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Climate & Weather:
Nepal has a two season monsoon climate. The rainy monsoon dominates from June to September while the dry season lasts from late September to May. The best season for trekking in the Everest Region is from early October to late May. The most popular months for trekking are October/November and March/April/May although the trails can be busy at peak times and the colder periods in the middle of winter do reward you with clear crisp skies, although night time temperatures do get very cold at altitude.

Most days start clear and dry and even in the middle of winter the warm sunshine makes for very pleasant trekking weather. Often the afternoons will cloud over and as soon as the sun sets the temperature does drop rapidly. At altitude the temperature regularly reaches -10C and in the middle of winter may reach -20C at night.

Accommodation:
While on trek you will stay in traditional Nepali Teahouses (Guesthouses), these are traditional mountain lodges operated by local people (13 Nights). The lodges have a comfortable central living and eating room which is heated and individual twin share bedrooms. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and hot showers may be available at an additional charge at some lodges. While in Kathmandu you will stay at the 5 star Hotel de l’ Annapurna or Shanker which are opposite the Royal Palace within 5 minutes walk of the busy tourist area of Thamel. (4 nights)

Single Rooms:
This trekking holiday is available to solo walkers but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur. If you require single rooms within your party we will of course try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

If you are an individual joining a small group departure we will try and room you with another group member of the same sex but if this is not possible a single room supplement will be payable.

Meals:
In Kathmandu your accommodation includes breakfast and other meals are not included so you should allow £10- 15 per day for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included while on trek as well as tea and coffee at meals. Food while on trek is good but does get more basic the higher you climb as fewer ingredients become available. Pancakes, bread and cereal forms the basis for breakfast, lunch is normally a warming noodle soup at a convenient tea house on the trail and the evening staple dish while trekking is dal bhaat, which is a filling dish of lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables.

Baggage:
While trekking you will only have to carry a day bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your camera. Your main bag will be moved by a porter. Each porter carries 2 clients’ bags which must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not suitable for this trek.

Your Guide:
Our Nepalese guides are fully qualified and trained according to Nepalese law and all have many years experience of guiding trekkers in Nepal. All speak fluent English and they will add hugely to your experience of trekking in Nepal. As well as guiding you on the trail they bring a wealth of knowledge to your journey and coordinate all your porters, accommodation and meals. Nepalese guides are fully trained and normally experienced in dealing with cases of Altitude Sickness.

Holiday Grading & Suitability:
This holiday is graded strenuous and you should be in good physical fitness and have experience of multi day trekking or walking trips prior to undertaking an Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the distances effect of altitude should not be underestimated and you should be in good physical fitness. The trails are the roads of the area and are generally well maintained and a good walking surface although the going can be rough once you reach the base of the Khumbu Glacier.

Equipment:
The equipment you require will vary depending on the time of year and the altitude that you are trekking in. Your pre-departure information pack has a detailed section on equipment but the main things you will require are a down sleeping bag, down jacket, day pack (30-40L), duffle bag, trekking clothes, thermal base layers, trekking boots (3 season), fleece layers, hats and gloves, sunglasses and first aid kit with personal medication. Down sleeping bags and jackets are available to hire in Kathmandu.

Pre-Departure Information Pack:
Your pre-departure information pack includes full details of your trek will be sent to you before departure.

Practical Information:
Flights to Kathmandu
Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from London and major regional airports in the UK via the Gulf. Airlines include Emirates, Gulf Air, and Qatar Airways & Etihad Airways. Flights start at about £500 and during the peak trekking period may increase to about £1200.
We do not sell flights but would recommend both Opodo and Expedia for competitive flights.

Passport & Visas:
All nationalities require a full passport valid for at least six months after your intended departure from Nepal. Most nationalities require an entry visa for Nepal which can be obtained in advance or at the airport on entry to Nepal. The current cost is US$30 which must be paid in hard currency and you will need two passport photos. Passport and visa requirements do change so although this information is supplied in good faith it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation.

Health & Vaccinations:
In addition to those vaccinations and boosters required for life in Britain the following vaccinations/boosters are recommended: hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria; tetanus; poliomyelitis.
For detailed advice on travel health visit the Fit For Travel Website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Acute Mountain Sickness:
Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a major concern on the trek to Everest Base Camp and although our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS each individual is affected differently by altitude. Our pre-departure information pack has detailed information on minimising the risks of AMS and recognising the signs of AMS and the appropriate course of action. Your leaders are all fully trained in dealing with AMS. If you have any pre-existing health conditions that you think may make you more susceptible to AMS we recommend you consult your doctor before booking this trip.

Currency, Money & Local Costs:
The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee and 1 GBP will buy you 133 Nepalese Rupees (June 08). The best way to carry money is a combination of cash is GB pound sterling (which can be changed at the airport and in Kathmandu), pound sterling traveller’s cheques and credit/debit cards although there are no ATMS outside Kathmandu.

You will need some money to pay for your visa on arrival, departure tax, meals in Kathmandu, sundries such as hot showers, toilet paper, extra hot/cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, souvenirs and trekking crew tips.


Macs Adventure Testimonials:
“ We're back from our walk and I just wanted to thank you for your help and for all of the wonderful places you found for us to stay. The walks couldn't have been more lovely (and we were helped by the marvellous weather). And each of the towns and each of the inns and hotels you put us into had something special going for it--and all of them were spotless and comfortable. If you ever need a recommendation from an American, I'd be happy to give you one. ”
Best wishes,
Sheila McMillen, USA

We were really pleased with all the organisation, information pack, guide book and in particular, delighted with the accommodation booked for us which suited us perfectly. Our luggage was always there when we arrived and a welcome sight when tired and perhaps rather wet. This is the first time I have done a long distance walk with the support of a company and luggage carrier and I would recommend Macs Adventure to others who I know are planning a similar trip. So very many thanks!”
Alison Johnston (UK)

“ I thought you might like some feedback on our trip, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. The weather was good and in particular clear, so we had fantastic views.” Tony Robinson, U.K.

“ Just wanted to say, what an amazing walk and holiday we all had. Still speechless really. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for all the information and assistance.” Pauline Roenisch, London

Responsible Tourism
Tourism is one of Nepal’s most important industries and trekking in remote areas can deliver huge benefits to the local community if done in a responsible manner. Our treks in Nepal are designed to maximise positive impact and minimise negative impact. We operate in an environmentally and socially aware and sustainable manner. We do this by
• Working in true partnership with and paying fair prices to our local partner in Nepal so the majority of your trip cost stays in Nepal.
• Employing guides and porters from the communities you visit and staying and eating in locally owned and operated accommodation while trekking so the communities you visit benefit directly.
• Our guides and porters are fully insured and equipped to a minimum standard by our Nepalese partner.
• Supplying detailed pre-departure information to you on environmentally and socially responsible practice while on trek in Nepal.
• We operate small group adventures which minimizes the impact on the environment and other trail users.
• We encourage the use of Carbon Offsetting. Travel does have a hidden cost. Air Travel produces an inordinate amount of Carbon Dioxide emissions which contribute to climate change. Help to minimise the impact of your journey by offsetting your carbon emissions. Visit The Carbon Neutral Company for further details. Web: www.carbonneutral.com

For more information on our Everest Base Camp Trek please follow the links below or download our Trip Dossier PDF now>>.