Nepal

Trekking in Nepal
This incredible life changing trek will cover the best the Everest region has to offer with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. We allow plenty of time to acclimate to the altitude, experience the culture and traditions of the Sherpa people, visit monasteries and points of interest along the way while taking in all the most incredible vantage points off and on the beaten path.

We’ll spend several days in the ancient city of Kathmandu before heading to the Himalayas to start our trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest. In the course of this journey, we’ll travel through Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche and many other Khumbu villages.

This trek is designed for those who are into hiking and enjoying the mountains. This is a hike - not a climbing expedition! You'll never forget the feeling of hiking to the base of Mt. Everest - the highest mountain on earth! There are a few optional 18,000 feet peaks to hike, if you so choose. Time will be spent at Everest Base Camp with the hope of visiting an Expedition climbing Mount Everest.

Our team will travel in full Sherpa supported "expedition" style with Yaks carrying your gear while you hike with a light daypack, allowing you to acclimatize and enjoy the trip. Our experienced Sherpa staff will trek with the group, sharing sights, setting up the tents, cooking all the food (which includes excellent Western and Eastern dishes) and basically providing a support system for all levels of ability and interest.

What’s Included?
The price includes international and domestic airfare, all hotels and most meals, and guide fees. Yes, you can (almost) leave your wallet at home - the price is ALL inclusive! This is a unique feature of the Backwoods Adventures trips as most companies price their trips on land cost only.

What’s not included?
Personal gear and clothing for your personal use on the trip; alcoholic drinks at meals, guide tips (should you choose to tip your guide): additional charges in hotels such as laundry charges, etc.; additional activities outside the designed trip; airport and immigration taxes (in some situations); passports; travel insurance; any medical costs; and any costs associated with leaving the trip early by your choice. The trip price is figured on double room occupancy; however, single occupancy is available at an additional charge.

Tips
During your Backwoods Adventures experience your leaders work 24 hours a day for the duration of your trip ensuring that you have a great time. If you feel they gave you an excellent experience, and you wish to leave a tip for them, it is greatly appreciated!
Certain Backwoods Adventures trips will require the additional assistance of porters, drivers, or other local staff members to assist with the overall operation. These are hard working individuals who also stay on task 24 hours a day and assist in any way necessary. It is not mandatory to tip, but, it does highly supplement their pay, therefore, again is greatly appreciated.

Excess Baggage Fees
Each airline has its own baggage regulations; most will charge for overweight baggage. Check with your international airlines to determine their baggage weight limitations and excess baggage fees. Most international flights allow two bags per person that can weight up to 70Lbs. For domestic flights, remember that the weight limits for baggage is much less. Please check with Backwoods Adventures for this weight if your trip includes domestic flights.

Group Size
We like to travel in small, more intimate numbers. This allows us to build great chemistry as a group and also allows for opportunities that may not be available while traveling in larger numbers.

Trip Leaders
A unique feature of Backwoods Adventures is that you can talk directly with your guide. Please feel free to email Steve Tickle (stevenctickle@hotmail.com) with any questions you have regarding this adventure.

Meals
At Backwoods Adventures we know that well fed travelers are happy travelers! We aim to please your palate. These examples may not be the exact fare of the day and may change from day to day, but following are a few examples of our daily meals:

Menus on camping treks include a variety of Nepali and western style foods including rice, noodles, vegetables, Nepali pizza, soups & stews, eggs, porridge, cereal, peanut bu er, jam, bread, yak cheese, fish, canned & fresh fruit, crackers, cookies, snacks, juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. Please let us know ahead of time if you have extreme personal food preferences or dietary restrictions. While trekking, all meals and hot drinks are included; you're free to purchase soda, beer and additional water, chocolate and snacks along the way in local stores. It is recommended you bring your own favorite snacks for on the trail, but be careful as these can weigh a lot in your duffle. Boiled water is provided at every meal to fill your drinking water bo le (a Nalgene-type water bo le is recommended). Because the water is boiled, we do not use iodine or other purification treatments in the water. You are welcome to use your own purification treatment. Because of the exercise and altitude, you should drink 3-4 liters of water per day.

Accomodations
Our accommodations will vary based on our location. However, all hotels are among the highest rated in the country both for location and amenities. We strive to deliver high quality and unique experiences in the country we are visiting! During the trek, we will be staying in rustic lodges in the villages along the trail. All accommodations are on a twin sharing basis, unless otherwise arranged.

Travel Insurance
It is strongly suggested that you have comprehensive travel protection insurance. Trip insurance can include coverage for medical emergencies, coverage for trip cancellation due to your own accident or illness, or all of the above. We recommend this insurance as Backwoods Adventures cannot be responsible for covering these types of individual situations. Should you choose to purchase this insurance, please carry your confirmation information with you on your trip. Please provide us with the name, policy number and emergency contact number of your chosen insurance company.

Health
Altitude - Most of our adventures in Asia take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly by allowing for additional rest days. When gaining in altitude above 10,000 feet, we have included sufficient rest or "layover" days to ensure that you acclimatize properly. While many people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms that require returning to a lower altitude or, in extreme cases, emergency evacuation. We do our best to allow a pace for everyone to acclimatize. Listening to your guide will help a great deal. We cannot determine how you will do at altitude, but being in the best shape possible and having a lower body fat percentage will help greatly.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is a strenuous adventure and should not be undertaken if you have any health conditions which may put you at risk. You are strongly advised to consult your physician for a thorough medical check-up and clearance before a empting the mountain. If you are over 50 years old, talk to your doctor about doing a "stress EKG". Should you require any medication whatsoever, you must provide your own and be able to administer it yourself. Medical supplies in Nepal are not reliable or guaranteed though we will have a fully stocked medical kit on the trip. Talk to your doctor about the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Altitude sickness (diamox pills)
- Prescriptions you are currently taking

Visa Requirements
You must hold a valid passport and visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain your visa at the airport upon your arrival in Nepal. You will need to present your passport, two passport size photos and $40.00 in USD for a 30+ day single entry visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of your trip. Visas can also be obtained through the Royal Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your home country prior to departure. You should carry a photocopy of your passport, insurance information and emergency contact numbers with you at all times. You should leave a copy of this information with a friend or relative at home.

Recommended Reading
Everest: A Trekker's Guide, Reynolds
Guide to the most popular trekking region in the Himalaya. Lodges, teahouses, permits, health - all are dealt with in this indispensable guide. With updated information, clear mapping and superb photography, including detailed descriptions of approach routes from both Nepal and Tibet. $15.95

Trails Illustrated Map 3001: Everest
USGS-based TI maps are more current that USGS maps and are specifically designed for recreation use (trails, facilities, etc.). $16.99 Buy these books at your local Backwoods store or call 1.877.779.0677