Travel & Other Logistics
Travel Logistics
Please book your flight early into Kathmandu according to the group's international travel plan. The duration of multiple-stop flights to get to Kathmandu, including layovers, is normally between 29 and 35 hours. You can plan to depart anytime on the last day of the program. We have pre-arranged group pick up and drop off at the airport.
Food
The traditional food of Nepal is Dal Bhat (rice and lentils). Nepali people eat it twice daily with curry vegetables, momos (dumplings), and corsani (chili pepper). In Kathmandu there is wide variety of food and fusion of dishes from all over the world. On the trek, we will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in tea houses along the trail. There is more variety at lower elevations, including pizza, dal baht, fried noodles, rice, pastas, etc. Breakfast usually consists of oatmeal, eggs, roti, chapati, pancakes, etc. Please bring comfort snacks. Western candy bars and snacks are available in Kathmandu.
Tipping
The industry standard is 5-10% of the total trip cost to the team. Tips will be distributed to the porters and local guides on the last night in Lukla. There is no ATM there so if you plan to tip, bring cash in 50 dollar bills or less. If you build a strong relationship with a specific person, feel free to tip them privately.
Visa
A visa is required for Nepal. You can either get your visa online, or purchase with cash upon arrival at the airport. Please bring USD cash so you can pay for your visa upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip dates.
Altitude & Self Care
Expect to be challenged. It's not easy, however nothing worthwhile typically is. It's a different environment; dusty, cold, and warm and smoky in teahouses. Aggressive self-care is critical including drinking 3-4 liters daily, eating well, layers when cold, and communicating openly about how you are feeling. Hiking and sleeping over at high altitude requires deliberate slow movement. Something as simple as a twisted ankle can become a very big deal. We bring safety gear, including O2, satellite communication, and 1st aid kit. Please check with your physician before the trip. If your phyician recommends, you may want to bring Acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness and prevention. Notify us of your medication plans.
Hygiene & Toilets
It is recommended to wash hands twice and thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet. Generally, TP is place in a bin, not the toilet. Squat toilets are used in the mountains in Nepal. Guidance will be provided on how to effectively use these toilets. Plan to pack a personal roll of TP just incase ;)
Hot Water & Wifi
Regardless of the rapid influence of globalization, Nepal is different. While we do our best, sometimes hot water may not be available in the hotel or shower. At elevations above Namche, showers are not available. There is WiFi in the Everest Region. It is called Everest Link and can be purchased for access.
Cultural Competency
Nepal is diverse with 125 castes or ethic groups. Kathmandu is the cultural and economic hub. We will stay in the Thamel District in Kathmandu which is comprised of outdoor enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and everything in between. When we fly to Lukla, we will be in the state of Solukhumbu where the ethnic groups are primarily Sherpa and Tamang. Sherpas are not "porters". Sherpa people are an ethnic group. "Sher" means east and "Pa" means Nepal. Tamang means "horse people." Both ethnic groups migrated from Tibet amnd each have their own mother tongue in addition to speaking the county language, Nepali.
Covid
Please bring a K95 mask in case of exposure. Covid tests will be provided as needed. In the case of a positive test that individual will go to Kathmandu to rest in quarantine with a supervising adult.