablets (Micropur recommended) 
* Walking Poles

* Toiletries

Kumuka provide all trekkers with a kit bag to keep their trek gear and clothing in whilst trekking, which is carried by our porters. We also supply quality down sleeping bags and jackets for use whilst on the trek, which are essential for trekking at such high altitudes.

http://www.kumuka.com/Nepal-Trekking-Information.aspx

Please note that if you choose to borrow a sleeping bag, it is still a good idea to take your own sleep sheet, for use within the sleeping bag.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!                

Trekking Grading: It is difficult to classify as it depends a lot on personal abilities.

Consider the following just as a general guide to our trek grade that should help you prepare for your trip. However, if you still have doubts please contact us for more detailed information. Remember that the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself!

Grade: Moderate to hard.

Trekking in Nepal is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. Some trekking experience is recommended. Acclimatisation days are used and the pace is steady, but you need to be aware of the effects of altitude sickness, as your body needs time to adapt to the high altitudes encountered in Nepal.

We do suggest doing some fitness activity before joining the tour in order to enjoy your holiday more. Regular aerobic exercise for the months prior to the trek is recommended if clients are not already physically fit. Also stair climbing, bush walking and pack carrying is a good idea. However, this walk should be suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility, that is those who normally lead an active life.

Passport Photos: Please ensure that you have at least two spare Passport photos with you in Nepal, as these are needed for your TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Permit. 

The main language in Nepal is Nepali, however Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups speak between 24 and 100 different languages and dialects depending on how fine the distinctions made are between dialects.

The Nepalese are vegetarian and meals usually consist of a dish called ‘dal bhaat tarakari’ which means lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables. Restaurants in tourist areas and on major trekking trails cater to the westerners with varied menus. In Chitwan, your meals will be prepared in the hotel restaurant. Here they serve a variety of meals with Continental, Chinese & Nepalese food.

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for, however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

Please provide us with your flight arrival details so that we can arrange a free transfer to the meeting point hotel.

Please be aware of hawkers at the airport who will try to carry your bags for you and direct you to specific guesthouses. Please carry your own luggage, and do not give money to anyone at the airport. Our Local Representative will be outside the terminal hall, and will be holding a Kumuka sign.

Kumuka Travel Money
The easiest way to buy currency and travellers cheques, without having to leave home.

• Easy to arrange either online or over the phone 
• Great value - no commission, only a straightforward £5 fee 
• Fast delivery direct to your home - next day if you order before 2pm Mon to Fri 
• Choose from over 60 currencies or American Express Travellers Cheques

www.kumuka.com/TravelMoney.aspx (UK customers only)

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

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