Mt. Annapurna 1 Expedition
Trip Duration:
56 Days
Trip Code:
AXA
Trip Grade:
Strenuous
No. of Pax:
4 - 12
From
$ 17500/person
Overview
Mt. Annapurna 1 Expedition (8091 m), an enormous 55 km. the long Himalayan massif is the tenth highest mountain in the world. Its name is derived from Sanskrit & the translation version is Goddess of the Harvests. On 3rd June 1950, it became the first 8,000-meter mountain successfully climbed by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, of a French expedition in Nepal. It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalaya by the Kali Gandaki River. This gigantic mountain has glaciers on its western and northwest slopes, which drain into this gorge.
Out of many Annapurna’s high peaks, Annapurna I & Annapurna II are considered the highest, standing at the western & eastern ends of the Annapurna massif.
Trek Himalayan offers a comprehensive service organizing all necessary permits, climbing documentation, all related logistics including airfares, ground transportation, necessary porters, and other services required by expedition team. At the Annapurna Base Camp, we organize all required accommodation and food. Anyone can attempt climbing to Annapurna I throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
Itinerary:
The 10th-highest mountain in the world, a classic and technically toughest climb, Rock and Ice climbing activity before the summit attempt, trek through off the beaten track, forest, verdant valleys, gorgeous landscape, traditional villages until the base camp, enjoy scenic views of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,855 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m) and range of other mountains namely Himchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri I, (8,163 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri II, (7,751 m), Nilgiri (6,940 m.) Mt. Fishtail known as Machhapuchre (6,993 m), Lamjung Himal (6,931 m) and other peaks from the summit, requires 3 camps before summit attempt, September to November and March to May are considered the best months for Annapurna 1 Expedition
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Royal Singi [4 Stars Category Hotel]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
After breakfast at Hotel your guide will meet you and take you to city sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site and possibly you can view cremation and Hindu rituals along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue on to Patan Durbar Square and explore ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour with a lunch. After that you will view ancient Nepalese art in the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu
This will take almost an entire day to get it done some of the official formalities.
After breakfast, you will get into a minibus for the long drive to Beni where we meet the rest of our expedition crew. On the way lunch and continue to drive. Overnight at camp in Beni
After breakfast, we start trekking from Beni leaving the Kali Gandaki valley and head west along the bank of Myagdi Khola. We camp at Tatopani beyond the hot springs in a grassy area next to the river. Overnight at camp
From Tatopani, the trail climbs across several landslides before ascending to Dana (1400 m). It continues to climb to the waterfall of Rupse Chhahara (1560 meters) and crosses the Kali Gandaki River at 1620 m and back again at 1820 m before reaching Ghasa. Ghasa, situated at an altitude of 2120 m, is the first Thakali village in the route in the Kali Gandaki valley.
We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider, and apple, apricot and peach rakshi.
From Lete, we start our trek cross over the suspension bridge and head for Thulo Bugin. The trail passes through the interesting Thakali villages en route. After walking about 4 hrs from Lete we finally reach to Thulo Bugin where we stay overnight.
After breakfast, we climb rather steeply to Thulo Bugin pass which is at about 14,500 feet (4400 m). The trail from Shepherd’s Kharka to Thulo Bugin started out gently but became very steep and challenging, with the view of Mt. Nilgiri South ahead.
After a three-hour trek, and a descent of about 300 m, the altitude gently gains 1200 m through a dense forest along a slippery mud trail and ultimately we will reach to Mristi Khola. Most of the areas around Mristi Khola are normally covered with soft snow, making it difficult and dangerous to walk with a full load.
After crossing Mristi Khola over a log bridge and a moraine we will reach Annapurna North base camp at 4420 m. Annapurna I north face base camp is a flat expanse of grassy land of the size of three football fields at 4420 m. It is located at the base of the horseshoe-shaped ranges of Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. Narrow funnels and high mountain ranges cause winds of high velocity to lash the camp constantly. Here we perform a puja to appease the Gods before embarking on our climb, as per local traditions and rituals.
After crossing a stream at the northeast end of base camp, there is a climb of about 200 m where there is a tableland that becomes a vantage point as the route to the top can be observed. From here, moving through a glacier is covered with moraine and crevasses, we will follow soft snow covered traverse to reach advance base camp at 5300 m.
Camp 1
The walk from ABC to C1 takes about five hours but as the area is prone to avalanches, this camp can be used only for dumping ration and equipment and for the stay in an emergency.
Camp 2
The route to Camp 2 begins moderately across a glacial field until the base of the Northern Buttress… This area is most avalanches prone and it is here that most climbers have lost their lives while on this mountain. Not surprisingly, the area is known as ‘Death Zone’. It takes nine hours of arduous climbing on fixed ropes to reach Camp 2, which is a narrow platform with four small tents.
Camp 3
Today we follow the route to C3, which is also the summit camp. Through overhangs, deep crests and lateral craters, it takes about 1300 m of rope to open the route from C2 to C3, which is at 7470 m.
First Summit Attempt
Second Attempt in case the first summit attempt is not successfulThis is mandatory to do in order to keep nature clean and healthy.
Trek down to Thulo Bugin.
We continue descending Lete, a Thakali village. We make our way back through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. We then reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani.
From Lete, we enter the windswept country of Kaligandaki river valley and continue trek to Marpha, one of the most beautiful and charming rural township. It is a favorite destination for trekkers. Its narrow streets paved with flagstones, a series of canals flowing down the streets and its beautiful whitewashed buildings, typical Thakali architecture and large Buddhist monasteries in the center of town are the main highlights of Marpha This is also popular as apple growing town in Nepal; you can try some of the local apple products like brandy, juice, cider and the local brew . En route, we pass through Tukuche village
Today it will be our last day of the trek. Leaving Marpha we will trek to Jomsom where we visit a Buddhist monastery. During the trek, you will encounter stunning views of Himalayan peaks all along the trail.
We take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you relax and enjoy strolling around lovely lakeside town. This is a contingency day to allow for any unexpected delays during the expedition.
After packing up all the stuff and camping equipment, we board on the bus and make a long scenic drive to Pokhara. On arrival in Kathmandu check in your Hotel and stay on your own
On this pleasant day, you may have a full day at leisure either relax at the hotel or explore around for shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
As per your international flight time, Trek Himalayan staff will take you to the airport for your final departure.
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Mt. Annapurna 1 Expedition 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
Trip Code
Arrival Date
Departure Date
Status
Price
Nitty Gritty
General Information
Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).Accommodations
All accommodations from Beni to Annapurna Base Camp and higher camps will be in tents. We recommend all our members to carry their own personal gear during the expedition.
Meals
Trek Himalayan Nepal generally offers meals on the trip. In breakfast we serve muesli, porridges, pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast with tea/coffee and in lunch and dinner we serve freshly cooked typical Nepalese dal, bhat, lentil soup, vegetable curry, chicken curry, and Sherpa/Tibetan cuisines and high altitude food in higher camps. We provide necessary kitchen staffs and Camp Manager at Annapurna Base Camp and higher camps.
Bathroom facilities
While on mountain expedition, at Annapurna Base Camp and higher camps, we will erect a temporary toilet tent and use individual square-shaped tight capped plastic bottles for urine. For female climbers we use a funnel to pee into a bottle.
Small groups
Our classic small group size from 5 to 15 members, give you greater access to your expert climbing and supportive guide to make your summit a great success. It allows you to have personalized care of your guide and you truly immerse yourself in the climbing adventure and ultimate goal.
Climbing season
The main climbing season for Annapurna 1 expedition in Nepal begins in Spring ( April- May). In spring, the temperature to the Everest region is getting from cold to hot which is more convenient for approaching to climb and summit after sufficient acclimatization and practice at Annapurna Base Camp. Start at the beginning of April and end on the second week of May is the best recommended period for Annapurna 1 Expedition in spring. During the spring season, there is a rare chance of rainfall. Thus, the humidity is also low and the daytime temperature is warm. But, nights and mornings are still cold and chilly.
Thus, we strongly recommend our climbers to choose the spring for Annapurna 1 expedition. Trek Himalayan is ready enough for organizing the Annapurna 1 expedition in spring every year.
Responsible Travel
The beautiful environment of the Himalaya is an extremely fragile condition. We are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have campfires while trekking and we use kerosene or gas as cooking fuel. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the trails. Many lodges, however, now provide solar energy, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, which can be safely and easily burned at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve our beautiful environment for future generations and trekkers as well.
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter she/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill. Doctor may provide temporary care with some medicines and oxygen but the patient must be brought down immediately in order to escape danger. For emergency purpose, one can contact doctors at local hospitals/healt posts in Annapurna trekking region.
A Typical Day in Climbing
Each morning you will be woken at 6:00 or 6:30 (depending on the day) with a cup of coffee or tea followed by hot water in a bucket for personal washing. A hot breakfast will be served at 07:00 or 07:30 (again depending on the day). On clear mornings, you will have a good opportunity to take photographs of the area and Mountains as the weather may change by mid-day and become misty or foggy.
You will normally walk for some hours and have lunch on the way on most of the days. You will be served a hot lunch set at a table and chairs for your extra comfort and convenience. A private toilet will also be available for you at lunchtime and at the camp each night and morning. On other days, depending on how long your climb is, your lunch will be served at the camp where you will spend the night.
As soon as you arrive at the camp, which has been set up before your arrival, you will be provided with hot water for personal washing. Then plenty of coffee, tea or hot chocolate with snacks will be available in the dining tent, followed by a hot dinner in the evening.
Every evening after the meal, your guide will brief you on the next day’s schedule and, for example, how the weather is expected to be, how the terrain will be, how you will have to prepare etc.
The only accommodation option on all routes is sleeping in tents at designated campsites. We use waterproof sleeping tents for all climbers and staff. We also provide a 4-inch mattress* for you to sleep on giving you the best possibility of sleeping well while camping.
When you arrive at the base camp for the final preparation, you will have an early dinner and be briefed on preparation for the summit. On this day you will go to bed earlier than other days. You will be woken up at 11:00 to get ready to leave for the summit at midnight. Before leaving you will have a light breakfast.
Our Sherpa Climbing Team – ratio 1:1
THE SHERPA PEOPLE
The Sherpas, literally “people from the east” is an ancient ethnic group from Tibet, inhabiting the Everest region of Nepal. They are Buddhists and come from the Khumbu region where they work as trekking or climbing guides assisting groups or commercial western expeditons during the high season.
Since 1953 and the first ascent of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tanzing Norgay, Sherpa people started working on the mountain to develop their valley and their capital city, Namche Bazar at the altitude of 3,440m.
HEAD CLIMBING SHERPA
The sherpa team is led by our Head Climbing Sherpa under the supervision of the Western Head Climbing Leader and the governance of the Expedition Organiser. The Head climbing Sherpas oversees the climbing Sherpa team in charge of the carrying of the group equipment between camps, installing and supplying higher camps before the ascent, installing the ropes and the ladders through the icefall.
CLIMBING SHERPA
To increase your chance of success and ensure maximum enjoyment to all, each team member will be climbing with his assigned Sherpa. We believe in a 1:1 ratio to make sure that you are not climbing on your own in high altitude and also not carrying heavy load that could burn yourself out for summit day. They are also at your side to monitor your climbing progression, your physical and mental condition during the climb.
TEAM SPIRIT
We like to operate as a team, climbing members, Sherpas and local staff altogether. A good team spirit is essential and a respect to all is paramount. It is also important to bear in mind that, whatever decision is made by the expedition manager, the head leader or your personal Sherpa during the ascent, you are required to follow their command. Our climbing Sherpa team is well-trained and has worked on many Everest expeditions and some of them have climbed Everest numerous times.
EXTRA PERSONAL SHERPA
Climb light!
We offer the support of an extra climbing Sherpa to provide an additional support to help you save your energy. Your personal Sherpa will carry oxygen cylinders, climbing gear, camera bag or simply assist you during your climb and help you achieving your goals. An extra Sherpa are also available at the fixed rate of extra cost. That will include his equipment, oxygen, insurance and wages.
CLIMBER’S EXPERIENCE
You understand that climbing Annapurna I is not a guided expedition and that each team member has to be self-sufficient, well trained and in good physical and mental condition. The climbing staff along with the expedition organizer will make sure that each member has suitable knowledge to climb, is self-sufficient and able to climb towards the upper camps. They also insure that you climb and come back in full safety. For the well-being of the group and for your safety, the expedition organizer/guide/Sherpa’s decision is final.
Solo climbers or climbing without the help of supplemental oxygen is Not Allowed.
Supplemental Oxygen system & “Top Out” Mask
WHY USING OXYGEN IN ALTITUDE
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, is caused by low concentration of oxygen molecules at altitude. Although the percentage of oxygen remains at 21% of air, the low air pressure above 2,500 m decreases the number of oxygen particles inhaled.
The body reacts by a rise of hemoglobin concentrations to bring oxygen to vital organs thanks to the red blood cells. But ventilation and dehydration generates a fall in the plasma volume caused by the loss of water molecules through breathing.
The acclimatization process is thus vital to adapt to altitude and reduce the effects of Altitude Sickness on the body. The use of supplemental oxygen also allows warding off the primary symptoms of AMS.
SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN SYSTEM
With the altitude, the oxygen level in the blood decreases. Climbing with supplemental oxygen reduces the impact of the altitude by lowering artificially the true altitude. It prevents headaches and AMS effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness etc). Supplemental oxygen along with adequate acclimatization processes help the body to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
“TOP OUT” OXYGEN MASK & OXYGEN CYLINDERS
We use 4L Oxygen cylinders and the “Top Out” oxygen masks manufactured by Ted Atkins, a former RAF Engineering Officer.
What makes the “Top Out” mask different from the Poisk system? The mask includes a reservoir that allows a higher level of oxygen to be inhaled when breathing in without the waste of oxygen flow when breathing out. Thus, you get the right amount of oxygen when climbing. The mask is also far better fitting than the POISK ones. With two different sizes available, the mask fits your face, enhances climber’s comfort, does not obstruct the climber’s vision and avoids any slip on the goggles. Valves are also removable and the mask is washable with water and soap to keep the device clean and germ free. The system has gained in popularity and is now used by most expeditions. On Reach Summit, a number of 7 bottles (oxygen cylinders) with masks and regulators are included in the price. Additional bottles are also stored at Base Camp and will be carried by the climbing Sherpa. When in Kathmandu, you could test the Top Out system and get more familiar with it.
Trekking & Climbing gear
FOOTWEAR
- Light hiking boots or trekking shoes (with ankle support, Goretex/E-vent lining) for the trek to Base Camp
- Light hiking sandals with toe-protection for days in town
- flip flops for the showers
- High Altitude Climbing Boots. No plastic boots with overboots (Millet Everest GTX or La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo)
- 12 points crampons (see below, climbing equipment)
- Trekking Socks (3) Wool (Merino or equivalent) or Synthetic
- Socks (4) Heavyweight wool or synthetic socks to be worn over the liner socks (silk)
- Expedition Personal Gear Liner Socks (4) Smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
- Ice Axe (T rated) with leash, lightweight and general mountaineering tool
- Step in crampons with anti-bot/anti-balling plates and heal lever, make sure they fit your high altitude boots before expedition
- Mountaineering harness (lightweight), make sure it fits over your down-suit
- Regular Carabiner (4)
- Locking Carabiner (2)
- Slings/Prussik cords to attach your Jumar and safety on your harness. Bring 8m of 6mm prussikcord or ½” webbing.
- Jumar/ascender with good handle, left or right handed
- Figure 8 ONLY, no ATC’s, VC’s or Verso/Reverso’s device.
- Climbing Helmet
- Trekking poles (1 pair, Komperdell or equivalent)
TECHNICAL CLOTHING
- Lightweight Long Underwear (2) Tops and bottoms synthetic or wool. NO Cotton
- Thick Long Underwear for altitude. Top and bottom.
- Lightweight Synthetic/cotton Pants (1 -2) for trek and base camp wear
- Short Sleeve Synthetic/quick dry T- Shirt (3) for trek and base camp wear
- Fleece /Soft Shell Jacket with full-zip
- Fleece/Soft Shell Pants
- Fleece / Primaloft Jacket lightweight to wear inside Down-suit
- Down jacket to wear in base camp
- Expedition Down Suit (recommended) or Down Jacket and Pants
- Hard Shell Jacket with hood
- Hard Shell Pants
- Down Sleeping
- Water proof jacket and trousers
- Climbing boots
- Trekking boots
- Wind Proof jacket & trousers
HAND WEAR
- Lightweight Synthetic gloves (2) Should fit inside mitts or gloves (power-stretch, wool, no wind-block/stopper)
- Heavyweight fleece/wool or Soft Shell gloves (2), with grip in palm
- Hard Shell Gloves/Mitts
- Expedition down Mitts. Should be big enough so that synthetic gloves fit inside pile liners
HEAD WEAR
- Headlamp / Head-torch. Bring spare bulbs & batteries
- Glacier glasses, categories 4. If you wear glasses we recommend prescription glacier glasses
- Baseball cap or sun hat (2)
- Ski Goggles (2) One pair 100% UV & IR and the other with clear lenses for summit day for start in the night.
- Balaclava (2) One heavyweight and one lightweight
- Warm synthetic or wool hat (2)
- Neoprene face mask or Balaclava
HYGIENE
- Soap (liquid), Shampoo
- Tooth brush (2), Toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer gel (several small bottles)
- Thick baby wipes
- Foot powder
- Towel (fast drying)
- Mirror
- Shaving foam, Shaving blades
- Sunblock, high SPF (50+)
- Competed plasters
- Nail cutter
- Menstrual cup (safe alternative to tampons and pads for women)
- Personal medicine & medical kit
MEDICAL SUPPLY
- Medical monitoring via Sat Phone at Base camp
- Fully equipped Medical Suitcase with electrocardiogram, Ultrasound & Tough Book Laptop
- Comprehensive Medical Kit
- Tensiometer
- Oxymeter
- Medical oxygen
- Gamow Bag / Hyperbaric chamber
- A comprehensive medical kit.
We recommend all our expedition team members to bring their personal Medical Kit.
- Imodium
- Analgesia
- Antibiotics (to cover extensive variety of infections)
- Paracetamol / aspirin / Ibuprofen
- Gauze dressing / Bandage
- Antiseptic (spray or liquid)
- Betadine
- Simple dressings / steristrips to close wounds
- Compeed for blisters
- Aqua tablets
- Safety Pins
- Haemorrhoid cream
- Dexamethasone tablets
- Diamox (acetazolamide)
- Nifedipine (for HAPE)
- Eye drops
- Nasal Spray
- Cough syrup
- Throat lozenges
- Cream for cold sores
- Vaseline/sunburn lotion
Please consult your doctor prior departure for necessary inoculation and certificate.
COMMUNICATION
- ICOM Radio base for base camp
- Walkie Talkie for Sherpas in altitude
- THURAYA satellite-based telecommunications (Sat Phone)
- METEOTEST weather forecasts via e-mail
- Communications are chargeable for calls abroad. It is a Pay as You Go option.
ALTITUDE CAMPS
- Climbing equipment : Ropes, ice screws, snow bars …
- Necessary Gas-cylinders in high altitude camps
- Altitude tents
- Dry food
- Fuel
Nutritious Food
We provide balanced meals from our kitchen menu such as fresh fruits, vegetables, food rich in protein and carbohydrates. The products are carefully selected for their capacity to be easily digested in an environment low in oxygen. The cook is trained to prepare excellent tasty meals. We provide local as well as continental meals. Hygiene is particularly respected to avoid any illness related to food in order to remain in excellent health before the climb.
MEALS AT BASE CAMP
There will be three meals a day at base camp including assorted supplements such as fresh bread, ground coffee, chocolate bars and breakfast cereals. Base camp cooking and menus will be organized by the base camp manager, working with the Sherpa cook. We serve high altitude food the tastiest freeze-dried meals as well. The breakfast varies with, with the choice of cereals, pudding, toast, eggs, and sometimes crepes. Lunches are composed of a hot meal similar to the dinner menu Dinners include a main dish with pastes and rice with vegetables, soup and fruits or cakes. Lentils, beans and chicken allow an essential protein contribution. Coffee, Tea, Hot drinks and snacks are at discretion throughout the day so that our expedition team members can hydrate suitably and eat regularly.
TASTY FOOD IN ALTITUDE CAMPS
Although appetite is reduced with altitude, we endeavor to offer a large variety of tasty food to all our expedition team members. As much as possible, we will reduce the number of dried meal but try to provide meals of pastes and rice précuits to our expedition team members. Depending on climatic conditions, a tent dedicated to the kitchen is assembled to prepare suitable meals before the next efforts in altitude. The majority of food will be from Western sources, except for staples such as rice, sugar and flour which will be bought locally.
Environmental Practice
The base camps and normal routes up the higher mountains, such as Everest, are under considerable environmental pressure. We will strive to minimize the impact of our expedition by adhering to a responsible and workable environmental policy, as set out by the UIAA.
We make every effort to retrieve ropes and other equipment from the mountain. The high altitude Sherpas will be paid a bonus for each load of equipment or rubbish that they are able to return to ABC for evacuation from here to base camp by yak.
Hygiene
The importance of personal hygiene on expeditions cannot be overstated. To improve the overall welfare of team members and to reduce the chances of illness, we take the following measures:
Hygienic kitchen practice and the sterilization of plates and utensils before every meal.
Hot washing water and soap readily available before all meals at base camp and on request during the day.
Shower facilities at base camp.
Centralized toilet facilities at base camp, checked daily to ensure cleanliness.
Medical Cover
The expedition will be equipped with the following:
- A medical kit compiled by the expedition doctor.
- Oxygen equipment reserved for medical use only.
- A portable hyperbaric chamber.
- Emergency communications on the mountain and satellite communications link for evacuation.
General Travel INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
High Altitude Mountain Climbing INSURANCE
Climbing a Himalayan Mountain or Peak as high as 6,000metres or above does have dangers. You should ensure that you have good insurance to cover the risks. It is a condition of our booking if climb any Himalayan mountain or peak in Nepal, China, Pakistan, and India you should have medical and accident insurance.
Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation if it becomes necessary. It should also cover the costs of getting home should you miss your scheduled International flight due to accident, injury, illness or simply bad luck. Your insurance must specifically cover to climb up to minimum 6000 meters and maximum above 8,000 meters depending on the mountain or peak you are climbing in any Himalayan destinations.
Your insurance should also protect against the ‘standard’ travel dangers, including baggage delay, loss of personal items etc.
Make sure to add ‘trekking up to 5,000m on check out and be sure to read the small print carefully for any policy you are considering. Different policies provide different levels of cover, so make sure you understand what is and isn’t included in your policy.
Rescue/ Evacuations
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
Domestic Flight Cancelation
If scheduled flight gets cancelled due to bad weather from Jomsom – Pokhara. In such situation, we need to send chartered helicopter. Helicopter cost has to be borne by the clients as per the prevailing cost.
Safety
Safety has always been Trek Himalayan’s top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides and Sherpa always focus on the successful climb without compromising safety. Our guides and staff are highly trained in emergency mountain medicine and work to maintain our strict standards of safety. Our camps are stocked with comprehensive medical kits and we have two Gamow bags on the mountain throughout the expedition.
When problems arise on the mountain away from medical facilities, the level of training and experience Trek Himalayan guides have makes them some of the most sought-after guides in the profession. Careful planning and vigilant care are taken as we venture into high altitudes. Our well-planned use of climbing oxygen dramatically improves a climber’s chance of success in 8,000 high mountains. Our supply of oxygen is well stocked and designed to meet any climber’s anticipated, and unanticipated, needs.
Porter Welfare
Many trekking porters come from villages. They live hard and frugal lives and work to carry heavy loads using the traditional ‘doko’ (the bamboo latis basket supported from the forehead). Heights up to 3,500 m are part of everyday life and they resist wearing what they consider to be unnecessary personal equipment.
Above that altitude, Trek Himalayan urges them the use of kit suited to the varying levels of more extreme conditions. It’s an incredible job that they do and we really appreciate their working nature and try to reward accordingly.
What currency to take while trekking or climbing?
While trekking or climbing to different parts of Nepal, having the local currency i.e, the Nepalese rupee would be the best option. You can easily convert your foreign currency into the local currency through banks, money exchanges in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per daily exchange rates before departing for trekking or climbing expedition.
Nepal’s official currency is NPR, Rs. or the Nepalese Rupee. The Nepalese rupee is different from the other rupees found in Asia like the Indian Rupees, Pakistan Rupee and so on. As the Nepalese currency is a universally recognized currency, it can be converted into any foreign currency. Credit cards are not usable during the trek.
Guides and porters normally accept tips after the trek in Nepalese rupees cash.
High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000 m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter s/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill. Doctor may provide temporary care with some medicines and oxygen but the patient must be brought down immediately in order to escape danger.
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Yes, at first, Trek Himalayan airport representative will receive you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the hotel lobby our team leader will brief you about the itinerary, climbing gear and introduction of Climbing Sherpa guide.
- In Kathmandu we provide 4 stars category hotels with breakfast in twin sharing basis, during the trek clean basic tea house/lodge with full board (breakfast, lunch& dinner) in twin sharing basis and mountain expedition we provide spacious quality tents for all team members including our crew. In the base camp we provide dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet facilities and portable shower facilities etc. In Base Camp we make access to communication facilities such as satellite telephone and internet access, solar panels to charge your batteries and UHF/VHF hand held radios on the mountain to maintain communications between main Base Camp and high camps.
- In Kathmandu, we do provide you breakfast only. During the expedition trip we provide full board meals that include, breakfast (local or western), freshly available lunch and dinner. During the climbing in the higher altitudes meals will be served as per the regulations.
- Tipping is a tradition in tourism in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. We highly suggest you to be generous while tipping Nepalese staff. But, tipping is not mandatory for the western tour leader.
