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Is my departure guaranteed?
Yes, all of our listed departures are guaranteed. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from Ace the Himalaya.
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None of the listed dates work for me, are other dates available?
Yes, other 2022 departures are available on request. Please note each departure requires a minimum of 2 people in order to run. In the case of 1 person being on a departure, they will have the choice to rebook on a different departure or continue on their trip and pay a $250 single supplement that will be paid directly to Ace the Himalaya.
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Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry 30-day tourist visa can be obtained for $40 or equivalent. Similarly, a multiple-entry 90-day tourist visa costs $100. Please have 2 passport-size photos. USD in cash is handy)
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Do I need any extra documents?
Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You will need photos for permits.
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What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?
This trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit - no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness regimen such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized. To prepare for a strenuous trek like this you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. In order to ensure the ascents feel as comfortable as possible, we recommend an hour of aerobic exercise 3 to 4 times per week. This will ensure you are able to enjoy the trek to the full.
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What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and while trekking?
Ace the Himalaya uses standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. You can rent sleeping bags for $35 pp if needed, but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a log burner.
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Is there a possibility of getting separate rooms for the trip? If so how much extra will this cost?
Normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory style rooms. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when available. In Kathmandu, USD 45 per room per night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu but not in the mountains especially during the peak time.
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What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
Most tea houses (lodges) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety dependent on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and chips.
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What are the drinking water facilities in the mountains?
Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per liter. The higher you go the more expensive it is. If you are planning to drink normal water, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drop is a must. One can purchase purification tablets or iodine in Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche. Or, you can bring your own water filter or Steripen instead.
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What opportunities will I have for showering along the trek?
At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding and Namche the guesthouses provide hot showers. On rest of the trek (at higher elevation), warm water in a bucket will be provided for washing. For all above showers, it will cost you extra, about USD 3-4 per shower.
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Can I use credit cards during the trek?
During the trek, cash transactions are highly recommended. Please change the currency into local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains. An ATM is available only in Namche and it is unreliable. You can exchange currency here but it is expensive compared to Kathmandu.
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How much additional money do I need per day?
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 15 to USD 18 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for hot showers and a few drinks during the trek. Please note, the higher you go the more expensive products are.
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Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.
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What immunizations will I need?
No vaccinations are compulsory for traveling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.
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Do I need travel insurance?
While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
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Since the Covid-19 pandemic, is Nepal open for the travelers?
Yes, Nepal is fully open. There are no restrictions for traveling to Nepal if one is fully vaccinated. Visitors should have a proof of receiving their last dose of Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 full days prior to entering Nepal. OR Negative RT-PCR test results not older than 72 hours are required for un-vaccinated and partially vaccinated tourists.
The CCMC form needs to be filled before your arrival in Nepal, check the form from this link https://ccmc.gov.np
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Can I cancel my trip?
evo upholds Ace the Himalaya’s policies regarding cancellation. Cancellation notice is required minimum 20 days prior to trip departure and must be made in writing, such notice commences from the day notice is received. Cancellation shall be valid with approval from the company after receiving documentation. The Trip shall then be termed as canceled and a cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid. There will be no refund to clients that provide less than 20 days notice, before trip departure and if a passenger leaves a trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily, involuntarily or if you commit any unlawful act after the trip has commenced. We will make no refunds for any meals, accommodation or services not used.
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Can I postpone or change my trip dates?
evo upholds Ace the Himalaya’s policies regarding postponement. Date changes and postponements are only allowed 30 days or more from your trip departure date. You must notify us in writing of your wish to change or postpone your booked trip dates. A fee of 200 per person will be charged if you postpone or prepone or transfer your trip to another person no less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date. The client is responsible to find another person for transferring their trip.