Information

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Included: 

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•    2 nights accomodation in Kathmandu Hotel.
•    11 nights accommodation in traditional Nepalese "teahouses" during the trek.

•    Airport transfer service upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu

•    Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back
•    Professional female Nepalese mountain guides.
•    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day.

•    Medical kits carried by the guide

•   All necessary paper works, office service charge and all Government Taxes

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Optional add-on: Kathmandu Cultural Experience

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Nepal has SO much more to offer than just trekking in the mountains, it has an ancient culture which flows deep in the people and the cities. The people's lives are closely entangled with their traditions and spirituality, so it is wonderful as a visitor to not only learn about the theory and history, but to actually see this culture still thriving today. People dress in their traditional clothes, eat recipes that have existed unchanged for thousands of years, they will bow at you, bless you with a tikka, and always smile and treat you with generous hospitality. This is the birth place of Buddha afterall! 

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So it seemed fitting that us Wild Women also dive into learning abit about the Nepali culture and put together some of the best things while we are here. If you would like, you can extend your trip by an extra 2 nights with us and explore Kathmandu, guided by our local Nepali expert who will tell you all about their country and people.

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Day 1 (27th)

• Visit the Monkey Temple (Swoyambhu Mahachaitya)

• Walk through Durbar Square and town markets

• Visit a local women's handicraft centre which employs and empowers disadvantaged women.

• Learn to cook traditional Nepali dishes in a cooking class.

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Day 2 (28th)

• Explore the ancient city and temples of Bhaktapur

• Visit the tranquil and progressive womens buddhist monastery Druk Gawa Khilwa, where residents are devoted to Buddhism and also study kung fu.

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Day 3 (29th)

• Depart any time.

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Included: 

• 2 nights accomodation at the luxurious Kathmandu Guest House

• 3 breakfasts (no lunch or dinner- you will have the opportunity to buy food at a cafe or market)

• Private transport around the city to visit all locations. 

• Expert local Nepali guide

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Cost: $400AUD

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Meeting point:

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We will be meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, on the 12th of October. You can book your flight arriving in on the 12th or earlier. We will be having our official "meet and greet" around 5pm on the 12th, so it would be good to arrive earlier than that to give you time to settle in. 

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A driver will be waiting for you at Kathmandu airport with your name on a card ready to bring you to the hotel. 

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Finish point:

 

We will arrive back to Kathmandu after our trek on the 25th of October and stay that night in the same hotel, so you can fly out any time the next day on the 26th or alternatively if your staying for the cultural trip add on the 29th.

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Required Fitness:

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Everest Base Camp Trek requires a high level of fitness and endurance. We will be walking for 10 days, covering a total of approximately 127kms with a LOT of stairs, steep slopes and high altitude. Each day we will be walking for approx 5-8 hours, with about 80% of that being either up stairs or down stairs. But in saying this, we will take plenty of breaks and will be supporting each other every step of the way. It is amazing what you can achieve when you have the right people by your side, encouraging you, and of course sharing conversations and laughs as we go. 

 

We will have porters to carry our main bag for us so we will only need to carry a small bag with what we need for the day. 

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Altitude:​

 

High altitude trekking is considered to be anything above 1500m, which is where you begin to feel the effects of less oxygen in the air. On this trek you will walk from 2360m above sea level, to 5895m, and back down again, so you will definitely feel the altitude! But the good thing is, if you ascend up slowly, and make stops to wait and acclimatise, your body has the capability to adjust to the altitude. 

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In high altitude the first symptom you will feel is being out of breath, or "puffed", more quickly than you would at sea level. This is normal, and everyone trekking at altitude is guaranteed to feel it at some point. However the better your cardio endurance is, the higher you will be able to trek before you feel this extra exertion, and the less effect the altitude will have on your trekking experience overall. Which is why its important to work on your cardio fitness before the trek. 

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The next stage of altitude symptoms is to feel dizziness, a lack of apetite, and potentially nausea. If you feel this, you are approaching altitude sickness and will need to rest a while before continuing higher. For this reason, our group will have 3 expert mountain guides, as well as 2 Wild Women trip leaders, so that we can split when needed. This means there is no pressure for you to maintain any speed or keep going when you are not feeling well. 

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Altitude Sickness:

 

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. If you begin to feel unwell, the guide will recommend stopping and resting, drinking lots of water and monitoring your symptoms, and if it persists, you may need to descend.

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What happens if you are unable to complete the trek?
 

If you realise that you are unable to go further, or your guide advises that you must descend due to altitude sickness, you will either rest in the tea houses until you feel well enough to walk back down, or directly bein to descend, escorted by a guide and porter. 

In an emergency situation where you need to be evacuated due to acute altitude sickness, illness, or injury, a helicopter will be called. Helicopter pads are everywhere on the EBC trail, and there are dozens of rescue helicopters being used in this region every day. So they will be able to get to you usually within an hour, and either drop you off at Lukla airport in 15 minutes, where you willl go to Lukla hospital, or take you straight to Kathmandu Hospital, which is a 1 hour flight.​

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As Nepal has a huge trekking industry, which is dominated by extreme altitude and dangerous trails, they also have a very compitent mountain medical industry. Their hospitals are well funded and set up for foreigners.

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Season:

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We have chosen October to go trekking as this is the best month of the year for the climate in Nepal. It will be mid autumn, so summer temps have dropped, but its not quite the cold snowy winter yet. The rains should also be gone by October, so we shouldn’t be getting rained on (unless the weather gods want to play a trick on us of course)!

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The first few days of our hike will be very warm, t-shirts and shorts weather, then the higher and higher we get up the mountain the cooler it will get. So this means you'll have to pack summer clothes AND winter clothes. 

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What to bring: ​​

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• 3 Passport size Photos (required for National Park trekking permits)

• Day pack for you to carry on hike

• Torchlight / Headlight

• Warm light weight backpacking sleeping bag (-10 degrees Celsius)

• Sunglass and sun-cream

• Hat

• Beanie

• Neck warmer

• This fleece gloves

• Down jacket

• Base layer thermal like wool or similar

• Sweat wicking t-shirt

• Fleece/Jumper

• Wind proof jacket

• Long and short hiking pants

• Swimmers 

• Hiking boots - "broken in" and comfortable

• Wool socks- a few pairs for hiking and one thick one for night

• Sandals (Crocs or Tevas are great to wear wool socks with)

• Trekking poles (optional only if you feel your knees struggle with down hills or your worried about your endurance)

• Dry fruits and chocolates for trekking snacks - can buy in Kathmandu aswell

• Toiletries

• Camera/gopro

• Chargers - international adapter

• Journal/book

• 2 x 1lt water bottles (recommend lifestraw or katadyn purifier bottles)

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Altitude Medications: 

Acetazolamide (Diamox): This is a medication that helps to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness by increasing the amount of bicarbonate excreted in the urine, which stimulates breathing and helps the body adjust to higher altitudes. It's often taken preventatively starting a day or two before ascending to altitude. It can also be used to treat mild symptoms of altitude sickness. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking acetazolamide, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
 

Dexamethasone: This is a steroid medication that can be used to prevent and treat altitude sickness. It works by reducing inflammation in the body, including in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Dexamethasone is typically used as a treatment for severe altitude sickness or as a backup option if acetazolamide is not effective. Like acetazolamide, it should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
 

Ibuprofen or Aspirin: These over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms such as headache or body aches associated with altitude sickness. They don't treat the underlying cause of altitude sickness, but they can provide temporary relief while your body adjusts to the altitude.
 

Anti-nausea Medications: If you experience nausea or vomiting as a result of altitude sickness, anti-nausea medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or ondansetron (Zofran) may be helpful. These medications can help alleviate nausea and prevent dehydration.

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It's important to note that while these medications can be effective in preventing and treating altitude sickness, they are not a substitute for proper acclimatization and altitude awareness. It's essential to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and listen to your body's signals while at high altitude. Additionally, always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

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Visa:

 

All Australians can obtain a Visa on Arrival to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. It costs $30USD for 15 days, $50USD for 30 days, or $125USD for 90 days. 

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Important notes:

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• You will need a valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background with you at immigration to get the VOA.

• Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.

• Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fees

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Travel Insurance:

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It is compulsory for you to have travel insurance to join this trip, which we will need to have a copy of before you depart. You should book travel insurance which covers you from the moment you leave home, untill the moment you return, ensuring it includes cover for flight delays/cancellations, lost baggage, theft, and medical expenses. There are many companies offering insurance, so you should shop around and compare prices and values. 

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IMPORTANT: Most travel insurances only cover up to 3500m altitude trekking, as anything above has a much higher risk factor, so you need to make sure you get an insurance which covers up to 5500m. It will be written in the T&C's. 

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Try using this website to compare high altitude insurances:

https://www.comparetravelinsurance.com.au/travel-insurance-tips/climbing-trekking-travel-insurance

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If you are struggling to find good value for money insurance or have any questions, reach out to us and we can help. 

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Itinerary:

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Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1400 m) / Meet & Greet

You’ll arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, greeted by the bustling atmosphere of Nepal’s capital city. The sights, sounds and smells will immediately immerse you in the rich culture of the region. After meeting our staff member at the airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Thamel where you can rest and recharge from your flight. In the afternoon you’ll meet the rest of your group for a briefing on the journey ahead before all heading off to dinner together.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m/9383ft). Trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft)

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After an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, known as one of the most thrilling airport landings in the world, embark on your trek to Everest Base Camp. The trail descends from Lukla through picturesque villages and lush forests, following the Dudh Koshi River. Arrive in Phakding, a charming village nestled along the riverbanks, where you'll spend the night.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft)

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Today's trek takes you deeper into the heart of the Khumbu region as you make your way to Namche Bazaar, the bustling trading hub of the Everest region. The trail winds through rhododendron forests, crossing several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. As you ascend, catch your first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks. Arrive in Namche Bazaar, where you'll spend the next two nights acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization and rest day

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Take a well-deserved rest day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the vibrant town. Enjoy a leisurely hike to the Everest View Hotel, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan giants. Visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn about the local culture and history, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of this lively mountain town.

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Deboche (3870m/12,700ft)

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Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, the trail ascends gradually, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Pass through quaint villages and lush meadows before arriving at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. Situated amidst stunning mountain scenery, the monastery is a serene oasis where you can immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Himalayas.

Day 6: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft)

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Continue your trek towards Dingboche, crossing the Imja Khola River and ascending through rhododendron and juniper forests. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into alpine terrain, with rugged mountains looming overhead. Arrive in Dingboche, a picturesque village surrounded by fields of barley and potato crops, where you'll spend the night.

Day 7: Dingboche - Acclimatization and rest day

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Take another rest day in Dingboche to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Consider a short hike to Nagarjun Hill or Chukhung Ri for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Island Peak, and other Himalayan peaks. Alternatively, relax in Dingboche, exploring the village and interacting with the friendly locals.

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft)

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Today's trek takes you higher into the Khumbu Valley as you make your way towards Lobuche. The trail traverses rocky terrain and glacial moraines, offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. Arrive in Lobuche, a small settlement nestled amidst towering mountains, where you'll spend the night in preparation for the final push to Everest Base Camp.

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5170m/16,970ft) to Everest base camp (5365m/17,600ft)
and back to Gorakshep

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Today is the highlight of your trek as you journey to Everest Base Camp, the iconic starting point for climbers attempting to summit the world's highest peak. Trek to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Base Camp, and continue on to Everest Base Camp itself. As you stand amidst the ice and rock of the Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by towering peaks, take a moment to soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this legendary location. After exploring Base Camp and capturing some unforgettable photos, return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10: Trek to Kalapatthar (5545m/18,200ft) and from there to Thukla (4620m / 15158 ft)

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Rise early to catch the sunrise from Kala Patthar, offering unparalleled views of Everest and its surrounding peaks. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. From there, trek to Thukla, a picturesque village nestled amidst the rugged Himalayan terrain. Along the way, pass through rocky landscapes and glacial moraines, enjoying the ever-changing scenery of the Khumbu Valley. Arrive in Thukla in the late afternoon and spend the night.

Day 11: Trek from Thukla to Tengboche (3867m / 12687ft)

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Continue your descent from Thukla towards Tengboche, a serene village renowned for its iconic monastery. The trail winds through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering panoramic views of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Arrive in Tengboche in the afternoon and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in the region. Spend the night in Tengboche, surrounded by the tranquility of the Himalayan landscape.

Day 12: Trek from Tengboche to Monjo (2835m / 9302ft)

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Embark on a scenic trek from Tengboche to Monjo, descending through lush forests and picturesque villages. Along the way, cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enjoy views of the towering peaks that line the horizon. Arrive in Monjo, a charming village situated along the Everest Base Camp trail, where you'll spend the night.

Day 13: Trek from Monjo to Lukla

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On your final day of trekking, make the journey from Monjo back to Lukla, where your adventure began. The trail retraces your steps through familiar landscapes, passing through bustling Sherpa villages and verdant forests. As you approach Lukla, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks and the friendships forged along the way. Arrive in Lukla in the afternoon and spend the night celebrating the completion of your Everest Base Camp trek.

Day 14: Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Overnight stay in the hotel

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Board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, enjoying one last aerial view of the majestic Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and spend the day at leisure, reflecting on your Everest Base Camp trek and exploring the vibrant city.

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Day 15: Farewell & Final Departure

 

After breakfast, a staff member will pick you up from the hotel and transfers you to the airport for the
final departure. We wish you a pleasant and safe flight back home and hope to see you soon again.