PAGE 2 KHANG KARPO AND THE ROLWALING VALLEY

Introduction

On the border of lies Khang Karpo. It’s remote, wild, and has only seen two previous ascents, making it the perfect objective for a pioneering expedition.

The principal objective of this exciting expedition is to climb Khang Karpo (6646m), a shapely peak which has seen only a couple of ascents. We have been in contact with the first ascensionists (Squash Falconer and her team) and have recruited IFMGA Guide Tshering Pemba, one of the Rolwaling Sherpas involved in that first ascent, to be our guide.

One hundred kilometres east-north-east from , the beautiful Rolwaling Valley runs alongside the border with Tibet, separated from that territory by a rugged crest of high peaks including Gauri Shankar (7135m). The valley is sparsely inhabited with most of its Sherpa population living in the villages of Beding and Na Gaon, 3 days’ walk from the nearest road. Above Na Gaon the valley is increasingly spectacular with glaciated valleys heading off to the north, to the east and to the south. It is unspoiled and sees relatively few foreign visitors each season. During the first week of the trip, we will trek into the valley, meet the local people, visit the amazing glacial lake of Tsho Rolpa and set up camp beneath Yalung Ri (5630m). Climbing this splendid little trekking peak will boosts our fitness and acclimatisation and provide us with a great overview of the Rolwaling including the striking Khang Karpo at the head of the Ripimo Valley. Dropping back to the main valley, we will trek up to a basecamp on the Ripimo Glacier and spend an acclimatisation day there before proceeding to our high camp on the glacier beneath Khang Karpo’s south face. We will make our ascent via the mountain’s west ridge in a single long day. Khang Karpo’s summit is a fantastic viewpoint which encompasses at least six 8000 metre peaks including, just 40 kilometres away to the east, . This is an exciting opportunity to take part in a real mountaineering expedition, to get off the beaten track in Nepal, and to have the chance to reach a summit that seen only 2 previous ascents.

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Trekking in to the Rolwaling Valley and on the approach to the basecamp areas for each of our objective peaks we will mostly follow established and reasonably straightforward trails. Above basecamp on Yalung Ri and on the final 2 days of the approach to Khang Karpo we will encounter more challenging terrain; loose scree, unconsolidated boulder-fields and snow-covered and crevassed glacier. This is a high-level itinerary in a reasonably remote area and is suitable for those with a good level of fitness, a familiarity with trekking above 5000 metres and (for the ascent of Khang Karpo) appropriate Alpine or Scottish Winter mountaineering experience.

The climbing on Yalung Ri is straightforward on generally low angled snow slopes which reach a maximum of 45 degrees inclination in a couple of sections. High up, the ridge is reasonably exposed and in some conditions there can be rock steps to overcome. Throughout the ascent we will be using crampons and a single ice-axe and moving as one or more roped parties. The guides may use fixed rope to safeguard a couple of sections of the climb and you will be provided with a jumar (ascender) to clip into this rope.

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On Khang Karpo there is an initial steep couloir to reach the west ridge. Once established on this long and quite complicated ridge, the climbing is almost entirely on snow and at a general inclination of around 45 degrees with some steeper sections to overcome. Rope will be fixed on the initial steep couloir and on steep, exposed sections of the upper ridge. Crampons, a single ice-axe and a jumar will again be used. For the climb on Khang Karpo you should have experience of climbing Alpine routes of Grade PD+ or AD and/or Scottish Winter Climbs of Grade ll or lll.

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided.

Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel and get acclimatised to this bustling city. Alternatively, you may prefer to recover from your journey by relaxing beside the hotel pool. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead. ACCOMMODATION  MEALS D  HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL

Day 2: Drive to Chetchet and trek to Simigaon (1997m).

After an early breakfast at the hotel we set off on the long drive up into the Rolwaling region. We pass through Dhulikhel and from there follow the Arniko Highway (the old road into Tibet), turning off before Lamosangu and diverting again at Charikot northwards into the valley of the Tama Kosi River. Arriving at Chetchet (1450m) in the late afternoon we will cross the river on a suspension bridge and get the kinks out of our legs with a short trek uphill on stone steps to our overnight lodge at Simigaon (2000m) a pretty village set amongst terraced green fields. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 600M  DISTANCE 3KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 50M TIME 2 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 3: Trek via Kyalche to Dongang (2800m) beside the Rolwaling Khola.

The trail from Simigaon heads right from the lodge and contours through rhododendron forest towards the river. There's a little bit of undulation before we reach the river and the suspension bridge leading to Riku Village. We don't cross the bridge, but stay on the south side of the river, gaining height steadily to Surmuche where we stop for lunch. There are lots of stone steps on this section of trail and we climb away from the river for a couple of hours to Kyalche where there is a single lodge. From here, it's a short descent to the village of Dongang, where we are once again beside the river. We stay in one of the two lodges at Dongang (2800m). ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 900M  DISTANCE 9KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 100M TIME 6 - 7 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 4: Cross the Rolwaling Khola and trek to Beding (3650m).

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From Dongang the trail stays close to the river on its south side, gaining height quite gradually over the first 3 and a half kilometres until we reach a small, steel box-section bridge which takes us across the river. There's a sharp ascent immediately after crossing the bridge which leads up to Thangdingma which is a convenient place to stop for a lunch at the small teashop. Beyond Thangdingma the terrain changes dramatically, it is drier, more barren and there are fewer trees. Our route continues close to the river and we pass through Nyamare, the village completely destroyed by 2015 earthquake. We will get our first views of Gauri Shankar (7145m) today at the head of the tributary Themlung Khola. There are scattered houses in this part of the valley and after crossing a wooden bridge over another tributary we reach a 'kani' gateway at Changmi Kha where the biggest tree in the Rolwaling valley is located. We overnight at a lodge in the Sherpa village of Beding (3650m) the main Sherpa settlement in the valley. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 950M  DISTANCE 10KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 100M TIME 6 - 7 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 5: An acclimatisation day in Beding.

Before proceeding further into the Rolwaling Valley we need to give some consideration to our acclimatisation and Beding is a great place to spend a day. There is no need to do too much, although there are lots of opportunities for short walks and exploration. There is a small monastery built into the cliffs above the village at an elevation of around 4000 metres and this makes a great objective for the day. The resident monks don't see too many visitors and they will be happy to show us around. We spend a second night at our Beding lodge. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 350M  DISTANCE 4KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 350M TIME 2 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 6: A short and easy trek to Na Gaon (4200m).

This is a straightforward and yet spectacular day of trekking, as we continue the process of altitude acclimatisation. Trekking above Beding the valley opens out and the trail cuts across pleasant grazing areas with no trees apart from a few scrubby junipers. We will pass a huge boulder bedecked with prayer flags and sporting a colourful painting of the Guru Rimpoche. Our situation becomes increasingly impressive with snow peaks in every direction and numerous waterfalls cascading down the valley sides. We will reach Na Goan, the highest settlement in the valley, by late morning and have lunch at our lodge. The afternoon is free. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 600M  DISTANCE 6KM  DESCENT 50M  LODGE

TIME 3 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 7: A day at Na Gaon with an acclimatisation walk to the lake of Tsho Rolpa (4580m).

With its maze of small fields, Na Gaon occupies a dramatic location surrounded by high peaks. Whilst we could very easily spend a day at leisure here, there is a great hike up to the glacial lake of Tsho Rolpa (4580m) that will help us with our acclimatisation and provide us with amazing mountain views. The trail from Na heads eastwards up the valley, crossing to the south side of the Rolwaling Khola and keeping to that side of the river for an hour before recrossing to the north side. The trail steepens and we get our first view of Parchemo (6275m) which rises above the eastern end of the lake. Then, after around 2 hours, we reach a viewpoint just above the lake with great

www.keadventure.com UK: +44(0) 17687 73966 US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415 PAGE 5 KHANG KARPO AND THE ROLWALING VALLEY views of many of the peaks of the . The trail that we can see crossing the scree slopes on the south side of the lake leads across the Tesi Lapcha into the Khumbu. But, that's not for us today, and we return more easily to our lodge in Na Gaon. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 430M  DISTANCE 8KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 50M TIME 4 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 8: Trek to Yalung Basecamp (4985m).

As we continue our preparation for the ascent of Khang Karpo, we will today make our approach to the trekking peak Yalung Ri (5630m) which is situated due south of Na Gaon. Today's short but steep trek will take us up to the camping place known as Yalung Basecamp (4985m). The route follows the first part of the approach to Tsho Rolpa (which we did yesterday) before cutting up the south side of the valley towards the rarely-crossed pass of the Yalung La. The views of the Rolwaling Himal are increasingly impressive as we gain height and we can once again see Parchemo at the head of the valley and beyond that (8201m) some 35 kilometres away in the Khumbu. There is a small porter shelter at Yalung Basecamp which was built by the local IFMGA Guides. The obvious, wedge-shaped Yalung Ri rises above us towards the west. This is our first camping night of the expedition. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 850M  DISTANCE 5KM  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

 DESCENT 65M TIME 4 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 9: Climb Yalung Ri (5630m) and trek to Grasslands Camp (4700m) beside Dudh Pokhari.

We will have a basic tea and porridge breakfast and a pre-dawn start from camp, setting off with the assistance of our headtorches. The ascent of Yalung Ri is initially across scree and moraine and we will take our time. After an hour and a half, as it starts to get properly light, we will reach the edge of the glacier that sits on the mountain. Here, we will stop, take a break, fit our crampons to our boots and rope up for the straightforward ascent across an open snowslope and then an airy, but never too steep, snow ridge to the prayer-flagged summit. Enjoyable climbing with fantastic views. We should get to the top by mid to late morning and back to basecamp in time for lunch in the early afternoon. We will then make the steep descent back to the Rolwaling Khola and cross below the western end of Tsho Rolpa to enter the valley of the Ripimo Glacier. Here, we follow a trail which runs through the ablation valley beside the glacier and set up our camp near the small and sacred lake known as Dudh Pokhari where there are a number of prayer-flagged shrines. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 1000M  DISTANCE 11KM  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

 DESCENT 1285M TIME 9 - 10 HRS  CLIMBING / TREKKING HOURS

Day 10: Trek up to basecamp on the Ripimo Glacier (5300m).

Continuing our approach to Khang Karpo, we hike up the west side of the Ripimo Glacier on a scant trail used only occasionally by shepherds from Na Gaon. Across the other side of the glacier the west face of Tsoboche (6689m) rises up impressively. After a short morning's walk we reach the last of the ruined stone shelters at the place known as Drangnak which overlooks the glacier. We will have lunch here and then continue, firstly on the lateral moraine of the Ripimo Glacier and then heading out onto the glacier itself. We make our way carefully across loose

www.keadventure.com UK: +44(0) 17687 73966 US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415 PAGE 6 KHANG KARPO AND THE ROLWALING VALLEY moraine material and patches of bare ice to a level area of scree and moraine where we set up our basecamp at an elevation of around 5300 metres. This is an amazing situation with peaks on all sides and we can see our objective, Khang Karpo (6646m), ahead of us. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 800M  DISTANCE 8KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 200M TIME 7 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 11: A rest and acclimatisation day at Khang Karpo Basecamp.

This is a useful day of preparation for our guides and Sherpas who will go ahead to check out the approach to Khang Karpo. The peak has only been climbed once (as far as we know) and the conditions on the mountain will inevitably have changed since it was climbed in late 2016. Meanwhile the group will spend a day resting and acclimatising at basecamp. This is also an opportunity to check climbing gear before moving up into the world of ice and snow tomorrow. ACCOMMODATION  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

Day 12: Trek to Khang Karpo High Camp (5700m).

Khang Karpo is one of a number of peaks on a dramatic ridge that separates the Ripimo Glacier from the Drolambu Glacier. To reach our high camp below the peak we have to trek up onto a tributary glacier that joins the Ripimo Glacier from the east. This smaller glacier is snow-covered and crevassed and we rope up for the short and technically straightforward ascent (avoiding the crevasses) to a broad and level expanse of ice directly beneath Khang Karpo at an elevation of 5700 metres. This is a stunning location surrounded by peaks including Khang Karpo and its northerly neighbour Rolwaling Kang (6664m). We have lunch at camp, make our final preparations, make sure to drink lots and settle down for an early night. The Sherpas make take the opportunity in the afternoon to fix a line up to the summit ridge on the peak. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 500M  DISTANCE 3KM  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

 DESCENT 100M TIME 3 - 4 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 13: Summit Khang Karpo (6646m) and descend to High Camp.

We will have a 2am start for what will be undoubtedly be a very long day on the mountain. Roped up and following the guides we will trek across to the base of the peak. There is an abrupt change of angle as we follow our fixed line up a steep couloir to reach the low point on the ridge between Khang Karpo and Rolwaling Kang. Once we are established on the ridge there is still a long way to go. Khang Karpo's north ridge is never too technical but there are short steep sections to overcome and the first ascensionists reported that there were a number of snow bridges to negotiate. It is likely to take us at least 8 or 9 hour to reach the summit. Close to the border with Tibet, this is one of the finest viewpoints imaginable with views of at least six of Nepal's 8000 metre peaks - Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu etc.. Returning by the same route, we will aim to be back in camp before dark. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 1200M  DISTANCE 5KM  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

 DESCENT 1200M TIME 14 - 16 HRS  CLIMBING HOURS

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Day 14: A spare or contingency day.

This is a quite complicated and challenging itinerary and it make sense to factor in a spare day in case we have lost time during the first part of the trip, or as a contingency against poor weather on the scheduled summit day. ACCOMMODATION  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

Day 15: Descend to the Ripimo Glacier and cross it to Glacier Camp (5000m).

The camping place that we used on Day 10 (Glacier Camp) is not too far away 'as the crow flies', but we have some reasonably complicated terrain to cross on the way and we will rope up again before setting off down into the valley. We pass the site of our basecamp at 5300 metres and continue across the rubble of the Ripimo Glacier to reach the relative comfort of our off-glacier campsite. We will aim to get to camp in time for a late lunch and will leave the afternoon free as a contingency in case we've been held up during the morning's trek. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 200M  DISTANCE 7KM  MEALS BLD  CAMPING

 DESCENT 900M TIME 5 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 16: Trek back down to Na Gaon (4280m) in the Rolwaling Valley.

No rush this morning, as we set off back down the valley on the pleasant ablation valley trail above the glacier. We pass through rough pasture areas with lots of pretty wild flowers and pay our respects again as we pass the shrines at Dudh Pokhari. We are now so well acclimatised that, as we reach the main Rolwaling Valley and continue to lose height, the trekking starts to feel almost effortless. We should reach our lodge accommodation in Na Gaon in time for a late lunch. Afternoon free. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 200M  DISTANCE 10KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 1000M TIME 4 - 5 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 17: Trek via Beding to Dongang (2800m).

We have a longer day today in terms of distance covered, trekking easily downhill beside the Rolwaling Khola. After a couple of leisurely hours we reach Beding and for the next 2 or 3 kilometres we pass several more hamlets and isolated farms. The route stays on the north side of the river as far as the bridge just beyond Thangdingma. We may choose to stop for lunch at Thangdingma before crossing the river and completing our day's walk to the 2 lodges at Dongang. ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 150M  DISTANCE 12KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 1500M TIME 5 - 6 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 18: Trek to Gongar (1450m) beside the Tama Kosi.

We are back in the forest for much of today's walk as we skirt above the Rolwaling Khola, passing the isolated lodge at Kalche and descend via several long sections of stone steps towards Simigaon. From here, there's a final

www.keadventure.com UK: +44(0) 17687 73966 US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415 PAGE 8 KHANG KARPO AND THE ROLWALING VALLEY steep descent to the bridge over the Tama Kosi. We cross the river and end our day's trek at our lodge accommodation either in Chetchet or nearby Gongar (1450m). ACCOMMODATION  ASCENT 150M  DISTANCE 12KM  MEALS BLD  LODGE

 DESCENT 1500M TIME 5 - 6 HRS  TREKKING HOURS

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu where we check in at the group hotel.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, we board our vehicle for the approximately 8-hour journey back to Kathmandu. We arrive in Kathmandu in the middle of the afternoon, check in at the group hotel and have some to relax and freshen-up before heading out to one of the Thamel restaurants for a celebratory dinner. ACCOMMODATION  MEALS BLD  HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL

Day 20: Departure day. Kathmandu Airport transfers provided.

KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in Nepal, why not pre-book a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley, or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. Contact our office for details.  MEALS B

Holiday Information

What's Included

• An IFMGA qualified Nepalese mountain guide • A KE mountain leader • A team of climbing Sherpas • A trek crew including guide cook and porters • Kathmandu Airport transfers • All land transport required by the itinerary • All accommodation as described • All meals • FREE sleeping bag down jacket and climbing gear hire is available for this holiday on request

What's Not Included

• Travel Insurance • Nepalese Visa • Tips for porters and other trek staff • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc

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Joining Arrangements & Transfers

Airport transfers are provided for all clients. You will be met on arrival at Kathmandu Airport by a KE representative and taken to your hotel. Land Only clients, please note that we require your flight details in order to arrange your airport transfers. Please forward this information at your earliest convenience. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Meal Plan

All meals are provided throughout the holiday from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 20 of the Land Only itinerary. This applies whether you are staying in a city hotel, a lodge on trek or while camping.

Food & Water

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

In the lodges you can expect to eat Nepali dishes, such as the excellent staple of dal bhat, as well as dishes with more of an international feel, like pizza. Breakfast will usually be porridge, eggs, bread and a hot drink, lunch will be a simple meal with a hot drink taken at a tea house or prepared by our trek crew on the trail. Occasionally clients will be asked to carry a packed lunch if there is no suitable place to prepare lunch along the way. Dinner will be 3 courses consisting of soup, main meal and a simple pudding. At some of the tea houses it may be possible to order additional dishes and/or snacks and if you think you may want to do this, you should budget accordingly. Boiled drinking water will be provided at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the lodges and tea-houses may sell snacks, chocolate bars, soft drinks and even beer. The food served at our camps on the approach to Yalung Ri and Khang Karpo will be simple and nourishing dishes prepared by our highly trained trek cooks. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and largely vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. In Kathmandu we take our meals in local restaurants.

Special Diets

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot provide special diets. Due to the nature of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

Accommodation

In Kathmandu we use comfortable 4 and 5 star accommodation including the Shangri-La Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers a range of first-class facilities including a pleasant tree-shaded garden area complete with swimming pool. Whilst on trek there are 9 nights in lodges and 8 nights in tents. Accommodation is generally arranged on a twin sharing basis and if you are travelling by yourself you will paired up with another single traveller of the same sex. Please note that at one or two of the lodges there may only be multi-bedded rooms. Nepalese trekking lodges are simple, friendly and atmospheric. They generally have heated dining areas which are often attractively decorated. Bedrooms are, however, basic and unheated with wooden beds and foam

www.keadventure.com UK: +44(0) 17687 73966 US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415 PAGE 10 KHANG KARPO AND THE ROLWALING VALLEY mattress. You will need a sleeping bag. The lodges have shared washing and toilet facilities. Some lodges have solar powered showers (charged at $4 - $5 per shower) and battery charging facilities (also charged at a rate per hour). For the 2 nights in Kathmandu single rooms are available at supplementary cost. We can offer single tent occupancy at supplementary cost , but it is not possible to arrange single room occupancy in the lodges. Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can be pre-booked.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group will be accompanied by an IFMGA qualified Nepalese mountain guide and an experienced KE mountain leader. They will be assisted by a strong team of high altitude Sherpas.

Altitude

This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4000 metres and/or trekking to 5000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. Unless you have previous experience of trekking above 4000 metres you should consult one of our trekking experts before embarking on this holiday. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.

Spending Money

Approximately £250 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc) changed into local currency, should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, drinks, snacks etc. It is not necessary to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash, since you will exchange the majority of this on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu using your debit or credit card. During the trek it is possible to buy snacks, chocolate, soft drinks and beer on some days only. Please be aware that since everything has to be carried up from the nearest road, these items become more expensive as you gain altitude.

Guidance On Tipping

Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the porters and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Your Western tour leader and the Nepali Guide will advise the group on an appropriate level of tipping. Most groups will hand out the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the holiday. As a guide, we recommend that each group member contributes around £100 (in rupees) to these tips. At the end of their trek many people also like to donate various items of equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks are always warmly received by the porters, whilst technical clothing and equipment such as head-torches and trekking poles are highly prized by the Sherpa team. Your tour leader will make arrangements for a fair distribution (possibly by raffle) amongst the trek crew. Please note that you will have the opportunity to tip your Western tour leader and Nepali Guide separately during dinner on the final evening of the holiday.

Beat The Jet Lag

Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling

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Free KE Gift

A free KE trek bag is available on this holiday

Made of tough Cordura fabric, our 80 litre trek bags are specially designed, with strong zips and webbing straps, to withstand the rigours of being transported whilst on your trip. Trek bags also make it easier for our local staff to identify and gather baggage quickly at airports and hotels.

If you have travelled with us before and already have a KE trek bag, we’d like to make a special request. We are trying to make every area of KE the most sustainable it can be, so if your existing KE trek bag has plenty of life left in it, we’d be very grateful if you didn’t automatically order a new one for every holiday you book. Thanks in advance for helping us with our commitment to responsible travel.

You can request a Trek bag once your booking has been confirmed by emailing us at [email protected]. Please note delivery outside of the UK will be charged. Postage charges are: Europe £6 / America £16 / Rest of world £22.

Baggage Allowance

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage (which should be a soft bag such as the KE Trek Bag) and a daypack. Your baggage on trek will be carried by porters and/or pack-animals. Your personal mountaineering equipment (boots, axe, crampons etc) will be carried in one or two communal bags. You should give these items of equipment to your trek leader in Kathmandu and they will be packed away until needed. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required on trek at the group hotel. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Recommended Outdoor Retailers

Many of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 15% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers. >> Find out more

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

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For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

General Information

Passport & Visas

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.

Visa Nepal

All nationalities require a visa and this can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. The visa process is automated and this includes having your photograph taken. The visa fee is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. The visa is FREE for children under 10 years. The visa allows multiple re-entry. Payment must be made in cash and USD, GBP or Euros are accepted. Whilst these are not now needed for the visa process, we recommend that you travel with at least 2 spare passport photographs.

You can avoid the queue for the first stage of the visa process on arrival at Kathmandu Airport by printing off this application form and completing it before you travel (you will need to attach one passport photograph to this form). If you travel with this form you can go directly to the cashier to pay for your visa.

TREKKING PERMITS – WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU ?

For treks in the Everest region – EBL, EVL, EHW, ELL - we need your passport details and we need you to take with you to Nepal 2 passport photographs. You will hand these over to your local leader on Day 1.

For treks in the Annapurna region – ASL, ACL, UAT, ANL, KRT and for the Gosainkund and Langtang Trek - GLT – we need your passport details and we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport- style photograph of yourself. Please send this to us once your holiday is guaranteed.

For these Conservation Area treks and other treks requiring Special Permits – KAN, DLG, NAP – we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu you may still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. If this does happen, your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner.

For those trips requiring Climbing Permits – MER, IPC, CTL, SBP, PXKK - we need to send to Nepal ahead of your departure, a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu you may still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. If this does happen, your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner.

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Health & Vaccinations

Severe Allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

Currency

The unit of currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee.

Electricity Supply & Plug

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

Preparing For Your Holiday

This is a tough trekking and climbing itinerary at high elevation. You will need to be in good shape and used to spending long days in the hills. You will be walking for 7 or 8 hours on many days, with longer days including a summit day on Khang Karpo that could be as long as 12 or 14 hours. The best preparation for this trip is regular hiking in mountain or hill country. If this is not possible, we suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime and gradually increase your work rate as you get nearer to departure. Running, cycling and swimming are all good for developing better stamina. Whatever your preparation, before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.

Climate

The post-monsoon season of October to November is one of the best times for trekking in Nepal. During this season it is neither too hot in the foothills nor too cold at higher elevations. Post-monsoon the skies are generally clear and the weather is settled. Daytime temperatures will vary from approximately 25ºC in Kathmandu to approximately 14ºC at 3000 metres and approximately 3ºC at 5000m. The ‘real feel’ temperature in the middle of the day will be warmer than this. At night in the rarefied air the temperatures plummet. You can expect to experience overnight temperatures below freezing once above approximately 4200 metres and at the high camp on Khang Karpo the night time temperatures may drop as low as –25ºC. Extended periods of rain or snow are unlikely outside of the monsoon period but short lived storms can and do occur. It is very important that you are equipped and prepared for these extremely low temperatures.

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Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use. We have pledged to AITO’s Project Protect that 70% of our agents stop using single use plastic bottles.

Books

• Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Steve Razzetti. • Kathmandu and the Kingdom of Nepal. Prakash Raj. • Adventure Treks Nepal. Bill O’Connor.

Maps

Schneider Trekking Maps - Rolwaling Himal (). 1:50,000

This is an excellent map if you can find a copy.

Newgrove Consultants - Rolwaling and Everest. 1:100,000

Available from Stanfords (www.stanfords.co.uk). Basic trekking map.

Flight Information

Flight Inclusive Or Land Only?

On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays.

Flight Inclusive Notes

The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London to Kathmandu. Outbound flights will usually depart from the UK in the evening, arriving mid-afternoon on the following day (Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary). Return flights will depart Kathmandu usually in the morning of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK later the same day. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request.

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To avoid paying more for your flight, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times as there are only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. We are also able to quote for premium, business and first class seats. Please be aware that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Remember if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection.

Land Only Notes

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Kathmandu on the dates shown above. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Kathmandu Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to Joining Arrangements & Transfers for further details.

Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is shown above as either Guaranteed or Limited Availability.

Why Choose KE Adventure Travel?

Why Choose KE Adventure Travel?

Adventure Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form.

CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In addition ‘Campbell Irvine Direct’ cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard.

TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m.

Operating since 1984, KE Adventure Travel has some of the most experienced staff in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Everyone has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or e-mail, or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience.

KE can guarantee the very best in trip support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and other accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE.

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Group Tour Leaders

All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, mule-herders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience.

Sustainable Tourism

Since we ran our first trip in 1984, we have been committed keeping the world's most beautiful places pristine by minimising our environmental impact. Recognising the fragility of the world's wilderness environments, we keep our groups small and operate according to a ‘Mountain Code’, which is provided to all groups, trek leaders, agents and staff. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment of the places we visit and take every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. Our philosophy of 'leaving nothing but footprints' has been integral to KE's approach right from the start over 30 years ago. In recognition of our efforts we are proud to have achieved the highest award of 5 Stars for Sustainable Tourism by AITO.

We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at www.keadventure.com, and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: www.junipertrust.co.uk. KE's Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too!

Booking Your Holiday

The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally £200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form.

We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions.

Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.

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Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. Use your own experience and judgement to determine what to bring with you but please ensure you have all of the mandatory items. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Please make sure you have read the section on baggage allowance in the trip notes. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required on trek at the group hotel.

You Must Bring The Following Items:

• Hiking boots • Mountaineering boots - see ‘Mountaineering Equipment’ • Snow gaiters • Good quality (Gore-Tex) overtrousers • Fleece jacket • Good quality (Gore-Tex) mountain jacket with hood • Duvet jacket (down or man-made fibre)* • Down trousers/pants (optional) • Sunhat • Warm hat and thermal balaclava • Good quality wrap-around sunglasses or glacier glasses • Ski goggles (optional) • Thin gloves • Warm and insulating gloves or mittens • Daypack minimum 40 litres • Headtorch and spare batteries • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.) • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic) • Water purification tablets • Dry bags(s) for daypack/kitbag contents (to ensure they keep dry) • Sleeping bag comfort rated down to minus 20 C* • Sleeping bag liner • Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters (band-aids) and blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

Mountaineering Equipment

• Mountaineering double boots - see below • Ice axe * • Crampons (that fit your boots!)* • Mountaineering or climbing harness* • 2 x Karabiners (screwgate)** • Ascender or Jumar (provided) • Descender (rappelling device) ** • Prussik loop ** • Climbing helmet*

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Packing Checklist:

• Trekking trousers • Baselayer shirts • Baselayer leggings • T-shirts or similar • Washbag and toiletries • Antibacterial handwash • Small trek towel • Small padlock (to lock trek bag) • Travel clothes • Trekking poles (recommended) • Scarf or buff • Trainers for camp use • Pee bottle • Swimwear (for the hotel pool in Kathmandu) • Insect repellant – (DEET) • Camera • Penknife (remember to pack all sharp objects in hold baggage) • Basic repair kit (gaffer tape, sewing thread and needle etc)

Notes

*FREE sleeping bag, down jacket and climbing gear hire is included in your KE holiday booking on request.

Equipment hire: Please make all requests at least 4 weeks prior to the trip departure date. Items marked ** are provided with hire of a harness and not available for individual hire. All equipment is issued in Kathmandu. Please remember to allow room in your trek bag for these items during travel to the start of your trek. During the trek your mountaineering equipment including double-boots will be carried separately in communal equipment bags.

Crampon hire: We provide Grivel G12 Crampons which are classic 12 point crampons designed for general mountaineering. They are fully adjustable and essentially, one size fits all. However if you have boots bigger than size 11 (47) you will need to purchase and take with you Grivel extender bars. Or take your own crampons.

Cultural sensitivity: The Nepalese are still traditional and conservative in the way they dress. Therefore to avoid embarrassment on both sides we recommend that you respect this and do not wear revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach to just above the knee and be modest and for women it is preferable to wear trousers or a long skirt.

Camping mattress: For the several nights camping, foam type camping mattresses are provided. You may wish to bring your own Thermarest-type mattress for extra comfort, but this is optional.

Mountaineering boots: Climbing at altitudes around 6500 metres, the temperatures can be very cold (as low as minus 30 degrees centigrade). Standard leather mountaineering boots are really not suitable for these cold, high altitude conditions. Double boots with insulated inners (eg. Scarpa Vega HA, Scarpa Omega IT, La Sportiva Spantik, Boreal G1 light), are the best to keep your feet warm at altitude in these extremely low temperatures. Also, you can sleep in the removable inner boots to ensure warm toes in the morning! You must make sure that you are suitably equipped for these extremely low temperatures.

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Gear Advisor

• PHD specialise in cold weather equipment, from the world’s lightest right up to the most protective for Everest or the Poles. It’s a large range. So to help you choose what you need to keep you warm, PHD have listed the gear that is appropriate for this expedition. Click on this link: http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/gearadviser/ destination.php?destinations_id=12 • Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store.

Please note: This document was downloaded on 14 Nov 2019, and the trip is subject to change.

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