Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri

Service Includes:

• Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast
• Full board meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) followed with tea or coffee during the trek
• Accommodation at Local Mountain Lodge or Tent during the trek
• Hiking Nepal experienced, eco-friendly English speaking local guide and porter (1 Porter for 2 Trekkers)
• All the expenses of the guide and porter including food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance
• Trek transfer to Salleri in a Sharing Vehicle (option of a private vehicle is also available)
• Airfare for the sector Lukla/Kathmandu
• Hiking Nepal Duffle bag for each trekker
• Down jacket and sleeping bag if required for the trekker (need to return from ending of the trek)
• Hiking Nepal T-shirt,  trip achievement certificate
• First aid medical kit and Oxy Meter carried by the guide
• Applicable Permit
• Government taxes & office service charge

Service Excludes:

• Nepal Visa – (Cost- US$- 30 for 15 days & $- 50 for 30 days)
• Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner)
• Travel insurance
• Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or coca-cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phones bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry, etc.
• Tour cost in case the historical trip to Kathmandu City
• The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations, and any unforeseen circumstances
• Tips for Climbing Sherpa/Guide/porters/driver …
• Any other expenses not included in “Service Includes”

Day 01   Arrive Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Dinner)

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip.

Day 02   Preparation day or sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Breakfast)

After your delightful breakfast, you will be introduced with a guide and shortly brief about the trip. If you are willing to explore the Historical places in Kathmandu, we shall organize it accordingly. We shall arrange a driver and a tour guide who will take you to UNESCO Heritages sites of the valley where you will observe living heritage of Medieval Nepal – Witness the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath and capture the sacred moments of Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat in Pashupatinath. Stroll the lively streets of Kathmandu Old Market Asan to Kathmandu Durbar Square and visit the home of The Living Goddess Kumari, Nepalese style of Architecture as well as astonishing wooden carving. A short drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square will take you to a hilltop stupa called as “Swyambhu” meaning “self -emerge” and belief that the hill emerged impulsively from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu valley.

Day 03   Drive Kathmandu to Salleri (Altitude: 2800 m/9240 ft. Drive: 9/10 hrs. Meal: BLD)

In the morning, our guide will meet you at the lobby for a drive to Saller. You will have the option of driving in a private Jeep or a sharing jeep.  You will be following the highway toward Eastern Nepal. Crossing a bridge over the Sunkoshi River, you will reach to the green valley- Okhaldhunga and continuously driving, will take you to the Salleri- entry to the Solukhumbu. From here, you can take a first view of the Mt. Everest. Overnight at Mountain Lodge. Meal: BLD.

Day 04   Trek to Taksindo (Altitude: 2960 m/9768 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today you will be trekking along the village road viewing the Numbur Himal. The trail offers a picturesque landscape, village life, and the people. On reaching the Taksindo, you will be check-in at the local lodges. Afternoon, you can also visit the Cheese Factory and the surrounding. Meal: BLD

Day 05   Trek to Kharikhola   (Altitude: 2040 m/6732 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Following the village trail, you will reach to the Nunthala, also called as Manidingma. Here, you will be staying for lunch. Then, walking along the village trail and crossing a suspension bridge, you will reach to the Karikhola where you are spending your overnight. It is a beautiful village with the fluttering prayer flags, mani walls, and Hydro Power station as well. You can also view the Khumbilia. Overnight at Mountain Lodge. Meal: BLD

Day 06   Trek to Paiya  (Altitude: 2730 m/9010 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Descending towards a small stream and crossing a wooden bridge, you will continue to walk in the uphill trail. On the way you will cross the Bupsa Village, in-routes, you can see some water-driven mills. You will then reach to Paiya where you will spend your overnight. Meal: BLD

Day 07   Trek to Phakding (Altitude: 2610 m/8613 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, you will finally reach the main entrance to Khumbu. Following the up and down trail crossing several villages and suspension bridge following Dudh Koshi River, you will head your journey to Phakding. On the way, you will pass several mani-walls and boulders engraved with Buddhist prayers. Spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 08   Trek to Namche (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

The trek chases the northern trial up the Dudh Kosi valley to Monjo. At Monjo, the trek officially enters Sagarmatha National Park where you have to issue Sagarmatha National Park Permit Card. Continuing the trail along the steep uphill climb while savoring the first glimpse of Everest, you will arrive at the hub of Sherpa- Namche Bazaar. Spend your overnight at local lodge.

Day 09   Rest day in Namche (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Meal: BLD)

It is a day to acclimatize you with higher elevation. On this day, you can go for a short hike to Khumjung, a beautiful settlement of Hospitable Sherpas. OR, you can roam around the Namche that offers Internet Cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and colorful markets. Even, you can enjoy the traditional living of mountain dwellers that is even beautified by the awe-inspiring surrounding and high altitude flora/fauna.

Day 10   Trek to Tengboche (Altitude: 3860 m/ 12738 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

With delightful breakfast in Namche, you will walk on the side of the valley above the Dudh Koshi River. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, you will descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga; you can see water driven prayer wheel. Also, it is an ideal stopover for lunch where you will take rest for a while before making the steep climb to Tangboche. Along the trail, you can enjoy the beautiful rhododendron bushes, birds and superb mountains that let you forget about the tiring zigzag trail. You will get the first view of spectacular mountains including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Tawache, Kangtega, Thamserku, Nuptse. Once you reach Tengbocbe, you can explore the Khumbu largest monastery- the Tengboche Monastery.

Day 11   Trek to Dingboche (Altitude: 4410 m/14553 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Starts your trail passing through lush forests of birch, confer and rhododendron trees. On the trail, you can have mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can slowly steep down to Deboche, then cross the Imja River to Pangboche. Ascend toward the upper Pangboche, you will visit one of the oldest monasteries of Khumbu- the Pangboche Monastery. You will continue your hike to the Imja Valley and Lobuche River on the way to Dingboche. It is an attractive village that is beautified with the field of barley, potatoes, and buckwheat along with grazing animals.

Day 12   Rest day for acclimatization (Altitude: 4410 m/14553 ft. Meal: BLD)

It is a day to acclimatize you in the high altitude. Today, considering your physical fitness, you will be taken to Chhukung valley following the Imja River. From here, you can view the stunning mountains and Glacier lakes including Island Peak (6189m), Amphulapche (5663m), Lhotse Shar (8382m) and Lhotse (8516m). The main aim of today is to acclimatize you properly for more challenging days onwards.

Day 13   Trek to Lobuche (Altitude: 4910 m/16203 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, the trek will continue up the village from where you can enjoy the mountains including Mt. Makalu. You will take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier and reach Dugla. You will rest for a while after taking lunch at local lodges. Then, you will walk on the trail zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier’s terminal moraine. At the top of this climb, there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. It is situated in the beneath of Lhotse ridge.

Day 14   Trek to Everest Base Camp, back to Gorakshep  (Altitude: EBC: 5357m/17678 ft. Gorekshep: 5140 m/16960 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)

It is the most interesting and challenging day of this trip as the day starts with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Today, you will hike up to the Everest base camp at an altitude of 5364 m.
You will head through the horizontal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the way to Gorekshep, you will witness the north ridge of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Nuptse and many more. Further climbing through the Changri Glacier, you can have the first glimpse of Kalapatthar. You will stop at Gorekshep for a lunch; then continue to walk for your ultimate destination- the Everest Base Camp. The splendid views of the mountains and scenarios make the journey livelier, even snubbing all the tiresome walk in the steep route. The trial will last for approximately 3 hours from Gorekshep. Once you reach base camp, you can actually see the deadliest route to the Everest that makes the journey more adventurous. You will get to spend quality time exploring the base camp and surrounding areas and return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

Day 15   Trek to Kalapatthar, back to Dughla (Altitude: Kalapatthar: 5550 m/18315 ft. Dzongla: 4620 m/15245 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Next to Everest Base camp, this day is too exciting and adventurous hiking to Kalapatthar. You will get an early morning call from our guide to get ready to hike first at Kalapatthar. The reason is to catch the sparkling yellowish snowcapped over the mountains especially Mt. Everest by the strike of every ray during sunrise. Every second becomes an exciting moment of a lifetime; well, don’t forget to capture in camera. Then, you will return back to Gorekshep with refreshing mood and descend back towards Dugla where you spend your overnight.

Day 16   Trek to Pangboche (Altitude: 3930 m/12970 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, you will mostly trek downhill. As you retrace your steps from Duglha, you will descend to Pheriche. You can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association, a trekker’s aid post. You will stay for a while for lunch. Then, you will cross the Khumbu River by a wooden suspension bridge and follow the Imja River to the village of Pangboche where you will spend your overnight.

Day 17   Trek to Namche (Altitude: 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)

It will be the steep down following the River, crossing a bridge and enjoying the route decorated with birch and rhododendron forest. Your sight will even keep on catching a few Himalayan giants including Everest, Kwangde, Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku. Overnight will be refreshing at Namche.

Day 18   Trek to Lukla (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today is the final day of the trip. You will walk following Dudh Koshi River down to Lukla. You will have a celebration with the involvement of the Guide, Sherpa, and Porters as well. They will serve some local’s beer called “CHANG” and enjoy party learning some dance step from traditional Sherpas.

Day 19   Flight to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Meal: B/D)

You will board a plane back to Kathmandu. Arriving at Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel and rest of the day will be your leisure time. You can go for shopping, message, or rest at the Hotel. Evening time, we invite you for a farewell dinner at the authentic restaurant. You can share your experience, feedback us and give us a chance to make your evening a wonderful time. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 20   Departure transfer (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)

You will depart Kathmandu carrying lots of adventurous memories of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Nepal Visa & Getting into Nepal

All the foreign nationals (except Indian nationals) are required to display Visa while entering Nepal. Nepalese Visa can be obtained either at Nepalese Embassy of the respective country or can be obtained during your arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu or from Nepal’s border entry point. However, certain nationals are requested to arrange Visa prior to arrival in Nepal. The listed countries are- Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia and cannot secure Nepalese Visa on arrival.

Requirements: Traveler should have a valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photos (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and Visa fees (either US$ or equivalent) mentioned below:

    Visa Facility                      Duration               Fee

Multiple entry                        15 days                     US$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency

Multiple entry                        30 days                    US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency

Multiple entry                        90 days                    US$ 125 or equivalent Nepalese currency

You can also download the VISA form and fill up. Please go through the link as below:

http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa

Group Size:
For group, we normally run with minimum 2 person to maximum 10 in our published group departure program. However, there is no barrier for a private trip. We can run a trip for a single person and even more than 10 in a group. Normally for a group, we provide 1 main guide, 1 assistance guide along with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers. Moreover, for every additional 2 trekkers, 1 more assistance and a porter will be provided making a team combination as follows:

Minimum to 2 PAX: 1 Guide and 1 porter
4-6 PAX: 1 guide, 1 assistance guide and 3 porter
7-10 PAX: 1 guide, 2 assistance guide and 4/5 Porter

Guide and Trip Safety
Once, you confirm your trip, it is our responsibility to make your trip wonderful without creating any difficulties. Hence, we have prepared our itinerary in such a way that it will properly acclimatize you. Also, we request you in advance to have regular exercises and make habits to walk on a daily basis. Similarly, during the trek, you will be fully guided by our professional trekking guides and supporting team. They are properly trained in regards to safety and first aid. Even, we have every set up in case of an emergency such as high altitude medicine and Gammow Bag (High altitude Chamber bag). Please note High altitude Chamber Bag is used to provide heat in your body and it is available on certain cost. Moreover, to let you familiar with altitude, you are suggested to walk slow and steady and ensure for proper acclimatization.

For trekking, we provide local experienced guide speaking fluent English and familiar with the local routes, landscape, flora, fauna as well as culture, and tradition of certain areas and let you feel comfortable. We do not encourage child labour, hence, our porter will be above 16 years that are living in the Himalayas of Nepal; as well as carries only 20-22 kg weight per porter. Normally, the guide and support teams are selected with proper analyzing of their experience, leadership skills, and personal aptitude. Our guides are well familiar with different societies of all caste and customs along the trail and share the insight culture with you that is not even noted in the guidebook. To make our staffs more fluent and experienced, we consistently provide training. They have been participating in special training programs like Trekking guide training, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Intensive Wilderness First Aid and many more that have been certified and approved by Nepal Government.

Health and Fitness

While Trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal, you will be hiking up in high altitude, hence slow and steady is the main concern which helps you to acclimatize properly with the altitude. During trekking, you will require to walk for 5-6 hours on average. If you are planning to trek in Nepal, make sure that you are in good shape and fitness, and consult your doctor or general physicians about your health. You should be physically and mentally prepared. Before commencing a trek, we recommend you to do some regular exercises, make habits to use stairs than the elevator that makes your knees strong, and, if possible, join some aerobics, gyms and make sure about your good health. If you are used to with these habits, you will definitely walk in the Himalayas of Nepal. Sincere preparation and strong determination for the trip are very important for making your trip a wonderful memory of your life. It is not compulsory to have any previous experience. Follow the guidance and enjoy the trip.

High Altitude Sickness

At a higher altitude, you will feel a decrease in the availability of oxygen and shorten in oxygen cause altitude sickness. If a person walks in the high altitude particularly climbs up too quickly, he might suffer from High altitude sickness. Hence, proper rest is required at that altitude. You can cure at the right time knowing certain symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Common symptoms are a headache, loss of appetite, tiredness and nausea, vomiting, dizziness and difficulty in sleeping. The best remedies that local belief and take is taking garlic, or ginger in the mouth. Eat dry food and take liquid as much as possible. We recommend Diamox if there are not any options.  Also, we provide an experienced guide and staffs in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk.

Acclimatization

While, trekking in the Himalayas, you will walk in the Ups down trail taking you to the elevation over 2500 m. Hence, you might feel difficult to breathe or your breathing speed up. Hence, it is most important to familiarize with the altitude and let you adjust with the decreased availability of oxygen at high altitude. Our itinerary is designed with sufficient days to acclimatize. In case of gaining a certain height, there is a rest day when you can explore the area as well as walk to high altitude and sleep on low land. Likewise, you are suggested to walk slowly and carefully without getting any stresses. Also, for proper acclimatization, you should care about your eating habits. Don’t focus on Junk food and eat as much liquid as possible. Hard drinks are not recommended. The right way to acclimatize properly is to walk high, sleep low.

Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox, mostly recognized drugs for altitude sickness prevention and treatment. It allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. While using a Diamox, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg. but their research showed no difference for most people with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and fingertips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside when the drug is stopped. It is more appropriate to contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO recommends a trial course of the drug before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat.

Highly recommended to take a trial course before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat if it occurred.

Alternative Drugs:

Dexamethasone (a steroid) is also a prescribed drug that decreases brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS. The dose is typically 4 mg twice a day for a few days starting with the ascent. This prevents most of the symptoms of altitude illness from developing.

ADVICE:

Dexamethasone is a powerful drug and should be used with caution and only on the advice of a physician and should only be used to aid acclimatization by sufficiently qualified persons or those with the necessary experience of its use.

NOTE:

It is more advisable to take drugs taking proper suggestions from Personal Physicians and in case if there are no any options. In the Himalayas of Nepal, the mountain dwellers believe in taking some garlic or ginger along with Red Pepper to produce heat for fast breathing.