Upper Body

1 set of Base/Thermal Layer (Merino is ideal)

1 mid-layer/Hoody (fleece or similar).

1 Set of outer layer 

2 sets of Merino Top.

Waterproof trousers and top (gore-tex is ideal)

1 pair of lightweight trekking trousers or zip-off pants.

Fleece trouser

Hiking shorts

2 trekking t-shirts/shirts-merino is ideal

Four Season Sleeping bag.

Four Season Down Jacket.

1 pair of liner gloves (Mitten for early Spring and Late Autumn)

1 warm wool hat.

1 buff or similar.

Sleeping bag liner

Underwear.

Feet

1 pair of trekking boots (must be worn in).

Sandals or hut shoes.

3 pairs thick walking socks / 3 pairs lighter walking socks.

Running Shoes or sneakers.

Toiletries

Travel towel.

Sun cream.

Hand gel.

Moisturizer.

Lip Balm.

Face Wash.

Listerine mouthwash.

Toilet Paper.

Soap

Shampoo

Optional

Trekking poles (Must for early Spring and Late Autumn)

Personal medication and first aid kit.

Power bank.

Playing Cards.

Book.

1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit.

1 small folding knife.

Maps.

Note and pen.

Thermal Flask

Permanent Marker

Adhesive Hand or toe warmer

Warm scarf

Fleece Pants

Microspikes for early Spring and Late Autumn.

How to get the Visa?

Visas are available upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. When you arrive, you will fill out a form first at a kiosk and then proceed to a banking desk where you will pay the Visa fee (USD 50 for 30 days US$30 for 15 days). You might be able to pay with a credit card, but bringing cash (US$) with you expedites the process. With that receipt and the form you filled out, you will proceed to the immigration officer who will issue you a visa. During the peak tourist season, the immigration desk can get congested, which can be a hassle. 

Can I bring a drone?

Taking a drone inside Sagarmatha National Park requires a permit from the National Park Authority and the government of Nepal. The process to obtain a permit is lengthy and costly. If you intend to bring a drone please let us know in advance so that we can begin the process.

Do I get altitude Sickness?

Trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp involves the possibility of getting AMS. The altitude gained and lost en route can affect you on different days in different ways. It is quite obvious to experience mild symptoms such as mild headaches and nausea. There is no fixed way to prevent Altitude sickness as it can impact your body from various perspectives depending on your medical history, age, rest, food, and water intake. The general guidelines to avoid are to eat and drink properly, sleep well, avoid speeding up the pace, and have a positive mindset. It is very important to prioritize safety and listen to your body. If the symptoms seem too severe, get down, regardless of how close you are to the top and how fit you are.

Are there internet services available?

You can buy an Everest Airlink internet card at most of the tea houses that work for 24 hours for $ 7 and 48 hours for $13. During the peak hours i.e. between 4 to 8 pm, the reception might be poor. 

What happens if the flights are disrupted by weather?

To prepare for potential weather-related disruptions, it’s a good idea to have a contingency plan in place. This information is explained on the backup plan sheet.

Can I store my unnecessary luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu?

You can store your luggage at the hotel free of cost. You will need to fill out a form provided by the hotel to store your luggage.

How much does a porter carry?

Please bring a maximum of 10 kg. per person to ensure porters are not given more than 20 kg to carry in total. 

Internal Flight Weight Limit.

You are allowed to carry 5 kg as hand luggage and 10 kg as checked luggage. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, you can pay extra fees, but it is advisable to stay within the limit.

Back up fund

The itinerary we have planned is subject to change locally due to unavoidable circumstances. In such an event, the extra cost incurred is subject to be covered by you. Unavoidable circumstances we generally categorize are:

• Airport closure. Flight delay or cancellation
• Extreme weather
• Natural Disaster
• Pandemic
• Political Unrest, riots, and demonstrations. Road Closure due to landslides, broken bridges, accidents, etc. Health issues experienced by guests Common accidents that can occur such as slips and falls, ankle twists, etc. 

What is the local culture like?

Nepal has a diverse and rich culture that is heavily influenced by its history, and religion. As a tourist, you may encounter locals who approach you to chat, take pictures, or sell goods.

The roads in Kathmandu are busy most of the time so you might get stuck in traffic jams whenever you take local transportation. It is not uncommon to see cows, and dogs in the middle of the roads, beggars around the temple, and street children in the streets of Thamel. Please refrain from giving money and food to these people. 

The local vendors try to charge higher than the normal price. So make sure you have a good deal before you pay for whatever you want to buy. 

However local restaurants have fixed prices for the meals they serve so no need to bargain the cost. 

Local restaurants close after ten and bars but pubs remain open all night but it is good to go to bed before 10 pm. 

Locals you meet in the pubs and bars are usually friendly and helpful but they can be rude sometimes depending on how you treat them. To stay safe, it is strongly advised that you remain sober and avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

What can I rent in Kathmandu?

Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket.

How does drinking water work?

Drink only treated or boiled water and avoid using bottled water. The best option is to bring a filter to treat the water so that the taste of the water remains natural. You can also bring purifying tablets but it ruins the taste of water. 

What currency do I bring?

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee as its currency. It is viable to carry NPR (Nepalese Rupees) to pay for the meals and other services you use along the way because all the prices for the services, meals, drinks, etc are quoted in NPR.

You can bring US$/GBP/AUS $/Euro and exchange them at an exchange booth on every street. However, they don’t follow the rate published by the Central Bank of Nepal. 

Make sure that the foreign currency notes you bring are not old, torn, or faded as it is difficult to exchange them. 

For better rates, you can go to the local bank in Kathmandu with your passport and it may take between one to one and a half hours, and they only do cash service till 3 pm local time. Saturday is a bank holiday and Friday is a half holiday. 

Getting cash out of an ATM usually gives the best exchange rate but they will charge around $5 on each transaction. In a single day, you can withdraw NPR 100000 only but not more than NPR 35000 in one transaction. This means you have to make multiple transactions and on each transaction, you will be charged around $5. If you are planning to use cards to withdraw cash from an ATM booth, make sure to inform your card issuer that you will be using it outside Europe/America/Australia.

What should I do if my luggage did not arrive on my flight?

File a report: Report it to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport. 

Get a tracking number: Ask for a tracking number so that you can check the status of your luggage. 

Provide contact information: Provide the airline with your contact information and the name and address of the hotel you are staying at. Keep the form: Make sure to keep a copy of the report you filed at the airline’s office in the airport. To be on the safe side it is advisable to pack essential trekking gear in your hand luggage on an international flight.

Do I need the photo for my visa and permit? 

No, you don’t

When to book a return ticket?

It’s recommended that you schedule your return flight for one day after the default itinerary ends. This allows for an additional day in Kathmandu after your trek, just in case there are any delays or cancellations with the internal flights. By doing this, you can avoid potential stress and enjoy your trip without worrying about missing your flight home.

How much do I need to budget?

Your spending on this trip will depend on your personal preferences and appetite. As a general guideline, it is recommended to budget around US$35-40 per day for expenses such as meals, chocolates, showers, internet, and drinking water.

le after a long flight. To avoid this, you can obtain your visa before arrival from the Nepalese embassy in your respective country. This way, you can skip the immigration desk and head straight to your hotel.

Difficulty Level

The trek is level challenging for the length you cover and the elevation you gain. Physical fitness is a must as you will be walking an average of 6 hours every day, and the different levels of oxygen at different elevations pose another challenge. Mental and physical resilience are a must. 

Weather Conditions.

The weather should be good if you do this trek in peak season. But having said that it is advisable to be prepared for rain, clouds, and snow as these factors can significantly impact your trek schedule. The weather has been pretty unpredictable for the past few years due to global warming.

A day in the mountains. 

A typical day begins between 8-9 am depending on the length you are to cover. After walking for a couple of hours, there is a tea break, followed by a lunch break at another place. Upon reaching the overnight lodge, check in your room, freshen up, and gather in the dining hall. Sit around the warm chimney, and order dinner, served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, you will get the briefing about the next day and play cards, riddles, and other fun games.

Atmosphere of the Trek.

As you hit the trail, the tapestry of the mule train, prayer flags, suspension bridge, and mane walls bring you lots of energy and excitement. Morning offers stunning views and fresh air while evening provides an opportunity to be social, by the fire talking to your fellow trekkers, playing cards, riddles, or other fun games. But as you go high, the terrain becomes rugged, dry, and hostile, testing your body and mind. Even a backpack you have been carrying starts bothering you. Now you have ten reasons to quit but you must propel yourself. Don’t lose hope and follow your dream. Let your mental and physical resilience guide you. Believe in yourself and try to get the best out of what is before you, and you will have the experience of a lifetime. 

Fitness Required.

Hiking with a backpack at least once in a week, three months before the trip is recommended. Other exercises like jogging, running, and cardio regularly help you a lot.

Hiking with a backpack at least once in a week, three months before the trip is recommended. Other exercises like jogging, running, and cardio regularly help you a lot.

Best Season.

Any month between September to May but  September to November and March to May are considered best.

What is the local culture like?

Nepal has a diverse and rich culture that is heavily influenced by its history, and religion. As a tourist, you may encounter locals who approach you to chat, take pictures, or sell goods.

The roads in Kathmandu are busy most of the time so you might get stuck in traffic jams whenever you take local transportation. It is not uncommon to see cows, and dogs in the middle of the roads, beggars around the temple, and street children in the streets of Thamel. Please refrain from giving money and food to these people. 

The local vendors try to charge higher than the normal price. So make sure you have a good deal before you pay for whatever you want to buy. However local restaurants have fixed prices for the meals they serve so no need to bargain the cost. 

Local restaurants close after ten and bars but pubs remain open all night but it is good to go to bed before 10 pm. Locals you meet in the pubs and bars are usually friendly and helpful but they can be rude sometimes depending on how you treat them. To stay safe, it is strongly advised that you remain sober and avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

Included

Accommodations

Ground Transportation

Permits and National Park Fees

Guides and supporting staff.

Internal Flights

Welcome meal

Supporting Crew.

If there are experienced guides or support staff accompanying the trek, highlight their expertise and their role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

How to get there.

The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu so make sure to book the flight accordingly. You can book any flight you want that fits your trip’s start and end date. However, it is good to arrive before 3 pm local time so that you can make it to the group meeting and welcome dinner.

Accommodation.

All the accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. You will get standard accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu. In the mountain tea house/lodges, accommodations are pretty basic with toilets and bathrooms shared, and outside the room. At Gorak Shep, the tea houses are more basic and colder than those of lower altitudes, and toilets are less hygienic due to the scarcity of water. 

Excluded

International Flights

Visa Fees

Meals

Personal Insurance

Personal Expenses

Tipping and gratitude

Extra Expenses due to unforeseen situation