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:

Single rooms are generally not available whilst on trek. If you are an individual joining a small group departure we will room you with another group member of the same sex but if this is not possible a single room supplement will be payable. Single rooms are available in Kathmandu but there is a supplement 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.  

Your Group

We specialise in high quality trekking experiences and therefore keep our groups small this ensures personal attention and a more cohesive and friendly atmosphere.  Group departures are perfect for those trekking solo or friends and couples who prefer to trek in a small group with likeminded individuals. Groups run with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten trekkers.

Our small group treks are led by qualified, trained and experienced english speaking Nepalese guides who will ensure your trek is the experience of a lifetime.  They are supported by local porters (1 between two clients) Our local staff are key to our operation and are paid a competitive rate, properly equipped and fully insured.

Transport:

All in country transfers and flights are included. Transfers to and from Kathmandu Airport are by private car or minbus. Flights to and from Lukla take 30 minutes and are by small passenger plane operated by a local airline.

Baggage Transfer:

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 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.You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.

Acute Mountain Sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a concern on the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary as you reach a maximum altitude of 4130m.

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.

Our 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.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which includes evacuation cover and covers trekking at altitude (4130m) is a requirement for this holiday and we will require proof of cover and the insurance company emergency number prior to your departure.

Macs Adventure does not sell travel insurance but we recommend Sports Cover Direct whose Venture Guard Policy is well suited to this trek. The cost for single trip insurance to cover an adult for this trek is in the region of £90.

Phone: 0845 345 2487

Web: www.sportscoverdirect.com 

Recommended Reading:

Nepal - Lonely Planet Guides

Himalaya – Michael Palin

Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

The Ghosts of Everest – Jochen Hemmleb

Everest Region Maps – There are several excellent Annapurna Region Maps available in Kathmandu.

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 for a 30 day visa is GBP£25 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

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