Although trekking to Everest Base Camp does not require any technical mountaineering ability it should be remembered that the highest point is 5,550m high and is a serious physical undertaking.

You will spend a minimum of 11 days trekking (depending on your itinerary) with most of those days at altitude. You should be physically fit enough to be able to walk for at least 10 hours if not
longer. Your summit day for example will be a physically and mentally challenging day with a large ascent followed by a considerable descent also.

For most, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience and although it is difficult to train for trekking at altitude there are forms of exercise that will at least help you prepare. Advice will be available when booking on how best to train for this trek. Increasing your general fitness level from time of booking to departure would be of great benefit for the trek.

During the Everest Base Camp Trek, our team of Porters will carry your kit, leaving you with just a light daypack to carry, allowing you to focus on the trek and enjoy your surroundings.

The Sherpa and assistant guides will support you with their extensive mountaineering experience and knowledge throughout each day and guide you from teahouse to teahouse, where you can rest for the night.

Porters and guides will be a vital part of your trek and it is important to us that they are treated fairly.

We only use porters who are employed under fair conditions and treated in a way we feel is acceptable. You can also do your bit to ensure porters in particular are not overloaded by keeping your luggage to the recommended weight and size.

The porters and guides are there to support you as much as possible and also look out for your welfare. Each day, porters will walk ahead in time for your arrival so when you arrive you can relax and take in your surroundings however high up you might be.

Guides and porters are paid a wage however it is customary (not mandatory however) to tip them at
the end of your trek. If you think about it, they will have carried all your kit (possibly on their head) for almost 2 weeks so a little extra is most likely deserved.

There are guidelines to tipping amounts and tips are usually provided in Nepalese Rupees. Further guidance will be provided closer to your trek. Note: tips are not included in the cost of your trek.

Old Kit – Many of our porters do not have quality personal kit such as fleeces, boots, jackets etc. If
you have any old kit you would like to gift to our porters then please bring this with you. Any kit
and any size will be considered as long as it is not damaged. We’ll take it off you in Kathmandu.

Whilst in country we often use a range of transport depending on the requirements needed, group size and other considerations.

This can range from private taxi, minibus and also various aircraft. We appreciate that vehicle standards can differ outside of the UK but work to ensure that vehicles used in country are fit for purpose and safe. This way your journey will be as comfortable as possible. If vehicles are not deemed fit for purpose alternative options will be sought.

The package includes 4 nights B&B accommodation (2 days before and 2 days after the trek.)

This will be provided in twin rooms. Single rooms are available however there may be an additional
charge. Please ask for details.

Accommodation during the trek is provided in teahouses along the trek.

Teahouse accommodation is normally in twin rooms. Check “What’s included” below for the full list of items included.

The best currency to take to Nepal is GBP. The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is Nepal’s national currency
however does not have any worth outside of the country therefore GBP are widely accepted as the
best way to take money to Nepal.

Most major hotels, restaurants, airlines and large shops accept cards and there are some cash machines.

Please note that whilst trekking we suggest carrying sufficient cash should you wish to purchase anything. Also we advise; money, credit cards, passports, visas etc should be kept safe, in a sealed bag/container where they cannot be damaged and you should keep these with you at all times.

Footwear

After reviewing our kit list, risk assessments and procedures, it would not be defensible to go against the recommendations set out. 

With this in mind Mountaineerin will be advising that all participants need to wear walking boots with ankle support as per our kit list.

The terrain can be rocky and uneven, and given the nature of the event with people progressively getting more fatigued boots provide the best way of reducing the risk of strains, sprains or worse. We appreciate an ankle injury is not always a major problem however in mountain terrain far from help it can pose significant logistical issues and seriously impact the event. 

As per our kit list all participants are expected to be suitable equipped with the correct recommend footwear which is walking boots. You may be refused participation if you do not have the appropriate footwear. 

Clothing

You do not need any specialist equipment for trekking to Everest Base Camp however specific mountain clothing would benefit you greatly rather than hoodies and sweatshirts for example.

The best system for mountain walking anywhere is to have several layers that you can put on and take off as and when you get too hot or too cold. Each layer traps a certain amount of air, which over time, your body heats up therefore insulating your body.

Luggage

Your kit will be put into 2 bags for the trek, 1, which you will carry (your daysack) and 1, which your porter will carry (normally a larger rucksack or duffle bag).

You will carry all the items you need for each day in your daysack whereas the porters will carry everything else, such as group equipment, sleeping bags, extra clothes, food etc.

Kit List

A full complete kit list will be provided upon booking with both essential and optional items highlighted.

Although we hope you do not incur delays in your outbound and homebound journeys to and from the start/end points we can never rule them out.

There are not necessarily any arrangements in place for such an issue but your trip guide and Mountaineerin Ltd will do everything possible to support you should this happen.

Personal trip insurance is essential for a trip of this kind and you should be specific in telling your insurer about what you are doing.

For example most insurers cover you as standard up to a certain height on well known trekking routes. The highest point of this trek is 5,554m high and it is unlikely that an ascent of this kind would be covered under a standard policy due to the increased risk.

You should read any policy very carefully before committing to it and make sure it covers everything you expect it to.

If you are unsure about any sections then contact the insurer for clarification prior to purchasing any policy.

You will be asked to provide your policy number and insurance details prior to the trek should we need to contact them in the event of an emergency.

We advise reading any policy fully before committing to it.

Personal trip insurance is available from Travel & General and a quote can be obtained here.

Travel & General Insurances Services Limited (t&g) is a specialist intermediary focused on the
travel industry. t&g have been providing travel bonds and travel insurance to travel organisers in
the UK and Irish travel markets since 1983 and have gained a wealth of experience over the last
thirty years making t&g an ideal insurance partner.

Note: You are welcome to choose whichever insurer suits your needs however it should include suitable
cover for evacuation in case of emergency. We reserve the right to refuse any participant whom we do
not feel has obtain suitable insurance or who is unwilling to share details of the policy.