Trek through the eastern border of Nepal, experience the remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna and rich culture different from other regions through the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
We do not have fixed departure date for this trip. This trip can only be organized upon your request. There is an option of private and tailor-made journey best suited for you, your family and friends. We have price discounts according to the group size, the bigger your group, the bigger your group discounts. We allow complete flexibility on your departure date, please choose your preferable date.
“Kang-chen-zod-nga”, means “five great treasuries of the snow“, but in fact it has seven major summits. To the locals, Kanchenjunga, which stands at a height of 8,585 m and the third highest mountain in the world, is the abode of gods who bestow prosperity and goodwill on them and their lands, while to the climbers of this mountain the phrase “five great treasuries of the snow” takes on a slightly more ominous tone. The avalanches at Kanchenjunga are said to be the largest anywhere!
Since the locals worship the mountain, there is a tradition among mountaineers not to stand on the actual summit. All successful climbs have stopped just short of the summit honoring an old promise made by the leader of the first successful attempt in 1955 to the Maharaja of Sikkim.
Kanchenjunga lies on the eastern border of Nepal providing a great chance to experience remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna and rich local culture, quite different to those found further west.
We begin the journey to Kanchenjunga with a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and from there to Taplejung (Suketar). From Suketar the trek leads to Chauki through the villages of Mitlung, Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak to Pangpema which is also the base camp for expeditions attempting the North Face of Kanchenjunga II and the culmination of the first part of the trek.
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,345 m). Overnight at a Hotel.
Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at a Hotel.
Fly to Biratnagar – 40 minutes. Overnight at a Guesthouse.
Fly to Taplejung (2,320 m) and Trek to Lali Kharka (2,276 m) – 3.5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Khesewa (2,120 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Mamankhe (1,920 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Yamphudin (2,080 m) – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Chitre (2,965 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Tortongn (3,010 m) – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Tseram (3,870 m) – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Ramche (4,580 m) – 4 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Explore around Ramche (4,580 m) and Trek to Oktang (4,730 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp (5,400 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Ramche (4,580 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Sallerle via Mirgin La (4,480 m) – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Ghunsa (3,475 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Kambachen (4,040 m) – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Exploration Day at Kambachen. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Lhonak (4,790 m) – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Pang Pema (5,140 m) – 4 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Explore around Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,100 m) and Return to Kambachen – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Ghunsa – 6 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Amjilosa (2,460 m) – 4 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Sakathum (1,600 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Chhiruwa (1,200 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Trek to Suketar (2,420 m) – 5 hours. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Fly Back to Kathmandu. Overnight at a Hotel.
Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight at a Hotel.
Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure.
Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, trekkers’ health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.Read more
Guided city tour in Kathmandu valley by a private tourist vehicle
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (4 nights only)
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a guesthouse in Biratnagar including breakfast (1 night only)
All standard meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen team
Tented camp accommodation for 24 days/23 nights (We will provide fully water/wind-proof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, etc.)
All special trekking permits & fees
Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Kathmandu airfare and Biratnagar-Suketar-Biratnagar airfare including airport departure tax
1 Ace the Himalaya’s duffel/kit bag, sun hat and trip completion certificate
Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Note: Either on this day or the next day, there will be pre-trek meeting. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
After a hearty breakfast, at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below:
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple, Duttatraya temple, Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows.
The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area for trekking essentials.
Pick up from the hotel in Kathmandu and take afternoon flight to Biratnagar with your guide from Kathmandu and transfer to guesthouse.
A half-hour flight will take us to Suketar Airport in Taplejung where we will be welcomed by the ground staff and porters. The crew will arrange your gear as you have lunch after the flight. In the afternoon we start with an easy 2- to 3-hour walk along the ridgeline to Lali Kharka, a grazing area.
After traversing the hillside a short way, we descend to the village of Pakora along the Phawa Khola, crossing a suspension bridge before beginning the steep climb up towards Kunjuri. Lunch will be taken somewhere below Kunjuri. The afternoon’s walk takes us on a short distance over the crest of the ridge to our campsite at Khesewa. We get our first views of Kanchenjunga and should be able to clearly make out the south and main summit along with Yalung Kang.
Today the path covers steep hillside through terraced fields high above the Kabbeli Khola. There are some ups and downs crossing side valleys but there are many shady spots to rest. After lunch, we pass the village of Anpan, before descending to cross the Kashawa Khola and finally, we climb again through terraced fields to the village of Mamankhe.
The walk starts with an easy climb to Yamphudin along a track which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. The path has several ups and downs as we cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides. Generally, the route is flat and the river eventually becomes level with the trail, a couple of hours before Yamphudin. At last, we can stop to bathe in one of the clear pools within this beautiful river. It is truly an idyllic spot. After lunch by the river, we complete the day’s walk to Yamphudin, the most remote settlement in this area and the last village we will see until we reach Ghunsa. It is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of Deurali Danda that we cross next.
Beyond Yamphudin the trail ascends a steep spur, a gentle introduction for what will come. Leaving villages behind we trek through pleasant forest, stopping for lunch in a meadow capturing fine views of the north and south. A steep descend to the river an interesting bridge across the Omje Khola to our campsite in Chitre.
Starting the day with 3 hours of steep ascent to the crest of the Deurali Danda in dense forest most of the way. From the 3,230 m pass we see Jannu, definitely closer! We descend across some steep and exposed areas before entering the forest again. The sharp descent through beautiful forest continues down into the valley of the Simjua Khola. Across the interesting-looking and challenging wooden bridge is Tortongn, a camping place with numerous rock shelters amid towering conifers. The steep hills make today a tough 6 to 7 hours trekking.
Today we follow the river through a more beautiful forest, the conifers giving way to the rhododendron forest. The valley climbs fairly steeply, with the day progressing the trees become more stunted and scattered, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and the massive snout of Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peak start to peep over the moraine. Camping at Tseram, a grazing area, the night temperatures will remind us that we are really gaining height.
This is a shorter day’s walk up the final 600m to Ramche where the trail to Kanchenjunga South turns dangerous. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of Yalung Glaciers into a series of ablation valleys, which gives easy walking and good camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and views of Koktang, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this stroll. Expect to feel the altitude today.
Our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley round to see the stunning south face of Kanchenjunga and Jannu. We get across the Yalung Ri Glacier and continue by a sweeping curve, at Oktang, 4,730 m, suddenly we are confronted with the southern wall of the mountain. This vast ridge forms a cirque over 15 kms long, nowhere less than 7,500 m high and with three main summits of Kanchenjunga at 8,420 m, 8,586m, and 8,474 m! It is a breathtaking mountain panorama and especially impressive is Jannu while observing the glaciers flowing from its east face.
This extended part will take you to the high altitudes. It requires determination. The crossing of high passes requires good weather, and of course perfect logistic support. Expect to get acclimatized with the altitude today.
Yalung Glaciers and a series of valleys, give good walking and perfect camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and magnificent views are the highlights of this stroll.
We trek down the valley, passing the turn off to the high and challenging Labsang La route to Ghunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. This pass is rough and dangerous, especially for porters so we take the more southern set of passes, beginning with the Mirgin La. After an initial steep climb and several false summits we reach Mirgin La. Apart from the magnificent Jannu on the horizon are Makalu, Gyakung Kang, Everest, Lhotse and Chamalang. To the south, it is possible to see down to the Terai, a panorama worth the effort. Our campsite will be beyond the pass, after 6 to 7 hours tough walking.
Although there are four more passes, there is little descent between them, so in effect it is a high scenic area. After lunch the descent brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka, where there are more views of the awesome Southwest Face of Jannu. From Kharka the going is easy again down a pleasant forested trail to the village of Ghunsa, where we camp in the village. Ghunsa is a picturesque Tibetan village; prayer flags flutter from the wooden houses and there are two monasteries, a welcome sight after the many days of wilderness. One of the local specialties’ is ‘Tongba’, a curious alcoholic drink. A jug or large bamboo cup is filled with fermented millet seed and boiling water pored over. The flavour and alcohol seep though and you drink it with a special straw. You might need a drink after the tough 4- to 6-hour walk.
Gradually the trail ascends to south of the Ghunsa Khola and crossing flood plains while emerging on a pasture situated at the north side of the river. A steep climb to a slope from where it crosses a slide and then descends to Lakepo. A short climb from here to the village of Kambachen 4,040 m.
Today we spend acclimatizing to high altitude. It also doubles up as a rest day and can be used for a short morning hike to explore the area around Kambachen. Those who feel the urge should be able to catch up on their laundry. Otherwise, a good book should get you through the day perfectly. It is essential to acclimatize to the higher altitude as you have been spending a lot of time at lower altitudes.
From here there are good mountain views of the peaks near Kanchenjunga which are visible. You can hike up the ridge above the village for better views or take a day hike to Jannu Base Camp. The Nepali name for Jannu is Kumbakarna.
A gradual climb through rocky fields gets you to Ramtang at an elevation of 4,240 m then crossing northwest of the Kanchenjunga Glacier you reach Lhonak, which is on a sandy plain near a dry lakebed. You will camp between the boulders here to stay out of the wind. There are beautiful mountain vistas all around. Water is very scarce in Lhonak and you will need to use only as much as absolutely necessary.
The main Kanchenjunga peak is only visible from Pang Pema, which is the base camp for expeditions on Kanchenjunga. From Lhonak, the trail gradually ascends across the plain but soon gets steeper as it follows the moraine. Pang Pema is at a height of 5,140 m.
A climb of 200 m or 300 m on a morning hike up a ridge, north of Pang Pema, provides a great vantage point with views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, the Twins and Tent Peak. As usual, the descent goes faster and you can reach Kambachen the same day.
More descents thru magnificent sections of forest as long as we make Amjilosa tomorrow. From Ghunsa an hour down we pass through Phole, a village in two parts. The upper section houses Tibetan refugees who are well established, the second is the winter village of Ghunsa. Further down is Yangswa, a great and warm camp.
Initially, we pass thru the beautiful forest opening out to steep, grassy hillsides where Amjilosa is perched.
After a short climb, we begin the steep descent that will take most of the day. We reach the joining of the Tamur and Ghunsa Kholas.
We cross the Simbu Khola, which originates from Kanchenjunga’s south base camp, the Khola that we followed up from Torontan. It is pleasantly warm at these low altitudes and cardamom grows freely in the moist shaded forest. Crossing numerous small tributary streams we reach Chhirwa, a village set among large boulders. We camp in a field out of the village. This is an easier day.
Traversing in an out of minor valleys, we pass thru a succession of picturesque villages on our way to Suketar, reaching around late afternoon.
Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited one last time on the 30-minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.
Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!
Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Fully immunized travelers are welcome in Nepal without restriction. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well. Please visit Covid-19 travel protocols 2022 for up-to-date information.
We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.
The best course of action is to add a day or two before and after your intended trek days in case of flight delays or cancellations. It also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required before your trip. Please be aware that Ace the Himalaya is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.
It is highly recommended you do this trip with a guide. A guide is there to assist you in going forward and making alternative plans and arrangements when unanticipated occurrences happen or when things get difficult. Our hiking leaders are qualified experts.
Our guides are fluent in English. All the guides that we assign speak and understand English. They’ll share with you the fascinating stories, traditions, and folklore of the mountains. The guides will also help you communicate with the locals since many shopkeepers and hosts of teahouses don’t speak English.
The best seasons to do this trek are autumn (Mid-September to November) and spring (March to early June). This trek is possible year-round, and we can organize it when it suits your schedule. However, we generally suggest doing this trek in the favorable seasons and keeping away from the rainstorm season (July and August). In the cold months of January and February, the temperature can be a little harsh in the mountains. However, some prefer to travel during these months as it is less crowded given that you are well prepared with appropriate winter wear and other gear.
Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in this region is challenging to forecast. You could see rain, fog, cold, or hot and sunny weather while trekking. It is best to be equipped to handle various weather situations. In the Everest region, nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than midday temperatures. In less than a day, the temperature can change from a high of 25°C (77°F) to a low of – 20°C (-4°F). The weather and temperature ranges are typically predictable based on the month and season, even though it might be challenging to predict what each day in the mountains will bring.
Spring – March/April/May/June
Despite being the busiest season, spring is perhaps the best time to visit the region. The many varieties of blossoming trees should be visible, and the sky should be clear with stunning vistas. During springtime, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days and a low of – 15°C (5°F) overnight above 4000 meters.
Monsoon season – July/August through Mid-September
Since it rains heavily at elevations below 3500 meters, this season isn’t exactly ideal for trekking. While it can occasionally be dry in areas above 4000 meters, it frequently rains so therefore not many people travel during this season. Trekking during the monsoon season has some advantages, such as a greater possibility of seeing waterfalls and the best opportunity to escape crowds. During the monsoon, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F) during clear days and a low of- 5°C (23°F) overnight above 4000 meters.
Autumn – End of September/October/November
Autumn is equally as busy as spring. It is one of the best times to go, too. While the plants and trees are not in bloom, the sky is often clear, offering breathtaking vistas from almost every viewpoint. The average temperature in autumn is 17°C (62.6°F), with a high of 20°C (68°F) during clear days and a low of – 15°C (5°F) overnight above 4000 meters.
Winter – December/January/February
Due to fewer tourists, some people like winter travel. Even while the views are still beautiful, it can be cloudy, thus adding extra days is highly advised during this time. The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) during clear days and a low of – 20°C (- 4°F) overnight above 4000 meters. The teahouses provide extra blankets for warmth at night.
The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -10°C (14°F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.
Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
Typically, USD 15 to 20 per person per day will be sufficient. This is to purchase water, tea/espresso, snacks, and hot showers in the mountains and for lunch or dinner in Kathmandu. Additionally, if you want to buy souvenirs or native Nepali goods, you can bring extra cash with you.
In Kathmandu, yes. Once you are out of the city, all you need is cash. Please change the currency to local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains
When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu. We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.
There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.
Previous trekking experience is not required if you are physically healthy and have enough enthusiasm for the trek.
Our treks have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. We have had families with kids as young as 5 years do the treks along this region, and our oldest adventurers have been in their late 70s.
It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.
The Kanchenjunga trek is somewhat challenging due to the altitude and long duration of the trek. It is a strenuous journey that comprises walking 5 to 8 hours a day. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease must seek medical advice before considering any trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.
For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.
Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise starting an exercise regimen two months before the trek that includes at least an hour of walking at an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week. Incorporating hiking into your workouts is ideal. It is advised to speak with a doctor before making travel arrangements if you have any health conditions that could affect your ability to complete the trek.
After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.
Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary. Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling. Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.
You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek on the Equipment tab. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.
Yes, we do provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rental costs of USD 35 each. Do let us know before initiating the trek and we shall provide items.
We provide you with a free duffel bag of 70 to 80-liter capacity that our porters will carry. The maximum weight that porters can safely carry is 30kg, and each porter is assigned to two people.
We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.
Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.
We use standard rooms at two or three-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
We provide a basic guesthouse in Biratnagar on twin sharing basis.
Along the trekking routes, we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, and chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub-up.
A private room in the teahouses cannot be guaranteed during peak season. During the non-peak season, the teahouses may provide a private room without any additional cost. The accommodation during the trek will remain very basic with twin sharing rooms and occasionally dormitory rooms for our trekkers.
We can arrange for a private room while in Kathmandu for an additional cost of USD 35 per room per night.
In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip and arrive early in Kathmandu then you will need extra accommodations in Kathmandu. The cost of the teahouses in the mountains is not equivalent to the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu. In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.
You can buy toilet paper in the guesthouses during the trek, but it can be expensive, so we suggest you bring some with you. You also need to bring personal items such as towels, soap, hand sanitizers, and so on.
There are toilet facilities in the teahouses/lodges during the trek. Trekkers can also find private areas along the trail for emergencies.
There are a whole lot of good restaurants in Kathmandu where you can find any delight of your choice. During your stay in Kathmandu, please note that this package doesn’t include any meals.
During the camping, our expert camping cook can prepare normal and special meals upon request. There is a wider variety of food available, including Western-style food, and you may request to eat at any point of the day. The camping price includes all-you-can-eat food service.
Most of the teahouses in the mountains offer vegetarian meals. So, being a vegetarian is not a problem. Vegetarian meals are preferable to avoid food poisoning and indigestion.
Natural spring water or tap water can be found along the trek and in guesthouses but must be treated. We use Katadyn filters to purify the natural water sources to make them safe to drink. This way, it is sustainable and pocket friendly as you need not buy bottled mineral water. You must carry a water bottle that can hold both hot and cold water and a hydration pack.
If the temperature drops too low for the Katadyn filter to function properly or if any technical issues occur, it is recommended to buy boiled water from the teahouse to ensure safe drinking water as an alternative.
Yes, teahouses do provide hot boiled water for an extra charge of USD 2 to 5 per liter. The cost varies and increases at higher altitudes.
As it is a fully camped trek, showers can be a little hard to manage. You can however shower once you are back at your hotel in Biratnagar and Kathmandu.
Yes, you can charge your equipment during the trek for an additional cost. The cost will vary but is around USD 1-5 per charge. Two pins (type C) and three pins (type D) adaptors are highly recommended. Bring these adaptors or purchase them while you are in Kathmandu.
We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).
Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.
We allocate one guide for groups of up to 8 participants. For groups of over 8 participants, we allot an associate guide. As per the size of the group, we may add more guides or divide them into sub-groups.
We provide one porter for every two clients. Two clients’ duffel bags will be carried by one porter. The weight limit is 30kg or 15kg for each client. For an additional cost, we can arrange for one porter to carry one participant’s duffel.
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.
Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.
Air at higher elevations has less oxygen available. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatization days and slow climbs are recommended at higher elevations. Along the trek, you’ll be assisted by our professional guides in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness.
An important piece of equipment is your trekking boots. Invest in a durable and comfortable pair, preferably with water-proof lining. Boots that provide ankle support on rough ground and have stiff soles are recommended.
Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.
Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.
However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.
More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.
Tipping is expected and appreciated. You can tip your trekking guides and porters based on your satisfaction and enjoyment. We suggest you spend at least 10% of your total trek cost for tipping staff. You’ll learn more about how much to tip your group’s guides and porters during our pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu.
Yes. The guides carry local cell phones, so you can use their cell phones if necessary and reimburse them. Assuming you have brought your cell phone, you can obtain a local SIM card and use it. Our guides or representatives can help you get a local SIM card after your arrival. There is the availability of Wi-Fi at most teahouses for an additional cost. We utilize satellite telephones for emergencies.
If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the trip date from one of our published trip dates, you will be charged an additional fee.
Trekkers occasionally fail to complete the journey for medical or personal reasons. In this situation, be aware that we do not issue any refunds for products purchased or unused trek days. We must pay our administration staffs, guides, and porters, purchase trekking permits, and all other booked accommodations in advance, so our expenses remain the same.
If there are any, you will be allocated to a trekking group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other trekkers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationality, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be trekking with others unless you have booked a private trip.
You can extend your trekking trip for an additional cost. Potential arrangements will be made if we get a request from your guide. This is applicable for private or solo trips as the itinerary can be easily adjusted. The addition of extra days is bound by time when you are in a group. Therefore, discuss with your group and guide, what changes can possibly be made.
Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.
Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.
We utilize private tourist vehicles for touring, city visits, and airport pickups. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibusses, or vans. We use 4WD SUVs when necessary. For domestic flights, we use Sita Air, Tara Air, and Summit Air.
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.