Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp
  • Duration: 20 Days
  • Cost: £1,395
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Dates: Sept-May

Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world. The Everest massif as seen from Thyangboche and Kala Pattar is a sight you will never forget, and the hospitality of these tough mountain people will remain with you for a lifetime. This is the traditional trek to view Everest, following the historic trail and travelling in true expedition style. Whilst the trek is camping based, we stay in simple hotels in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. Our partner organisation has exclusive arrangements with these hotels to ensure you receive the same high levels of hygiene and food quality you will experience during the camping sections

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning views of Mount Everest
  • Sherpa Culture
  • Market day in Namche Bazaar
  • Thyangboche Monastery
  • Fully supported camping trek
  • Climb Kala Pattar
  • Visit Everest Base Camp
  • Ample acclimatisation days built in
  • Himalayan Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath

Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1 Join Kathmandu
DAY 2 In Kathmandu
DAY 3 Fly Lukla, commence trek
DAY 4 Trek to Monjo
DAY 5 To Namche Bazaar
DAY 6 Namche, rest day
DAY 7 To Thyangboche
DAY 8 To Dingboche
DAY 9 Rest day Dingboche
DAY 10 To Lobuche
DAY 11 To Gorak Shep
DAY 12 To Base Camp
DAY 13 To Orsho
DAY 14 To Deboche
DAY 15 To Khumjung
DAY 16 To Monjo
DAY 17 To Lukla
DAY 18 Fly Kathmandu
DAY 19 In Kathmandu
DAY 20 Trip concludes in Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket.
Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

Day 2: Full day Sightseeing Tour

Today a sightseeing tour has been arranged taking in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. The full day sightseeing is optional, and you may chose to take the half day option, leaving time in the afternoon to explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance – Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. (B)

Day 3: Fly Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours

We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our first overnight stop at our campsite at Ghat. (B,L,D)

Day 4: To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named “Dudh” (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today’s walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. Our own gear will most likely be carried by yak, or more correctly dzopko, a yak-cow crossbreed, A yak is a full-blood long-haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor.
We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription “Om Mani Padme Hum” which translates to “Hail to the jewel in the lotus”, and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike.
Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice.
The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today’s walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy every step of the way. It is the journey, not the final destination that is important.
(B,L,D)

Day 5: To Namche Bazaar (3440m). Walk approx 3-4 hours.

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagarmatha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for their personal use.
We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa “capital” of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader’s stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Our accommodation will be at Sherwi Khangba, a delightful Sherpa Hotel above Namche village. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Rest day Namche Bazaar

Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs.
Those who are fit and acclimatising well may wish to take the optional morning walk to the Everest View Hotel where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen.

Day 7: To Thyangboche (3870m). Walk approx 5-6 hours

The walk to Thyangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead before we descend through splendid rhododendron forests for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through pine and rhododendron forest, and, as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife is unharmed and not too shy. As a result there is a possibility that we may see Hog Deer and other animals in the forest and around our campsite. As we approach the ridgeline we pass through a traditional gateway and around a chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the monastery village of Thyangboche. The monastery was recently re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire. The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding and, if we are lucky, we will see the glowing colour of the sunset, and perhaps even the moonlight on the mountains around us. (B,L,D)

Day 8: To Dingboche (4360m)

The early morning mountain views from the monastery are outstanding. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Tawatse on one side, and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360-degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. From Thyangboche we head down to cross the Imja Khola before an easy climb along a wide, open trail to the small village of Pangboche (3901m). We may take a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa – the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, said to be over 300 years old. The views of Ama Dablam, one of the Himalaya’s most stunning peaks, are spectacular. Continuing on, we cross the river again and trek up to Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Rest day in Dingboche

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chukung Village. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189 m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. (B,L,D)

Day 10: To Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx 6 hours

We are gaining altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. The slopes are quite barren now as we have moved above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest. The temperatures drop here as we are more exposed with our camp situated amongst this glacial moraine. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse.(B,L,D)

Day 11: To Gorak Shep (5288m) and Kala Pattar (5545m). Walk approx 5 hours

We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers of the world’s highest peaks. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this campsite is spectacular. Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m) surround our camp. Following our arrival at Gorak Shep we have an early lunch before ascending Kala Pattar. Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to “black rock”. From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall and
Western Cwm. We can see the area where expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorak Shep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out, is particularly beautiful. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning. (B,L,D)

Day 12: To Base Camp (5545 m). Walk approx 7 hours.

By camping at Gorak Shep we can get an early start and the extra day of acclimatisation we have had by staying here will be invaluable on the walk to Base Camp. Although it has undoubtedly been a cold night we have time to comfortably ascend to the historic site and enjoy it to the fullest. Return to Gorak Shep. (B,L,D)

Day 13: To Orsho (4095m). Walk approx 6 hours

Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout and drop steeply onto the old moraine. We reach the site of a row of cairns to climbers who died in the mountains, before we continue to the small settlement at Tugla. Our path is along the old valley floor through the village of Pheriche. Our campsite today is at Orsho, about 2 hours below Dingboche and the views are superb. (B,L,D)
Note: Winter departures may be varied to take account of the colder temperatures and reduced daylight hours. Therefore on Day 11, groups will have a later start and rest at Gorek Shep. Day 12 to base camp as scheduled and on Day 13, morning ascent of Kala Pattar then continue down to Orsho.
Day 14: To Deboche (3750m). Walk approx 6 hours
There can be a tendency now to rush, particularly as we are walking downhill, but there is still much to see. We descend to Pangboche and visit its historic old monastery, thought to be the oldest in the Khumbu. After lunch we continue to Deboche and our overnight camp. (B,L,D)

Day 15: To Khumjung (3780m). Walk approx 3-4 hours.

There are excellent mountain views as we follow the trail as it traverses high above the river and drops to the fields at the village of Portse and then descends to cross the Dudh Kosi at Portse Tenga. A short but steep climb is taken in our stride as we are now very fit and acclimatisation is not an issue. We crest the ridge at a chorten draped in prayer flags and traverse towards the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. It is a morning’s walk, with time to explore these unique and more traditional villages. As we near them we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly coloured pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds”, and the famed Khunde hospital is close by. World Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated by the Himalayan Trust. There will generally be an opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school, as well as the monastery at Khumjung where we may see the “scalp of a yeti”. (B,L,D)

Day 16: To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4 hours.

Nearby on a hilltop, with views of the mountains, is the Everest View Hotel, where you can stop for refreshments before passing through the yak breeding farm and descending to Namche. After a break we continue down through the forest to the valley floor to follow the Dudh Kosi downhill and out of the national park to our camp at the small settlement of Monjo. (B,L,D)

Day 17: To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 5 hours.

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. There is usually lots of music, dancing and singing and if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our Nepali chefs are renowned for. (B,L,D)

Day 18: To Kathmandu by air (1330m)

This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 19: Day at leisure in Kathmandu

There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and we recommend you spend this day wandering the town. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath are absolute musts. Our W.E. staff can arrange a guide and/or transport should you wish, or you can head off armed with a map and let the day unfold. (B)

Day 20: Trip concludes Kathmandu

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures. (B)

Note: The above route and estimated times must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail conditions or other reasons. Our guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with our Nepali crew and the group members.

Dates & Prices

Date Prices Book
01 Sep - 31 May 2012 £1,395 How to book
01 Sep - 31 May 2011 £1,395 How to book

How to book

For more information about this trip or to book your place please email trailblazers@rockuk.org or call us on 0844 8000 222.

Photos

image of everest everest circuit everest base camp

Important Information

Your trip cost includes:

  • 19 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 15 dinners
  • Hotel accommodation at the Radisson in Kathmandu on a twin share basis with breakfast for the nights listed in the trip itinerary
  • Accommodation on a twin share basis in selected mountain lodges (Lukla & Namche) or in tents
  • English speaking local guide
  • Welcome drinks in Kathmandu
  • All internal transport by private bus, jeep or car
  • Internal flights to Lukla and return
  • All group airport transfers
  • Gear package including kit bag (yours to keep), sleeping bag and liner, sleeping mat and down or fibre filled jacket on trek
  • All group camping gear
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • Emergency medical kit
  • Porters to carry all personal and group equipment Porter’s insurance
  • Group leader, sirdar, guides and kitchen staff
  • Pre-departure Information Guide, with all you need to know for your trek.

No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.

Your trip cost does not include:

  • International flights
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes.
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Fast Facts

  • Visas required
  • Vaccinations required
  • This trek has been operating since 1975
  • Group size – Min 4, Max 16
  • Private group options are available
  • A single supplement is available
  • Experienced, English speaking local leader
  • Specialist gear required – walking boots, day pack, waterproof jacket(a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

Mountain Flights

Twin Otter is the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla. This service is fairly dependable, however in case the flights are cancelled due to mountain weather conditions, World Expeditions will charter a helicopter to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight connections. The helicopters can fly if the visibility is 1500m, while the Twin Otter can fly if the visibility is 5000m as per the Civil Aviation Rules.
The cost of the helicopter is payable directly to our Kathmandu office in the event that this service is utilised. US cash, travellers cheques, or credit cards (Visa Cards, American Express only) are accepted. You will be given a receipt upon payment so that you may claim the amount from your travel insurance. The minimum cost will be US$250 and maximum US$1000 depending on the number of group members.

A Typical Trekking Day

You will be woken with a cup of tea brought to your tent between 6 am and 7 am, followed by a small bowl of warm water for washing. Before breakfast you pack your gear into your kit bag which is then taken by the porters and will not usually be available to you until camp that afternoon. We are usually on the trail between 7.30 am and 8.30 am. Following a good morning’s walk, we stop for lunch at around 11 am. Lunch is usually a 2 hour break to allow for the trekker’s meal followed by the crew meal. This break also enables you to do your washing in the warmest part of the day, catch up on your diary, read or rest. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 3 pm to 4 pm. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set up afternoon tea is served. Washing water is again provided to enable you to wash at the end of the trek day. 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. Remember to bring your torch and water bottle to the mess tent so it can be filled with boiling water. It then makes a great hot water bottle. 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.
All camp chores are done for you, leaving you free to use your time to the fullest. You carry only a light day pack as your gear is carried by yaks or porters.

What you carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rain jacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters carry all group gear and your trek pack.

Trip Grading & Physical Fitness

On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 metres. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains.
To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least four to five months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you will cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and continuity are.

Acute Mountain Sickness

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 World Expeditions has structured its treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms.

  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Loss of appetite/nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Palpitation
  • Swelling of the hands and face

Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend.
Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.

Country Information

Nepal is known for its beautiful and dramatic scenery. Avid walkers and non-walkers alike are drawn to its mountains and foothills to view the Himalaya and the world’s highest peaks. Many also discover the beauty of the forests and the enjoyment of time spent as a self-sufficient expedition, far from the rush of the modern world and in the delightful company of the Sherpa people who act as our guides and porters, as they tend to our needs and ensure that we are comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough.
There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Nepal’s population of around 20 million people is a blend of Hindu, Buddhist and animist religion. Nepal is a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups and languages. It is remarkable that in a country of this size there are over 30 different ethnic groups, with at least as many languages. One million people live in the Kathmandu Valley, but at least ninety percent of the population lives in the rural
areas of the lower and middle hills of the Himalayan Range. Nepal has a predominantly simple rural society and a trek in the foothills of the Himalaya is a strong cultural experience as we spend time with our crew and meet local village people.

The Democratic Republic of Nepal

On the 28th May 2008, the constituent assembly voted in overwhelming favour of abolishing the Monarchy in Nepal. Nepal has been proclaimed a “Federal Republic State” to be known as the “Democratic Republic of Nepal”. This historic development followed the first elections held since 1999 after a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Maoists was signed in November 2006, putting an end to 10 years of instability in the Kingdom. The Maoist party won the largest share of votes in the elections at approx. 35%, and now form the largest part of the constituent assembly. The announcement of the abolishment of the Monarchy also brought an end to 240 years of Royal rule in the country.
Today the general feeling amongst Nepalis is a positive one, and many believe that Nepal is now finally moving forward with a new identity as a democratic nation and a fresh outlook.

Climate

Our trekking season extends from mid-September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25 deg C at low altitude and nights can drop to below -5 deg C at higher altitudes.
Weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable at any time of year. It is essential to be prepared for all conditions as freak storms and unseasonal temperatures can occur.

Porter Initiatives

Our partner organisation are the only company in Nepal with a policy of providing mess tents, cooking equipment, clothing, food and kerosene to our porters. Naturally these initiatives come at a cost that you could avoid by travelling with another trekking company. We hope you will share our vision of protecting Nepal’s fragile environment for future generations.
Our partner organisation was also the first trekking company to support the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG). IPPG sets guidelines for trekking companies and trekkers, aimed at fostering the well-being of mountain porters, including providing them with adequate clothing, medical care and sufficient funds to cover the cost of rescue and treatment. Our close association with the IPPG is part of our ongoing commitment to improving conditions for our porters and lessening the impact of trekking on the fragile environment of Nepal.

Protecting Nepal’s Forests

Deforestation is Nepal’s greatest environmental problem and our partner organisation pioneered the use of kerosene as an alternative fuel to wood on all expeditions. We do not have camp fires and we strongly discourage trekkers from buying wood-fuelled hot showers that they may encounter along the way. We do not use wood for cooking or heating water whilst in lodges but use kerosene stoves that we carry with us.
We also carry our own food supplies in order to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and meal quality, and do not deplete local resources.

Environmental Considerations & Responsible Travel

Nepal’s environment is extremely fragile. The rapidly increasing population puts immeasurable pressure on the country’s environment and resources and it is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence.
By joining a trek with us you are supporting a sustainable trekking service, rather than depleting natural resources. Camping, rather than staying in tea houses, ensures we can fulfill this.
In September 2001, our partner orgainsation were the proud recipients of the Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all clients before they travel.

Adventure Travel

By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent.

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