Included:

• First Aid Trained trek leader and a comprehensive group medical kit

• WEA host to ensure you have the most amazing trip

• Hotel and airport transfers

• Domestic Transport - Flights: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu

• All necessary paperwork and permits for trekking EBC

• Accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek

• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), porters to carry luggage

• 17 Breakfasts, 14 lunches, 16 Dinners

• Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu

• All government and local taxes

• Activities outlined in the itinerary (we do cram a lot in!)

• Pre-departure meeting with the WEA team approx 6 weeks before departure

• 2 x training hikes in the Lake Macquarie / Newcastle area

• A few WEA surprises...

Not Included:

• Nepalese visa fee

• International airfare to and from Kathmandu

• Travel, evacuation and rescue insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Additional hot drinks in the Tea Houses

• Hot showers at the Tea Houses on the trek

• Internet access and charging of devices in Tea Houses

• Tips for guides and porters

• Alcoholic beverages

• Miscellaneous extras

Travel Insurance is compulsory if you wish to participate in this trip. We will require a copy of the insurance certificate and you must also bring a hard copy of your insurance certificate with you to Nepal.

Your travel insurance must cover at a minimum:

• accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions

• emergency repatriation

• personal liability

• You need to ensure that the travel insurance purchased insures for helicopter evacuation above 5500m.

• We also suggest it covers cancellation, curtailment, luggage loss, and personal effects.

You must provide proof of insurance to WEA prior departure. WEA reserves the right to cancel or suspend your participation on a trip or in certain activities that comprise part of a trip, at any time, including after the commencement of your tour, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested.

Please book airfare only after you receive an email from Women Embrace Adventure confirming that you can do so. Airfares are not included in the package price; you must book and pay for your own airfare to and from Nepal. We will share our flight details with you when it is time to book your flights.

Packing & Preparation Guide

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable experience, and being well-prepared makes it all the more enjoyable. This guide will help you pack smart and feel confident about what you’re taking — and what to leave behind!

Important Reminders

• Luggage Weight Limit: You’re allowed a total of 15kg, including your daypack, on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

• Pack Light & Smart: You’ll be trekking for 13 days. Only pack what you truly need.

• Keep Essentials Handy: You won’t see your duffel bag during the day, so carry your daily essentials in your daypack.

• Weather Conditions: Expect temperatures from 10°C to -15°C. Weather can change fast — pack for sun, snow, and wind.

• Altitude Awareness: The hike is physically demanding and at high altitude. Your gear should support your comfort, warmth, and safety.

Luggage for the Trek

1. Daypack (25–35L)

You’ll carry this daily. Make sure it fits you properly and you have trained with it on. At a high altitude and 5kg can sometimes feel like 10kg! It should have padded shoulder straps, a comfortable waist clip, and enough space for:

• Water bottles ( and CamelBak if you are using one)

• Waterproof jacket & pants

• Snacks

• Camera/phone

• Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen

• Passport (required for permits)

You will not be able to access your duffel bag during the day, as the porters walk ahead of you, so please make sure you have everything you need in your daypack.

2. Expedition Duffel

Provided to you in Kathmandu and carried by porters.

15kg limit applies — no exceptions. As well as being the weight limit for porters it is also the luggage weight limit per person for our flight to Lukla.

3. Travel Luggage

Use any bag you like to travel to Nepal — suitcase or backpack. Any items not needed on the trek can be stored safely at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Clothing Checklist

Layering is key! You’ll need hiking gear, warm layers for altitude, and comfy clothes for evenings

Base Layers

• 2 x Thermal long sleeve tops

• 1 x Thermal long johns

• 3–4 pairs underwear

• 2 x Hiking T-shirts (polyester or equivalent with good wicking properties –cotton is not recommended)

• 2 x “After hiking” T-shirts (cotton okay)

Mid Layers

• 1 x Heavy fleece long sleeve top

• 1 x Mid-weight long sleeve top

• 1 x Fleece-style long pants / long thermal tights

• 1 x Lightweight down jacket

• 1 x Additional thermal underwear (can double as PJs)

Outer Layers

• 1 x Waterproof & windproof jacket (with hood)

• 1 x Waterproof pants

• 1 x Down jacket (can hire in Kathmandu)

Bottoms

• 2 x hiking pants

• 1 x hiking shorts (or zip off hiking pants)

Gloves, Hats, Socks

• 1 x Heavyweight gloves or mittens (with waterproof outer)

• 1 x Merino wool inner gloves

• 1 x Lightweight gloves (synthetic/polyprop)

• 1 x Warm hat/beanie

• 1 x Buff or neck warmer (fleece is great)

• 3–4 pairs heavyweight hiking socks (merino wool preferred)

• 2 pairs lightweight socks

• 1 x sun hat / cap or visor

Footwear

• 1 x Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)

• Spare laces

• 1 x Joggers (for the villages/evenings)

Gear & Equipment

• 1 x Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (can hire in Kathmandu for approx. AUD$50)

• 1 x Sleeping bag liner (bring from home)

• 1 x Lightweight head torch (LED) and spare batteries – Petzl or Black Diamond recommended

• Trekking poles (optional but useful - can be hired in Kathmandu)

• Combination locks for your bags

• Sunglasses (UV protection)

• Power adapter (Type C/D/M, 230V — easily bought in Kathmandu)

Water Bottles

• Nalgene water bottles or Camelback water bladder - 3 litres

• 1 x Nalgene bottle (600ml for electrolytes)

Tips.... Water bottles or Camelback? Nalgene largemouth water bottles work better in colder conditions because they don’t freeze

Keep your water source inside your jacket to prevent water from freezing if it gets very cold. For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often to prevent freezing.

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Personal toiletries (include soap for washing clothes)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Sunscreen & insect repellent

• Toilet paper (biodegradable if possible)

• Wet wipes for when a shower is not an option

• Small personal towel

• Tissues / hankie

• Hand sanitiser

• Ear plugs

• Copies of passport, insurance, and important travel documents

Snacks & Extras

• Energy bars, trail mix, sweets, or chocolate (can buy in Kathmandu too)

• A good book, journal, or Kindle

• Photos of your family (great to share with locals!)

• Binoculars (optional, for mountain/wildlife viewing)

• Small gifts for the village stay (WEA will provide a list closer to departure)

Personal First Aid Kit (our trek leader will carry an extensive first aid kit)

Buy these in Australia before you go:

• Pain relief (Panadol/Nurofen)

• Cold & flu tablets

• Throat lozenges

• Electrolytes

• Diamox (if advised by your travel doctor)

• Gastro & anti-nausea tablets

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics (if recommended by your doctor)

• Blister prevention & care: tape, wool, Band-Aids (small & large), blister plasters

• Any personal medications

What You do not Need on the trek

Leave these at home unless traveling elsewhere before or after:

• Jeans

• Dress clothes or shoes

• Hair dryers

• Jumpers/sweaters (not suitable for layering)

Charging Devices on the Trek

In Nepal the standard voltage is 230V. The standard frequency is 50Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type C / D / M. You can bring your phone chargers and although Australian plugs are not exactly the right size or shape, they will fit in most sockets.

It would be handy to have a power adapter for Kathmandu and they can be easily purchased for a couple of dollars in the shops surrounding your hotel. You won’t require an adapter for the trek, as your devices will be charged at the trekking lodge. Charging is available at most teahouses for $3–$5 per device.

Hiring Gear in Kathmandu

You can hire high-quality sleeping bags and down jackets in Kathmandu for approx. AUD$50 each. These are purpose-made for Himalayan conditions and it supports the local economy — win-win!

April and May are two of the most popular months to trek to Everest Base Camp, thanks to stable weather, longer daylight hours, and spectacular mountain views. Spring is in full swing, with rhododendrons blooming in the lower altitudes and generally clear skies for much of the day.

Daytime temperatures in the lower sections of the trail (like Lukla and Namche Bazaar) typically range from 10°C to 20°C and, on warm days, can reach 24°C while temperatures at higher altitudes (like Gorak Shep and Base Camp) can range from -10°C to 5°C during the day. Nights are significantly colder, often dropping well below freezing — as low as -15°C at the higher camps.

With the effects of climate change, weather patterns in the Himalayas are becoming more unpredictable. Glacial melt, shifting seasons, and sudden weather changes are increasingly common, so it’s important to be prepared for a wide range of conditions.

Layering is key — think moisture-wicking base layers, a warm down jacket, waterproof outerwear, and thermal gear for those cold nights. Check the 'what to pack' section for a detailed packing list.

TIPPING GUIDES AND PORTERS

Tipping is a way of showing gratitude to our guides and porters for a job well done, it is not their salary, it is a bonus on top of what the team have already earned. We also want to stress that in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the level of service received from your team, you are not obligated to tip.

As a general rule of thumb, We suggest everyone on the WEA EBC trek budget for $350 Aussie Dollars for tips of guides and porters.

How to Tip

We like to make the tipping fun and easy, we don’t want you to feel uncomfortable about how to tip or how much you should tip. For our group, the tips will be collected by your WEA host on the first night at the end of your briefing dinner and will be pooled together. The WEA host and lead guide will divide the money into envelopes to be handed out to the team on the very last day of your trek in Lukla. The last night is always a celebration. Everyone is happy and relaxed. The envelopes with the pooled tip money are given to a nominated person in your group, who then presents each of the tips to the porters and guides. It’s a gorgeous way to end the trek; it brings joy to both the givers and receivers.

When not to Tip

At the airport! When you are leaving the airport, look out for our staff holding the “Take on Nepal” sign. Head in their direction, but DO NOT allow anyone to help with your bags. It’s common at Kathmandu airport for ‘helpers’ to approach tourists, pretend to be one of their party, and help with their bags in the expectation of a tip. Your Take on Nepal guides never ask for or expect tips. If anyone asks you for a tip or stands around you waiting for one at the airport, they are not Take on Nepal staff. Ignore them and keep moving towards whoever is holding the Take on Nepal sign.

Tipping before the Trek

You may opt to have a day or two in Kathmandu before or after our adventure. Our wonderful guides will always offer to take you on a tour of the city; this is often 4-5 hours of their time. If you choose to do this, we recommend you pay for their lunch and also what would be the equivalent of one hour's wage for you as a generous tip; this, for most people, is approx $20-$30. Keep in mind that tips make a big difference in the lives of our guides and porters. This money always goes to good use, generally towards caring for their families. Your generosity has a wonderful roll on effect in Nepal. Generous tips result in happiness all round. You will leave Nepal knowing you have rewarded the people who have made your experience what it was, and your team will feel gratitude for your kindness.

The non-refundable $1,200 deposit must be paid upon booking online at www.womenembraceadventure.com.au to hold your spot.

Places are limited to 16, so we recommend you do this as soon as possible. We'll send you a booking confirmation email and an invoice for the final balance owed, due 90 days before our departure. Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy apply.

18 days, 17 nights, fully escorted Embrace Everest Base Camp adventure, including all as covered in the 'what's included' section.

Full Cost: $5995 (twin share - limited single supplements may be available)

A non refundable deposit of $1,200 is due upon booking to secure your spot. The balance owing is payable via direct deposit or PayPal/credit card (2.6% fee applies) and is due 90 days before departure.

T&C and Cancellation Policy apply.

Due to the nature of this trip there is an extensive list of Terms and Conditions. Please be sure you have read and agree to the below before booking.

Embrace Everest Base Camp T&C

By making a booking you agree to and accept our terms and conditions, including these Terms and Conditions, and the Waiver of Liability.

Your booking is final once your payment is processed and a confirmation email is sent to you.

This is a women's only adventure.

Valid for travel for April 2026 departure.

Valid for sale until sold out.

Advertised prices are per person, twin share and do not include return airfares, anything outlined in the wha’ts not included FAQ or required travel insurance.

Prices are correct as of April 2, 2025 and are subject to availability, withdrawal and change at any time without notice due to fluctuations in charges and currency.

A non-refundable deposit of $1,200 per person is required to secure your booking.

You will be invoiced for the balance owing which is payable in two instalments.

Invoices are payable via direct deposit (no fee) and PayPal or credit card (3% fee applies.)

Travel insurance is mandatory and can be invaluable if you need to change your plans, or become ill or injured before or during your adventure. You are required to source and purchase travel insurance upon booking. We will ask you to provide proof of your purchase including company name and policy number. You'll need travel insurance coverage for the duration of the booking period until the completion of the adventure. Ensure the insurance will cover you for cancellation, change of travel plans, evacuation and repatriation.

All current government safety and health guidelines at the time of booking and departure must be adhered to. Any additional costs related to but not limited to government travel restrictions and third-party changes are the responsibility of the individual traveller and not Women Embrace Adventure. If this trip is undersubscribed or in circumstances where external events affect the viability or safety of this trip to go ahead, Women Embrace Adventure reserves the right to cancel or reschedule and to exclude/remove any participants from this trip. Your booking is non-transferable.

Please read carefully the terms and conditions of this contract.

In registering for one of our adventures and paying your deposit, you agree to be bound by these conditions which constitute the agreement between Women Embrace Adventure/Embrace Escapes Pty Ltd (WEA) (ABN 83620632215) and you. No purported variation of these conditions will be effective unless in writing and signed by a person so authorised by WEA. In these terms and conditions, reference to “WEA representatives” means tour leaders and staff of WEA and its officers, employees, agents, licensees, guides and other third parties and representatives and the land management authorities in each country in which the tour is conducted, or any of them. WEA has partnered with Take On Nepal (the company, ACN: 165 668 459) for this adventure.

1. How to secure your place

To reserve your place:

1. Click on the "Book Me In" button

2. Complete the online registration form

3. Pay your $1200 non-refundable deposit by completing the registration and payment details

2. Travel insurance

Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all WEA Pty Ltd travellers. Your travel insurance must cover:

· accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions,

· emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue for high altitude trekking)

· and personal liability.

We also suggest it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You should also ensure your policy covers all of the adventure activities included in your itinerary, including trekking and camping without technical gear up to 6,000m (for Everest Base Camp)

You must provide proof of insurance to WEA prior to departure. WEA will pass on your travel insurance details to Take on Nepal. WEA reserves the right to cancel or suspend your participation on a trip or in certain activities that comprise part of a trip, at any time, including after the commencement of your tour, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested.

3. Evacuation or withdrawal from the tour

In the unlikely event of an evacuation or withdrawal from any tour, WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to pass on costs incurred, including transport, logistical support and communications. Clients should submit these costs to their travel insurance company as part of their claim. Clients who have to withdraw from the tour for medical or any other reason, will be required to return to Australia on the first available international flight. They will also be required to meet any personal accommodation, transport and medical expenses incurred during their time away from their nominal home and claim these against their personal travel insurance policy. WEA and Take on Nepal do not accept liability for any of these expenses.

4. Personal images and video footage

You agree that WEA and Take on Nepal may use video footage and images of you taken during the tour without recourse to you and without compensation to you for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses. If you do not agree to the use of these images, you must inform us at the time of booking or via email hello@weadventure.com.au prior to departure.

5. Personal information

In order to be able to supply our adventure service to you, WEA will need to collect personal information from you. The information may be disclosed to, or collected on our behalf by, our service providers to enable the services to be provided but will not be used by them for any other purpose without your express permission.

6. Health & fitness requirements

You must be in good health and physical condition to participate in this adventure. We strongly advise that you follow our pre-departure fitness training recommendations. You will be required to submit a medical questionnaire, which will be provided to you 120 days before our trek.

Tours take place in remote areas where there is little or no access to normal medical services or hospital facilities for serious problems. Where necessary, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Medical and evacuation expenses will be your responsibility. Participants who have been hospitalised within the past 12 months or are over the age of 70 will be required to have extensive medical sign-off with an approved doctor. WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right in its absolute discretion to refuse a participant.

7. Medical disclosure

It is your responsibility, and you must advise WEA of any pre-existing medical condition and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention while on our tours. WEA or our suppliers may require additional medical assessment by a medical practitioner. WEA reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your booking prior to departure and refund the money you paid, less any unrecoverable costs. WEA also reserves the right to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the tour and the safety and enjoyment of other participants.

We do not allow travellers under the age of 18 years.

You declare and warrant that:

1. You are in good health and mental and physical fitness at the time of booking this tour;

2. You have disclosed to WEA every matter concerning your health and mental and physical fitness of which you are aware, or ought to reasonably be expected to know, that is relevant to WEA decision to permit you to go on the adventure tour;

3. Immediately upon any adverse change in your health or fitness that may be likely to affect WEA decision to permit you to go on the adventure tour, you will notify WEA in writing of any such adverse change;

4. WEA are permitted to disclose medical information to our consultant doctor.

5. WEA and Take on Nepal consultant doctor may exclude you from a tour if he/she deems it necessary. You acknowledge that the obligation to disclose under this condition continues from the time of booking the tour through to departure and extends for the duration of the tour;

6. You have taken the necessary precautions to immunise/vaccinate for the destination you are travelling to. If you fail to comply with the duty of disclosure in this condition and if WEA would not have permitted you to undertake the tour or continue participation in the tour had you made full disclosure under this condition, WEA and Take on Nepal will not be held liable.

8. Tour leaders

WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. In this condition, ‘tour leader’ includes both the nominated tour leader and any other nominated person given at any time the task of leading or supervising any aspect of the tour.

WEA and Take on Nepal tour leaders take their responsibilities seriously and if for any reason a tour leader believes, in his or her absolute discretion, that you should not participate in the tour, before your departure, even if you pass your medical, he/she may exclude you from the tour.

If for any reason during a tour the tour leader considers you should not participate further due to you committing an illegal act, or in the opinion of the tour leader, your behaviour is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, or your fitness or health is inadequate, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the nominated tour leader’s instructions. In this case, you will not be entitled to any refund. Travel insurance may compensate you depending on the circumstances.

WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to change the tour leader of any tour at any time. If that happens, WEA and Take on Nepal will try to ensure that the alternative tour leader has expertise commensurate with that of the original tour leader. Any such change by WEA and Take on Nepal will not give rise to any right on your part to cancel the tour or claim any expenses, loss or damage that may be suffered.

9. Cancellation by WEA or Take on Nepal

WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to cancel a departure and will advise you of such cancellations no later than 30 days before the tour departure date unless cancellation occurs within 30 days of departure, in which case you will be notified as soon as possible.

If due to ‘Force Majeure’ or government travel advice, WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to cancel or postpone a departure at any time. With any form of cancellation, WEA and Take on Nepal will do their best to offer you alternative arrangements if available. If the price of your alternative adventure is of lower value than the original booking, we will refund the difference, less any charges, to you.

If you do not accept the alternative arrangements, a refund will be granted at the sole discretion of WEA and Take on Nepal. If cancellation is due to ‘Force Majeure’, government travel advice, a pandemic or a similar event that results in an inability to safely operate the tour, no refunds will be offered.

If you are offered a refund, it will be subject to condition 22, will be less unrecoverable costs, and will be your $1,200 non-refundable deposit. WEA and Take on Nepal will not be liable for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking being cancelled, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.

10. Force majeure

WEA and Take on Nepal will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of tours due to ‘Force Majeure’. ‘Force Majeure’ is defined as any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of WEA and Take on Nepal and includes, but is not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes. WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right either before or during the course of the tour to refuse to carry or accommodate any client that it reasonably considers, in the light of the best interests of all participants within the tour group and crew, to be unsuitable by reason of physical or mental condition or unruly behaviour.

11. Cancellation due to small tour numbers

WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in the event that there are too few people booked on a tour in which case you will be given a full refund of the tour price paid by you. You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses or damage (either direct or consequential) or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation (including but not limited to visa, passport and vaccination charges, or departure, gear purchases, airport and airline taxes).

We require a minimum of 6 adventurers to confirm this tour. If numbers fall to 6 or below, we reserve the right to cancel, or change dates of the tour or refer you to another existing tour. Tour numbers are regularly reviewed, and we will notify you of any cancellations no later than 30 days prior to your selected departure date. If numbers for your selected tour decrease below 6 people, you may be required to pay a small group fee should you wish to proceed with the tour. This does not happen often, so if you have any questions regarding this please don’t hesitate to contact us.

12. Itineraries and publications

Itineraries and other details are published in good faith as statements of intention only. Reasonable changes in the itinerary and related items may be made where deemed necessary or advisable by WEA and Take on Nepal. The information contained in WEA and Take on Nepal brochures, itineraries, and internet site is, to the best of WEA and Take on Nepal's belief, correct at the date of publication.

13. Route changes, postponement, cancellation or delay

WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to:

a. Cancel or modify any routes within the tour or objectives set out in the itinerary; or

b. Substitute different or equivalent routes within the tour in place of cancelled or modified routes, or

c. Postpone, cancel or delay (either in relation to the departure or arrival times or the duration of the tour) any such aspect of the tour if, in the absolute discretion of WEA and Take on Nepal, it is necessary to do so due to inclement weather, snow or icy conditions or conditions that are otherwise likely to be hazardous or dangerous or due to any other adverse or threatening conditions whether political or military or terrorist or otherwise or if, in the absolute discretion of WEA and Take on Nepal, there is a likelihood of any such event occurring which may impact upon the safety of the participants, or if an act or omission of a third party prevents the tour or the aspect of the tour being undertaken in accordance with your booking or for any other reason considered necessary by WEA and Take on Nepal.

In the event of any change, modification, cancellation, postponement or delay under this condition, you acknowledge that you will have no right of refund of the tour price (whether in whole or in part) and no right to claim compensation for any injury, loss or damage or other additional expenses incurred by virtue of the change, modification, cancellation postponement or delay. WEA and Take on Nepal also reserves, in its absolute discretion, the right to cancel any tour due to any government travel warning or advice, or any change in such warnings or advice. Travel insurance may compensate you depending on the circumstances.

14. Tour prices

Package prices are per person based on ground costs, fuel prices, exchange rates and assumptions made at the time of publication. WEA and Take on Nepal try their utmost not to increase tour prices; however, sometimes, increases are outside our control.

WEA and Take on Nepal reserves the right to amend tour prices without notice at any time before and including the departure date. Amendments may be necessitated for many reasons including, but not limited to, exchange rate fluctuations, increased fuel costs, airfares, airport charges, increases in ground operator service fees, increased permit costs or taxes or the need to engage alternative air or ground operators. Any increase in tour prices must be paid prior to the departure date.

15. Proof of citizenship or information required to travel

It is your responsibility to obtain proper identification or proof of citizenship as required by the authorities of the destination to which you are travelling. You will not be entitled to a refund if you are denied boarding or entry on any basis, including, without limitation, improper documentation or failure to provide information. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months beyond the date of your return home to your home country.

16. Exclusions from tour price

Without limitation, the following items are excluded from the tour price:

a. International flights;

b. Personal travel insurance;

c. Visa, passport and vaccination charges;

d. Extra meals, transport costs, accommodation costs, or other expenses not included in the itinerary; laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses & items of a personal nature; emergency evacuation and/or emergency search charges;

e. Additional expenses caused by delay, accidents or disruption of planned itineraries;

f. Tips, on-board beverages and excess;

g. Payment transaction fees; and

h. Personal expenses

17. Airlines and other transport providers

Any material published by WEA and Take on Nepal, the Registration Form and these conditions of contract are not issued on behalf of, and do not commit any airline whose services are used or proposed to be used in the course of the tour. In the event that an airline’s proposed travel or fare schedule is amended or cancelled, such amendment or cancellation will not be considered a cancellation of the tour by WEA and Take on Nepal. Any flights or other transport forming part of the tour arrangements are subject to the conditions of the carrying airline or other transport entity, which in most cases limits the airlines’ or other transport entitys.

18. Assumptions of risk

You understand and will accept that your proposed tour may expose you to inherent dangers. Only people in good physical and mental condition should undertake this tour. Our tours are physically and mentally challenging and you will be required to consult with your doctor and ensure that your health is sound and you are able to undertake a rigorous training program as necessary to complete this tour. You must accept that you will be travelling through remote areas where external assistance may be delayed or unavailable if an unforeseen event occurs. This may be due to medical, weather or political situations and may affect you or other members of the group or our guiding crew. You must understand and accept that a medical emergency in this remote area may be life-threatening, and by completing your booking form, you accept these potential adverse and unfavourable conditions and potentially life-threatening situations as your choice.

You acknowledge and agree that:

a. By the very nature of adventure travel and trekking holidays, they are more challenging and demanding with a commensurately higher level of risk compared with conventional holidays, and involve potential exposure to injury and possibly death;

b. In the countries and regions in which adventure travel is undertaken, standards of accommodation, transport, health care, hygiene, safety and service provision generally are often not as high as those standards in your country of residence and may require flexibility and patience on your part;

c. The additional dangers and risks associated with adventure travel may include difficult and dangerous terrain; high altitude; extreme weather, including sudden and unexpected changes; political instability; remoteness from normal medical services and from communications; and evacuation difficulties in the event of illness or injury;

d. The enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel is derived in part from the inherent dangers and risks associated with adventure travel and that those inherent dangers and risks are a reason why you wish to undertake the adventure tour; and

e. You have submitted your booking for the tour after giving due consideration of relevant travel information, including, without limitation, any relevant information or advice given by the governments of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the British Foreign Office and US Department of State and that it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with that information or advice. For the above reasons you therefore accept the inherent and increased dangers and risks associated with the proposed adventure tour and the accompanying risk of injury, death or property damage or loss.

f. You will sign and return a waiver form before you depart for your adventure.

18. No liability

You acknowledge and agree that:

a. Where WEA acts as a booking agent for third-party tour operators, it accepts no liability for the acts or omissions of those third-party tour operators and does not authorise any suppliers, including hotel management, to promise refunds on our behalf;

b. Operational control of the tour may be in the hands of a third party and that your right of action in regard to any shortcomings of that third party’s performance is against the third party and not against WEA or Take on Nepal;

c. WEA and Take on Nepal will not be liable for any breach of any law by any person with whom you travel on the tour; and

d. You may not rely on any representations concerning the tour made by WEA and Take on Nepal, which are not contained in these conditions.

19. Release and discharge of liability

To the extent permitted by law, by accepting the additional inherent dangers and risks associated with the tour, you release, waive and discharge all WEA and Take on Nepal representatives from all claims, actions or losses for personal injury or death, property damage, loss of services, loss of profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise:

a. Out of or occur during your travel in connection with the tour or any activities conducted in conjunction with the tour unless caused by the reckless conduct of WEA or Take on Nepal representatives, or

b. In connection with any optional activities which you may undertake during the course of your tour but which do not comprise part of your tour itinerary and you accept that any assistance given to you by WEA or Take on Nepal representatives in arranging such optional activities will not render the WEA or Take on Nepal representatives liable to you in any way.

20. Australian Consumer Law

Under the Australian Consumer Law, statutory guarantees apply to the supply of recreational services of the kind offered by these terms and conditions. “Recreational services” is defined as including activities that involve a significant degree of physical exertion or risk undertaken for the purposes of recreation, enjoyment or leisure. These guarantees mean that WEA and Take on Nepal, as the supplier, is required to ensure that the recreational services it supplies to you are rendered with due care and skill and are fit for their intended purpose.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, WEA and Take on Nepal, as supplier, is entitled to ask you to agree that these statutory guarantees will not apply to you. If you sign this form you will be agreeing that your rights under this agreement, if you are killed or injured because the services provided were not rendered in accordance with these statutory guarantees, are excluded, restricted or modified in the way set out in this condition.

To the extent permitted by law, you hereby exclude, release and forever discharge all WEA and Take on Nepal representatives from all liability for any and all claims, loss, damage, cost or expense arising from your death or your suffering physical or mental injury or any other condition, occurrence, activity, form of behaviour, course of conduct or state of affairs as specified in section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (except in the case of liability arising from the reckless conduct on the part of the WEA or Take on Nepal representatives) and connected with your participation in the recreational services which comprise the tour.

21. Cancellation, amendments, quotations and transfers deposit & final payment

Payment schedule

Your payment schedule will be outlined in the quote section of your invoice.

Please note that a nonrefundable $1,200 deposit is required to secure your place on the tour, and no bookings will be confirmed until WEA receives the deposit. This may result in you missing the opportunity to be involved, so we suggest you book and pay early. Once your deposit is received, your tour place and price are secure.

Payment plans

Monthly payment plans may be available, and you should request this option when you book. Management reserves the right to charge an administration fee for payment plans of up to 5% of your total tour fee plus any credit card or paypal fees as appropriate.

Payment methods

Payment can be made by direct debit (no fee). Payment by Paypal, credit card (Visa & Mastercard only), 3% surcharge. This surcharge is based on the average expected cost of the credit card transaction to WEA.

Cancellation

Notice of cancellation must be received in writing and sent to hello@weadventure. If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, the following cancellation fees will apply:

· Prior to 90 days before the trip departure, we reserve the right to charge any administration costs and any trip cost incurred by us prior to the time of cancellation

· Between 90-60 days before trip departure-75% Of the Adventure Cost plus any administration costs and any trip cost incurred by us prior to the time of cancellation

· Between 59-30 days before trip departure- 85% Of the Adventure Cost plus any administration costs and any trip cost incurred by us prior to the time of cancellation

· Within 30 days of the trip departure - 100% Of the Adventure Cost

· Once the trip has commenced, there will be no refunds granted.

· It is required that you have a purchased comprehensive travel insurance policy at the time of booking and maintain it until the end of the adventure.

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Please note the above is a guide only and may vary depending on what has already been booked for your participation in the tour itinerary. Cancellation fees may increase to cover these unrecoverable costs (examples of unrecoverable costs include, but are not limited to, park permits that are non-refundable and cannot be transferred). Cancellation fees are in addition to the non-refundable deposit.

Depending on your reason for cancellation, you may be entitled to make a travel insurance claim. We will gladly assist you with this claim by providing a letter summarising the tour costs you have incurred/forfeited as a result of your cancellation.

22. Severance of conditions

If any part of a condition is illegal, unenforceable or invalid, it is to be treated as removed from the conditions, however, the remainder of the conditions are not altered.

23. Travel outside of tour dates

WEA and Take on Nepal accept no responsibility for travel by participants outside of the official tour dates set out in your itinerary and this agreement, including, but not limited to, international flights and transfers. All costs incurred during this travel will be the responsibility of each participant.

24. Acknowledgement

In booking and ticking that you agree to these terms and conditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted the conditions of the contract accompanying the booking and the obligations set out in the conditions, particularly those relating to the release and discharge of liability (condition 19).

We keep our groups small and special—up to 16 amazing women, plus your experienced Women Embrace Adventure host, professional local trekking guides, and supportive porters.

At WEA, we believe Small Groups = Big Adventure. Keeping numbers low means we can create a more personal, connected experience where everyone feels supported, your needs are met, and you get the most out of every moment—whether you’re tackling the trail, sharing stories over dinner, or soaking in the magic of the Himalayas.

TRAINING FOR THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Preparing for this trek is crucial to your success and is also important to the success of the group as a whole. You don’t need to be as fit as an elite athlete to undertake this trek, but you do need to dedicate up to 10 hours a week to training in the 3 months leading up to the trek (6 months is even better). The fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable the experience will be.

If you’re in doubt about whether or not you would be able to undertake the trek, we recommend that you visit your doctor for a health check. Overall good health and determination, combined with good coordination and balance, will all work in your favour.

Below is a guide to training for this multi-day, 130km, mostly uphill trek to Everest Base Camp.

Step 1: Mental preparedness

This is something you have psyched yourself up to do, it’s been on your bucket list, you’ve seen photos of the Himalayas and you’re not putting it on hold any longer…you’re doing this! Strength of mind and self-belief is a crucial factor in achieving your goal to reach Everest Base Camp. Once you’ve paid your deposit and locked it in, it’s time to start preparing. Ideally, you will have somewhere between 6-12 months to prepare, with 3 months at a minimum.

Step 2: Self-assess your fitness level

Be realistic and honest with yourself. Can you easily run a half marathon or are you more of a couch potato? Don’t fool yourself into thinking you don’t need to prepare for this trek, you do, you owe it to yourself, your guides and porters and your fellow trekkers. Know that you need to be fit enough to walk approx. 13 km a day, 20km a couple of days and do so at altitude. The 2 acclimatisation days are not rest days, on these days you will need to walk up hill and then return down to a lower altitude. This is a challenge; you need to prepare for it with the belief that ‘you’ve got this’.

Step 3: Speak to us

We know everyone is different, there’s no one training plan that will work for everyone. We can discuss where you are at and where you need to be on your fitness journey. We can assist you in formulating the best training plan for you and will always be on hand to provide advice or support. We are only a phone call away!

Step 4: Uphill training

Get started. To prepare your body for walking up to Everest Base Camp, you need to walk uphill as often as you can. Get your boots, find the closest uphill track or mountain and start going up that hill, this will allow leg muscles to strengthen. The more uphill trekking you can do the better. In the 3 months before your trek start date we recommend that you plan to walk for distances over 15 kilometres at least 2-3 times a week, these 5-6 hour walking days will prepare you physically and mentally for the trek to Everest Base Camp. Although a porter will be carrying your main pack, you will need to carry a daypack, when you are trekking at altitude, 5kg can feel like 10kg, for this reason we recommend that you load a pack up to weights above 10kg and start hiking uphill carrying this weight. This allows for resistance training, the building of muscle strength, all the while improving your overall fitness level. If you live in a city or in an area without hills or mountains, go to your closest gym and set the treadmill on an incline to provide you with training for uphill walking, this training won’t provide you with the practice of walking on rocky and unstable ground but it will improve the strength of your leg muscles.

Step 5: Cardiovascular Training (Cardio)

This training is not as fun as walking up mountains but it is just as important. Cardio training is all about increasing and decreasing your heart rate; all the while you will be developing your lung capacity. Cardio training also increases your endurance. There are many different cardio training options available, choose one that you will enjoy as you should be enjoying your training regime for Everest Base Camp. 3-4 cardio workouts every week in the 3 months leading up to the trek will hold you in good stead. A 5-10km run is great, you could also choose activities such as bike riding, dancing, swimming or even skating. If you integrate cardio workouts into your training plan you won’t find yourself puffed out on the trek. Your body will be better able to cope with the altitude.

Step 6: Strength training

If you incorporate some strength training into your training plan you will be very well prepared for the trek. Although you will need more lower body strength for the trek, upper body strength training will come in handy, as you will be carrying a daypack everyday. Strength training also has the added benefit of improving your balance and coordination, as you trek closer to base camp you will be walking over very rocky terrain, having good balance and coordination will make this element of the trek easier for you. The great thing about strength training is that it can be done at home or out in the gym and doesn’t require the same time commitment as the other elements of training. Squatting will build your leg muscles, push ups and pull ups will build up your overall strength and allow you to push on in trek for longer. Weight lifting will improve your upper body strength. Incorporating strength training into your fitness plan 1-2 times a week will go a long way to improving your overall fitness level.

Extra Tips:

• Start getting used to drinking 3-4 litres of water a day, this is what you will need to do on the trek to Everest Base Camp, if you don’t drink enough water you are at a high risk of getting altitude sickness.

• Don’t forget to stretch before and after your training session! We also recommend you do stretches on the trek to Everest Base Camp.

• During the trek you need to consume a lot of carbohydrates, the food options on the trek are full of carb rich options and we recommend that you eat as many carbs as possible! You will lose weight on this trek, your body is burning more energy that you can consume, this is happening even when your resting. Be prepared and willing to eat rice, potatoes and pasta, carbs provide you with the energy you need to trek for long distances every day.

• Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s ok to miss out on a week of training, your body also needs to rest. Preparing for this trek should be fun and rewarding. If it starts to feel more like a job you need to reassess your training plan and make changes.

• If possible train with friends, accountability works well and it’s great to be able to motivate and support others while also receiving support.

• Don’t train the week before the trek, you need to taper off to ensure your body is rested and ready for the challenge ahead.

• Pace yourself when trekking. It’s not a race, there’s absolutely no reason to be pushing and rushing on the trek. Your guides will always remind you to take it slowly, enjoy your surroundings every day. Stop, rest, have a drink and move forward at a slow and steady pace.

CUSTOMS AND CULTURAL SENSITIVES

Your guide will make you aware of any other cultural traditions you need to know, during your trek. Please do not hesitate to ask your guide lots of questions. Our guides appreciate you showing an interest in their country and you will leave Nepal full of interesting information.

The most important one to be aware of, when trekking to Everest Base Camp, is the many Stupa’s. A Stupa is a Buddhist shrine. Your guide will point them out to you. You must always walk on the right side of the Stupas; in Buddhism it’s considered important to go clockwise, this relates to always moving forward in life, not having regrets or going backwards (anti-clockwise).

Affection between men and women, even married, is seldom expressed. Public kissing, hugging, and hand-holding are offensive to most Nepalese.

But it is acceptable and normal for two men to walk hand in hand.

Clothing is conservative. Men should not go bare-chested and shorts should be conservative. Women should avoid bare shoulders, halter tops, and shorts. Ties and suits are not necessary except for special occasions.

Conversations may have ‘dead’ patches. Nepalese are not uncomfortable with silence.

Gifts are rarely given and seldom opened in front of the person who has given it.

Do not sit with the soles of your feet or shoes facing another person. Tuck your legs under or beside your body so the soles face behind you.

Your left hand is never used to pass or accept things, whether food at the table or money with a shopkeeper.

Once you’ve touched something to your lips, it’s polluted (jutho) for everyone else. When drinking from a water bottle, try not to let it touch your lips, and never eat off someone else’s plate or offer anyone food you’ve taken a bite.

Swearing is a big NO in Nepal, your porters and guides will be offended if they hear you swearing as it is not a common practice in Nepal and is seen as a sign of disrespect.

It is considered disrespectful to shout in the mountains of the Everest region. Always use a normal speaking voice and refrain from yelling out, unless you absolutely must!

DO I NEED TO SPEAK NEPALI? DO THE PORTERS / GUIDES SPEAK ENGLISH?

All our team members speak English as do most people working within the tourism industry in Nepal. You will have no problems communicating in English and there is not expectation that you learn any Nepali before joining the trek. However, it’s always a sign of respect when you learn a few phrases of the language of the country you’re visiting. If you learn some of these common phrases in Nepali, your guides will be impressed!

• Hello = Namaste/Namaskar

• Good Morning = Subha Bihani

• Good Night = Shuva Ratri

• How are you? = Tapailai Kasto Chha?

• I am fine = Malai Thik Chha

• Thank you = Dhanyabad

• I’m sorry = Malai maaf garnuhos/gara

• See you again = Pheri bhetaulaa

• See you later = Pachhi bhetaula

• I don’t know = Malai thaha chaina

• I don’t understand = Maile bujhna sakina

• How much does it cost? = Yesko kati rupaiyan parchha?

• I will buy it = Ma yo kinchhu

Your safety is our number one priority. Our professional guides are skilled and experienced when responding to emergencies. Take on Nepal has a comprehensive risk management plan that ensures most possibilities have been carefully addressed and plans put in place. The guides and WEA host are all trained in First Aid, and through their experience and knowledge, they will be able to deal with most situations and know when to call a helicopter for an emergency evacuation. With Take on Nepal and Women Embrace Adventure, you are in safe hands.

Altitude Sickness

You are at the lowest possible altitude when you are at sea level; the higher you go, the less oxygen there is in the air, and when you’re hiking at a high altitude, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, the body can react to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. This is altitude sickness.

There are three different types of altitude sickness

• Acute mountain sickness: This is the most common form of altitude sickness that we see people struggle with on the Himalayan mountain trails. This is also the mildest form of altitude sickness and recovery happens very quickly once the person returns to a lower altitude.

• High altitude cerebral edema (HACE): This is not common at all and is an emergency situation. It is more common for mountaineers to experience this form of altitude sickness.

• High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): This is a very dangerous type of altitude sickness that requires emergency evacuation to a hospital. It occurs when fluid starts filling the lungs. It is uncommon among hikers and tends to mostly affect mountaineers.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

The main symptoms of altitude sickness are:

• Headache

• Feeling light headed and dizzy. You may act and look like you’re drunk when suffering from altitude sickness.

• Loss of appetite and nausea.

• Vomiting

• Feeling exhausted and unable to push on.

• Having difficulty sleeping at night.

How can I prevent getting altitude sickness?

You can take a few very important steps that will drastically reduce your risk of getting altitude sickness; these are:

1. Diamox: Consult your doctor and request a prescription for Diamox, if they feel this is appropriate for you. This medication is a preventative, not a cure. It must be taken on the first day of your trek until you complete the trek. It won’t cure altitude sickness if you already have it.

2. Drinking water: You must drink a minimum of 4-5 litres of water a day.

3. Eat plenty of food high in carbohydrates; our guides will advise you on the best meal choices.

4. Plenty of Rest: Attempt to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep every night.

5. Stay positive and strong In both physical and mental capacities.

6. Keep a slow and steady pace: even if you’re full of energy, it’s still better to maintain a steady pace.

7. We strongly advise you not to drink alcohol during your ascent up to Everest Base Camp, save the drinking until you get to the Irish bar in Namche on the way down!

Acclimatisation Days

Your trek to Everest Base Camp has a couple of acclimatisation days built into the itinerary. On these days, you will trek to a higher altitude and then go back down again, helping the body adjust to the altitude. Garlic Soup: The Himalayan people swear by Garlic soup; it’s served at all tea houses!

What should I do if I get altitude sickness?

The steps you need to take if you get altitude sickness include:

• Hike down to a lower altitude, get some rest, and see if you feel any better. Often, our trekkers will feel better and then continue on with their trek the following day.

• Drink plenty of water.

• If symptoms persist, you may need to be evacuated by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu. Our experienced team will manage all the logistics; you just need to focus on getting well.

The above information on altitude sickness is intended as a general guide only. We are not medical professionals, and this is not a substitute for medical advice. We strongly recommend that all travellers consult their own General Practitioner and a trained Travel Doctor prior to travelling to Nepal (or any high-altitude destination). It’s important to discuss your personal medical history, any current health conditions, and receive tailored advice regarding altitude, vaccinations, medications, and any other relevant health considerations.

VACCINATIONS

No Vaccinations are required for entry into Nepal. However many doctors recommend hepatitis A, typhoid and meningitis inoculations. You should already have immunity to tetanus, polio, mumps and measles. Malaria tablets and injections for Japanese B encephalitis are recommended if you are planning to spend a longer period below 1,000 metres during the monsoon. Medicines are sold in small pharmacies everywhere. You will not need a prescription, but it helps if you know what you need! Rabies is a problem in Nepal. Steer clear of dogs and monkeys. If you are bitten, immediately seek treatment.

Flu is no more prevalent in Nepal than elsewhere, but you might consider getting a flu jab before you leave just to reduce the risk of spending several days sick during your holiday.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AND PROBLEMS

More people get sick in Kathmandu than anywhere else in Nepal. Nepali food is usually fine and you can probably trust anything that’s been boiled or fried in your presence, although some people are more susceptible to meat dishes than others. All but the cheapest tourist restaurants usually have acceptable salads, fruit juices and lassis these days. Bananas are small but available everywhere. Even the poorest Nepalese attend carefully to hygiene because they cannot afford to be sick.

The pollution in Kathmandu is a surprise, and gives some people, especially asthmatics, respiratory infections within a few days of arrival. Many people wear disposable filter masks, or scarfs that cover their mouth and nose, although most people are just fine for the time they are in Kathmandu. If you are experiencing depressed respiratory function, get out of the Kathmandu valley to the pristine air of the rest of the country.

Bring a pair of thongs for showering, being comfortable in shared bathrooms and bedrooms, and avoiding scabies and hookworm. Never drink water from the shower or bathroom, and always brush your teeth with filtered water.

The above information is intended as a general guide only. We are not medical professionals, and this is not a substitute for medical advice. We strongly recommend that all travellers consult their own General Practitioner and a trained Travel Doctor prior to travelling to Nepal (or any high-altitude destination). It’s important to discuss your personal medical history, any current health conditions, and receive tailored advice regarding altitude, vaccinations, medications, and any other relevant health considerations.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK?

Meals are included in your trek, but we don’t choose your food, you will decide what to eat for your breakfast, lunch and dinner from the menus provided in each Tea House. The food options along the way are healthy, nutritious, filling and most importantly tasty!

Pringles, desserts, soft drinks, alcohol, chocolate and fruit are available to purchase along the way. This food is not included in your package, you will have to pay for these items yourself. The prices are expensive. Due to the remoteness of the region, a tube of Pringles could set you back $10.

There are some villages along the trek where you will find bakeries and little coffee shops, in particular Namche where you can enjoy a Guinness in the worlds highest Irish pub!

Small Sample Of The Meals That You Will Encounter Along The Way

BREAKFAST You will be deciding what to eat for breakfast the night before. This allows the kitchen to be prepared for the morning rush and it also means that you won’t have a long wait before heading out for your big day of trekking.

• Porridge: This is an option on all menus. A filling bowl of warm oats is a great way to start your day of trekking.

• Tibetan Bread: This deep fried traditional bread is delicious, it is served with Jam or Honey, a sweet start to your day.

• Omelette: Eggs are full of protein and make a wonderful breakfast.

LUNCH AND DINNER The lunch and dinner menu is the same in each Tea House but not to worry, you’ll have plenty to choose from!

• MoMo’s: MoMo’s are the unofficial national dish of Nepal. Momo’s are steamed dumplings available in with or without meat. Momo’s are a traditional Sherpa dish, the Sherpa people own the lodges along the Everest Base Camp route and their traditional dishes such as Momos appear on most menus.

• Dahl Baht: This is the most popular dish in Nepal. The Nepalese people say “Dahl Baht Power, 24 hour!”, it’s impossible not to feel full and happy after eating Dahl Baht. This is a meal we recommend you eat once or twice a day. Dhal Baht consists of rice (as much as you can eat), lentil soup, vegetables and pickle. It’s filling, tasty and good for you. Exactly the type of food you need to get you to your next destination!

• Chow Mein: This Chinese inspired dish is very popular throughout Nepal. Chow Mein is a stir fried noodle dish. With plenty of veggies mixed in, this dish is tasty and filling. A perfect lunch or dinner option.

• Thukpa: Another traditional sherpa dish. This hearty soup is sure to warm and nourish your body after an active day trekking. Made with fresh noodles, vegetables and broth, this soup is truly delicious and a popular option on the trek

ACCOMMODATION ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Along the trek we stay in Tea Houses, they are in fact small lodges but have been named by the Sherpa people as tea houses as they are also used to serve trekkers tea and food. The tea houses are often compared favourably to Swiss Chalets but it would be unfair to expect the same level of service and facilities in the remote Himalayan mountains. The tea houses are an inviting sanctuary, a place to rest and reflect on the day that has just passed and to enjoy great company and a hearty meal before resting for the night. Read on for more information about what to expect of your accommodation during your Everest Base Camp Trek.

Dining Rooms

The central meeting point of the tea house is the dining room. The dining room is where trekkers hang out after a days trekking, this is where you will have your dinner and breakfast, it’s also where you will debrief and be briefed by your guides about the following day. Many of your fondest memories of the trek will be created in these dining rooms. All of the dining rooms follow a similar style throughout the entire trek, their interiors are lined with wood panels, they have a pot bellied style fire in the centre of the room (fueled using Yak poo!) and photos of expeditions or images of the mountains.

Rooms

Be prepared for the most basic rooms you are ever likely to encounter! Always keep in mind that the bedrooms are just for sleeping, the rest of your time will be spent on the trails and in the dining rooms. The rooms are small, just big enough for 2 single beds. The beds will have sheets on them, a pillow and a blanket. Be warned that the bedding is not changed every day, we recommend have a little slip to go over the pillows. You will have your own down sleeping bag for the trek, and this is all you will need in the way of bedding.

Toilets

There are no bathrooms as such in the tea lodges, there are toilets and then a communal sink or two outside of the toilets. For the first few days of the trek you will have flush toilets but as you gain altitude the toilet situation worsens, you may have to use squat toilets or if Western style toilets are available you will be flushing using a jug of placed in a big barrel of water next to the toilet. For trekkers trekking in the colder months, this barrel of water may freeze leaving it impossible to flush the toilet. In the interest of ‘keeping it real’, we are giving you worst case scenarios! Toilet paper is not provided in the teahouses, you will need to bring this with you.

Food

The food provided by the Sherpa lodge owners is amazing! You will be well fed and satisfied by the large choice of food on offer.

Extra’s that aren’t covered, but are worth paying the extra money for!

The tea house won’t provide you with hot water, before rolling your eyes remember that you will be high in the Himalayas, they boil water by either using gas bottles which have to be helicoptered into Lukla and then carried up by a porter to the lodge, the other means of boiling water is by burning wood or Yak Poo, again this requires physical labour. However, paying approximately $4 for hot water in your bottle is well worth it. For the exact same reason you need to pay extra for a hot shower, most trekkers during the trek will take on average 2 hot showers, some people will go without for the duration, the showers are often in outhouses and in the cold climate it can become too much of a chore. After this trek you will have a whole new appreciation of hot showers. The tea houses also charge for phone and camera charging and most offer the option to purchase wi-fi. The costs of luxury items for sale in the tea houses are higher that what we are used to paying in Australia but we always recommend not to deny yourself something that will bring you happiness, Pringles taste amazing above 4000 metres!

Spectacular Views

Imagine yourself waking up to the early morning noises of trekkers waking up, dishes clanging, people preparing for their day ahead. You wiggle out of your sleeping bag, reach over to the window to wipe away the condensation and you are met with the most breathtaking view you could ever imagine, day after day! This is what will happen during this trek. Most days the clouds start to come in at around 2-3pm, which means that you may not get a sense of what the views are going to be like the following morning. Awakening to the most breathtaking and awe inspiring views every morning is sure to guarantee you a special day ahead. Gratitude is a word we often hear during the trek, it’s these very views that give us that feeling. A cup of tea, breakfast, lunch or dinner in a cosy dining room with mind blowing views of the Himalayas will never become tiresome. After all, that’s what most people are there for – these unbelievable views.

Nepal is one of the world’s more crime-free countries, but it would be wise to take a few simple precautions. The main concern is petty theft. Store valuables in your hotel safe, close windows or grilles at night in cities to deter “fishing” and use a money belt or pouch around your neck. Some public bus routes have reputations for baggage theft. Pickpockets (often street children) operate in crowded urban areas, especially during festivals; be vigilant.

In the unlikely event that you’re robbed, report it as soon as possible to the police headquarters of the district in which the robbery occurred. Policemen are apt to be friendly if not much help. For insurance purposes, go to the Interpol Section of the police headquarters in Durbar Square, Kathmandu, to fill in a report; you’ll need a copy of it to claim from your insurer once back home.

The worst trouble you’ll likely encounter is one of Nepal’s all-too-common civil disturbances. Political parties, student organisations and anyone else with a ‘gripe’ may call a chakka jam (traffic halt) or bandh (general strike). In either case, most shops pull down their shutters as well, and vehicles stay off the roads to avoid having their windows smashed. Demonstrations sometimes involve rock-throwing, tear gas and lathis (Asian-style police batons), but nobody is interested in you: leave the area if you anticipate political agitation.

Indian-style hustle is on the rise in Kathmandu. You’ll get a dose of it at the airport or any major bus station, where hotel touts lie in wait to accost arriving tourists. They also cruise the tourist strips of Kathmandu, offering drugs, treks, and, increasingly, sex. For the most part, though, Nepali touts are less aggressive than their Indian brethren, and if you’re entering Nepal from North India, where aggressive touts have to be dealt with firmly, you should prepare to adjust your attitude. Ignore them entirely, and they’re likely to ignore you. If that doesn’t work, most touts will leave you alone if asked nicely, whereas they’ll take a rude brush-off personally.

ARRIVING AT KATHMANDU AIRPORT

Your first view of Nepal will be from the airplane window as you land at Kathmandu airport, and it’s a view not to be missed. It takes in the mountains that surround the Kathmandu valley, the terraces used for farming that cover the hills, small villages and isolated farms, as well as the smog covered chaos that is Kathmandu. Unfortunately, this view is only visible from one side of the aircraft, and which side depends on the approach the aircraft takes when landing. Flying in from Europe, the view was visible from the left hand side of the plane, flying in from Australia it was visible from the right. But don’t take this as gospel — the pilot may decide to change landing direction for one reason or another. The only advice I can give regarding the view is to ensure you have a Window seat, and to hope for the best regarding the landing direction. You will have views of the Langtang Himalayan Range, Gangala Himal and the Mount Everest region.

Where you sit on the plane is important for more than just the view. Passport control at Kathmandu airport is antiquated, like something from a black and white movie from the 1950s. The staff are old, the facilities are ancient, and the pace is glacial. Only a small number of international flights arrive each day, and it takes them a good hour and a half to process the visitors from each one. Sit as close to the front of the aircraft as possible so that you are one of the first off the plane. And when you disembark, do not stop for a toilet visit until you clear passport control. That early toilet break could easily add an hour to your time standing in line. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours prior to departure. You should avail of this to book a Window seat as close to the front as possible.

You will need a visa for Nepal, but this can be purchased on the ground as you approach passport control. The official link below will provide you with information on your arrival at the airport: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/arrival-departure-information-1

Make a note of the hotel you’ll be staying at in Kathmandu, as this will be required for both forms — We will provide these hotel details in plenty of time before departure.

As you disembark the aircraft, make sure you keep your boarding card, and the associated luggage sticker that is usually attached to it. Passport control often ask for your boarding card, and after you collect your baggage and head for the exit, another official may stop you to compare your luggage number/bar code with the one attached to your boarding card. Kathmandu airport is the only airport where I’ve encountered this final check.

There is a currency exchange booth to the left as you leave the baggage reclaim area. You may wish to change a small amount here, just to have some local currency in your pocket. We recommend changing no more than $50, as they are generally more expensive than money changers in the city.

The airport is small — tiny by international standards — smaller than a mid-sized train station in many countries. This means that before you know it, you’ll be outside, in the open air. In most airports, those waiting for passengers do so inside the airport — not so in Kathmandu, where they are forced to wait behind a railing immediately outside the arrivals exit.

You walk out the door and in front of you will see a line of people waiting. Some will be holding up hotel signs, some will have people’s names, others will be taxi drivers looking for fares. Ignore them all and look for the Women Embrace Adventure / Take on Nepal sign. At least two Take on Nepal guides will be there to meet you and your flight. It doesn’t matter if you arrive late, or what time of the day or night it might be — your guides will be there waiting.

As soon as you see them, head in their direction, but DO NOT allow anyone to help with your bags. It’s common at Kathmandu airport for ‘helpers’ to approach tourists, pretend to be one of their party, and help with their bags in the expectation of a tip. Your Take on Nepal guides never ask for or expect tips. If anyone asks you for a tip or stands around you waiting for one at the airport, they are not Take on Nepal staff. Ignore them and keep moving towards whoever is holding the Take on Nepal sign.

Once you’ve reached the Take on Nepal guides, they will load your baggage into a waiting vehicle for the trip to your hotel. They may wait for another passenger or two, as it’s common for more than one trekker to arrive on the same flight. The trip to the hotel is all covered as part of your package, so you should never have to pay anyone or tip anyone from when you step off the plane to when you reach your hotel room.

• Once the plane has landed, make your way to the transfer bus, it’s a good idea to try and disembark the airplane as soon as possible as the transfer buses fill up and there can be a bit of a wait until the next one.

• When you get off the bus walk straight to the visa application computers and complete your form.

• Go to the visa counter with your receipt where your visa will then be issued.

• Once you obtain your visa you make your way down an elevator and through a security check, the lines here can sometimes be long, patience is required!

• Once you’ve cleared security, you will be in the baggage claim area, this space can be busy and unorganised. There are trolleys available for your use and there’s also a toilet in this area. Staff members offering to take your bags off the carousel and push your trolley will approach you, there’s no obligation to use this service, and if you do there is an expectation to tip that person.

• Once you get your bag make sure you have your baggage tag, which you would have received in your country of departure. You may be requested to show your baggage tags as you depart the airport.

• Once you exit look out for our friendly team member holding up a “Women Embrace Adventure / Take on Nepal” sign, our team member will then travel with you to your hotel.