| Activities: | Trekking, Sightseeing & Climbing | Fitness Level: | Fairly Challenging |
| Max Elevation: | 6,189m/20305ft | Transportation: | Private vehicle/Tourist Bus |
| Best Month: | Sep - Nov & March - May | Group Size: | 2-10 Persons |
| Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Kathmandu |
| Meal: | Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek | ||
| Accommodation: | Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses/tent during the trek/climb | ||
| Price: | USD:2640 |
Island Peak climbing with Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp offers a complete package of adventure and trekking, taking you through the majestic mountain Island Peak (Imje Tse), turquoise lake Gokyo Lake, ascending the Gokyo Ri (5,357m), thrilling Cho La pass (5,420m), and to the base camp of the highest peak, Everest Base Camp(5,380m). The combination of the world's classic trekking routes in a trek can be a great opportunity to explore the Himalayas of the Khumbu region, Nepal.
The Island Peak Summit rewards you with the closest view of the famous mountain range that includes Mt. Everest(8,848m), Mt. Lhotse(8,516m), Mt. Makalu(8,481m), Mt. Cho Oyu(8,201m), with many other snow-capped peaks. We will take the shortest route with proper acclimatization throughout the journey to make a successful ascent to the peak, which is also known as Imja Tse. The thrilling journey starts from Lukla, leading you to the beautiful Gokyo Valley, offering a panoramic view of mountains and lakes.
The journey continues to Everest Base Camp, leaving behind the beautiful valley of lakes. Exploring the gateway to Mt. Everest, Kalapathhar, and base camp, we move forward to the popular Cho La Pass. The trails throughout the trek are challenging and thrilling, which is the best choice for adventure seekers who are willing to take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the feeling of the Himalayas. The itinerary allows climbers abundant acclimatization facilities with trained and expert guidance from the Sherpas and guides throughout the trek.
1st Day: Arrive in Kathmandu(1350/4428 ft.) and transfer to Hotel
2nd Day: Flight to Lukla (2840/ 9372 ft) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m/8,612 ft.) [ 30 minutes flight and Trek about 3-4 hrs ]
3rd Day: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,352 ft.)( 5/6 hours walk)
4th Day: Rest day for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,352 ft.)
5th Day: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4200 m/13,860 ft) (Trek 5-6 hours)
6th Day: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m/14,750 ft.) (Trek: 4-5 hours)
7th Day: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,840 ft.)(Trek: 4-5 hours)
8th Day: Rest day and Excursion around Gokyo Ri (5,483m/18,094 ft)
9th Day: Trek to Cho La pass(5330 m/17589 ft.) then Continue trek to Dzongla (4,830/15,939 ft. m) (7-8 hours walk)
10th Day: Trek to Gorekshep, excursion to Kalapatthar(5550 m/18,315 ft.) and trek back to Gorekshep (5,140 m/16,960 ft.) (6-7 hours walk)
11th Day: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5357m/17,678 ft.) and return to Lobuche (4910 m/16,203 ft) ( 5-6 hours walk)
12th Day: Trek to Chhukung via Kongma-la pass ( 5535 m/18265) (6/7 hours walk)
13th Day: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,060ft.) (3-4 hours walk)
14th Day: Acclimatization and Preparation for Climbing with the training course
15th Day: Island Peak Summit Day (6,189m/20305ft) and trek back to Chhukung (8-9 hours trek)
16th Day: Trek from Chhukung to Namche(3440 m/11352 ft.) (5-6 hours walk)
17th Day: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840/ 9372 ft.)(4-5 hours walk )
18th Day: Flight back to Kathmandu(1350/4428 ft.)(30 minutes)
19th Day: Leisure day at Kathmandu
20th Day: Departure as per the schedule
#@#Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1350/4428 ft.) and transfer to Hotel
#@#Welcome to the land of mountains. One of our representatives will be waiting for your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport to pick you up. You will be escorted to the hotel and helped with further check-in at the hotel. After taking a short break for refreshment, we will meet again and head for dinner. You will shortly be briefed about the journey and plans for the upcoming days.
#@#Day 02: Flight to Lukla (2840/ 9372 ft) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m/8,612 ft.) [ 30 minutes flight and Trek about 3-4 hrs ]
#@#On the second day of the trip, we will take an early morning flight to Lukla. You will fly over the snowcapped mountains and land at one of the most electrifying high-altitude airports in the world. After resting for a while at Lukla and exploring the surroundings, we will begin our trek. We will slide down almost 500 meters to the Dudh Koshi River. The trek winds along the trail beside the River toward Phakding eventually. We will finally arrive at Phakding, passing several mani-walls and boulders engraved with Buddhist prayers. Overnight at Phakding.
#@#Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,352 ft.)( 5/6 hours walk)
#@#The trek continues chasing the northern trail, moving up towards Monjo. We officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo. Hence, we will have to issue the Sagarmatha National Park Permit Card here. We will then continue the trail along the steep uphill climb with the first glimpse of Everest. After a few hours of walking, we reach the beautiful Namche Bazaar. We will spend overnight at the lodge in Namche Bazaar.
#@#Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,352 ft.)
#@#We will take a day to acclimatize ourselves to the increasing elevation. You can rest completely, or you can also go for a short hike to Khumjung. Khumjung is a beautiful settlement that is the old habitat of the Hospitable Sherpas. You can also choose to roam around the Namche valley, where you can visit the Internet Cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and colorful markets. Overnight at the lodge.
#@#Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4200 m/13,860 ft) (Trek 5-6 hours)
#@#Our route will head towards Khumjung at the beginning. It is a picturesque village which has its gompa at the top end of the town. The trail for the day offers amazing views of the Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam peaks. We follow the northern trail that climbs further towards a large Chorten on the top of the ridge. We will trek along the steep downhill that will later pass through the Phortse Tenga. We will climb steeply through the rhododendron and birch forests for a couple of hours till we reach a beautiful settlement at Dole. Overnight.
#@#Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m/14,750 ft.) (Trek: 4-5 hours)
#@#We will start the trek climbing steadily along the side of the valley from Dole. The small and thorny bushes give us a way to the scrub juniper as the altitude keeps increasing. Our trail will pass through several settlements along the trail. On the journey, you can witness the beautiful settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to the pastures to graze, mostly in the summer seasons. You will get the mesmerizing view of Mt. Cho Oyu ahead of you while the view of Kantega and Thamserku Peak awaits as you go down the valley. We will walk for about four hours only to reach Machhermo. Overnight at a tea house lodge.
#@#Day 07: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,840 ft.)(Trek: 4-5 hours)
#@#Our trek will start with an uphill walk to a ridge that offers a fantastic view. We get an amazing view of the deep valley of Kantega and Mt. Cho Oyu from the top of the ridge. We will be trekking toward the lakes at Gokyo. We will trek following a very scenic path to Pangka that will slightly descend before climbing the steep rocky path. The path is inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier. We will then pass the first of the holy lakes. We arrive at a lake, Dudh Pokhari, which has the Gokyo settlement at its eastern shore. An amazing sight of the magnificent scenery of Mt. Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang is reflected in the emerald green waters of the Dudh Pokhari Lake.
#@#Day 08: Rest day and Excursion around Gokyo Ri (5,483m/18,094 ft)
#@#The Gokyo Valley offers several attractions to its visitors. Most of the Sherpa people run lodges in the area to provide the best service to the trekkers. The valley is situated near the Ngozumba Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal. We will make a side trip to Firth Lake. We will also explore the Gokyo-Ri, the ideal vantage point that offers a view of Mt. Everest and its neighboring mountains. After spending some time, we retraced our steps back to the valley. Overnight at the lodge.
#@#Day 09: Trek to Cho La pass(5330 m/17589 ft.) then continue trek to Dzongla (4,830/15,939 ft. m) (7-8 hours walk)
#@#We will have a very long day of trekking on this day. The trek for the day requires some technical knowledge to complete the trek. As you will be crossing the pass, the trek might be challenging. As there will be some steep glacial sections on the east of the trek, the trek might become a much more demanding walk. The ice-covered rocks might make some tricky, slippery attributes in the trek. We will walk through the rocky ravine to the top of the pass that will be marked by the fluttering prayer flags and chortens on the way. Youâll get amazing views of Lobuche East and Baruntse from the trail. We will traverse across some of the crevasses till we reach the Dzongla Village for our overnight stay at the lodge.
#@#Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep, excursion to Kalapatthar(5550 m/18,315 ft.) and trek back to Gorekshep (5,140 m/16,960 ft.) (6-7 hours walk)
#@#We will be trekking for a maximum of seven hours in the day. We will first hike up to the Gorakshep and then follow the trail along the ridge over the Khumbu Glacier. We will then hike up to the highland seasonal hamlet of Gorakshep. Hiking a little up, we will reach the beautiful destination, Kalapatthar(5,545m) to explore the most beautiful view of Mt. Everest. Kala Patthar offers the most dramatic close-up view of Mt. Everest. We will return to Gorakshep for our overnight stay.
#@#Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5357m/17,678 ft.) and return to Lobuche (4910 m/16,203 ft) ( 5-6 hours walk)
#@#Looking at the weather conditions, we will set out for the biggest reward of the trek, which is the Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp offers the most mesmerizing experience that becomes a lifetime achievement for us. We will reach the glacier to the base camp, which nestles right below the beautiful Khumbu Icefall at the Everest base camp. We will explore the Everest Base Camp for a few hours and return to Lobuche, retracing our way back. We will spend the night at the lodge.
#@#Day 12: Trek to Chhukung via Kongma-la pass ( 5,535m/18265) (6/7 hours walk)
#@#We move forward on the trek through one of the highest passes of the trip. We will start the trek walking as soon as we have our breakfast. The trail will then follow the Khumbu glacier towards the east. We will be stopping multiple times throughout the day at the tea shops and water sources. You can carry some water bottles and some snacks to take some light meals on the trek. The trails provide us with the best view of Mt. Kongma Tse(5,820m), Mt. Pokalde(5,806m), Mt. Lhotse(8,516m), Mt. Lhotse Shar(8,383m), and many other peaks. The trek continues till we reach Chhukung.
#@#Day 13: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,060ft.) (3-4 hours walk)
#@#We begin the trek from Chhukung, making our final stop at Island Base Camp. We will take a gradual, steep route that will take us to the Island Peak base camp. We will chase the uphill trail initially in the south direction, which then changes towards the east. The trails tread towards the moraine that stretches out from the Lhotse Glacier. You will trek along the easy streamside trail, enjoying the glaciers created by Imja and Lhotse.
#@#Day 14: Acclimatization and Preparation for Climbing with the Training Course
#@#It is an important day for us. We will take in the guidance of the guides who will be training us for the basic climbing skills that include an ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. We will also learn the use of ropes during high-altitude climbing, which will be very useful for our future days. You have to learn to make your climb easy and successful. This day can also be taken as the acclimatization with the increasing altitude.
#@#Day 15: Island Peak Summit Day (6,189m/20305ft) and trek back to Chhukung (8-9 hours trek)
#@#We will get up very early in the morning to make the Island Peak Summit. Climbing the summit requires a midnight start to avoid the Himalayan wind on the summit in the late afternoon. The trek stretches gradually uphill for several distances until we reach the steep section. The trails change from sandy trails to grassy which will lead us through the rock-strewn snowy section. The trails get narrower as we cross the rocky trails. You can enjoy every moment in the base camp, which is truly magical. The Island Base Camp offers a magical view of the world's highest peaks, including many other peaks. After spending some time at the base camp, we will retrace our steps back to the Chhukung village. The walk will be the longest in the whole trek.
#@#Day 16:Trek from Chhukung to Namche(3440 m/11352 ft.) (5-6 hours walk)
#@#We will retrace the journey back to Namche Bazaar on this day. We will walk down the steep path that follows the river. We will cross a bridge, enjoying the route that is completely decorated with birch and rhododendron forests. You will continuously have the sight of the giant Himalaya,s including Mt. Everest, Kwangde, Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserkhu. Overnight at Namche.
#@#Day 17: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840/ 9372 ft.)(4-5 hours walk )
#@#Finally, we reach the final trek of the trip. We will move following the Dudh Koshi River down towards Lukla. You will have some time where you can celebrate with the guides, sherpas, and porters on the way. Lukla offers a majestic view that can be the best combination to celebrate the successful completion of the most beautiful journey of your life. Overnight at Lukla.
#@#Day 18: Flight back to Kathmandu(1350/4428 ft.)(30 minutes)
#@#We will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, we will help you with the transfer to your hotel. You can rest the remaining time or choose to explore the surroundings in the Kathmandu Valley. You can also choose to go shopping, message, or rest at the hotel. Overnight.
#@#19th Day: Leisure day at Kathmandu
#@#We will have a day scheduled in case we may not catch the flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla. As the weather conditions in Lukla are completely unpredictable, we make a day plan for unavoidable circumstances. If we arrive at Kathmandu, we can spend the day exploring the sights in the valley. Kathmandu is full of destinations like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and many other places. You can take the day completely exploring the beautiful side of the valley.
#@#20th Day: Departure as per the schedule
#@#After nearly three weeks, our trip finally comes to an end. We reach the last day with us. Our team will take you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to see you again for an adventurous journey like this. Also, if you have any other trips planned with us, we can commence as per your choice. Hoping to see you again.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Everest region entry fee, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Clothing & Packing Information
Correct Clothing & Equipmentâs are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us.
We are advised to consider the following equipmentâs as essentials while packing for the Island Peak Climb. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to our requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip. We can find variety of these gears to buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally is much cheaper and must be tried on carefully and checked carefully for quality, but on the whole it is OK. We can find very high quality branded gears too in some famous stores in Kathmandu; mostly top notch imported gear, Mountain Hardware, The North Face, Marmot, Black Diamond climbing gear plus head torches and others, and prices are reasonable.
The hotel stores free of cost whatever you don't take trekking, and of course they have a laundry service. You might want to plan with a clean set of clothes for your return from the trek.
Who carries what?
You carry a daypack with your camera, a jacket, water and day snacks. The porters will carry everything else, so pack this in a duffel/kitbag rather than backpack. Since, luggage has weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds or 15 kg.
Important documents
⢠Passport (must be valid for 6 months after trip), 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
⢠Photocopy of the information pages of your passport and Insurance
⢠Insurance â this MUST include helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical coverage. Money â US$200 to US$300 personal spending for trek and for Kathmandu depending on souvenir hunting (but donât change money at the airport as you will get a better rate of exchange in the Thamel District of Kathmandu).
⢠Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines.
Packing List
»Personal Climbing Gears»
Ice axe, Crampons, Harness, Tape slings (2), Screw-gate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock), Descender/eight figure, Plastic mountaineering boots, Ascender/Jhumar & Helmet
»Running shoes»: 1 pair for casual comfortable support shoes wears on lighter walking days.
»Hiking boots»: 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots. Sole should be flexible but still provide enough support for your feet. Boots should be very water repellent.
»Wool socks»: 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks and 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
» Gaiters»:Only for winter, âlowâ ankle high
»T-Shirts» Polypropylene shirts (2 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves), Light and expedition weight thermal tops
»Jacket» Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, Down vest and/or jacket and Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
»Trekking pants» Non-cotton underwear briefs, 1 pair of Hiking shorts, 1 pair of Hiking trousers, 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal), 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers and 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
»Head wears» Bandana or head scarf, useful for dusty conditions also, Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic), Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs, Sunglasses with UV protection
»Hand wears» 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves, 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves, 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
»Sleeping Bag»: High quality with hood to at least - 10 Degree Celsius or 14 degrees F (Company provide you sleeping bag for this trek)
»Rucksack and Travel Bags» 1 medium rucksack (60-80 liters/3500-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon), 1 large duffel bag (Company provide you duffle bag for this trek), A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding, Small padlocks for duffel bags, large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
»Trekking Poles»: Optional
»Water treatment tablets»: Iodine or Chloride Dioxide tablets. A small bottle or multi pack is sufficient. Taste neutralizer tablets remove iodine taste. Chloride Dioxide formulas will not discolor water
»Water Bottles» 2 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Liter capacity per bottle No water bag or bladder systems; they freeze or are hard to fill.
»Pee Bottle» (Optional) but very useful
»Pee funnel for Women» (Optional) Lightweight urinary director (For minimal undressing for discreet use)
»Sunscreen» SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes and make sure that the sunscreen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
»Hand/foot warmers»: (Optional) recommended if you easily get cold hands and feet 1-3 pairs.
»Lip screen»: SPF 30 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months
»MP3 player» (Optional) Flash memory only players since hard drive players do not work at high altitude (above 13,000ft). Chargers can be used at several lodges along the way.
»Towel» Bring towel for trekking. »Toiletry bag» Include toilet paper, soap, towel, and toothpaste & brush, Wet wipes 1-2 per day and hand sanitizer: Hand moisturizer.
»Extra luggage» Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking - luggage can be safely stored at the hotel in Kathmandu and collected at the end of your trek.
First aid
»Personal first aid Kit (small and simple)» Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive tape and Band-Aids.
»Drugs/medications/prescriptions» Trekker should bring Mupirocin (Bactroban) cream; excellent topical antibiotic for scrapes and cuts.
Cirprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for travelerâs diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Loperamide (Lomotil) or Immodium for diarrhea.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg tablets for stomach sensitivity.
This above list is only a guideline for you. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Visionâs Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And thatâs where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety.
Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.
Trip Meal Plan
Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.
When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.
Trip Accommodation
During this trip, we will spend four nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.
There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.
Best time to visit Nepal
Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations.
The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too.
Leader(s) & Staff
The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:
Altitude Information
What is Altitude?
Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.
Acclimatization
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.
Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness
Treatment
The only cure for mountain sickness is either acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.
What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness?
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from ailments like altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, major hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a clientâs life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.
Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are traveling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.
Our expert and trained guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously and conducted the operation swiftly and didnât panic for a second to come up with a proper operation.
Vaccination:
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while traveling to prevent possible diseases. For traveling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must to have but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.
Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, a cold beverage, mineral water, extra meals, and drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services which are not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc. to withdraw local currency.
COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days prior to arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. In case you are entering through the land border, you will need to do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.
Things to Consider
There are a few important things you need to know before traveling to Nepal so that you can have a smooth journey to Nepal.
#@#Is Island Peak a technical climb?
#@#Island Peak isn't a technical climb. It is achievable for most people if they have technical training. With the physical condition and excellent acclimatization, you can climb the Island peak.
#@#How tall is the Island Peak?
#@#The Island Peak is at a height of 6,189m which can be easily ascended by the physically fit and enthusiastic person.
#@#How long does it take to climb Island Peak?
#@#The Island expedition is climbed in 21 days which includes all the days from the stay in Kathmandu to the trek. It is estimated that it takes 19 days for the trekking only.
#@#Can beginners climb Island Peak?
#@#With the help of guides, a physically fit person who is passionate about the climb can climb Island Peak easily if he has some basic climbing skills, reaching the summits of Kala Pattar and Island Peak.
#@#Can you see Everest from Gokyo Lake?
#@#From the Gokyo Lake, you must visit the Gokyo Ri, at an altitude of 5357m, from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Everest. Besides Everest, you will also enjoy the view of other sibling mountains.
#@#How hard is the Gokyo Lake Trek?
#@#The Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the moderately difficult treks. For this trek, you must be physically in good shape and stamina as it requires very long walking, and facing obstacles in the journey.
#@#How long is Gokyo Trek?
#@#The Gokyo Trek is estimated to be around 16 days. Within 16 days, you can climb to 5,400m of height. One of the challenging treks, the Gokyo Ri Trek starts from the Lukla airport and stops there after the trek.
#@#How do I get to Gokyo?
#@#If you take a flight, you have to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla followed by a Trekking trail to EBC. if you are taking the bus, the journey is from Kathmandu to Jiri by Bus and then the trek.
#@#Is Gokyo Lake Worth?
#@#The hike to Gokyo Lake is worth the extra days and effort if you are a travel enthusiast loving to spend more. The trek offers a view of Mt. Everest from a close distance, lakes, and other cultural importance.
#@#How fit do I have to be for this trek?
#@#Trekking in the Himalayas means uphill and downhill walking in the remote part. So your health and physical fitness play a vital role in completing this trek. If your level of fitness is good and your health is excellent, you can join this trek even if you have never done trekking in the high Himalayan region.
#@#What currency do the teahouses take?
#@#The teahouse accepts Nepalese currency so you must have enough Nepalese currency with you.
#@#How does getting food work at the teahouses?
#@#In Tea House Trek you will serve a variety of local foods including such items as Tibetan fried bread, soups, momoâs (steamed dumplings), daal- Bhat (lentils and rice), tarkari (steamed, fried, or curried vegetables), potatoes (prepared in dozens of ways), pasta and even a version of pizza. Meats are rarely eaten although you may have canned tuna or sardines and the occasional yak stew. Breakfasts typically consist of eggs (prepared in many ways), hot porridge, muesli, toast, peanut butter, and honey.
#@#How hard is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
#@#The difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp is moderate also the trekking time is often two weeks.
#@#Can we see Mount Everest from Kathmandu?
Mount Everest can be seen from Kathmandu. The Chandragiri hills located in Kathmandu offer you a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and Mount Everest on a clear day.
#@#How long does it take to hike Everest Base Camp?
#@#The Everest Base Camp trek depends on the individual. On average, the trek takes around 15 days of which 12 days are for climbing and 4 days for getting down the trail.
#@#Can you hike to Everest Base Camp without a guide?
#@#Yes, it's obvious, you can trek to Mount Everest without a guide. You don't need a guide for better weather and an easy trail but you may need a guide to take a safe land when the conditions worsen.