Preparation for your Trek

You have done your homework; you have asked your questions and heard our story. You have checked us out and you have decided to come along with us.

 It is still many months until we are scheduled to go. What now?

 Book your spot(s) - complete the registration paperwork and provide a deposit of $300 US. ($400 Cdn. @ current 2/2/2017 rates)  

 Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months longer than the last day you will be away. If not - start the process for renewal.

  • Send a colour photocopy of your passport and driver's license to us. 
  • Send two head shots to us (passport size or smaller) - either hard copies or email. We will need them to pre-purchase your TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) and your trekking permit prior to your arrival in Nepal. 
  • Keep two extra head shot photos with your passport. You will need one on arrival in Kathmandu for your Nepal VISA. ( If you prefer, you can apply in advance but this may require you to send your passport to your or another Government. (Your choice but not recommended). 
  • Send a copy of your travel medical coverage insurance details to us. 
  • Book your International flights and forward your flight itinerary to us. ( see; Getting There drop-down tab - under FAQ)
  • Visit your Doctor or travel clinic and make sure your shots and prescriptions are up to date. Get a prescription for Diamox and other medications recommended by your Doctor or Clinic. This should include medications for traveller's’ diarrhoea. 
  • Refer to the gear list and safety and fitness information on our website. Consider what you will need to buy, pack, rent or borrow.  
  • Have at least $250.00 USD on hand for arrival. US currency is still King.
  • The local currency is “Rupees. Currently 1,000 Rupees is worth about $10 US. (Feb., 2017)  You can exchange Canadian or other currencies in Kathmandu at the literally hundreds of money exchanges and you will most often get a better exchange rate than your bank. We know where to go for this and will help you through orientation. Nepalese Rupees are not often available in most home countries.
  • If you are connecting with layovers in foreign countries, think about having some local currencies available for food.  
  • In the mountains if you run out of Rupees, only USD (and sometimes Euros) will be accepted or recognised. in Namche there is a few bank machines and a currency exchange but better to do your currency business in Kathmandu. 
  • Continue or initiate a regular fitness program concentrating on cardio and hiking. Simulating, where possible, the hiking we will do. Hill climbing and increasing distance building up weight carried in your pack is good for your endurance. If you have opportunities to get in some altitude exposure over 7,000 ft. that could be very helpful.  
  • Good hiking boots are really important. They should be well broken in, waterproof and comfortable before you arrive.
  • Other trekkers in your tour are usually happy to go out in groups and do some good hikes locally before the trip. Doing this is fun and you will get to know some of the people you will be trekking with.
  • Ask lots of questions, do some reading on the area and culture.

3 months (90 days) before we leave we will ask for payment in full for the remaining trekking charge. This is needed as we have to secure the accommodations and pay in advance.

Attend a final pre-trip meeting about 1 month before we leave (either in person or by Skype). You will be notified of the time and place.

Then it is just a matter of packing your bags and getting to the airport in the best condition you can be in for this incredible experience.

Wherever practical, hooking up with others on the trek to fly together makes the journey more enjoyable. We will explore opportunities for this as we prepare. 

Voluntary initiatives - Charitable activities

Our treks always involve charitable initiatives. If you can spare some clothing items from your closets or help us with this year's program that would be great. The internet is present in the Khumbu so the younger generation sees fashions from all around the world. Western brand names and products are very popular with the teens and young adults. Baby clothes are also much appreciated. 

You are under no obligation to participate. We may ask you to take some extra supplies in your baggage allowance. These will usually be supplies and gifts for our Nepali friends to help them or to give them things they can’t easily get.

This year (2017) we are concentrating on soccer balls and soccer boots. The kids love playing soccer and kicking balls around in the villages everywhere we go. You would be amazed at the things they kick around and call soccer balls. 

Our goal this year is 100 soccer balls (deflated) with several pumps and 50-100 pairs of soccer boots. Volleyballs and smaller soccer balls are fine too, as long as they can be deflated. They don’t have to be new but they should be in decent shape. Soccer boots of assorted sizes between size 5 to 10 (North American) are preferred. Most of us have them kicking around the house somewhere! 

Anything you can do to prepare for and assist in this initiative to help the kids of the Khumbu, would be much appreciated.