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Guided Everest Base Camp Tours & Trekking

Passport-Unlimited

Discover the home of the highest mountain and the friendliest locals in the world on our guided Everest Base Camp tours

Embarking on a magnificent Everest Base Camp adventure is one of those bucket-list dreams that pulls on your heartstrings and never lets go. On your guided trek, you'll hike through friendly Sherpa villages, past the world's highest marketplace at Namche Bazaar and spot Mount Everest for the first time at Kala Patthar. When you finally reach Everest Base Camp and raise your hands and hiking poles in celebration, a sense of achievement like you've never felt before will overwhelm you. With high altitudes, even higher health and safety standards and shorter options available, we'll be with you every step of the way.

Everest Tours

Himalayas

Everest Base Camp Trek

4.8

  • Duration 19 days
  • Activity Level Level 5 
    • Activity Level 5

      On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.

    Read more about the Active Range

Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to reach Everest Base Camp on an itinerary that will give you plenty of time to acclimatize and experience the customs and culture of Nepal.

Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

Reviews From Our Guests

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Everest Base Camp Trek

David L

"It was 30 years ago that I decided the hike to EBC mattered. On Oct 19 we made it! The trip was certainly tougher than expected. Gorak Shep will never be forgotten (as a most trying accomodation; grin). The trek was full of grandure. The people of Nepal are a marvel. Active managed to pull it all into a cohesive trip!

read more

It was 30 years ago that I decided the hike to EBC mattered. On…

"It was 30 years ago that I decided the hike to EBC mattered. On Oct 19 we made it! The trip was certainly tougher than expected. Gorak Shep will never be forgotten (as a most trying accomodation; grin). The trek was full of grandure. The people of Nepal are a marvel. Active managed to pull it all into a cohesive trip! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

D | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Carol O

"I was very happy with the Active Adventures Everest Base Camp trek. I really enjoyed the people who were in our group. All of us were in the age group of 59-74. Being 70 myself I really appreciated the encouragement I received from my fellow trekkers. Our guides and the porters were excellent. They were there to answer any of our questions and were very helpful. Their main goal was to see we finished the trek in a safe and healthy way. The accommodations in the guest houses were very good and the food was good. It was a tough climb especially going up the rocks but I have memories of something I achieved which will last me my lifetime. Everything was wonderful.

read more

I was very happy with the Active Adventures Everest Base Camp trek. I really enjoyed…

"I was very happy with the Active Adventures Everest Base Camp trek. I really enjoyed the people who were in our group. All of us were in the age group of 59-74. Being 70 myself I really appreciated the encouragement I received from my fellow trekkers. Our guides and the porters were excellent. They were there to answer any of our questions and were very helpful. Their main goal was to see we finished the trek in a safe and healthy way. The accommodations in the guest houses were very good and the food was good. It was a tough climb especially going up the rocks but I have memories of something I achieved which will last me my lifetime. Everything was wonderful. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

C | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

David C

"Although the name of ther trek was "Everest Base Camp", and the sense of accomplishment in reaching the Base Camp was profound, the beauty of the entire trek is what is memorable for me.

read more

Although the name of ther trek was "Everest Base Camp", and the sense of accomplishment…

"Although the name of ther trek was "Everest Base Camp", and the sense of accomplishment in reaching the Base Camp was profound, the beauty of the entire trek is what is memorable for me. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

D | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Stephen C

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

S | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Jeffrey S

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

J | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Brian B

"The Everest Base Camp trek was a spectacular life event, leaving me awash beauty, splendor and cultural appreciation. Active Adventures arranged, accommodated and guided wonderful trek.

read more

The Everest Base Camp trek was a spectacular life event, leaving me awash beauty, splendor…

"The Everest Base Camp trek was a spectacular life event, leaving me awash beauty, splendor and cultural appreciation. Active Adventures arranged, accommodated and guided wonderful trek. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

B | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Christian M

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

C | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Timothy S

"The guides that we worked with were outstanding. They accurately evaluated the needs of our group from the beginning and then provided the support needed for every to have a successful trip. This trek is particularly hard and having highly skilled and sensitive guides made it a real success.

read more

The guides that we worked with were outstanding. They accurately evaluated the needs of our…

"The guides that we worked with were outstanding. They accurately evaluated the needs of our group from the beginning and then provided the support needed for every to have a successful trip. This trek is particularly hard and having highly skilled and sensitive guides made it a real success. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

T | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Michael Y

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

M | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

David C

"My brother and I were thrilled to make it to EBC in the fall on 2023. We had incredible views of Everest and many, many more snow capped mountains along the way to base camp. Our guides (Kim and Arjun) were incredibly knowledgeable about the region we were trekking through and all the surrounding peaks we saw. Nepal is a beautiful country and we had an amazing experience from Kathmandu to EBC and back.

read more

My brother and I were thrilled to make it to EBC in the fall on…

"My brother and I were thrilled to make it to EBC in the fall on 2023. We had incredible views of Everest and many, many more snow capped mountains along the way to base camp. Our guides (Kim and Arjun) were incredibly knowledgeable about the region we were trekking through and all the surrounding peaks we saw. Nepal is a beautiful country and we had an amazing experience from Kathmandu to EBC and back. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

D | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Graeme W

"This trip was everything that I had expected , and more. The scenery, the climate, the physical exertion requirements, the exposure to the local , lifestyles, all surpassed my expectations in a positive way, and I learned a huge amount about myself and Nepal.

read more

This trip was everything that I had expected , and more. The scenery, the climate,…

"This trip was everything that I had expected , and more. The scenery, the climate, the physical exertion requirements, the exposure to the local , lifestyles, all surpassed my expectations in a positive way, and I learned a huge amount about myself and Nepal. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

G | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Gerald C

"Reading reviews or watching U-Tube videos about trekking to EBC provides at best an introduction. Only after you’re in your boots on the trail at high altitude can you truly understand this experience. Active Adventures and our guides, Koru and Gokul did a great job helping my wife and I prepare and stay safe and enjoy every part of this once in a lifetime experience. Each day of the trek was its own adventure, with its own challenges and rewards. Thus, getting to EBC was the icing on an already awesome cake. This trek is not for the faint of heart. In my 63 years on the planet I have never done anything more physically demanding and I have been athletic all my life. But it’s worth it! There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the splendor that awaits at the “Roof of the World.â€

read more

Reading reviews or watching U-Tube videos about trekking to EBC provides at best an introduction.…

"Reading reviews or watching U-Tube videos about trekking to EBC provides at best an introduction. Only after you’re in your boots on the trail at high altitude can you truly understand this experience. Active Adventures and our guides, Koru and Gokul did a great job helping my wife and I prepare and stay safe and enjoy every part of this once in a lifetime experience. Each day of the trek was its own adventure, with its own challenges and rewards. Thus, getting to EBC was the icing on an already awesome cake. This trek is not for the faint of heart. In my 63 years on the planet I have never done anything more physically demanding and I have been athletic all my life. But it’s worth it! There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the splendor that awaits at the “Roof of the World.†read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

G | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Customer

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

C | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Jo R

"This is my second trek with active, I love your company, I refused to do Everest with anyone else, my 2 friends trusted my choice of guide company and soon said " they were fully understanding my love of active adventures" we were worry free the whole time. Elder was so fabulous in every way, such an asset to your company. You should be very proud to have him representing Active Adventures, he was very professional and calm under pressure and handled every issue with total control. We felt safe, secure, looked after.

read more

This is my second trek with active, I love your company, I refused to…

"This is my second trek with active, I love your company, I refused to do Everest with anyone else, my 2 friends trusted my choice of guide company and soon said " they were fully understanding my love of active adventures" we were worry free the whole time. Elder was so fabulous in every way, such an asset to your company. You should be very proud to have him representing Active Adventures, he was very professional and calm under pressure and handled every issue with total control. We felt safe, secure, looked after. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

J | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Lenzie K

"For those wishing to hike where many other don't, the trip to Mount Everest Base Camp will certainly take you off the normal trails. While smooth walking at times, most of the trip will challenge you with rocky sections, steep sections, and even dusty sections as pack animals come and go. The tea houses add to the adventure with rustic accommodations and not-so-many comforts. The views are incredible, the people are friendly, and seeing first hand how hard living conditions are for the local population is humbling. Even if you don't use your camera often, you will have many great images in your mind that will be unforgettable. Forget your phone and the internet and get lost in one of the great outdoor adventures!

read more

For those wishing to hike where many other don't, the trip to Mount Everest Base…

"For those wishing to hike where many other don't, the trip to Mount Everest Base Camp will certainly take you off the normal trails. While smooth walking at times, most of the trip will challenge you with rocky sections, steep sections, and even dusty sections as pack animals come and go. The tea houses add to the adventure with rustic accommodations and not-so-many comforts. The views are incredible, the people are friendly, and seeing first hand how hard living conditions are for the local population is humbling. Even if you don't use your camera often, you will have many great images in your mind that will be unforgettable. Forget your phone and the internet and get lost in one of the great outdoor adventures! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

L | January 1970

Everest-Base-Camp-Trekking-Tours

The Everest Base Camp Trail

The trail to Everest Base Camp is the ultimate bucket list hike. Along the way you’re exposed to staggering alpine vistas, a rich mountaineering lifestyle (both historic and present) and you’ll become immersed in the fascinating Sherpa culture. Arriving at Base Camp is an amazingly emotional experience - celebrating the success of your epic journey in the presence of the world’s highest peak, and paying homage to all who have successfully (and unsuccessfully) scaled it. When you join our Everest Base Camp tour you’ll share the experience with a group of like-minded adventurers, a kiwi trip leader and a team of local Nepalese guides and porters. So go ahead, check out our 'Everest Base Camp Trek' itinerary, or for those who want the Everest experience at a slightly lower elevation, check out our ‘Everest Lodge to Lodge 'Khumbu’ trip.

Our Trips... from our Guests' Perspective

Safe-travel-v3

Keeping you Safe: COVID-19 Safety Measures

We believe our small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures are the safest way to travel. To keep you, your fellow travellers, our guides and the communities we travel in safe, all adults over the age of 12 (i.e. 13 years and above) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To keep you healthy during your trip, we follow all ATTA, WTTC, Qualmark and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health and safety guidelines, as acknowledged by their stamps.

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Meet Your Everest Base Camp Guides

Everest Base Camp FAQs

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is between September and December, festival season! The rains have eased off significantly, and autumn (mid-September to mid-November) is a time for celebration in the predominantly Hindu country of Nepal, as well as having the best day time temperatures. Spring (mid-March to mid-May) in Nepal is also a great time to travel there , and is characterized by the striking colors of blooming rhododendrons in the valleys, gardens, and hills.

Is Nepal a safe place to visit?

Yes! People in Nepal have a strong belief guests are equal to God, so all visitors can expect the warmest of welcomes. This also means Nepal is very safe place to travel and the crime rate is very low. The only real concern to a traveler is petty theft, so we recommend taking the same common sense precautions you would in any other city. Don't bring valuable things with you unless necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch under your clothes. Lock your bags and luggage and leave valuable items you don’t need for the day (e.g. passports and credit cards) in the hotel safe.

 

How safe is a trip in the Himalaya mountains?

Safety is a priority on all our trips, though understandably it's a question we field more frequently when it comes to the Himalaya region. Here are some of the key steps we've taken to ensure your safety whilst trekking in this incredible region:

  • We select experienced Nepali guides who've already completed comprehensive training and have seasons under their belt.
  • Our guides work as a team alongside Nepali porters, ensuring an excellent mix of maturity, leadership and local knowledge.
  • We limit group sizes to 10-12 to ensure a high guide to guest ratio.
  • In addition to Outdoors First Aid training, our guides are also skilled to identify symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). In addition to the medication you may be carrying with you, we also have access to oxygen and a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) at certain parts of the trail.
  • We do our very best to match our travelers to the appropriate trips. Our aim is to inspire and challenge you, so finding that balance of effort vs reward is at the heart of what we do. On trips to the Himalaya, before you even arrive we will have asked you a series of questions to determine if this trip is appropriate, as well as providing comprehensive gear lists and training plans.
  • Our guides carry satellite phones.
  • We provide a high quality super-down jacket, 4 season sleeping bag and hiking poles free of charge, to ensure all trekkers have the appropriate essential equipment. These are selectable through our online booking journey.

Can you help me find international flights to Nepal?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service you’ll want to tell your friends about!

 

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your country of origin and the type of passport you hold, you may require a visa or other endorsement to enter Nepal.

You can find essential travel advice, including passport and visa information, security details and local regulations, on the government website of your home country.

Here are some helpful links:

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Nepal?

Nepal does not officially require any vaccinations for entry into the country, though the further off the beaten track you go, the more necessary it is to take precautions. For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

Is altitude a concern in the Himalayas?

Our Nepal treks will take you to higher altitudes, so it’s important to be aware of the causes and risks of altitude sickness, and how we manage them. You’ll be accompanied on your trip by a very experienced guide and we’ll be taking all the recommended (and more!) acclimatization days to allow you time to get used to the higher elevations. Altitude sickness is something that can occur above 2,400m or 8,000ft and affects everybody differently regardless of fitness (after all no-body is the same). Unless you live somewhere with high elevation, it's difficult to predict how your body will react to the higher altitudes, though there are some things you can do along the way to help you acclimatize.

One of the most important of these is to walk slowly and drink plenty of water – it’s really important your body stays well hydrated at all times and you never over-exert yourself. Also, eat light meals to make it easy for your body to digest food, avoid coffee and alcohol which dehydrate you and slow your breathing down, take plenty of rests and keep yourself warm at all times. If you are concerned or have any problems, please tell your guide straight away. If you are concerned, chat to your doctor about a prescription for Diamox which is proven to help with altitude. If you need any other information please get in touch – we know the place well and we can give you plenty more specific advice.

Learn more here about dealing with altitude

What's included on your Nepal trips?

Accommodation

All accommodation on your trip is provided in Kathmandu and on your trek, so you don't need to worry about a thing. You'll stay at Marriott Hotel in Kathmandu and when you're out trekking you'll stay in guest houses also known as 'tea houses', with shared bathroom facilities. They are fairly basic by western standards but the location, views and warm Nepalese hospitality make it all part of a wonderful adventure. There is always an area to socialize with your fellow travelers and eat, drink, relax, read and rest your feet after another amazing day in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Meals

All your meals are included as described in the itinerary, we find most people enjoy checking out the variety of things on offer in the bigger towns. On your trek you'll eat in the local hotels (known as tea houses) with the main dish on offer being 'dhal bhat' a sturdy meal of lentils and rice that will set you up well for your day of hiking. If this doesn't take your fancy there is plenty of choice on the menu from chapatis, curry, rice, potatoes and even pizzas in some places! We recommend avoiding meat in Nepal and sticking to vegetarian fare so as to avoid any stomach upsets that may impact your experience.

Transport

You're mostly using the trusty transport of your own two feet in Nepal. There aren't too many roads in the Himalayas! You'll be using local trade routes and come across many local people selling their wares along the way, delivering goods by foot to businesses further up the mountains and travelling to visit their families. To get to the trek starting point we travel by plane to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp trek, by plane to Pokhara and bus to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Guides

You will be accompanied on your trek by a local team of guides and porters. They will work closely together to ensure your trip is special, fun, hassle free, safe and successful. From organizing your lodgings each night to carrying your gear, this is a team you couldn't do without. They are used to working together, have a great team bond and are always looking for ways to make your trip special. They will keep you entertained, motivated and happy, even on the most challenging days. We are extremely proud of our guiding team in Nepal and the way they work together, and we look forward to you meeting them on your adventure.

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveler, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

How many people are there on each of our Nepal trips?

We take up to 10 people on each Everest Base Camp Trek, 12 on each Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and 14 on each Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure trip. All our trips have an excellent guide leading the way along with a team of porters on the treks. We have found our trips tend to attract people with fairly similar interests and many people have commented the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

What rooming is provided on your Nepal trips?

Our trip fares are based on a twin-share rate (two people per room), and in the tea houses we will endeavor to place you in rooms of two people. However on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek ‘AST’ there are regulations which restrict the number of tea houses and rooms that are allowed to be built above the town on Chhomrong. For this reason, there is limited space and during peak season expect to be sharing with fellow Active Adventures group members where there will be four to six people sharing a room.
Some of the main lodges and hotels have a double bed option for couples, though the tea houses are usually twin share beds only, and some tea-houses may have bathrooms down the hall from your room or a few meters away from the main building.

What is the currency in Nepal?

Nepal’s currency is the Nepalese rupee - US$1 is worth about 135 Nepalese rupees (at the time of writing) - please check here for an up to date conversion.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currency?

We recommend you bring a variety of payment options with you to Nepal. US dollars are most easily exchanged, and a Visa Debit ATM card and a credit card should be carried in case of emergency. Nepalese rupees are the standard currency and are hard to sell outside of Nepal.

Cash is the easiest option and most widely accepted form of payment in Nepal. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some places, with additional transactions fees. Be sure to let your credit card company know you are travelling to these countries. If bringing US dollars to Nepal, bring brand new & good quality notes, the bigger the denomination the better.

Except in Solu Khumbu and on the Annapurna treks, changing foreign money is likely to be very difficult if not impossible, so bring enough money for the whole trek and don't count on being able to change Rs 1000 notes except in Namche Bazaar and Jomsom. Away from major centers, changing a Rs 1000 note can be very difficult, so it is always a good idea to keep a stash of small-denomination notes. Even in Kathmandu, many small businesses - especially rickshaw and taxi drivers - simply don't have enough spare money to allow them the luxury of carrying a wad of change.

We recommend bringing about US$15-30 (or equivalent) cash with you per person, per day. It should be plenty for extra food or drinks, bottled drinking water and to charge up your cameras in the tea houses as well as any souvenirs you would like to buy. Drinks and things tend to get more expensive the higher into the mountains you go, so be prepared for the different prices in different places.

What kind of clothing should I be packing for my trip to Nepal?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a recommended packing list in your Account on exactly what to bring along. The recommended packing list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is the weather like in Nepal?

Nepal has a huge variety of weather conditions throughout the year and as a result of having one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, its weather can also change very quickly as well. As Nepal sits in the tropical belt and the mountains here are very steep, it means quite often on your trip you’ll experience hot and humid tropical climates right through to sub-zero alpine climates. We recommend you follow the recommended packing list closely and pack for all situations. You may not have to use everything in your bag, but at least you have it just in case.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no pork (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

We recommend everyone sticks to vegetarian fare (even if you’re not usually vegetarian!) for the duration of your trek to avoid any stomach upsets. Your guides will let you know if there’s anywhere in particular to avoid meat.

Also, if you have a sensitivity to dairy or gluten, and you have a favorite snack or brand of snack which suits you at home, we suggest you bring some along. There are meal options for you and a plenitude of food however gluten/ dairy free biscuits, chocolate and muesli bars are hard to come by. Some long-life probiotics might be handy to bring along too (ones that don’t require to be kept in the fridge only!) to take one each day you’re away – this may help your stomach and is good in places when you cannot have yoghurt.
Bring alcohol-based hand wash, and wash your hands constantly to avoid stomach upsets. Your guide will also provide soap to properly wash hands at each stop.

There are a few local customs to be aware of with regard to food and meals in Nepal:

  • Always use your right hand for eating and handling food. The left hand is considered dirty, so don’t use it to eat or pass food to other people.
  • It’s important not to touch another person’s food.

What is the food like in Nepal?

The staple food of Nepalese people is "daal, bhaat, tarkari" (lentil soup or curried vegetables with rice) and this hearty meal is something you’ll certainly enjoy whilst out on the trails. The food in Nepal is healthy and nutritious, with things like lentils, potatoes, rice and vegetables making up the most basic meals. The restaurants in Kathmandu are varied and plentiful - you’ll find various restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Indian and all sorts!

Is food expensive in Nepal?

The average cost of food in Nepal is 750-1000NPR (US$8-10) per day per person. A meal in a regular restaurant is roughly 250 NPR, a coffee will cost roughly 126 NPR (US$1) and a can of beer about 300-400 NPR (US$2.50-3.30)

Can I drink the water in Nepal?

The water in Nepal is not treated therefore contains different bacteria to what we’re used to at home. We highly recommend you do not drink it or use it for brushing teeth, even in Kathmandu. Use treated water at all times. This also applies if you’re travelling through a developing country on your way to Nepal.
Plastic bottles are causing a huge environmental impact in Nepal, with plastic bottles littering some of the highest and most stunning places in the Himalayas. We’re sure you’ll agree with us this is heart-breaking to see, so please use treated water rather than buying plastic bottles, or reuse the same bottle. Our purification tabs work perfectly, we’ll provide these for you at your trip briefing, and treated drinking water is provided in the hotels where we stay.

What types of plugs and voltage do you use in Nepal?

Nepal operates on a 220 volt / 50Hz system with round two- and three-pin plugs (C, D and M).

Will we have access to electricity everywhere we stay?

Electricity is becoming more available throughout the Himalayas, however it’s still unreliable in many places. Local residents here usually have solar chargers they offer to recharge your devices (iPods, cameras, etc.) for around US$5-7 per device, depending on power availability. Some people bring their own solar charger though this is not mandatory.

Will I have access to Wi-fi?

Most of the places we go are pretty remote so Wi-fi is not always available though it is available at the teahouses in Namche Bazaar, Deboche, Periche and Kumjung at a charge ~ around US$5-10 per day. Wi-fi is also commonly available throughout the Annapurna Valley.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available. If your trip uses lodges and tea houses that are either twin share, or sometimes even more people sharing, then the upgrade cost will reflect this.

What if I'm a solo female traveller?

Nepal is a safe country for all travelers, including women, however, women should still be cautious. Some Nepali men may have peculiar ideas about the morality of Western women, given Nepali men's exposure to Western films portraying 'immodest' clothing and holiday flings with locals. Avoid unwanted attention by dressing modestly; a good rule in Asian countries is cover your body from your elbows to below your knees. This means wearing clothes that cover the shoulders (no singlets) and thighs (no shorts) - take your cue from the local people if you need to gauge what's acceptable. You might find that a long skirt or sarong is very useful when visiting sacred sites.

What time zone is Nepal in?

Nepal Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal. It is +5:45 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What kind of things are there to do on my free day in Kathmandu?

There are many activities to enjoy and places to explore in and around Kathmandu, whether you want to experience some of Nepal’s rich culture and history, take some time to relax and reflect upon your time in this amazing country, or keep the adventures coming! If you’re keen to stick to the city, then you could head out and explore the vibrant streets and shops of Thamel, browse for souvenirs and relax with a cheesecake and cup of Nepali tea up on one of the rooftop cafes. Or you can choose to escape the hustle and bustle and soak up the serenity of the Garden of Dreams, just a 2 minute walk from hotels in Thamel and a million miles away from the city. There are also some awesome day trips just a short bus or taxi ride away. Patan is famed for its local arts and craft scene and museum, or you can wander the cobbled streets of Bhaktapur, the country’s best-preserved medieval town. Or head for the hills! Hire a guide and go for a day hike up Nagajun hill!

If you fancy getting a glimpse into the beautiful melting pot of religions in Nepal, visit the spectacular Pashupatinath (Hindu) or Bodhnath (Buddhist) temples, just on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Nepal is also famous for being one of the world’s best outdoor adventure destinations, which is one of the main reasons we love it here so much! So if you’re keen to hit that adrenaline high or try something a little different whilst you’re here you’ve got heaps of options to choose from – take to the water and learn to kayak, or go white water rafting on one of Nepal’s mighty rivers; mountain bike in the Kathmandu Valley, bungy jump 160m at the Last Resort, go canyoning and abseil into a waterfall, or hone your climbing skills at the climbing wall in Kathmandu and imagine yourself summiting one of the many famous peaks you’ll have seen along the way!

What cultural practices should I be aware of?

Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreign visitors, so being aware and following them, when you can, will add so much to the whole experience. In the busier tourist areas, like Kathmandu or Pokhara, there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but when we head further afield and away from these places, you should be sensitive to local customs. For example, shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; instead make a great first impression by pressing the palms together in a prayer-like gesture and saying Namaste (nam-ast-ay).
A few social conventions we recommend to follow are:

  • Women should dress conservatively and keep shoulders and legs covered (a good rule of thumb for Asian countries is have your elbows to knees covered)
  • Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites
  • Public displays of affection between men and women are not seen as appropriate
  • Footwear should be removed when entering houses, especially kitchens, or shrines
  • Seek permission before entering a temple, and do not take leather articles inside them
  • Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place

Any good books or videos about the Himalayas?

There are so many great stories to come out of the Himalayas, probably because the landscape and the people inspire such creativity and adventure. Here is a list, gathered from across the Active Adventures family, of recommended reads:

  • Seven Years in Tibet and the sequel Return to Tibet. Two autobiographical travel books written by Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer. Seven Years in Tibet is based on Harrer's real life experiences in Tibet between 1944 and 1951 during the second world war and the time before the Chinese People's Liberation Army invaded. The book quickly became a best seller and has now sold millions of copies and been made into a movie twice - most recently in 1997, starring Brad Pitt!
  • The Snow Leopard is an account by Peter Mathiessen, of his and George Schaller's 1973 journey to Crystal Mountain, in the Dolpo region on the Tibetan Plateau. They went in search of the extremely rare Snow Leopard that exists only in the high parts of Asia. Published in 1978, The Snow Leopard is regarded as a classic of modern nature writing.
  • A more recent book, Michael Palin's Himalaya accompanies the successful 2004 BBC series. If you're looking for a great coffee table book to help get you inspired, this is it! There are some awesome images by Basil Pao interspersed regularly with Palin's fantastic sense of humour and easy-reading stories.
  • You can't go past Into Thin Air, by best selling author Jon Krakauer. This is a hair-raising tale of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster when eight climbers were killed and several others were stranded during a rogue storm. Whilst a little more 'extreme' than our Everest Base Camp trek, this book definitely portrays another element to mountaineering in the Himalayas! Since it was published it has raised many questions surrounding the morality and competitive nature of summiting Mt Everest.
  • For those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, The Path to Enlightenment by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is a must read. In 1959 the Communist Chinese Government forced the non-violent Tibetan Buddhist Government into exile. Having spent the majority of his life in India, the Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, has spent this time advocating for Tibetan's inside and outside of Tibet. Along with defining the Lam Ram, which are the stages on the spiritual path, the Dalai Lama describes the difficulty of attaining Nirvana (full Buddhahood), but urges determination.
  • Sherpas: Reflections on Change in Himalayan Nepal by James F Fisher is a fascinating snapshot of how tourism and modernisation have affected the traditional way of life of the Sherpa people - both positively and negatively. Fisher first visited the Sherpas of Nepal when he accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964, to help build school houses. One of the by-products of this new school building was a small airstrip, which dramatically increased tourism to the area.
  • Touching My Father's Soul by Jamling Tensing Norgay offers a great insight into the Sherpa world. Jamling Norgay was a mountaineer in his own right, who was a climbing leader on the ill-fated 1996 Everest IMAX expedition. As well as a first-hand account of the 96' tragedy, this book also tells little known stories of Tenzing's historic climb.

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