EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
SMALL GROUP TREKS TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD
EVEREST BASE CAMP - SMALL GROUP TREKKING HOLIDAY SUMMARY Everest exerts a pull like no other mountain and trekking to the base of Everest with a small group is the perfect way to experience the spectacle of one of the worlds greatest treks. The mountain scenery is simply spectacular, the complete cultural immersion in the Sherpa culture is fascinating and the physical challenge a reward in itself.
Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu where you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour. The Everest Base Trek starts the following day with a short flight to Lukla and your first day’s trek to Phakding. Your journey then continues ever upwards via Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche and Ghorak Shep to Everest Base Camp after nine days of trekking through simply awe inspiring scenery in the footsteps of the world’s great mountaineers. The highlight of your trek will surely be the visit to Everest Base Camp and the dawn view of Everest from the summit of Kala Pattar. The descent from Everest Base Camp is considerably quicker and after 13 days of trekking you will be looking forward to the short hop back to Kathmandu and the relative luxury that it offers.
Macs Adventure offers a range of independent and self-guided adventure holidays in Nepal, Europe and Tour: Everest Base Camp the UK. Our holidays are for individuals and small groups so your holiday is perfectly suited to your needs. Code: TNGEBC All our treks in Nepal are operated in partnership with our local partner who have over 15 years Type: Small Group Walking Holiday experience of organising trekking adventures in Nepal and are fully licensed and recognised as one of the Price: See Website Departures: September to May leading agencies in Nepal. Group Size: 2-10 HIGHLIGHTS Walking Days: 13 Nights: 17 Your first glimpse of Everest. Start/Finish: Kathmandu The rich and welcoming Sherpa culture in the Solu Khumbu region. Reaching Everest Base Camp and your view of the Khumbu Ice Fall. IS IT FOR ME? Small friendly groups and experienced professional guides. Small group treks are perfect if you are trekking solo or with a friend and want to join a small friendly group of The achievement of standing atop Kala Pattar at dawn with Everest before you. like minded people. The trek to Everest Base camp is challenging and the walking strenuous because of the WHY CHOOSE A SMALL GROUP TREKKING HOLIDAY WITH US? high altitude so a good level of fitness and previous experience of multi day is recommended. Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are So if you relish a challenge, are physically fit, are happy to forgo a few of life’s luxuries and want the passionate about delivering outstanding trekking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. From experience of a lifetime then our Everest base Camp your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a member of our team who will help you to make Trek is for you. the most of your time in Nepal with their in-depth knowledge of the route.
We run regular scheduled small group departures for those who wish to join the friendly and social WHAT’S INCLUDED? atmosphere of our small groups. Group departures are perfect for those trekking solo or friends and couples who prefer to trek in a small group with likeminded individuals. Accommodation: 13 Nights Nepali Teahouses (guesthouses), 4 nights 5 star Groups run with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten trekkers. This ensures a cohesive, friendly and hotel supportive atmosphere on the trek. Our small group treks are led by qualified and experienced Nepalese Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while trekking, Breakfast only in Kathmandu guides who will ensure your trek is the experience of a lifetime. Baggage Transfer: Fully qualified and So from the moment you decide to visit Nepal and the Everest Base Camp trek you can relax and look trained, English-speaking guides, services of a porter. forward to an unforgettable trek with Macs Adventure. EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD
Everest Base Camp Trek DAY 5 DETAILED ITINERARY Code: TNGEBC Namche Bazaar Acclimatisation Day Walking Days: 13 DAY 1 Regular acclimatisation days are crucial to a Duration: 17 Nights & 18 Days Arrive Starting Point: Kathmandu successful trek to Everest Base Camp and Everest Base Camp is arguably the world’s minimising the effects of altitude and also offer a greatest mountain trek. Each day you are Our local representative will meet you at great excuse to explore the Sherpa villages on a treated to the worlds finest mountain as you Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your full days walk which aids acclimatization. Kathmandu Hotel. In the evening you will meet journey through the Himalaya. Overnight: Namche Bazaar Teahouse your guide and the other group members. Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel DAY 6 Day Daily Itinerary DAY 2 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 1 Arrive Kathmandu (3850m) 2 Kathmandu City Tour Full Day City Sightseeing Tour The views of Everest and Ama Dablam really 3 Flight to Lukla. Trek to Phakding Kathmandu is a vibrant, exciting and culturally 4 Phakding to Namche Bazaar start to open up as you trek high above the Dubh fascinating city. Your local guide will help you 5 Acclimatisation Day Nacmche Kosi. You will be taken to observe the prayer discover the sights, sounds and smells of 6 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche ceremony in the famous monastery of Kathmandu during an exciting full day tour of 7 Tengboche to Dingboche Tengboche. Kathmandu. 8 Chhukung Valley Acclimatisation Overnight: Tengboche Teahouse 9 Dingboche to Lobouche Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel 10 Lobouche to Ghorak Shep DAY 7 11 Ghorak Shep to Everest Base DAY 3 Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m) Camp (return) Flight to Lukla (2804m) and Trek to Climb Kalapattar Once you leave Tengboche the landscape 12 Ghorak Shep to Pheriche Phakding (2610m) becomes increasingly barren and mountainous 13 Pheriche to Khumjung Village Private transfer to the airport and then a and only the hardiest crops survive as the 14 Khumjung to Phakding spectacular 30 minute flight over foothills of the altitude and cold begins to tell. 15 Phakding to Lukla Himalaya to Lukla. You will meet your porters in 16 Flight to Kathmandu Overnight: Dingboche Teahouse and then it is on the trail and on your way to base 17 Free Day in Kathmandu camp. A three hour walk brings you to your first 8 18 Onward travel DAY overnight tea house in the village of Phakding. Overnight: Phakding Teahouse Day trip up Chhukung Valley Grade From Dingboche you enjoy another challenging DAY 4 This holiday is graded strenuous and you should acclimatisation day with a side trip to the be in good physical fitness and have experience Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3535m) Chhukung Valley and for those feeling strong a of multi day trekking or walking trips prior to ascent of Chhukung Ri (5546m) is a must. It also The snow capped mountains tower around you undertaking an Everest Base Camp Trek. The gives you a close up view of Island Peak. as you crisscross the valley bottom on nerve effect of altitude should not be underestimated. jangling suspension bridges on your way to Overnight: Dingboche Teahouse The trails are the roads of the area and are Namche Bazaar and a final sustained climb generally well maintained and a good walking brings the welcome sight of Namche Bazaar. surface although the going can be rough once Overnight: Namche Bazaar Teahouse you reach the base of the Khumbu Glacier. EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
SMALL GROUP TREKS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD
DAY 9 DAY 13 DAY 18 Dingboche to Lobuche (4950m) Pheriche to Khumjung Village Flight home (3753m) The really hard work starts as you reach the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier and As you continue to descend the air feels RECOMMENDATIONS climb to the small summer village of Lobuche. positively thick and you really do feel great. A The cold and altitude make this a challenging lovely day of walking brings you to the village of Itinerary Changes overnight stop and no doubt you will look forward Khumjung for your overnight stop. to continuing in the morning. Overnight: Khumjung Village Teahouse The nature of trekking in remote mountain Overnight: Lobuche Teahouse regions at high altitude dictates that the above DAY 14 itinerary may change slightly for operational, DAY 10 Khumjung to Phakding (2610m) safety or weather reasons. Lobouche to Ghorak Shep (5160m) Another long but interesting day of the return trek Nepal Extensions as you pass Namche Bazaar and descend to The trail continues upwards to Ghorak Shep While you are in Nepal you may wish to Phakding and the relative hustle and bustle of alongside the enormous Khumbu glacier and the experience some of the other delights this lower altitude. views of Pumori are spectacular. Ghorak Shep wonderful country has to offer. We would Overnight: Phakding Teahouse consists of a few tea houses and has a real suggest the following: frontier feeling. DAY 15 Overnight: Ghorak Shep Teahouse Chitwan Jungle Safari: (4 Days/ 3 Nights) Phakding to Lukla Experience the other side of Nepal in the jungle DAY 11 The short three hour trek to Lukla allows you to of the Chitwan National Park. The park offers Ghorak Shep to Everest Base Camp reflect on the challenges and highlights of your protection to 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, (5400) and return trek and all too soon you find yourself among the hustle and bustle of Lukla. You will say goodbye leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, From Ghorak Shep the round trip to Everest to your porters and perhaps even enjoy a Gangetic dolphin and wild bison. There are an Base Camp takes about six hours and is the celebration with your fellow trekkers. estimated species of birds, 126 species of fish, most challenging walking that you will do on your Overnight: Lukla Teahouse 590 species of butterflies and 47 species of trek. Despite what others may say the round trip reptiles in the park. Your visit will include to EBC is worth every minute and it is a simply DAY 16 canoeing, an elephant back safari, visit to an awe inspiring place and the sight of the Khumbu Morning flight back to Kathmandu elephant breeding centre and cultural shows. Ice Fall is one you will not forget in a hurry. Price available on booking. Overnight: Ghorak Shep Teahouse The early morning is the best time for flying back to Kathmandu and after a short transfer to your River Rafting: Nepal has some of the best DAY 12 hotel you can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation rafting in the world and several multi day trips are as well as that treat you have been craving for available. Prices start from £30pp per day Climb Kala Pattar (5545m) and two weeks. Additional Nights descend to Pheriche (4280m) Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel Additional nights can be arranged in Kathmandu A very early morning start for the climb to the DAY 17 summit of Kala Pattar will give you a panoramic at deluxe standard hotels including breakfast. view of Everest and in the thin air you really do Explore Kathmandu Prices on website. feel as if you could reach out and touch it. It is a Flights from Lukla are occasionally disrupted due moment to treasure. You return to Ghorak Shep to bad weather so it is important to have a spare for breakfast and then begin the descent, day in case of delays and there is plenty to do in reaching Periche that afternoon. Kathmandu. Overnight: Pheriche Teahouse Overnight: Kathmandu Deluxe Hotel EVEREST BASE CAMP
SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD
bread and cereal forms the basis for breakfast, HOLIDAY INFORMATION lunch is normally a warming noodle soup at a PRICE convenient tea house on the trail and the evening Accommodation staple dish while trekking is dal bhaat, which is a Availability filling dish of lentil soup, rice and curried While on trek you will stay in traditional Nepali vegetables. We have regular small group departures Teahouses (Guesthouses), these are traditional between mid-September and mid-May. Check mountain lodges operated by local people (13 Equipment our website for up to date availability. Nights). The lodges have a comfortable central While trekking you will only have to carry a day Price living and eating room which is heated and bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your individual twin share bedrooms. You will have a camera. Your main bag will be moved by a Detailed up to date prices for all our Everest private room with twin beds and if you are porter. Each porter carries 2 clients’ bags which Base Camp Holidays are available on our travelling solo you will be roomed with someone must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and website here... of the same sex. Toilets and washing facilities weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not are shared and hot showers may be available at suitable for this trek. You can download a full an additional charge at some lodges. While in equipment list from our website downloads page. Included Kathmandu you will stay at the 5 star Hotel de l’ Airport pickup and transfers by private vehicle. Annapurna or Shanker which are opposite the Your Guide Royal Palace within 5 minutes walk of the busy 4 nights deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu, Our Nepalese guides are fully qualified and tourist area of Thamel. (4 nights). including breakfast. trained according to Nepalese law and all have 13 nights twin share accommodation in Travelling Solo many years experience of guiding trekkers in Traditional Tea Houses during the trek. Nepal. All speak fluent English and they will add Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek. About 50% of the people joining our small group hugely to your experience of trekking in Nepal. departures are travelling solo so you will be in As well as guiding you on the trail they bring a 1 fully qualified, English speaking guide good company and the small group (2-10) nature wealth of knowledge to your journey and Services of a porter. of our holidays make for a friendly, sociable and coordinate all your porters, accommodation and encouraging group dynamic. Food, accommodation, salary, insurance and meals. Nepalese guides are fully trained and equipment for your guide and porters. Single Rooms experienced in dealing with cases of Altitude Sickness. Return internal flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Single rooms are generally not available whilst Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS. on trek. If you are an individual joining a small Your Porters group departure we will room you with another Porters are an integral part of every aspect of life Excluded group member of the same sex but if this is not in the mountains of Nepal. We hire porters locally possible a single room supplement will be in the Khumbu, insure them and equip them with International flights to/from Nepal. payable. Single rooms are available in the necessary equipment such as boots, Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu. Kathmandu and there is a supplement payable. sunglasses and warm clothing. By using porters Travel Insurance Meals you are helping to support a family and your trek is having a positive impact on the community. Personal Equipment In Kathmandu your accommodation includes Nepal Visa (US$30) breakfast, so you should allow £10- 15 per day Disembarkation Airport Tax (approx US$24) for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included while on trek as well as tea and Drinks and snacks coffee at meals. Food while on trek is good but Tips for your trekking crew (expected, but not does get more basic the higher you climb as mandatory) fewer ingredients become available. Pancakes, EVEREST BASE CAMP
SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD
PRACTICAL INFORMATION appropriate course of action. Your leaders are all fully trained in dealing with AMS. If you have any M.A.C.S RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL pre-existing health conditions that you think may Flights to Kathmandu make you more susceptible to AMS we Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit recommend you consult your doctor before Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from Our operating policies, office policies, holidays booking this trip. London and major regional airports in the UK via and tours are all designed to minimise impact the Gulf. Airlines include Emirates, Gulf Air, and Currency, Money & Local Costs and maximise benefit to the environment and Qatar Airways & Etihad Airways. Flights start at local communities. about £500 and during the peak trekking period The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee. The may increase to about £1200. best way to carry money is a combination of cash Action & Advocacy is GB pound sterling (which can be changed at We believe that by engaging our team and We do not sell but would recommend both the airport and in Kathmandu), pound sterling clients in environmental and community projects Opodo and Expedia for competitive flights. traveller’s cheques and credit/debit cards we can make a real difference. Passport & Visas although there are no ATMS outside Kathmandu. You will need some money to pay for your visa Carbon & Communities All nationalities require a full passport valid for at on arrival, departure tax, meals in Kathmandu, least six months after your intended departure Travel and our business activity does of course sundries such as hot showers, toilet paper, extra from Nepal. Most nationalities require an entry contribute to carbon output and climate change. hot/cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, visa for Nepal which can be obtained in advance We have put several policies in place to minimise souvenirs and trekking crew tips. or at the airport on entry to Nepal. The current our carbon footprint. cost is US$30 which must be paid in hard Recommended Reading Sensitive & Sustainable currency and you will need two passport photos. Passport and visa requirements do change so Nepal - Lonely Planet Guides Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that although this information is supplied in good faith Himalaya – Michael Palin our holidays are sensitive to the community you it is your responsibility to ensure that you have Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer are visiting and sustainable over the long term. the correct travel documentation. The Ghosts of Everest – Jochen Hemmleb Everest Region Maps – There are several CUSTOMER REVIEWS Health & Vaccinations excellent Everest Region Maps available in Kathmandu. In addition to those vaccinations and boosters We are justifiably proud of our reputation for required for life in Britain the following Travel Insurance outstanding holidays on Everest Base Camp. vaccinations/boosters are recommended: You can read numerous customer reviews on our website to get a good idea of what to expect from hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria; tetanus; Travel insurance which includes evacuation Macs Adventure on Everest Base Camp. poliomyelitis. cover and covers trekking to the altitude of Everest Base Camp (5545m) is a requirement for For detailed advice on travel health visit the Fit this holiday and we will require proof of cover For Travel Website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and the insurance companies emergency number prior to your departure. Acute Mountain Sickness Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a major concern on the trek to Everest Base Camp and although our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS each individual is affected differently by altitude. Our pre-departure information pack has detailed information on minimising the risks of AMS and recognising the signs of AMS and the EVEREST BASE CAMP
SMALL GROUP TRIPS TO THE CEILING OF THE WORLD
AITO Quality Statement HOW TO BOOK TESTIMONIALS Macs Adventure is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. Once you have read all the information in this “We're back from our walk and I just factsheet or on our website and decided on your The Association represents wanted to thank you for your help and preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a Britain’s leading independent for all of the wonderful places you call to confirm availability. You can then book by tour operators and encourages found for us to stay. The walks any of the following methods: high standards of quality and couldn't have been more lovely (and service. we were helped by the marvellous Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com weather). And each of the towns and Macs Adventure abides by the Association’s each of the inns and hotels you put us Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO into had something special going for it Quality Charter which can be viewed on Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form --and all of them were spotless and www.aito.com. Visit the website to find out more comfortable. If you ever need a and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, about the Association or call 020 8744 9280. recommendation from an American, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 I'd be happy to give you one. ” 527 5688 ABTA Member Best wishes,Sheila McMillen, USA Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on Statement “We were really pleased with all the +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email: Macs Adventure Holidays organisation, information pack, guide [email protected] if you have any is a Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA book and in particular, delighted with queries and one of our expert customer service Members help holidaymakers to get the most the accommodation booked for us team will be happy to help. from their travel and assist when things don’t go which suited us perfectly. Our luggage according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a was always there when we arrived BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code and a welcome sight when tired and of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the perhaps rather wet. This is the first Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme time I have done a long distance walk Financial Security with the support of a company and available to you if you have a complaint, contact luggage carrier and I would In order to provide clients with peace of mind ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 recommend Macs Adventure to others Macs Adventure Ltd has effected a policy with 3117 0581 www.abta.com who I know are planning a similar IGI Insurance Company Ltd through travel trip. So very many thanks!” insurance specialists Milsom Howard Limited to ensure that all passengers booking with Macs “Just wanted to say, what an amazing Adventure Limited are fully protected for the walk and holiday we all had. Still initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all speechless really. Absolutely monies paid to Macs Adventure Ltd, arising from amazing. Thanks for all the cancellation or curtailment of your travel information and assistance.” Pauline arrangements due to the insolvency of Macs Roenisch, London Adventure Limited. Pauline Roenisch, London