Security
No. You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Everest. Mineral water is available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.
Be aware. Elevation on this trek will exceed 3,500m. The possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at this elevation. But in order to avoid this, as much as possible, we have designed the itinerary in such a way that it will give you enough time to acclimatize.
There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).
We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.
First aid. On every trek we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).
Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.
Equipment
Click to download LIST OF NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one of medium quality.
No. The trails are well marked. Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.
If you forget something it might be extremely hard to find here. Please check here for an exhaustive packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.
No. There are teahouses along the trek. We will not need tents or mattresses.
Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.
Guide
We use local guides. On each trek our guides have been to the relevant areas numerous times. All are experienced, knowledgeable, flexible and authorized licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.
Preferable. If you use a porter it has double benefit: you can fully enjoy your trek without carrying a heavy bag, and its improves the income of the local community.
20kg. On average a porter can carry 22kg including their own backpack. So, they can carry up to 18kg of your gear and equipment. We provide backpacks for porters.
Yes. At Magical Nepal we make sure all our staff are well insured.
We ensure all our guides and porters have proper gear, are well equipped and protected. This is for their own wellbeing and for the wellbeing of our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Water
Is tea included in meals? Or is it paid separately, like water?
I found that there are water bottles with a built-in filter, or it’s easier to throw chlorine dioxide tablets into water. And where to get this water on the route?
Answer
Tea is included in the breakfast.
You can buy water on the route - in tea houses and where the guide tells you.
Water needs to be cleaned. You can use filters, you can use tablets. 1 tablet per litre of water. For example, if you drink 3 litres of water per day, then you have to get 3 * 17 = 51tablets
Water purification tablets can also be bought in Kathmandu.
2. Hygiene
Inconvenient, but important question. You need to drink a lot of water, transitions between guesthouses are about 3-4 hours. What to do if I want to use the toilet? Use bushes?
Answer
The route will come across big and small teahouses. You can use toilet there.
In any case, do not hesitate to ask a guide.
3. Kathmandu
Will I have time to walk around Kathmandu? Will the guide accompany me?
Answer
In Kathmandu there will be time on the day of arrival. Then you can take a walk, change money (there will be no exchangers on the route). By the way, changing money is more profitable in exchangers. Banks take merciless interest, commissions, ATMs even worse. Therefore, upon arrival, ask our managers where the best nearest exchanger is, they will tell you everything.
Your guide is a mountain guide. But if you want, we can arrange a guide for you for Kathmandu. It will cost $ 25-30 per day depending on the number of places you want to visit.