Makalu Base Camp Trek

ACCOMMODATIONS

We will be staying at Hotel Royal singi Hotel Manaslu or similar hotel 3 star in Kathmandu : and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional. Discovery Mountain Trek will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

MEALS

All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.

PHYSICAL CONDITION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Everest sunrise view Trek- 12 days is a moderate trek. Travelers who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail will find this trek fulfilling. It is best that we prepare ourselves for the Annapurna trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least a month prior to the start of the trek. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp should be relatively easier for those who have experience walking/trekking in a high altitude environment. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is also important that we consult our doctor. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Discovery Mountai Trek before booking the trek.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

The best time to trek to the Everest sunrise view Trek is Spring (February to May) and Autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate in these seasons and guarantees amazing views through the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

LEADER(S) & STAFF ARRANGEMENTS

The most significant thing that makes this trek enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful leader(s) and crew members who have the ability of guiding our trek on the mountain smoothly. Our trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of Discovery Mountain leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities, Discovery Mountain only employs local staff who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local region(s). The trek and expedition leaders have undergone the following trainings:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid
• Trekking Guide Training
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
• English Language
• Conservation and Biodiversity
• Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

PORTER CARE

We are firmly committed to porter rights. We make sure that all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters – at our expense – to rescue porters from dangerous situations. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters. (International Porters Progress Group.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

The Everest Region is stunningly beautiful, but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much of a right to appreciate it as much as we do. Therefore, we believe that the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. Discovery Mountain employs a ‘zero impact’ policy on the natural environment and the traditional communities that live there. Discovery Mountain, therefore, enforces a number of do’s and don’ts. Please talk to your trek leader to avoid environmental impacts.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a condition upon joining any of Discovery Mountain’s trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

ACCLIMATIZATION

This trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less oxygen. During this trip, we take rest in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude.

EQUIPMENTS & PACKING LIST

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by Discovery Mountain inclusive in the service. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport,
• hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

HEAD

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

UPPER BODY

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

HANDS

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

LOWER BODY

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of Hiking shorts
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

FEET

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks (optional)
• Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

SLEEPING

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

RUCKSACK AND TRAVEL BAGS

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

MEDICAL

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

PRACTICAL ITEMS

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

TOILETRIES

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products

PERSONAL HYGIENE

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

EXTRAS/LUXURIES

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time
• 1 modest swim suit
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions Company is a trustworthy and registered Company under the laws of Nepal Tourism Industry and accepts your bookings under the following terms and conditions.
All bookings are made with Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions P. Limited, Registered Company Number 161822/073/074 (hereinafter referred to as The Company) whose registered office is The Kapan 14, Kathmandu, Nepal. The Head of The Company is Ang Chhiri Sherpa.

1. To secure place, 10% (Non- Refundable) down payment from Total Trip cost is required to make in advance as per the company policy, this deposit help us to make confirm reservation of Hotels in City, domestic flights and all other trip arrangements for final trip booking. Along with deposit we need detailed Name lists of Participants( same as passport), Gender, Nationality, Date of birth, passport number, passport issue/ Expiry dates & profession ( you need to send us passport copy by e-mail for all trips in Nepal.
2. Rest of the payment should clear on arrival day (this will apply for most of Nepal treks, tours, expeditions). However, we can request you to make full payment before your arrival if this is necessary). Be mindful, we also reserve the right to cancel your trip provided full amount is not paid in requested time or on arrival day.
3. Any trip booking Payment procedures is very easy with Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions. We accept your last minute booking also, but full payment of total tour cost should be made in advance if necessary or can pay full payment on arrival day.

Payments should be wired to one of my following banking Accounts
NCC BANK LIMITED
Chabahil Branch
Kathmandu, Nepal
Current A/c No: 014000136121U
A/c Name: Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition P.LTD
Swift: NBOCNPKA
Bank wire service charge should be paid by the clients themselves at the time of deposit.

1. On our holidays tour / trek packages, rooms are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room.
2. No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary. In case of the journey broken of early return upon client’s own wish or
3. causes, Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.
4. It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We can not be hold responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural
5. casualties etc. In such cases, Discovery Mountain Company shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition shall be only responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
6. If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.
7. The tours will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances (force majored), such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us, i.e. excluding the deposit. We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).
8. The trek information sheets and the dossier give information and conditions relating to the tour and are deemed to be part of the contract and so you should be fully aware of their contents. However the itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation- Changes may be made because of exceptional weather, flight cancellations, sickness or other unforeseeable circumstances- No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. We do give sympathy though.
9. All information and advice provided (vaccinations, climate, trekking equipment, visas etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility by us.
10. I reserve the right to revise pricing rate declearded, under any circumstances, or on the pressure of various external factors that are further than our control, for instance changes in exchange rate, government action etc. But, I declearded forth effort to keep on the present rate. In case of minor increase in flights fares, hotels or other related factors, we don’t revise the cost of the trip which was already confirmed & booked by deposit.
11. A tour / trek guide who represents Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions Company deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such case.
12. We put our every effort to ensure comfortable traveling of yours, but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the western affluent countries, the Himalayan countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impact on your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before head is must to venture into journey.
13. You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance package against medical, natural calamity, helicopter evacuation, personal accident etc. This is strongly suggested to all of you my dear clients.
14. To make alterations of any trek / tour itinerary, prior notice is requested. You’re advised to stay in touch with us thus. But occasionally, you may be obliged to do so en route under certain circumstance for instance bad weather etc.
15. All necessary documents should be presented in sequence for example to issue visa, necessary permits etc. We’re not accountable in case of any trip formality not completed in time before the trip departs on the absent of essential papers and documents.
16. You understand that during the course of the trip certain events may occur, including, but not limited to, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, political instability and the forces of nature. You agree to assume all risks associated with the journey to the maximum extent permitted by Nepalese law.
17. You acknowledge that Discovery Mountain Trek contracts with a network of companies, government agencies and individuals, to assist in the running of its tours, treks, walking, holidays & expeditions. To the best of Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition knowledge, these third parties are qualified to perform the duties they are contracted to perform. However Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition will not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur due to the behavior of these third parties.
18. Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveler who contravenes any law or regulation of any country visited.
19. Participants must be in good health and physical condition. It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these know to Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip before you depart
20. Bad weather in mountain regions can cause domestic flight delays, particularly in the Everest, Jomsom, phaplu, Simikot, Kanchenjunga and any other remote mountain regions in Nepal. In the adventure of delayed domestic flights, Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition will meet departing city accommodation costs prior to your trip, if the cost of accommodation is possible to cover by the Budget of that day. Discovery Mountain Trek & Expeditions reserves the right to reroute treks or use road transport for extended delays but this changes may impact on the trip cost, which you have to bear. Discovery Mountain Trek & Expedition does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flight connection but will assist to make alternative arrangements where possible with extra costs.
21. Trekking in the remote areas or in as described above, especially during odd season, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays to avoid frustrating consequence.

RISK & RESPONSIBILITY

Your safety and enjoyment is my prime concern. I therefore carry out my responsibility honestly & sincerely to ensure your holiday trouble – free as well as you have desired. Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, trip may be change under uncertain and inherent circumstances such as land-slides, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents etc. Any extra cost incurring there is your personal responsibility and should be borne on the spot.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Discovery Mountain. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.Please note that often the Jomsom to Pokhara flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We will do our best to avoid such delays, and arrange the next flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by our clients. we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellations, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. If everything runs smoothly and you still have a few days of your buffer days left then you may even engage yourself in optional activities which can be arranged by Discovery Mountain upon request. The optional activities may include visiting places/landmarks of your choice, adventure sports, shopping, etc. In case the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other region. If you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

THE TREKKING GROUP

For this trek there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group get sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size but we after years of experience we have found a maximum of twelve people to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a larger group then that can be arranged too.
And I big hope you will have very good trek with enjoyment and run smoothly in advance.
Thank you!

INCLUDED IN THE COST

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3 -star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
• Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• An experienced, English-speaking guide, (government-license holder)
• Assistant (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
• Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
• Discovery Mountain’s duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu and TIMS)
• Medical kit (carried by your trekking assistant guide)
• All government and local taxes
• Duffle Bag should be 12kg and 3kg back pack, Total 15 kg per person.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST

• Nepalese visa fee
• Excess baggage charge(s)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure,
• And early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
• Also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• International flights
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower
• Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)