Everest Brochure 2012

INTRODUCTION The Everest region is one of the most popular and spectacular destinations for trekkers and mountaineers alike from around the world. It offers a very fascinating and enjoyable e nv ironme nt , with a flex ible I t ine rary des ig ne d to ensure y our enjoyment on the trek.

Our expert, local guide ‘Mingma’ operates to very high standard in terms of Health and safety and care to the porters and Sherpa’s that he employs. He will talk you through the sights of the region and give us a detailed insight into the day to day workings of the Nepali and Sherpa people.

TRIP PROFILE Trekking Duration Max. Elevation Style of Trek Trek Grade Trek Start Trek Ends Total duration

: : : : : : :

12 days 5545m at Kalapathar Tea house basis Moderate to Adventurous Lukla fly in Lukla fly out 13 / 14 days

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 01: ARRIVAL TO KATHMANDU (1300M)

Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by our staff who will escort you to the hotel, you will be given a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. Also, they will go over any other related information that you might require while in Nepal. Overnight at 5 Star Deluxe Hotel Meals: Dinner DAY 02: KATHMANDU TO LUKLA (2850M) TO PHAKDING (2600M) 3-4 HOURS

The flight to Lukla 2800m, is about 45 minutes in duration. Early morning after breakfast you will be transferred from the hotel to the domestic airport, board in the twin otter flight to Lukla. In Lukla you will have time to stroll around, while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters.

Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast (in Kathmandu), Lunch and Dinner (in teahouses) DAY 03: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE (3446M) 4-5 HOURS

From Phakding after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Koshi, the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill.

The walk is along the winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent view of Mt. Everest- Nuptse wall, Lhotse and the closer view of Taweche peak can be seen all the way to Namche, from lunch 2-3 hours reaches you at Namche Bazaar where the colorful houses are situated in an amphitheatre-like U shaped bowl. Overnight in teahouse lodges.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 04: REST DAY IN NAMCHE BAZAAR

Suggested activities today include a short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters. A magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow capped giants and the valleys down below, including an interesting museum with all kinds of information regarding the history of the Himalayas, geographical information of the region, the culture,

mountaineering history, as well as information on flora and fauna of this region.

Afternoon today is at leisure. Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 05: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO TENGBOCHE (3860M) 4-5 HOURS

Tengboche is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas. The first thing you instinctively see is the big Monastery or Gompa, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam with Everest looming above, the Nuptse wall in the North with Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards North East, in essence, you are surrounded by amazing peaks.

Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 06: TENGBOCHE TO DINGBOCHE (4358M) 5-6 HRS

After a rewarding time in Tengboche, the trail descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron and finally arriving at a lovely spot at Debouche 3650m, with magnificent view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Dingboche has about more than ten teahouses and it is also the gateway to Chukung.

Further beyond, are the most challenging traverses towards Makalu area and Hinko Valley via Sherpani col 6100m and Amphu Labtsa 5780m. Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 07: REST DAY AT DINGBOCHE Today is an optional day for a hike at Dingboche. There are places where one can option to go for a short walk, or for the hardcore embark on a day trek. The trek to Chukung 4,730m.is worthwhile, which takes approx. 3-4 hours from Dingboche. At Chukung, there are about five teahouses overlooking superb view of the snow capped peaks and glaciers of Lhotse, Ama-Dablam and Imja glacier, Chukung the last settlement in eastern Khumbu. Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 08: TREK TO LOBUCHE (4928M) VIA DUGLA (4595M) 5 HOURS

From Dingboche the trail diverts towards North, the path is gradual up for about 40 50 minutes as you come to Mani-prayer Stupa. Lobuche comes as a surprise, as it's situated in the corner well hidden and sheltered from the wind. Lobuche has about 5-6 Teahouses. Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 09: LOBUCHE TO KALAPATHTHAR (5545M) TO GORAKSHEP (5151M) 5-6 HOURS

Today is the day for your final destination of this adventurous journey at the foot of number one. Gorakshep has two teahouses, and it used to be a base camp in the early 50's expedition to Mt. Everest. After a great moment with the panoramic view route descends for the overnight at Gorakshep.

DAY 10: GORAKSHEP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5364M) TO PHERICHE 7-8 HOURS

The final day of this great adventure, continues towards Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall. The walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season.

On reaching at the foot of number one, a great view of the Khumbu icefall awaits you. After a grand time here retrace the journey back to Loboche for the overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 11: PHERICHE TO KHUMJUNG (3800M) 7-8 HOURS

The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation; from Loboche the walk is same all the way to Thugla.

Khumjung is a sleepy farm village with the only monastery believed to be scalp from the Yeti. Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 12: KHUMJUNG TO LUKLA (2850M) 7-8 HOURS

Today is an easy day of downhill walking. From Khumjung, half an hour walk brings you to its sister village at Khunde, where you can visit the only hospital in the whole of Khumbu area, built by the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.

On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day great dinner and a party with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members. Overnight in teahouse lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 13: FLY LUKLA TO KATHMANDU The flight itself takes about 45 minutes to Kathmandu; a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. We will arrive into Kathmandu at the domestic terminal, where one of our tour officers will be waiting to receive and escort you back to the Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 14: FINAL DEPARTURE Mingma Sherpa’s office staff will take you to the airport for your final departure TREK INCLUDES International Flights with Trailfinders Travel Agent 2 nights twin/double share accommodation on half board meal plan in 5 star hotel in Kathmandu Flight Kathmandu to Lukla and return for guest and 1 guide with airport tax (Every sub-group of 7 members will have an asstistant guide) 11 nights twin share accommodation on full board meal plan in teahouse lodges 1 English speaking, license holder trek guide and 1 Client: 1 porter; insured, meals, accommodation and daily wages all paid Sagarmatha Nat i o na l P a rk e n t r y permit a nd TIMS ( Trekkers I nformat ion Management System) permit Sleeping bag and down jacket Airport pick up and drop Welcome dinner TREK EXCLUDES Visa to Nepal; Lunch or dinner in Kathmandu; Expenses of personal nature like bar and beverage bills, laundry bills, phone bills etc; Insurance of any kind; Personal trekking gear; Electricity charging fees and boiled water for drinking and shower purpose; Tips to trekking crews; Expenses incurred due to flight delays/cancellation, road blockage, political strike, natural disaster or anything that is beyond our control.

TRIP EXTENSION If you are planning to stay longer than your itinerary then there are several activities that might be of interest to you that you want to do as below: Hotel Extension in Kathmandu: US$155 per twin/double room per night on bed and breakfast basis US$140 per single room per night on bed and breakfast basis Trishuli Rafting on Group Joining Basis with Private Transportation: US$116 per person Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park (Machan Wildlife Resort or similar): US$583 per person on twin/double share including return domestic flight, all meals and accommodation, all activities, airport pick up and drop VACCINATIONS The following are recommended: - Hepatitis A - Polio - Typhoid - Tetanus - Diphtheria NB: Yellow Fever vaccination is required if travelling via an infected country.

Vaccination requirements change periodically so we advise that you check with your nearest s p e c i a l i s t t r a v e l clinic 4 -6 w e e k s b e f o r e d e p a r t u r e t o g e t u p to-date information.

International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.

ACCOMMODATION During this trip you will spend 2 nights at a luxury (five star) hotel in Kathmandu) 1 night at the start of the trip and 1 night before departure). During your trek you will spend 11 nights at the local teahouse lodges. All accommodation is based on twin share. If you are travelling on your own and are happy to share with someone, we will arrange for you to share room with someone of the same sex, at no extra charge.

If you request a single room in Kathmandu or single room in trek, there will be a small supplement charge as specified. Please note that at Tengboche and in one or two places higher up, it is sometimes difficult to get a single room.

MEALS All meals on full board basis will be provided during the days in trek. On teahouse style treks meals will be provided from the teahouse menus. During the days spent in Kathmandu meals will be on half board basis only are included in the price. This is to allow you the opportunity and freedom to try out some of the many wonderful eating places in Kathmandu. Snacks, bottled drinks including mineral water and alcohol are not included in the price.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER Nepal has a monsoonal two season year with dry season from October to May and the wet season from June to September. From end September/start October to end November is one of the best times to visit.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE We request that you aim for a maximum weight of 15 to 20 kg for your main luggage including clothing and person equipment. Maximum of 25kg is safe weight allowance for porters whereas the domestic airline has 15 kg baggage allowance only.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS A full valid passport is requiring for visa to Nepal which can be made available on arrival. Please make sure that you have one passport sized photograph handy and cash US$25 for 15 days visa. If you want to stay longer then you can have 30 days of visa at US$40.

PERMITS To enter Sagarmatha National Park we would require permit and also trekking permit called TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System). Please make sure that you have 1 passport sized photograph for TIMS. INSURANCE Before confirming your booking we will need to see evidence of adequate travel insurance. For higher e l e v a t i o n t r e k s and t o u r s you c a n t r y Snowcard (for participants from UK only) or Europ Insurance.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM We believe that tourism should benefit local communities and that responsible travel does not mean a compromise in standards. We only work with local guides and communities in each region where we operate and we do ensure they have good facilities and fair wages and we work as a team to ensure you a wonderful adventure holiday.

CAUTION AT AIRPORT The scene upon arrival at Kathmandu airport is getting increasingly chaotic. Often there will be people insisting to take your luggage for you who, in return, will expect a heavy tip. We advise you not give your luggage to anybody except for the person holding an Aasra Eco Treks placard or your printed name. You may also like to ensure that you have some small change with you (1-2 Euro/Dollar) in case of getting lured into the help offered by the touts

Everest Base Camp Trek 2012 Telephone 01 4962433 Lo Call 1890 311 211 Fax 01 4962201 Website www.cfireland.ie

PASSENGER INFORMATION (Please fill carefully) Please print block capitals

Name (as per passport) Address:

Home Telephone:

Mobile:

Work Telephone:

E-mail:

Please make sure Identity Form is correctly filled and copy of passport/ID attached

Please tick appropriate box (more than one if necessary): Person with CF Parent or relation of person with CF Friend of the Association

Non Refundable Deposit of â‚Ź300, Identity Form, copy of passport and one passport size picture should be included with this Booking Form.

CFAI will not accept incomplete applications.

By signing this Booking Form you expressly agree and accept the conditions of entry specified in the terms & conditions of the Everest Base Camp Walk

Signature:

Date:

Would you like to register your details in our database, receive CFAI information and get in contact with walkers of your same area?

Yes (Please note all the information will be treated in the strictest confidence)

No

Everest Base Camp Trek IDENTITY & HEALTH FORM Telephone 01 4962433 Lo Call 1890 311 211 Fax 01 4962201 Website www.cfireland.ie

It is very important details below are entered as per passport.

Name: Surname: Date of birth: Nationality: Passport Number: Expire date: Place of Issue:

Health Details It is vital that each participant is aware that the walks will take place each day and that their physical condition should permit them so.

Please outline below any underlying medical condition you might have and of which CFAI should be aware of (e.g. allergies, asthma, heart conditions etc.)

Please be aware that if there is any medical condition that could be affected by your daily participation to the walk, it is the participant’s responsibility to obtained doctor clearance prior departure.

Signature:

Date:

GENERAL INFORMATION FORM

Telephone 01 4962433 Lo Call 1890 311 211 Fax 01 4962201 Website www.cfireland.ie

Emergency Contact Details Name: Address: Contact number: Alternate Contact number: Relationship: Do you have any dietary requirements?

Yes

No

If yes, please specify below

Accommodation requirements. Please tick and specify.

Sharing, with _

CFAI will provide a pack for the walk, please specify t-shirt size needed.

S

Signature:

M

L

XL

Date:

Everest Base Camp Trek Terms & Conditions Telephone 01 4962433 Lo Call 1890 311 211 Fax 01 4962201 Website www.cfireland.ie

You must enclose a non – refundable registration fee of €300 with each application form (payable to CFAI) You must raise a minimum of €4,000 sponsorship (inclusive of €300 deposit) You must have adequate insurance for the challenge which includes medical and helicopter rescue in case of emergency The participant must be 18 years of age before departure date of the challenge or be accompanied by a parent or guardian due to bad weather there is a chance of flight delays or even cancellation, which are beyond our control, and if so happened then extra expenses incurred (e.g. transportation, hotel etc) shall be the responsibility of clients which shall be covered by their insurance again Participants take part at their own risk and hereby indemnify CFAI and its agents against claims for loss or damage to personal injury (or death) and any claim arising from the entrant’s own actions.

Participants must comply with and are responsible for attending to any inoculations and health regulations required for the destination All flights will be booked with Trailfinders Travel Agent Where applicable, and unless stated, you must have a valid entrance visa for the country in which the challenge takes place Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to Ireland If you have any medical conditions that could be affected by strenuous activity, or you are over 60, you must get written clearance from your doctor. In signing below to the conditions you confirm that your general state of health and fitness is good and that you take full responsibility for yourself You accept that all instructions given to you on the challenge must be observed for your own safety You certify that all information you have provided on this application form and any further forms is/are correct to the best of your knowledge CFAI are not to be held responsible for your early termination of a trek should our experienced leader feel it is unsafe for you to continue due to fitness and/or health issues If you wish to cancel your trip for any reason the following scale of charges will apply: Date of cancellation 1 months before departure 20 days before departure 10 days before departure Less than 5 days before departure

Charge incurred Loss of deposit (30% of Total Trip Cost) 50% of Total Trip Cost 70% of Total Trip Cost 100% of Total Trip Cost

I have read and agree to abide by the CFAI Terms and Conditions.

Payment Details I enclose a cheque for the amount of €300 (payable to CFAI)

Signature:

Date: