Guesthouse (5 nights), Teahouse (22 nights), Hotel (2 nights)

Accommodation notes

TEAHOUSES:
Accommodation at local lodges – better known as teahouses – are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, travellers may have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don’t have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don’t have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body. Electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi is usually for an additional fee when available.

5 breakfasts, 2 dinners and 0 lunches

Food and dietary requirements

FOOD IN NEPAL:
We do not include meals while trekking, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. We know from experience that the altitude and physical exercise can mean trekker’s appetites differ quite widely. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Vegetarians are well catered for in Nepal. How much you need to spend per day will vary, but it could be anything up to US$60 per day for meals, snacks and drinks. Prices tend to get higher the higher you go on trek in response to the difficulty of getting supplies to the teahouses.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for all tastes and budgets. For a glimpse at what traditional Nepali cuisine entails, check out our guide here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-nepali-cuisine/

ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE:
Alcohol and trekking don’t mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.

Is this trip right for you

In the case of poor weather conditions leading to the cancellation or delay of included flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details., This is trip spends time at altitude; you should refer to the Medical & Health Information for this trip to understand the risks., The weather can be unpredictable in the Himalayas and every year a significant number of trips have flights to or from Lukla delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. See Day 1 of the itinerary for the alternative plans should this happen on your trip. Thorong La pass is occasionally closed in winter months due to heavy snowfall., The trekking lodges, known as teahouses, that you stay in on the trek are very simple with only basic facilities. Hot water may not always be available and may cost extra, as will access to electricity points for charging devices. Wi-Fi is available at some locations, but connections may be poor., What you need to take will vary depending on the season you’re trekking in. See some tips for what to pack here:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/packing-guide-for-trekking-in-nepal/, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/everest-base-camp-packing-guide/, The Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks are very popular, so you’ll encounter many other trekkers on your trip. If you’re after a route that’s more off the beaten track, see our Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek (HNXV)., Intrepid operates these treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions, not only in Nepal, but on all our trips globally. For more information on porter welfare, read: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/purpose/porter-policy, Please review the Transport section of the Essential Trip Information for details about plane travel in Nepal, associated risks and the safety measures we have in place.

Transport notes

Whether a flight forms part of your itinerary is, offered as an alternative means to a long road journey, included as a scenic experience, or becomes necessary in an emergency, it’s important to be aware of the unique aviation context in Nepal. Nepalese air carriers are currently not permitted to operate within UK or European airspace, often referred to as being on the ‘banned list’ due to regulatory differences. However, we want to reassure you that your safety is our top priority. Intrepid is one of only a small number of tour operators that independently audits Nepalese air carriers each year, carrying out rigorous third‑party air safety assessments. We only work with airlines and helicopter operators that meet our strict internal safety standards and approval criteria. We strongly encourage you to review your government’s travel advice and to consider this information carefully when making your travel decisions, confident that we are taking every possible step to ensure your wellbeing., LUKLA FLIGHTS
Flights going to and from Lukla may be operated out of Ramechhap Airport, in an effort to alleviate congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Lukla is the gateway port to the Everest region and flights throughout Nepal – particularly in high mountain areas – are often delayed or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. In order to maximise our chances of boarding a flight to Lukla, any departures affected will need to wake up quite early on Day 2 to drive the 130 kilometres (approximately 5-hours) from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport. A private vehicle transfers will be provided at no additional cost. In addition, flights back from Lukla may also land at Ramechhap Airport, therefore sufficient time is needed for land transport back to Kathmandu. Travellers have on occasion missed international connections as a result of this. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and contact numbers for your airlines before departure., LUGGAGE LIMITS:
Domestic flights to Lukla have a strict weight limit of 10kg for checked luggage and 5kg for carry-on luggage per person. Excess baggage is charged per kg (approx. NPR 140 per kg) and will be at your own expense.
, ROAD TRAVEL IN NEPAL:
Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in Nepal. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.

TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
If your itinerary includes road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.

MONSOON:
The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.

Covid-19

Health related to Covid-19. This operator has a policy in place for COVID-19 and their adventures. Please request full details so we can share the most up to date information with you and be aware that the note below was relevant at the time of writing but may have changed. Thanks!

Is this trip right for you

In the case of poor weather conditions leading to the cancellation or delay of included flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details., This is trip spends time at altitude; you should refer to the Medical & Health Information for this trip to understand the risks., The weather can be unpredictable in the Himalayas and every year a significant number of trips have flights to or from Lukla delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. See Day 1 of the itinerary for the alternative plans should this happen on your trip. Thorong La pass is occasionally closed in winter months due to heavy snowfall., The trekking lodges, known as teahouses, that you stay in on the trek are very simple with only basic facilities. Hot water may not always be available and may cost extra, as will access to electricity points for charging devices. Wi-Fi is available at some locations, but connections may be poor., What you need to take will vary depending on the season you’re trekking in. See some tips for what to pack here:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/packing-guide-for-trekking-in-nepal/, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/everest-base-camp-packing-guide/, The Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks are very popular, so you’ll encounter many other trekkers on your trip. If you’re after a route that’s more off the beaten track, see our Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek (HNXV)., Intrepid operates these treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions, not only in Nepal, but on all our trips globally. For more information on porter welfare, read: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/purpose/porter-policy, Please review the Transport section of the Essential Trip Information for details about plane travel in Nepal, associated risks and the safety measures we have in place.

Health

This trip involves visiting and sleeping at elevations above 3000 m (9843 ft), where side effects of being at altitude can occur, some of which can be life threatening if not managed correctly. Altitude can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or experience, but drinking alcohol and strenuous exercise can increase the effects. Our itineraries are carefully designed with your safety in mind. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip so you should also report any signs and symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and headaches. The highest sleeping altitude for this trip is 3200 m / 10,499 ft and the highest altitude visited is 4167 m / 13,671 ft., “This trip involves visiting and sleeping at elevations above 4500 m (14,764 ft), where side effects of being at altitude can occur, some of which can be life threatening if not managed correctly. Altitude can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or experience, but drinking alcohol and strenuous exercise can increase the effects. Our itineraries are carefully designed with your safety in mind. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip so you should also report any signs and symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and headaches. The highest sleeping altitude for this trip is 5180 m / 16,995 ft and the highest altitude visited is 5545 m / 18,192 ft.
More information about Altitude Sickness can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness”
, GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 
, AIR POLLUTION:
Air quality in Nepal can be poor, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution. Seek medical advice if you’re concerned about the effects of air pollution.

MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Malaria is a risk in some areas of Nepal including Chitwan National Park. Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis also occur, including on occasion in Kathmandu. Protect yourself against insect bites by wearing adequate protection, including repellent.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TREATMENT:
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. 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. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure., SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Covid-19

This operator has a policy in place for COVID-19 and their adventures. Please request full details so we can share the most up to date information with you. Thanks!