Along the trekking route we will be staying in locally owned and run lodges, known as tea houses. These tea houses are very basic structures but have a lovely, warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In Kathmandu, we will be staying in local 3* Nepali Standard Hotel, in the bustling tourist district of Thamel in Kathmandu.

Typically, breakfast will be provided at the lodge where we sleep. We will stop along the trekking route for lunch. We enjoy a long leisurely lunch, usually up to 2 hours. This makes for a welcome break to trekking as well as aiding acclimatization. Dinner will be served in the evening at the lodge in which we will be staying.

The tea houses along the Everest Base Camp trek offer a surprisingly wide variety of meals all cooked to order. Most of the food is vegetarian and grown in the surrounding areas. Dishes are typically potato, egg, rice or noodle based with vegetables depending on the season. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu, it’s said to help with acclimatization! You can also get treats along the trail, with chocolate, crisps and soft drinks available at all lodges. Inevitably the higher you go the more expensive it gets.

In some of the lower towns you will find meat available on the menu, generally however we advise participants to go vegetarian for the trip.

The weather in the Himalayas is unbelievably unreliable and hard to predict. Regardless of what time of year you travel, clear views cannot be guaranteed. Whilst trekking you will be warm but cool down rapidly when stopping for lunch. During the day in the lower regions, temperatures range from 25º to 10º with the possibility of rain. At night, temperatures reduce rapidly and range from between 5 to -5 degrees.

At higher altitudes temperatures range from 5º to 15º during the day, with the possibility of bitterly cold winds. At night, temperatures can drop to -15º.

Once you sign up to the trek, you will receive an information pack which will include a comprehensive list of gear that you will need for the trek. The most important piece of equipment is a comfortable, reliable pair of trekking boots. It is worth remembering that our trekking company will provide you with a good quality down jacket and sleeping bag together with a travel bag.

At our welcome and information evening as well as on our training hikes you will also be given further tips and advice on what gear you will need and importantly what is not necessary!

In order to enjoy the trek it is recommended that you are in good physical shape and that you are able to walk in hilly terrain for several hours per day over 14 days. Stamina and endurance are required! Whilst challenging this trek is very achievable.

The best thing that you can do to prepare yourself for this trek is to keep yourself well, and arrive in good physical condition. The trek is graded moderate to strenuous due to the effects of altitude. Previous hiking experience is not required. The fitter you are and the more training and hill walking you do in advance the more you will enjoy the whole experience!

Training hikes will be arranged pre-departure, it is highly recommended, but not compulsory that you attend these, they are entirely for your benefit. The pace will be set by the guide whilst trekking.

Your rucksack will be carried by locally employed porters. You are permitted a maximum of 15kg in your rucksack.

You will be asked to carry a light backpack containing all you need for the duration of the daily trek i.e., your camera, water, sun cream, hat, gloves and all money/valuables.

Your safety & security during this trek is our primary concern. All our trekking guides are fully qualified and licenced. They are also wilderness first aid trained and have over 20 years experience in hiking and leading teams in the Everest region between them.

They are extremely competent and knowledgeable. You will also be accompanied by an Irish Team Leader. Their main responsibility will be to liaise between guides and participants and ensure the smooth running of the trek.

You will need to consult you doctor or Travel Medical Clinic for a medical check-up and assessment in relation to your personal circumstances and needs in terms of immunizations. Please find below the common recommended vaccinations required for Nepal.

Recommended

Tetanus / Polio /Diphtheria/Hepatitis A/Typhoid

Optional

Hep B & Rabies

(proof of vaccinations will be required prior to travel).