IMPORTANT NOTE
Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel; in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Trip style
This trip follows through the classical route to the Everest Base Camp where we can expect lots of lodges and guest houses. We will be staying at night in these lodges and guesthouses all in the way to our trek and we need not fix a tent. Dinner and breakfast will be at the places where we sleep and the lunch in the way at places where we can relax with views of the magnificent mountains.
Service level
This trip is leveled as a standard which means standard hotel rooms are provided with breakfast, sightseeing tours, and guest houses and lodges with private rooms with shared bathrooms.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information provided on this website or at the PDF TRIP DOSSIER has been compiled with attention and is provided in good faith. However, it can be changed without prior notice and does not apply as part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary prepared is correct while published and we do have the most updated information in the PDF or on the website. Occasionally we change our itinerary to make improvements that stem from past travelers’ comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra flight, hotels, sightseeing, or meal to the itinerary. Please note that we are a LOCAL OPERATOR from Kathmandu and we do not produce fancy brochures but update trip/website information usually end of December each year.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Our entire adventure travel itineraries and holidays are designed with care and experiences we have from our previous clients and from us. We must understand that adventure travel goes to the remote part of the mountain where weather, physical conditions of a team member,s and delay or cancellation of flights will affect the itinerary without prior notice. So ACH reserves the right to change the itinerary at any time without any pre consultation with clients. Travel can be unpredictable as we never know exactly where our journey will take us because of our walking style, physical level, and the regions we visit. Our itinerary is brief and the information provided in this Trip Details document is a general guide to understand our travel destinations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes to know
This trip operates at altitudes over 2780m (max altitude 5545m). In this itinerary we don’t have many acclimatizing days, so you may experience headaches, nausea, and lethargy on arrival in Namche Bazaar, 3420m. It is important to be aware of the effects of altitude on one’s tolerance especially on going high to Namche.
Accommodation in Everest Region is basic (only dorm rooms, rooms with little or no running water) but at places like Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Lobuche, and Dingboche there are upgraded accommodation (standard with attached shower & toilet) too. This trip includes basic rooms with two people sharing only. In case you want to UPGRADE YOUR ROOM, please feel free to let us know while you book the trip.
Group Leader Description
All Alpine Club trips are accompanied by one of our local Sherpa leaders who speaks excellent English. He/she will provide information on the places you are traveling through, deal with health and safety issues and introduce you to the local porters and villagers. As a local leader, he/she has more specific knowledge to explain historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Group Size Notes
Max 14 & Min 2
Your Fellow Travelers
When we travel in a group there are people from around the world of different ages who are multilingual, multi-cultural, and multi-racial. You are requested to understand the benefits maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.
Meals
Welcome breakfast and farewell dinner are in Kathmandu hotels. Foods are provided on in a tea house or guesthouse in the mountain, there is a variety of choice of local meal as well as continental even PIZZA and Sizzler. We also give more eating flexibility, groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. Our leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread, hash brown, and eggs of any style. A wide range of vegetarian foods is found, although in some places choices are limited. While trekking in remote regions food will be served plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
Transport
Private Bus, Car and Van
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of our tour unless otherwise noted and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Single Travelers
We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Hotels with western facilities and guesthouses in the mountain
My Own Room is Available on this tour with an extra surcharge.
Joining Hotel
Kathmandu – Alpine Hotel and Apartment
Thamel, Kathmandu. Nepal
Website: www.alpinehotelnepal.com
Tel: +977 9851020731
Joining information
Our entire trip is a group joining basis unless anyone does not request the private or the personal trip. We provide the airport pick up and drop to the hotel and sightseeing for the one who books a land trip. We give the flexibility so that our clients can join the trip only . While the price will be relatively less in this case but airport picks up and transfer to the hotel and city sightseeing tours are not included.
When arriving at Kathmandu International Airport you will notice how small the city really is. It is 7km from the downtown area and the only way to get there is by taxi. You can arrange a prepaid taxi from the counter outside of the baggage hall run by the Airport Queue Taxi Service Management Committee for about 400-450 Rupees (approx 6-7 USD). Please be aware of people wanting to help you with your bags as they will ask for money once you get to your taxi. If you have paid for an arrival transfer or booked the whole trip our driver will be waiting with your name or an ALPINE CLUB Sign on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area.
Arrival Information
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or call us at +977 98510 20731 or your hotel +977 1 4440476/4440534 as an emergency contact. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Kathmandu Hotel and we will refund you the taxi cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact Alpine Club during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the following contacts
Personal
Hotels with western facilities and guesthouses in the mountain
My Own Room is Available on this tour with an extra surcharge.
Joining Hotel
Kathmandu – Alpine Hotel and Apartment
Thamel, Kathmandu. Nepal
Website: www.alpinehotelnepal.com
Tel: +977 9851020731
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the places or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible and keep the weight of your bags between 15-20kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for trekking and mountaineering because it is hard to handle by the support Sherpa while in the mountains and also some of our trips have non support Sherpa porter. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to carry by the porters in the mountain although you have a chance to leave some of your bags at the hotel you are staying in. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras, and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages, or camping, Alpine Club does not provide sleeping bags or warm Jackets. You usually have to rent sleeping bags if needed instead of bringing them from home.
Checklist
Passport (with photocopies)
Photos for Nepal visa on arrival
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers’ cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Alpine Club Invoice, pre-departure information, and Travel dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizing lotion
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sunblock, Sunglasses
Moisturizer, Lip balm
Insect Repellent
Water bottle, Plastic mug, Cutlery
Tampons
Earplugs for light sleepers
Small towel and swimwear (optional)
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for April-November. Hat and gloves Wool jumper/sweater/fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight, or 2 lightweights during winter months. Down jackets in winter.
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry or dust-free.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material, cassettes/CDs, or other entertainment for long travel days.
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Presents from home like photos, toothbrushes, stickers, postcards, children’s books, souvenir pins.
Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, and snack foods.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels in cities for a charge. While trekking in the mountain there will be times you need to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
CHINA – Alpine Club will arrange a group visa for China. This is the only way groups may enter China from Kathmandu. If you already have a China visa the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu will cancel it and issue you a group visa that is valid for the particular trip only.
The cost of the visa is NOT included in the trip. You must pay it separately on arrival in Kathmandu at the group meeting. For all nationalities, the visa fee is 114 USD EXCEPT American passport holders whose fee is 198 USD.
NEPAL – All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport or at any Immigration if you are coming from India or from China TIBET. To obtain a Nepal visa you are requested to have one passport photo and the fees below in US dollars cash only:
Single entry visa valid for 15 days – US $35:
Single Entry Visa for 30 days – US $50
And multiple entry visa valid for 90 days – US $125
Please inform us if you are planning an additional trip to China after The High Road to Tibet tour you will need a long day’s visa or need to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu after your trip is finished otherwise you cannot enter into China. Please check with the Chinese embassy prior to travel as this is subject to change.
Extra Spending Money
Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. More than that if you wish to extend your other destination or the part of the adventure travel which is not included.
Money Exchange
American Dollars are well accepted in Asia and exchange rates fluctuate often. We request you to follow the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of JULY 2010 the exchange rate for NEPAL was 1 USD = 120 NPR (Nepalese Rupees). For more information about the foreign currency exchange rates click here. There are many ATM machines in major cities that accept both Visa and MasterCard. We accept and also major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% service charge fee.
Local payment if any
There are not any local fees or surcharges other than those stated in the travel itinerary. We strongly believe that one fee one trip with ACH except for Tips, Laundry, Shopping, Telephone and Meals which are not included in the trip. There will be an additional fee in situations that are beyond our control; say mountain flight cancels or mountain road blocks and need extra meal or accommodations.
Departure Tax
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket for TIBET and all domestic tickets.
Tipping Custom
Tips are expected but not compulsory. It is good to understand that it is customary in Asia to tip the service providers such as waiters at approximately 10% depending on the service.
Tips while traveling
Tipping drivers and local guides on local tours range from approximately $2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service you have received. 50 USD and for Sherpa porter 30 US$ from a group Tipping Sherpa Leader/Guide for a week trip. Tipping Sherpa Leader/Guide for 2 weeks trip 100-125 USD and for Sherpa porter 50-75 USD from a group and tipping Sherpa Leader/Guide for 3 weeks trip 150-200 USD and for Sherpa porter 75-100 USD from a group
Must have Good Health
You should well consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure where you are traveling. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements although our local leader is carrying enough First Aid Kits. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Alpine Club reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide regular updated advice services on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers’ cheques, cash, and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Consult your Doctor for Medical Advice
We are small and personalized group adventures bringing together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest tour programs. Travelers must have a good level of fitness for mountain trekking 3400m and above, at least walking 7-8 hrs each day at high elevation. And for the trek, climb, and mountain expedition you are requested to have complete medical approval from your travel doctor to attend the trip.
Must-Have Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of our trips. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance is provided to us upon arrival. Such travel insurance must cover medical, emergency evacuation, and full trip cancellation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage, and personal effects.
Responsible Travel
Being a responsible adventure travel company is at the heart of what Alpine Club is all about. From the start, Alpine Club has been committed to offering low-impact travel that benefits travelers and hosts alike. We are responsible holiday planners to Himalaya areas; we conserve the environment and improve the welfare of local people in the region we travel. Alpine Club plan and organize our operation to maximize the net benefit for the poor people by empowering and training them on skills development that helps them to take part in different tourism activities. We have strong policies to employ the local people and use the local products as much as possible while we travel. We are guided by “Take a photograph & leave zero footprints” and always travel that maximizes the benefits to local communities, minimizes negative social or environmental impacts, and helps local people conserve fragile cultures and habitats or species. Nature is not just for the current generation what we firmly believe meets the needs of present travelers and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.
We warmly welcome you all to take part in this sustainable adventure travel and a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.
-Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel to do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeable is best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
-Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.
Associated Children Education Project
Alpine Club is not just a business firm; it has a strong policy committed to ensuring that we are socially responsible as well. We are helping per person per day US$1 donation to the charity www.cennepal.org.np from each person each trip.
How you can help?
There is a number of children who are still away from the opportunity of getting educated in this 21st Century. Our aim is to provide these children a great opportunity to educate them and we warmly welcome you if anyone is interested to help for sponsoring a child 80-100US$ for a child for one year.
Respect Local Dress
In Nepal, the standard dress is more conservative than it is back home. In predominately while you travel in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites or local villages.
Feedback
We are not 100% but we do 110% towards your complete satisfaction in order to be sure that you get the best of what you have paid for and expect. After your travel, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is important to us. Please help us to help your friends and families with your next adventure travel. Please visit www.alpineclubofhimalaya.com/feedback
We Want Your Photos
Every traveler has fun taking great photos while traveling, we always expect great photos from your Alpine Club Travel. Please post them online in our photos collection! We will give you a copywriter in your name. Simply go online to www.alpineclubofhimalaya.com/photo_collection
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME, SEE US IN KATHMANDU, HAVE A NICE DAY!!!
