FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How has the Expedition been put together? Nomad Mountaineering carefully select thier Global experts and book Expeditions outwith the UK on thier behalf. Each company with who uses our Website to facilitate bookings provide a full set of terms and conditions to you.
What does the cost of the Expedition include? - Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu - Welcome Meal - Transfers to and from Kathmandu International Airport - Traditional Teahouse accommodation (or similar) on the expedition - Experienced guides and porters - National Park Permits and Local Government Fees PLUS - High quality branded kit including Beanie, Cap, Snood, Technical T-shirt, Holdall, Hoody, Sherpa Fleece and Jacket!
How fit do I have to be for this expedition and do I need to train? There is no technical requirement on this expedition but a degree of fitness will benefit you and we recommend you undertake cario activity 3 times per week for 12 weeks prior to the travelling.
Do I need immunisations? We always recommend you consider the current Travel advice via the NHS Travel Service https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/nepal
What do I need to pay for and arrange seperately? - International Flights to Kathmandu - Your International Visa for Entry into Nepal - Your Kit - Travel Insurance - Travel Immunisations - Additional Nights in Kathmandu (Optional for sightseeing) - Meals & Tips
What Kit & Luggage will I need? A comprehensive 'bag by bag' kit list is provided but generally you will require: - Your main Kit Bag which will be carried by your Porter along the route. - Your Day Pack in which you will carry essential and valuable items along the route. - An additional bag which can be left at the Kathmandu Hotel with fresh clothes and toiletries for your return
What standard is the accommodation, showers and toilets on the Trek? Your accommodation will mainly be in the many Tea Houses that are scattered along the length of the trail. Although fairly basic they are all very comfortable with beds and additional bedding if required. Rooms are on a shared basis unless you pay for single occupancy in advance (please enquire for prices and availability. Bathrooms and showers are basic, especially further up the mountain but are generally clean and convinient.
What about travel documents and requirements such as Visa and Insurance? We always recommend you take out comprehensive Travel Insurance. We have good personal experience of using TrueTraveller https://www.truetraveller.com/trekking-insurance You are required to have a Credit Card with a minimum of $700 US Dollars in case a Helicopter is required for emergencies or unforseen circumstances. Check that your policy has provision for a Helicopter An International Visa is required for entry into Nepal - you precomplete the form and then submit and pay on arrival at Kathmandu Airport https://immigration.gov.np/ A Full International Passport is required with a minimum of 6 months left on it from the date of your departure This expedition is only open to those aged 18 and above.
What about currency, spending money and tips? We recommend a minimum of £500 - £700 GBP for food and extras Nepalese currency/Rupees (NPR) is only availble once you are in the country and cannot be taken out of the country but currency exchanges are widely availble in Kathmandu and on arrival at the airport. Credit & Debit Cards can be used and charges are around 4% for these. It is proper to to tip as you would in the UK - tour guides, taxi drivers, restaurant staff. It is customary to tip Porters at the end of the expedition. There is no upper limit but 15,000 NPR us deemed acceptable. This should be given to the lead Sherpa who will ensure it is distruibuted to the Porters and Sherpa Guides. A final night meal & party is also organised and it is customary for Trekkers to buy some food and drink or two for thier Porters and Sherpas. By Western Standards the bill is very reasonable!
Is there phone signal and Wi-Fi? Kathmandu Hotels generally have Wi-Fi as do many Tea Houses (local charges apply) The majority of the trail is also covered by EverestLink, passes for which are purchasable in Namche. It is also possible to buy Nepal Sim Cards very cheaply which work in many areas. Most Tea Houses will offer charging points for phones for free if you are buying food or drink or for a very small fee
How will the altitude affect me? The honest answer is nobody knows - it can affect everybody in different ways. Most suffer mild symptoms such as minor headaches and mild nasuea. When the Nomad Team went there it affected everybody on different days at different times but none of us used altitude sickness tablets, just regular paracetamol. Being led by expert guides who know how to pace and acclimitise, can give advice on diet and rest and are medically trained to recognise any more serious symptoms are all in place for you to safely reach Base Camp.