Everest Base Camp and Himalayan Road Trip

Price Includes

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
• Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (2 nights)
• Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (14 nights)
• 4WD transfer from Kathmandu to Jubing and from Jubing to Kathmandu
• Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (15 nights)
• All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
• Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff
• Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking
• Down jacket and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (to be returned after the trek)
• Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep)
• All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
• Official expenses

Price Does not Include

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (See the travel insurance page.)
• International airfare and airport departure tax (See the international flights page.)
• Nepal entry visa; you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 125. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
• Personal trekking equipment (Click on the Equipment tab.)
• Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
• Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section

This trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.

To prepare for a strenuous trek like this you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest.

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in our tourist vehicle.

Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.

YES, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)

At most cases, you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around bonfire. In teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission.

Substituting the accommodation or swapping from mountain guest house to Kathmandu is NOT possible. We only provide two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu included in the package.

In case of early arrival to Kathmandu due to any sickness in the mountain or any of your own personal reason or due to bad weather and you are unable to continue the trek, you will need an extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu. We can make these arrangements for a supplemental charge.

Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet. However, in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.

All the guest houses sell the toilet paper so you can buy it there itself. Hand sanitizer and a towel, you must bring your own.

During the trek, we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled room instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required.

In Kathmandu, USD 50 per room per night Night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu but not in the mountain especially during the peak time.

Most teahouses (lodges) in Everest region trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat(rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.

Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while for the lunch you would be stopping by on the way where you can order your meals as per your choice. Guide will help you to stop by at best possible places to eat.

YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.

No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding, Namche the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower. For all above showers, it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower would be expensive.

Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per litre. Higher you go it would be expensive. If you are planning to drink normal water, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drop is must. One can purchase purification tablets or iodine in Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche.

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 15 to USD 18 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking. Please note, higher you go the things would be expensive especially at higher altitude; all the goods are supplied either by helicopter, horse, mules or porters therefore the things are expensive.

During the trekking period, cash transaction is highly recommended. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

Especially in the Everest trail, ATM would be available only in Namche and relying on it is not a better idea as you never know when things stops working. Also if you try to exchange your foreign currency, there you would be getting very less exchange rates. So changing money from Kathmandu and taking Nepalese cash is a wise idea, which we too recommend.

The drive between Kathmandu and Jubing is long and it takes about 12 to 13 hours depending on the traffic and the road condition. The driver will stop the 4WD vehicle at various points for you to have lunch and snacks, go to the restroom and relax. The road between Kathmandu and Salleri, which is about 8 to 9 hours of the total drive, is paved in concrete. However, it is a mountain road, so it won’t be as smooth as in the cities. And, the road between Salleri and Jubing, which is about 3 to 4 hours of the total drive, is dirt and it isn’t paved in concrete. This section gets bumpy, so be prepared for it. Our experienced driver will be very careful.

Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and 30% non-refundable deposit payment. You can pay the rest of the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu by USD Cash, Credit cards (Master, Visa and American Express) any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. (Ace doesn’t own any of those 4% amount.)

You can clear the remainder of the money upon your arrival in Kathmandu or even before you arrive in Kathmandu. You can use USD cash, American Express, Master or Visa cards for the payment options. There will be 4% bank levy when paying by credit cards.

Cancellation notice is required, minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

If you do not cancel your trip prior to 20 days due to whatsoever reasons, you must be aware that the trip you’ve already bought is completely non-refundable as per our terms and conditions. If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt for monies paid. If your trip is cut short due to weather/illness/personal reasons, there is no refund for accommodations unused.

For more details please check this link. 

This trek can be done only in dry seasons. So, you can book your trip from October 10 to December and from January to May. It is not possible to do this trip during the monsoon season because the rains heavily affect the section between Salleri and Jubing and no vehicles can pass through this road. But, if you want to reach Everest Base Camp in monsoon months such as June, July & September, we recommend 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with flights. Above 3,000 meters, the rains don’t affect your trek as it rains very little or doesn’t rain at all in higher altitudes.

One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region
is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and
volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you
might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some
weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped
and prepared to face anything.

Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the
daytime hours in the Everest region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to
learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day,
the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only
to dip down as low as -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While
there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the
weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the
month and season.

Spring – March / April / May / June

Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to
visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat
crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base
camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different
species of flower are visible in the lower altitude.

During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C
(68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny
days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night
for areas above 4000 meters.

July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains
in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains
sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during
this season. There are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months as
the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the
waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds.

During Monsoon, the average temperature is 22 degrees C
(71.6 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny
days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night
for areas above 4000 meters.

Autumn – End of September / October / November

Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also
a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the
beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views
from just about every angle.

The average temperature during the fall is 17 degrees C
(62.6 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), during
sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at
night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

Winter- December/ January/ February

Winter start from mid December till mid February. People
still like to trek in this month due to fewer crowds. View is still good but
foggy so having extra days is highly recommended during this period.

The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C
(50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during
sunny days and a minimum of -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F), in the morning and at
night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

The above temperature is based on outside of the guesthouse
temperature. No need worry about the cold temperature as we provide the
sleeping bag plus the extra blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough
during the time of need

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags we provide is about -10°C (14°F). Our guide can provide liner or extra blanket from the lodge in the mountain if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you.

Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high-altitude first-aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please check our Trekking Guides Profiles and Training Certificates.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first-aid kit and have knowledge to use oxymeter in order to track your oxygen level just to make sure you are fit enough to continue your high altitude walk.

Guides also carry local sim cards, both Nepal Telecom and Ncell, in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

Also we have kept a satellite phone at Dingboche, which has poor connection for the network of phones. Our guides use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

Our Company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

You don’t need to submit any immunization documents to enter Nepal however if you have been immunized with diphtheria TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus then that is a plus point but it’s not mandatory.

We also recommend:

· A dental check-up prior to travelling.

· That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.

Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

It totally depends on level of your sickness. Once you are sick in higher altitude you need to rest at lower altitude and it at least need 3 days to a week for the recovery.

If you are in private or solo trip you can discuss and decide with guide depending on your health status.

If you are in a group, then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with guide and catch up the group later on.

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.

Yes, we do have PAC but it is not necessarily required for the trek, which is around 5,000 m level. If someone requires oxygen cylinder then it can be hired from the guesthouses as we use the guesthouse that has facilities of oxygen cylinder.

If one needs PAC we will surely provide one if required and extra charge would be applicable for it.

Please note: Using oxygen in the mountain can be very expensive so please make sure you are covered with good travel insurance policies so that you can claim your emergency medical expenses.

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client.

You may pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Also we have kept a satellite phone at Dingboche, which has poor connection for the network of phones. Our guide’s use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly.

If you are in private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible or if you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

YES, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimum additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.