WILDERNESS & TRAVEL
MEDICINE
Everest at sunset © David Breashear
Trek to Everest
A Walk in the Khumbu Himal
Mon. April 21 to Fri. May 9, 2014
19 Days – Demanding High Altitude Trekking
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Destination Himalaya
807 Grant Ave. Suite A • Novato • CA 94945 • Ph: 1.415.895.5283 or 1.800.694.6342 • Fax: 1.415.895.5284
email: [email protected] • www.DestinationHimalaya.com
H
imalaya – the name says it all. Straddling the border between Tibet and its
southerly neighbor, the Kingdom of Nepal, the world’s tallest mountains soar to
the heavens, seemingly piercing the unimaginably blue Tibetan skies. For the
peoples of the Himalayan kingdoms, these mountains are sacred; for on their lofty heights
dwell the gods and goddesses of the Indic religious traditions of Hinduism, Jainism, and
Buddhism. In fact, the mountains themselves are considered manifestations of the
deities.
The South Face of Everest
Rising above them all is the “goddess” of all mountains, the colossal Everest. Reaching a
stupendous 29,017 feet, the world’s tallest mountain exerts a powerfully magnetic pull.
Indeed, for many an intrepid explorer, the lure of the summit has proved irresistible,
albeit at times tragically so. Known as “Peak XV” by the early Indo-British surveying
team that established its summit as the world’s highest, the mountain was later named
after Sir George Everest, head of the Great Trigonometrical Survey. While this is the
name by which most Westerners know the mountain, to Tibetans it is Chomolangma,
“The Goddess Mother of the Universe,” while to Nepalis it is Sagarmatha, “The Forehead
of the Sky.”
We begin our journey in hustle and bustle of Kathmandu before taking the breathtaking
mountain flight to Lukla, our trailhead. We then undertake the popular trek to bask in the
glory of Everest’s majestic south face in the Khumbu, land of the Sherpa. Staying in
comfortable mountain lodges or private camps, we hike along the historic trekking route
that was pioneered by the like of Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
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Days 1 & 2
Monday & Tuesday: April 21st & 22nd
DEPART NORTH AMERICA Flying over multiple time zones you “lose time” as you
head east. There are no non-stop flights from North America to Nepal and one must
connect via the far east or middle east countries..
Note on international flights: The cost of the trip does not include your flight from USA
to Kathmandu. Please inform us if you would like assistance in booking your
international air flights. Trans-pacific connections are via Hong Kong or Bangkok.
Trans-Atlantic connections are via Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Delhi. Depending on your
choice of international carrier you may be required to depart the USA a day earlier.
On flight
Day 3
Wednesday: April 23rd
ARRIVE KATHMANDU / IN KATHMANDU Once you have cleared the formalities
of customs, immigration, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our
Nepalese Guide and escorted to the Yak & Yeti.
“Namaste” is the greeting you will receive from the friendly Nepalese people, a
traditional Hindu greeting, derived from Sanskrit, which means “I salute the soul (God?)
within you.” We will check in to our hotel, the classic Yak & Yeti, before spending the
afternoon taking in some of the sites of Kathmandu
Late afternoon/early evening we will have an orientation meeting to discuss effects of
high altitude and check our trekking gear (Kathmandu is a great place to get completely
outfitted with trekking/climbing gear, in case you forgot something). After the meeting
we will take a walking tour of “old Kathmandu,” including Durbar Square, Hanuman
Dhoka, the ancient palace of the Gorkha Kings and the old bazaar, ending with a
“welcome dinner.”
Yak & Yeti Hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 4
Thursday: April 24th
FLY TO LUKLA – START TREK (9,380
ft.) We begin our Everest trek with an
exciting flight in a Twin Otter plane to the
small airstrip at Lukla, elevation 9,275 feet,
where we will meet our trekking staff.
Well-rested from two days of light activity,
we hit the trail with renewed enthusiasm.
The first day's walk is moderate, as we make
our way down from Lukla to the Dudh Kosi
(the “Milk River,” named for its color).
Hiking up the valley to the village of Monjo.
Mount Kailash Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 5
Friday: April 254h
TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (11,300
ft.) A long and challenging day with many
ups and downs to Namche, with an extended
and steep hill trail leading into Namche Bazaar (pictured below). Along the trail are
villages interspersed with forests of rhododendron, magnolia trees, and giant firs.
Towards the end of the day, about halfway up the final hill to Namche, we find our first
views of the snowed-capped summits of Lhotse (27,916 feet) and Mt. Everest (29,035
feet).
Arranged in a steep
amphitheater at 11,300 feet, the
town is packed with shops and
small lodges, not to mention the
winter homes of many
prominent Sherpa families.
Namche is the trading center for
the entire Khumbu region, and
the nexus of Sherpa social life.
We stay is a lodge founded by
Pasang Kame (a famed
Everester) in what is “ground
zero” for Everest climbs.
Most of the well-known Everest summitters have stayed here at one time or the other and
lend their names to the various rooms. We will walk about the bazaar and explore the
heart of Sherpa community.
Khumbu Lodge (B, L, D)
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Day 6
Saturday: April 26th
TREK TO KUMJUNG
An easy day toady as we
enjoy a leisurely breakfast
before taking a two hours
hike to our next location,
the scenic village of
Kumjung. It is here that
Ed Hillary started his first
school for the Sherpa
community and this is also
the site of the Kunde
Hospital.
Our lodge here is built to
offer magnificent views of
Mt. Amadablam (pictured above). Being a full moon we will have the opportunity of
photographing the full moon rise against the high peaks of the Himalaya.
Amadablam Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 7
Sunday: April 27th
TREK TO THYANGBOCHE (12,700
ft.) The morning takes us downhill,
through terraced fields and pastures to our
lunch site at Phunko Tenga, amid
colorfully painted Buddhist prayer wheels,
turning slowly by waterpower. Crossing
the foaming Dudh Kosi River on a
footbridge we start our long, steady climb
through a pine forest to one of the most
beautiful spots in the Himalaya, the
monastery called Thyangboche, where, at
12,687 feet, we stay in the adjacent
Guesthouse.
Thyangboche offers one of the most
stunning panoramas in the Himalaya –
Tawoche (2l,463 feet), Nuptse (25,843
feet), Mt. Everest (29,035 feet), Lhotse
(27,9l6 feet), Ama Dablam (22,493 feet),
Kangtega (22,235 feet), Thamserku (2l,806
feet), and Kwande (20,806 feet). Founded some fifty years ago by Lama Gulu, the
monastery is the main spiritual center of the Khumbu.
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The main temple was destroyed by an earthquake in l933, was reconstructed and again
destroyed by a fire in 1989, and, with the assistance of many trekkers, the monastery has
once again been rebuilt. Buddhism is believed to have been introduced into the Khumbu
towards the end of the 17th century by Lama Sange Dorje, the fifth of the reincarnate
lamas of the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet on the other side of Mt. Everest. According to
local legend, Sange Dorje flew over the Himalayas and landed on rocks at Pangboche and
Tengboche, where he left his footprints.
Sunrise and sunset are magnificent, with the rocky tip of Everest peeping from behind the
dramatic Lhotse/Nuptse wall, the beautiful Ama Dablam, and many other peaks shifting
through the pink spectrum of alpenglow colors.
Thyangboche Guest House (B, L, D)
Days 8 – 10
Monday – Wednesday: April 28th – 30th
LOBUCHE – HIGH CAMP EN ROUTE TO EVEREST BASE CAMP These three
days are spent hiking in the high country surrounded by Everest and all of its satellite
peaks. The trek leader will determine how far and which view points that the group will
visit. This will be based on the strength and acclimatization of the group. Our
experience has been almost all trek members make the hike to Everest’s Base camp.
Leaving Tangboche we hike through a forest of birches, conifers and rhododendrons,
crossing the Imja Khola (river) on a steel bridge we climb up to Pangboche and then
reach Dingboche by mid-afternoon. The views are again spectacular as we see another
face of Amadablam, Island Peak and Makalu. From Dingboche we hike through the high
alpine region, across the glacial frozen river at Thukla and climb up hill to the Lubuche,
with magnificent views of Cholatse, Lobuche, Pumori and Nuptse. From Lobuche we are
within striking distance of both, Everest’s Base Camp and the peak of Kala Pathar.
Lodge (B, L, D)
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Day 11
Thursday: May 1st
KALA PATHAR
EXCURSION Being
directly opposite Everest,
Kala Pathar (18,200 ft)
offers some of the best
panoramic views of
Everest. In fact, most of
the famous pictures of
Mt. Everest’s rock
pyramid peak are taken
from Kalapathar (photo
on left). We have a
relaxed morning and
after an early lunch, we
start our slow but steady
climb (no technical climbing required), reaching the black stone peak of the mountain by
late afternoon. After spending some time on the peak (we may stay to watch the setting
sun light up Everest’s rocky summit) and talking a number of photographs we descend
back to our camp at Lobuche.
Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 12
Friday: May 2nd
EVEREST BASE
CAMP EXCURSION:
An early start is essential
so that we can have few
hours at the Base Camp.
We can see Khumbu
Glacier as we approach
Gorakshep, where we
will take a short break
before hiking into the
Base Camp Area
(pictured on the right).
We will see the spring
climbing expedition
camps in the base area and have an opportunity of meeting with some Everest climbers.
The base camp also offers views of the dramatic Khumbu Glacier. The actual summit of
Everest is hard to see from this location as we are so close to the mountain. Return to
Lobuche for the overnight.
Lodge (B, L, D)
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Days 13 & 14
Saturday & Sunday: May 3rd & 4th
RETURN TREK TO NAMCHE (11,300 ft.) We now start our return trek to Lukla
airport. Our first day’s descent will bring us to the monastery of Thyangboche and on the
second day we will hike all the way to Namche. We should arrive Namche with enough
time for you to do some last minute shopping in Namche’s Bazaar and for a “Hot
shower.”
Khumbu Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 15
Monday: May 5th
TREK TO LUKLA Today we end our trek by climbing back up to Lukla. Tonight we
will have our final dinner with our trekking staff and bid them farewell as we rise early
the next morning to catch our flight back to Kathmandu.
Northface Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 16
Tuesday: May 6th
FLY TO KATHMANDU We say goodbye to our trekking staff, and prepare to make
the return to Kathmandu. Weather permitting the morning flight will get us back to the
Nepali capital, where we will return to the cozy confines of the Yak & Yeti Hotel. The
remainder of the day will be at your leisure to shop, wander the bazaars and enjoy exotic
Kathmandu.
Yak & Yeti Hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 17
Wednesday: May 7th
IN KATHMANDU / BACK-UP DAY This
day serves as a back-up day for us to fly out
from Lukla, in case the flight was cancelled the
day before because of inclement weather.
Kathmandu’s legendary temple sites and stupas
are truly amazing, and are simultaneously
revered as sacred reliquaries and bustling with
contemporary social life. The eyes of the Lord
Buddha gaze serenely upon the Kathmandu
Valley from atop the photogenic stupa at
Swayambunath, also known as the Monkey
Temple. The large Buddhist stupa Bodnath, a
World Heritage Site, is equally renowned.
Bodnath is also home to a sizeable Tibetan
community and is a wonderful place to witness
traditional Buddhist ritual, as well as to shop
for Tibetan arts and crafts. Kathmandu is also
home to the great Hindu temple at
Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the
Bagmati River. This is a major pilgrimage site for the followers of Shiva, drawing Hindu
faithful from around the world. Although the temple is off-limits to non-Hindus,
travelers can still visit the temple precincts and view the temple from the opposite bank
of the Bagmati. From here, one can see the temple’s cremation ghats and witness
firsthand the Hindu cycle of life.
This evening we will gather for a special Farewell Dinner, as we bring our incredible
journey to a close.
Yak & Yeti Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 18
Thursday: May 8th
KATHMANDU TO BANGKOK / OTHER TRANSIT CITY TO CONNECT TO
USA We will be transferred to Kathmandu’s airport for flights to our respective Asian
transit cities for connecting return flights to the USA, or your onward travel destination.
(B)
Day 19
Friday: May 9th
RETURN TO USA Depart Bangkok or other transit city and arrive in the USA the same
day.
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2014 LAND COST:
$4800
(per person, twin share)
Single Supplement:
$850
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
Deluxe accommodations at the Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu, based on double
occupancy, inclusive of all taxes and service charges.
• Accommodations in the best Lodges on trek till Tyangboche and Alpine Camping
or lodges above Tyangboche
• Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights (with all taxes and departure tax)
• All ground transportation using private AC vehicles within Nepal.
• Kathmandu sightseeing as noted with experienced English-speaking local guides.
• All meals after arrival in Nepal (dinner Day 3 to breakfast Day 18).
• Special “Welcome and Farewell” dinners in Kathmandu.
• All arrival/departure airport/hotel transfers.
• All entry fees at all temples, museums and monuments on sight seeing excursions.
• Full service trek (includes all personal, kitchen and toilet tents, sleeping bags,
sleeping pads, camp staff, porters and yaks).
• All fees for Trek Permit, Sagarmatha National Park fees, conservations fee
• All Tips/gratuity to local staff (camp staff, porters, drivers, bell boys, etc.).
• Services of Destination Himalaya’s Trek Leader
• Services of Destination Himalaya’s Nepalese Trek Manager Mingmar Sherpa
• Destination Himalaya’s Medical ($25,000), Accident and Evacuation Insurance
($500,000) and Assistance Plan.
•
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
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•
•
•
•
•
International airfare to and fro Kathmandu
Meals or hotels in transit cities en route to Nepal
Tips/gratuity to Trek Leaders
Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, etc.
Movie, video and still camera fees.
Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance.
(Note: This optional coverage is highly recommended and can be purchased
through Destination Himalaya).
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Destination Himalaya control.
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WHY TRAVEL WITH DESTINATION HIMALAYA?
Commitment To Intelligent Travel
At Destination Himalaya, our primary mission is to successfully fulfill our “Commitment
To Intelligent Travel.” We are committed to ensuring travel that is both ecologically
responsible and culturally sensitive. Out of respect for the natural environment and the
people of the regions in which we operate, we uphold the highest standards of low-impact
and sustainable tourism. Our goal is to ensure a mutually beneficial encounter between
our clients and the proud people of Asia, and to help preserve the pristine beauty of this
special land by continually striving to exceed “industry-best standards.”
Our “Commitment to Intelligent Travel” stresses education and understanding. We do
our utmost to educate our clients about the destinations they will visit prior to their
departure, during their time in Asia, and after they return home. Our goal is to integrate
the best parts of travel - exposure to culture, art, geography, history and recreation - with
the best part of human nature - the desire to connect and improve each other’s lives.
Satisfied past clients include the National Geographic Expeditions, National Geographic
Committee for Research & Exploration, American Museum of Natural History, Grace
Family Foundation, Wharton Business School, Goldie Hawn, to name a few.
Commitment To Safety
Not only do we do everything in our power to see that our trips operate safely, but we try
and stack the deck in our favor. All of our trip leaders have First Aid training and
majority of them are WFR (Wilderness first Responder) certified. DH staff actively
monitors the political situation of our destinations on a daily basis.
Along with USA Department of State, DH also monitors: advisories from the Canadian
Department of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United
Kingdom. When it comes to personal health, we require that for certain trips (such as
those involving trekking or high-altitude destinations) clients get clearance from a
medical doctor in order to be accepted on the trip. In addition, every client who travels
with Destination Himalaya is automatically covered by our medical and evacuation
insurance. This coverage includes $25,000 for medical expenses, $500,000 for
emergency medical transportation, $750 for a trip delay, and $300 for a baggage delay.
Commitment To Giving Back
From our inception and initial involvement with the SOS Tibetan orphanage in
Chuglamsar, Ladakh in 1989, Destination Himalaya, along with our clients and partners
in Asia, has made “giving back” to local communities paramount. Dealing exclusively
with small, local organizations, our goal is to be highly involved in our chosen projects.
This hands-on approach amounts to much more than just giving money. We become
actively involved in each project and maintain that involvement over time.
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Every year our staff and our Asian partners visit the communities and institutions we
sponsor, to monitor the status of our projects. This creates an invaluable atmosphere of
trust and understanding as a long-term relationship develops between Destination
Himalaya and our beneficiaries. For details on the specific projects we support, please
visit our website, destinationhimalaya.com/Giving Back.
We employ only locals in all of our oversee operations and when required we have
invested time and finances to educate and train locals to become valued members of our
field staff e.g.: in Tibet, from drivers to management we only employ Tibetans; similarly
in Nepal our entire staff is Nepalese.
Commitment To Sustainable Tourism
Long before the global notion of “sustainable tourism” arose, Destination Himalaya
understood the sometimes-fragile qualities of the landscapes and cultures of South Asia.
For this reason, we are dedicated to travel that is both ecologically responsible and
culturally sensitive. Destination Himalaya feels that the tenets of Sustainable Tourism
necessitate interaction with the people and traditions of our host countries. We never
disturb prayer or rituals, yet we are always open to communicating. We enter each
situation with a willingness to learn and a desire to share our own ways in a respectful
manner. Our clients taste indigenous cuisine, experience traditional dance and music, and
revel in the glorious art and architecture that permeates the South Asian lands. As
travelers, we are in a position to share what we have witnessed - be it the deteriorating
condition of a monument, the disappearance of traditional life due to harmful incursions
of modernity, or the endangerment of an ecosystem. Our clients become empowered
through our trips, and we encourage them to communicate what they have seen and
learned to others at home.
Additionally, Destination Himalaya’s Bay Area office and all of its India ground
operations are now carbon-neutral. We worked with Stone Valley Partners to calculate
our carbon impact and are offsetting it by supporting carbon reduction projects in India
(Thar Desert Wind Farm, Jaisalmer and Panchpatta Wind Power, Maharashtra). We
carefully choose hotels with environmentally sensitive policies; in the backwaters of
Kerala, our clients enjoy the Sauvar Nagam, the region’s first eco-friendly houseboat as it
is outfitted with solar panels for power and hot water and a state-of-the-art septic system
to prevent wastewater leakage.
DH’s commitment to sustainable practices continues at home, as the company brings
these sensibilities to its US operations. All our marketing (including color brochure) and
other company materials are printed locally on 100% recycled paper using soy-based ink.
DH hires and buys only in the local arena, and strives to exceed environmental standards
at home, as well as abroad.
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OUR TRIP LEADERS
We have developed a team of well-educated, knowledgeable and sensitive individuals
who have guided and traveled extensively all over South Asia (and the world, for that
matter). Their versatility enables them to lead groups or individual travelers both in the
mountains as well as in any cultural destination. As well as English, our leaders often
speak at least two Asian languages with a fluency that leaves little to be desired. Most of
our leaders are experienced mountaineers, who have come to the job through their love
for the outdoors. Over the years they have led cultural tours, trekking trips,
mountaineering expeditions, rafting trips, wildlife safaris, and desert camel and jeep
safaris. Each of our leaders has a minimum of ten years of outdoor travel experience and
is obligated to undergo an annual leadership refresher course, as well as maintain their
Wilderness First Responder certification.
A word about your Trek Leaders
David Breashears is a world-class Filmmaker,
adventurer, and mountaineer whose work has taken
him to remote locations throughout Tibet, China,
Nepal, India, Pakistan, South America, and East
Africa. He has worked on such feature films as Seven
Years in Tibet and Cliffhanger, as well as the awardwinning documentary Red Flag over Tibet. In 1983 he
transmitted the first live pictures from the summit of
Mount Everest and in 1985 became the first American
to twice reach its summit. He is the recipient of four
Emmy awards for achievement in cinematography.
In 1996 he co-directed, photographed, and co-produced the acclaimed IMAX largeformat film Everest and contributed his still photos from that climb to the bestselling
book Everest: Mountain Without Mercy. In 1997 he co-produced and photographed
"Everest: The Death Zone" for the PBS science series NOVA, marking his fourth ascent
of the world's highest mountain. In 1996 he co-directed, photographed, and co-produced
the acclaimed IMAX film Everest and his latest documentary Storm over Everest was
released on May 13, 2008.
David has been traveling to Tibet for 25 years. He will give ongoing talks during the trip
on Everest expeditions and lore, including the infamous Mallory/Irvine attempt of 1924,
Hillary’s successful first summit and the 1996 disaster, with which he is intimately
acquainted. He will also educate us on the climatic changes and ecological issues
confronting the Everest region, as well as, on the ongoing conservation efforts, of which
he is a pioneer. When not climbing, David Breashears calls Boston his home.
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Mingmar Dorji Sherpa, our Nepali trekking
guide par excellence, came to us via famous
mountaineer/filmmaker David Breashears. In
true Sherpa fashion, Mingmar started his
career as a trekking/climbing porter and soon
rose through the ranks to becoming one of
David’s most accomplished assistants. An
experienced climber, he has summited Everest
four times, thrice from the Nepali (south face)
side and once from the Tibetan (north face
side). Mingmar is also a noted journalist and
videographer, reporting for NTV (Nepal
Television) on mountaineering and other
sporting activities.
Mingmar’s First Everest summit was accomplished in 2004, when he was working with
David Breashears on a filming project on Everest. The film ”Storm over Everest” was
released in 2008 and recounted the dramatic events of the tragic 1996-climbing season.
His second summit (North face) was achieved when he was on assignment with Altitude
films and Atlantic Productions on the Everest expedition of 2007 with Conrad Anker.
Mingmar was the filming sherpa in charge of the expedition, which was dedicated to
recreation of the 1922 legendary Everest climber, George Mallory’s expedition. The
documentary “The Wildest Dream” was released in the USA in August 2010.
Incidentally, Mingmar also played the role of Mallory’s Sherpa in the film. In 2008, he
achieved his third Everest summit while guiding a private client. Mingmar has also
guided Michael Palin on the Nepal episode of the TV series “Himalaya with Michael
Palin,” which was produced by BBC and shown on television network worldwide.
In addition to his prestigious climbing record, Mingmar is also a wonderfully gifted trek
and tour leader. He is a certified trekking guide and liaison officer by the Government of
Nepal. When not climbing, Mingmar can be found in the Khumbu leading all of
Destination Himalaya treks.
Sanjay Saxena was born in New
Delhi, India. The son of a Brigadier
General in the Indian Army, Sanjay
has lived all over India and traveled
extensively across Asia. He began
mountaineering and rock climbing in
the high Himalaya at age fifteen, after
successfully
completing
mountaineering courses from the
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering,
India.
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A professional guide since 1979, Sanjay has led countless groups trekking, climbing,
touring and safaris to Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and throughout India. In
January of 1992, David Breashears and Sanjay co-led the first western descent of the
Brahmaputra River in India. The 250-mile white water rafting trip was filmed for the BBC
series “Classic Adventures,” and was shown in North America by Arts & Entertainment.
In 2001 he led the first western group to journey overland from Kunming to Lhasa along
the southern road, traversing the “forbidden gorges” of the Yangtze, Mekong, Salaween
and Brahmaputra Rivers.
Sanjay's deep, insider's knowledge of south Asia together with his talent for creating
unique itineraries to traditional and remote destinations, make him one of the travel
world's top-ranking India and Tibet specialists. For nine consecutive years (2003 – 11)
he has received Condé Nast's “Top Travel Specialist” award for his exemplary tour
operations in Tibet.
Trip Grade
Demanding High Altitude Trekking
This itinerary, trekking in the Khumbu towards the Southface of Mt. Everest, will be at a
sustained altitude of above 12,000 feet with a high point being reached at between 16,000
ft and 18,000 feet depending on the strength of the group. This trek requires that
participants are in excellent physical condition and participate in a regular cardiovascular exercise program prior departure from the USA as participants will be hiking for
4-8 hrs. on a daily basis.
Though not the monsoon season, mountain weather is unpredictable and the trek is
subject to snowfall, storms, ice, rain, wind and other high mountain hazards.
Circumstances may mean that some days could be long and arduous for some people.
Flexibility and a sense of humor are mandatory.
Anyone with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, should
consult a doctor before considering this tour. Release of liability and a medical
certificate, signed by a physician will be required from all participants.
Visas
Visas are required for all foreigners traveling to Nepal and are given on arrival at
Kathmandu Airport. Please bring 2 passport size photographs with you for the Visa. A
$20 cash fee is also required.
Trekking Permit & Entry into Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park
We will also be issuing a trekking permit for you, which also require 2 passport size
photographs.
In total you need to bring 4 passport size photographs with you.
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Immunizations and Health Matters
No immunizations are required for entry into Nepal or to return to the USA after visiting
Nepal. Several immunizations shots are recommended by the Atlanta Center for Disease
Control for travel to Asia and the list was included in your pre-departure material.
Trip Preparation Information
The following material will be sent out to all clients.
Immediately after sign-up:
Confirmation letter, Medical Questionnaire, Insurance Policy. Customized “PreDeparture Book” containing information on the region you are visiting, health matters,
immunization requirement, Visa instructions, clothing list, baggage, Country overview,
suggested reading list and maps.
Three months before departure:
Air itinerary (if DH is assisting you with International Air), invoice and reminder for
final payment.
One month before departure:
Last-minute information on the trip, final itinerary, emergency contact information, air
tickets (if Destination Himalaya is issuing your tickets), rendezvous instructions.
Refunds for Unused Portions of Trip
Because our rates are based on negotiated group participation, no refunds can be made
for any accommodations, services, or features not utilized. If cancellation occurs while
the trip is in progress, there will be no refund for any unused portion.
***Important Note***
Destination Himalaya and its representatives in Nepal will attempt to adhere to this
itinerary as far as possible. Because of the nature of adventure travel, it may be necessary
to make changes due to weather, road conditions, government restrictions and other
variables beyond our control. Destination Himalaya and it’s representatives in Tibet
reserves the right to alter this itinerary as necessary. We will attempt to inform all
participants of changes as far in advance as possible. No refund will be given for
changes in the field due to the above conditions. Costs incurred by such changes will
be the responsibility of the participant.
Please review all Terms of Booking and Details in our current application packet.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Destination Himalaya
807 Grant Avenue, Suite A
Novato, CA 94945
Telephone: 1.415.895.5283
1-800 MY INDIA (1.800.694.6342)
Email: [email protected]
www.DestinationHimalaya.net
DH – India
DH – Tibet
66 LGF
Charmwood Plaza, Eros Garden
Faridabad, 121009
India
Email: [email protected]
Room 306, Hubei Hotel,
No. 54 Beijing Zhonglu,
Lhasa, Tibet 850000
PR of China
Email: [email protected]
Recent Accolades
India, Tibet, Nepal & Sri Lanka
Itinerary updated – October 25, 2013
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