Master FAQ for Nepal travel and trekking

What is the Best Time of the Year to trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal ?
Ans:
Best time to Trek to the Everest Base Camp is after mid-September, October, November, March, April, May and early June.

What is the Maximum and minimum Altitude on this trek ?
Ans: The Maximum Altitude you will be at 5643m [18,513ft] at Kalapatthar but you won’t be sleeping that high. You will be sleeping at Gorekshep which is 5164m (16,942ft). The Minimum Altitude will be 1400m (4593ft) which is Kathmandu Airport.

What is AMS ?
Ans: Acute mountain sickness ( AMS) is an illness that can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travelers at high altitudes, usually above 9,000 feet. Acute mountain sickness is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.Red More…

What are the chances of the cancelation of Regular flight in and out from Lukla ?
Ans: The Flights to Lukla is one of the most exiting flights in the world. The 40 Minute flights will take you to footstep of Everest Base Camp. This will be great chance to see the spectacular Himalays from flight. This is considering as one of the adventurous air route in the world. Due to bad weather the regular fixed wing aircraft flight gets delay or canceled so we request you to have extra days at the end of your trek so you don’t miss your international Flight.

What alternative we have if the flight gets canceled to Lukla for couple of days ?
Ans: If the fixed wing aircraft flight get canceled for 2 or more days on our way to Lukla we have option of charter the Helicopter or Re-route the trekking to either Annapurna Base Camp , Manaslu Circuit or Langtang valley or any other destination you wish to trek or even to near by countries like Bhutan or India.

What will happen if someone in a group gets sick during the trek ?
Ans: If someone get sick in group we will immediately take our Health Action Plan, if the person is serious we will immediate evacuate him or her to International Medical Center or take them to closest Hospital possible, may be even do the Heli rescue . All our staffs are trained with incentive First Aid Medical Training and Evacuation Training. They will follow the Immediate Health Action Plan set by the Company to make them safe.

How to Book this trip ?
Ans: There is very easy three steps to book your trip, you choose your departure dates and send enquiry, within 24 hours you will get the reply with quotation and itinerary. Once you are satisfied with the Itinerary and Quotation just you need to pay 30% of the Total Tour cost as a deposit amount. After we received your deposit you will get the Booking confirmation email from Earthbound Expeditions. Earthbound will take care of Everything like Hotel accommodation, Permits, Flights, Guide and Porters. We will come to receive you at the airport, the balance you pay us upon arrival and you just Enjoy your Journey to the Majestic Himalayas.

Can I choose my own departure date ?
Ans: If the published Group Departure dates are not suitable for your travel plan, you can customize the Travel Itinerary. You can choose your own departure date, we will run the trip even if you are just one person on your chosen date.

What is the minimum and maximum age limit for this trek ?
Ans: For Everest Base Camp Trek the minimum age should be 10 years plus and the oldest person we have taken so far is 78 years old.

How safe is this trip for solo female traveler ?
Ans: Nepal is a safe country to travel and solo Female travellers are totally safe and we have taken many of them in the mountain and they loved the trip.

Can I Buy or Hire the trekking gears in Kathmandu ?
And: Kathmandu many choice. You can buy most of the things in Kathmandu in better price, Thamel is great place to do Trekking Gear shopping. Even if you are looking for North-Face ( north fake also), Black Yak and Mountain Hardware authorized shops are located in Thamel.  If you are just looking for cheap and local gears which is actually  available here. We can give yo duffle bag, sleeping bag and down jacket free of charge to use if you are not planning to carry one from home.

What types of foods are available on the trek ?
Ans: You will be getting verities of Local and International Foods during the trek. Every tea houses have professionally trained chef and maintain the Food Hygiene. You will almost gets what you gets in Kathmandu but the Taste might not be the same. You will get Dal Bhat ( rice, lentil and curry, Nepali meal set), Pasta, Pizza, Macaroni, Yak Steak, Momos, Fried Noodles, Potato Chips, Boiled Vegetable, Chapati, Soups and Tibetan Bread, eggs, tea, coffee etc.

Are we sleeping in Tents or Guest House ?
And: These days Nepal’s trekking are popular as tea house style trek means you trek and stay in lodges with locals. You will be sleeping in Tea Houses ( Inn) unless you choose to do Camping Trek which can be bit expensive.

Is the Tea House lodge having Power to charge the camera and electronics ?
Ans: Yes almost every tea houses lodge have the electricity where you can charge your electronics. Please note that to Charge your electronics the Tea Houses may charge you too the minimal charging fees. [Roughly USD 1 Per Hour]

Is there internet facility in the trek ?
Ans: There are Internet Facility ( WIFI) in the trek, almost every Tea House have Wifi facility on extra Cost.

How often we will get chance to take shower ?
Ans: Hot Showers are available throughout the trip paying extra cost, but we do not recommend you to have Shower after Namche Bazar, specially if this is not hot as you might get Khumbu Cold / cough.

Is there any Laundry Facility ?
Ans: There are No Laundry Facility unless you do it yourself in cold chilling rushing river or at the Lodge after the trek. But it may take a while to get it dry. You may try to do small laundry on rest days.

Is there money changing facility or ATMs ?
Ans: There are Banks in Lukla and Namche Bazar where you can change the money but the banks only open on Business Days.
But some time there might be technical problem and it will take few days to fix as the mechanic have to come from Kathmandu. So better to carry money from Kathmandu.

What the situation with Drinking Water in Nepal ?
Ans: Around Kathmandu: It is recommended that you do not drink from any other source than a filtered water bottle that can be purchased from 25 NPR to 30 NPR (depending on the area you are in).
While Trekking: While trekking in the chosen conservation area (Khumbu, Annapurna and Mustang) there will be special water filtering and purification areas where you can fill up you water. Safe, cheap and environmentally friendly ( they will charge some money for that). Buying bottled water is discouraged because of environmental impacts but refilling is encouraged. You can use purifying tablets, filter, ultra UV light etc.

What is the weight limit for domestic flights out of Kathmandu ?
Ans: Domestic Flight: On outbound flights from Kathmandu you are allowed to carry 15kg (33 pounds), this includes: Rug sack, Camera, Small hand luggage and any other baggage. The weight allowance allows the aircraft to get an estimate of how much the total weight is.

What is the weight my porter is allowed to carry ?
Ans: One porter is assigned to two people while on trek, depending on the terrain special porters are assigned. However the weight stays the same, this means porters can carry 30kg (66 pounds) altogether. It is possible that 2 people can share the same porter. No suitcase please, Earthbound Expeditions recommend you carry your belonging on a sports bag or a rug sack as this becomes easier for porters to carry. Any personal possession should be kept with you at all time, Earthbound Expeditions are not liable for any damage or loss of belongings. Extra luggage that you don’t need on trek can leave in Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel.

I want to extend my trip in the mountains, is this possible ?
Ans: Yes, it is possible. Things that needs to be taken into consideration. If you consider flying be aware that you might not get a seat on the airplane on your desired date, Earthbound Expeditions will need to check availability and will let you know prior. If you are trekking and you will like to extend, make sure you let an Earthbound Expeditions guide know for any change in your trip plan, you don’t have to worry about anything, Earthbound Expeditions or it’s guide will handle the situations.
However, if you are in a group and majority of the people in the group wants to come back early, we will listen to the groups decision. If you still want to extend your trip we will provide you with a professional staff member who will accommodate you on your trip.

Are the staff trustworthy ?
Ans: Every guide, porter and staff members that are part of Earthbound Expedition will be insured and certified. You can feel assured that you are very safe and can have confidence in the expertise of our guides and porters.

What do I need to know about Acclimatization ?
Ans: Acclimatizing is very key when trekking in Nepal. Due to the rapid increase in altitude change from your home country, you will need your body to adjust to the mountains. The altitude of acclimatization regime during trekking applies to all the most popular trekking routes in Nepal: Everest Base camp trek, Gokyo trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, etc. Couple of things to consider to avoid altitude sickness. Our guides and you personalised itinerary will inform you more in your trek but here are some brief overview to get you ready.
1)    Gradualincrease :  the reason you do not go straight up to the designated area is because your body will get into a state of shock when presented with the lack of oxygen due to the altitude increase. Hence why, accordingly, every overnight stay must be at an altitude of 300 – 400 metres higher than your previous overnight accommodation. Having climbed a total of 1,000 altitude metres, you must devote one whole day to altitude acclimatization and stay overnight at the same altitude.
2)    Consumelots of liquid- Drink lots of water, this is because atmospheric pressure falls in higher altitude and this affects your body. It is advised to drink a minimum 3 litres while on the trek. It is also advised to avoid too much coffee and black tea as these drinks can induce heart palpitations and create additional pressure on your heart.
3)    Avoid! Drinking alcohol, smoking and using sleeping tablets- This applies especially when you are ascending up the mountains as your body needs time to get adjusted to the new environment. Smoking, sedatives artificially reduce the flow of oxygen to the brain.

Medication used for Altitude sickness ?
Ans: When you go higher up the mountains, many people will experience something called AMS (Acute mountain sickness). This is caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. Occurs if you progress too fast on your trekking routes, Earthbound Expeditions has no track record of people suffering from Altitude sickness, every guide and porter are trained and qualified to give you direction for what to do, if situation does occur.
Of all the medicinal products use to aid altitude acclimatization and treat altitude sickness the most popular is Diamox, whose active substance is Acetazolamide. On the Everest Base Camp trek Diamox is widely on sale without prescription in Kathmandu, Lukla and Namche Bazaar. One strip of Diamox contains 10 x 250 mg tablets and in Nepal you can buy it for 150 – 200 rupees.
Possible alternative names (trademarks) for Acetazolamide include: Acetamox, Acetazolam, Ak-Zol, Apo-Acetazolamide, Atenezol, Cidamex, Dazamide, Defiltran, Dehydratin, Diacarb, Diakarb, Diamox, Didoc, Diluran, Diuramid, Diureticum-Holzinger, Diuriwas, Diutazol, Donmox, Duiramid, Edemox, Eumicton, Fonurit, Glaupax, Glupax, Natrionex, Nephramid, Nephramide, Phonurit, Storzolamide, and Vetamox.

How to use Diamox ?
Ans: Firstly, consult your doctor. Before trekking it is advisable to start using Diamox 24 hours before your ascent and once you’ve started trekking you should use Diamox twice a day in doses of 125 – 250 mg depending on your body weight in the late morning and in the evening. It’s important to take Diamox before going to bed, because it deepens the depth of inhalation during sleep, thus improving the body’s supply of oxygen. Diamox is an effective means of preventing pulmonary oedema.
Diamox can also induce allergic reactions; therefore it is recommended that you consult your doctor before use.

Can I make sure that my flight out to Kathmandu is guaranteed ?
Ans: The weather in Nepal varies, so the blunt answer is no. The mountains determines its own micro weather and this can affect domestic flights in the designated region. Earthbound Expeditions recommends that you create a two or three day’s flexibility from the day you depart from Kathmandu and when you return to your home country.
If there is a circumstance where your flights do get cancelled. Do not fear, you will be placed on the next available flight out without any further charge. Earthbound Expedition has this guarantee for you.

I’m a vegetarian, what can I expect on my trip ?
Ans: Nepali people love vegetable and organic farming is promoted and used throughout Nepal. When you are on trek you will be presented with arrays of fresh chemical free, back garden vegetable and fruits. They are full of nutrients and key for hiking in the mountains in Nepal. Earthbound Expeditions suggests all trekkers to avoid meat while on trek. All of the lodges on route in the mountains will serve you vegetarian meals.
Credit card use
Around Kathmandu: There are plenty of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are available throughout Nepal. It’s recommended that you exchange your money in Kathmandu or Pokhara as they have regularly “working” machines that accept international cards.

While Trekking: While trekking in the chosen conservation area (Khumbu, Annapurna and Mustang) we suggest that you exchange your money in the capital, Kathmandu, as there are less facilities in these conservation areas. The exception being Lukla, where there are functional ATM access, but at time are not available for use. For confirmation Earthbound Expedition suggests you to exchange money while in Kathmandu.

Independent trekking, can I do it ?
Ans: Yes, Earthbound Expeditions also caters for your needs. We understand that many of your clients want to explore the mountains in their own time and pace. We also accommodate for independent female trekker who wants to explore the mountain region.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag ?
Ans: For tours between mid-October and mid-April a sleeping bag is required.  If you don’t mind renting a used one, they are available for under $1/day. If you are very sensitive to using the blankets provided by the lodges,   we recommend you bring a sleeping bag.

Can I give food/chocolate/gift etc to children along the trail ?
Ans: You will meet lovely and friendly children along the trail who live under extreme poverty. Many people bring with them some gifts, foods, chocolates etc. to offer them. Although children will love what you offer and you will see some momentary happiness in them, we suggest you not to do so, especially to the individual child, as it has been adversely affecting the children encouraging them into begging.

Can I bring some supplies for schools in remote area ?
Ans: If you are planning to bring some stationery and other supplies to the children of remote schools while you come on our trip, you are most welcome to do so. You can bring stationery materials, toys, and other useful education materials. We will try to organize a program to donate those materials in a school during the trip and if, in case, that is not possible, we will distribute it later for you and make sure your kind donation goes to right place.

Do you arrange transportation on our arrival and departure or we have to manage our own ?
Ans: We will provide you pick up and drop off service on your arrival and departure. You just concentrate on enjoying the trip with us.

Where do we contact in case of emergency ?
Ans: Please dial our office contact no. +977-1-4701051 in case of any help you need. You can dial 100 to reach Nepal Police or dial their emergency contact number at +977-1-4228435.
More contact numbers:
Tourist Police:            +977-1-4226359/4226403
Nepal Tourism Board:        +977-1-4256909/4256229
Department of Immigration:     +977-1-4223509/4222453

How do we get evacuated in the case of emergency high in the mountain ?
Ans: Our trip itineraries are well established to suit the pace of all kinds and our services are unparalleled in the industry. Our sincere and best attempt is to make sure that everything goes smoothly and without any problem so that you can enjoy your trip to the best. But sometimes some unfortunate and adverse situations might arise and emergency evacuation is needed. In that case, we will arrange the necessary rescue program.

Is there any outbreak in Nepal now ?
Ans: There are no outbreaks and epidemics in Nepal now. Generally, Nepal is safe when it comes to health and safety. However, some precautions have to be taken on eating and drinking to protect yourself from travelers’diarrhea. Make sure you are eating safe food in safe places and drinking sealed bottled water. Avoid any street food; wash fruits nicely before you eat. These are very basic precautions that you need to take to stay away from health problems while you are in Nepal.

Will I be safe while walking/exploring around ?
Ans: Nepal is one of the safest countries to travel in Asia. The friendly and smiling nature of people can be a little bewildering to you in the beginning but you will start liking it as you grow accustomed to it. You will generally be safe while walking and exploring around however we are not an absolute exception. A little precaution can prove to be highly helpful in staying safe. This universal phenomenon applies here as well.

Do you pay our guide, driver, and helper or we need to pay them their salary ?
Ans: We pay the people who ever will be in your service throughout the entire trip. You do not need to pay anything extra in the form of salary.

How does tipping work? Is it a common practice ?
Ans: Although people are paid with salary, expectation for some gratuities is a common thing. Some extra tipping to the level of your satisfaction for their service is a common practice.

Can I store my extra baggage somewhere or I have to carry my stuff throughout the trip ?
Ans: If you have an excess baggage that you don’t need for your entire trip, you will have a storage facility at the hotel where you stay in Kathmandu. Ask them to store your baggage for you and make sure you get the luggage tag so that your luggage claim will be easier when you return back.

Should I carry my valuables along with me or I can store them somewhere ?
Ans: If you do not want to carry your valuables throughout your entire trip, you can ask for safety locker facility at the hotel where you stay in Kathmandu. You can retrieve them on your return back to the hotel.

What kind of bag is recommended for the trekking part ?
Ans: As your luggage on the trek will be carried by human porters, it is highly recommended that you have duffel bag or a backpack. Travel suitcase is not a good idea in the mountains. If you have a suitcase, you can store in Kathmandu hotel and carry your necessary stuffs on a duffel bag or backpack. Duffel bags or backpacks can be purchased in Kathmandu.

Do I need to have Travel Insurance ?
Ans: We highly recommend that you buy your travel insurance before you travel to Nepal or other countries we operate the tours in. Please contact your insurance company, get detailed information and make sure you buy travel insurance prior to your trip booking.
You have to buy your travel insurance at your home as you cannot buy one in Nepal.

Where does the trip start and finish ?
Ans: Most of our trips start in Kathmandu and finish in Kathmandu. Your arrival day is counted as day 01 and departure day is counted as the last day.