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Over the Renjo La Pass into the Remote Nangpa La Valley with Leila Thompson

Nepal: Trek the Sacred Gokyo Lakes & Beyond

Nepal

23 Days

From $8,795

Overview

    Book Online Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    Head out for an amazing Himalayan adventure filled with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and savage mountain scenery! We’ll take a thrilling route far from the main Everest trail as we hike up to the high Gokyo Lakes (15,600'), nestled in a sublime valley surrounded by the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. We head further into a surreal Himalayan glacier wilderness to cross the Renjo La (17,716'), then traverse the wild Nangpa La Valley, an ancient trade route with glorious Everest panoramas. We’ll use helicopters to bring us in and out of the region, giving us an eyeful of epic scenery. This is a rigorous 19-day trek but also a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the splendor of the less-traveled areas of the majestic Khumbu/Everest region of Nepal.

    Arrive: Kathmandu, Nepal

    Depart: Kathmandu, Nepal

    Highlights

    • Explore the unrivaled majesty of the Everest region on less-crowded trails
    • Meet Sherpas in their beautiful and remote villages and learn about authentic Sherpa life
    • Hike over the Renjo La Pass (17,716') for unique views of Everest
    • Walk on the moraine of the mighty 22-mile-long Ngozumpa Glacier
    • Climb Gokyo Ri (18,000') for views of five of the world's 14 highest peaks–Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu
    • Take an amazing scenic heli-flight over Mt. Everest and the Khumbu Icefall

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      From Kathmandu, a spectacular heli-flight brings us to Lukla, where we start our hike up to the lively Sherpa trading town of Namche Bazaar (11,200'). We'll have an acclimatization day in Namche to explore this center of Sherpa culture.
      After visiting Tengboche Monastery (12,750'), spiritual center of the Khumbu, we hike up to the lovely village of Phortse, and then on to Machermo, just below the moraine of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Moving up into the stupendous Gokyo Valley, we'll have two full days for exploration, including an optional climb up Gokyo Ri (18,000'), the highest point of our trek—views here include five of the world's 14 highest peaks!
      We make a challenging hike up and over the Renjo La (17,716'), with stunning panoramas of a host of Himalayan giants of the Everest range, then descend into the wild landscapes of the remote Nangpa La valley, the ancient trading route from Tibet.
      We follow the Bhote Khosi River to the classic Sherpa village of Thame, home to the most traditional monastery in the Khumbu, then spend our last two mountain nights in Kongde, where our lodge has a privileged location atop the Khumbu Valley with unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse, and the entire range. A helicopter sightseeing tour takes us right from our lodge over the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp before returning us to Kathmandu.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      At time of reservation: $600
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Minimum fee: $600 per person
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in hotels, small comfortable inns, and full-service camping
      • All meals included except 2 dinners and 2 lunches as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner in Kathmandu
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
      • Visa fees

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Hotel Yak and Yeti

      Kathmandu, Nepal

      Days 1-2 (2 nights)

      Perfectly located in the heart of Kathmandu yet on a quiet street, the Yak and Yeti is a combination of old and new. Its restaurants and conference rooms are in a restored century-old Rana palace, a showcase of the era’s opulence. The hotel’s newer wings blend with the old palace,...

      Sherpa Lodges, Khumbu

      Khumbu, Nepal

      Days 3-12 (10 nights)

      Rustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for this trip offer a big step up in comfort from camping. They are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality and gain an insight into the lives...

      Nangpa La Valley Tented Camps

      Nangpa La Valley, Nepal

      Days 13-16 (4 nights)

      In the Nangpa La Valley, you are accompanied by our experienced team of Sherpa trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc.). Camp amenities include a dining tent with a...

      Sherpa Lodges, Khumbu

      Khumbu, Nepal

      Days 17-20 (4 nights)

      Rustic but comfortable lodges owned and operated by Sherpa families have been built throughout the Khumbu region. The lodges we have selected for this trip offer a big step up in comfort from camping. They are a wonderful way to experience local hospitality and gain an insight into the lives...

      Hotel Yak and Yeti

      Kathmandu, Nepal

      Days 21-22 (2 nights)

      Perfectly located in the heart of Kathmandu yet on a quiet street, the Yak and Yeti is a combination of old and new. Its restaurants and conference rooms are in a restored century-old Rana palace, a showcase of the era’s opulence. The hotel’s newer wings blend with the old palace,...

      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is Level 6, Very Strenuous. A trek to the glacier world of the Gokyo Valley and the Nangpa La Valley beyond is very physically demanding. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 16,000 feet, and the maximum elevations reached are 17,716 feet (our crossing of the Renjo La Pass) and on the optional hike to the top of Gokyo Ri at 18,000 feet.

      Average Hiking Day
      • 5-6 hours
      • 1,200-1,500 feet ascent/descent
      • Altitudes range from 9,000-18,000 feet

      Challenge Days
      • Day 14: 3-4 hours, 1,000 feet ascent / 2,595 feet descent, 17,716 feet elevation (trail may be rocky, snowy, or icy depending on conditions)
      • Day 19: 8 hours, ascent 2,500 feet, 14,000 feet elevation
      Review Trip Level Details
      Trail conditions are often rough, not the well-maintained switchbacks you may be accustomed to, and there is a good bit of up and down (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). On our crossing of the Renjo La, trail conditions may be difficult: expect to cross rocks, snow, and ice (depending on weather conditions). For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover a normal maximum of 6 to 10 miles per day (4-8 hours of hiking). There are a number of days when the walks are shorter, as well as rest days, allowing opportunities for day hikes and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
      Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging—you should be in excellent physical condition. Even though trip members carry only a daypack (with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities you may need during the day), we recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip by hiking, running, swimming, bicycling, or engaging in other forms of aerobic exercise well beyond your normal routine. Many activities get the heart and lungs into shape, but the most effective way of getting fit for hiking is to hike! Walking up and down flights of stairs is also an effective way to train for the steep ascents and descents in the Himalaya. Bending your knees as you go down stairs will help strengthen your quad muscles. At least two months prior to your trek, we urge you to go on weekend day hikes that involve long uphill and downhill walking.

      For this trek, we require your doctor sign the Wilderness Travel Medical Form. Once Wilderness Travel has confirmed your place on the trip roster, no refunds beyond our standard fees will be made if your physician refuses to sign the form. It is very important that you and your physician fully agree that you are physically capable of undertaking a strenuous trek, and equally important that you undertake proper conditioning prior to the trek.

      The Trip Leader has the right to disqualify any member from the trip at any time if it is medically necessary, to avoid endangering the group, or if the participant in question is physically unfit for the rigors of the trip. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
      The popular trekking seasons are fall and spring. Nepal lies at the same latitude as Florida, but altitude is the main factor governing temperatures. In the semitropical lowlands of Kathmandu (altitude 4,000 feet), daytime temperatures can be quite warm, in the 70Fs and 80Fs, with cool, misty nights. It rarely snows below 7,000 feet.

      At altitudes of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, daytime temperatures can be in the 50Fs and 60Fs for fall trips and 60Fs and 70Fs for spring trips. Nights are cool to cold, often in the 40Fs. Skies are generally clear, although the spring has more precipitation (but Nepal’s famous rhododendron forests are in full bloom in the spring). Clouds often form in the afternoons, disappearing at night to reveal brilliantly starry skies.

      At altitudes over 10,000 feet, weather is unpredictable and the wind chill factor comes into play. Daytime temperatures at these heights can be in the 60s, but also as low as the 30s and 40s, especially if it is windy. Temperatures drop very quickly when the sun goes down, and evening/nighttime temperatures at high altitudes often drop to around 15°F and sometimes lower. We frequently encounter sub-zero nighttime temperatures on Khumbu treks and you should anticipate chronic cold weather. Snow is not uncommon at higher elevations, and rain is always a possibility throughout the trek.
      We stay in the lovely Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu for four nights, in Sherpa lodges for 14 nights, and we camp for four nights. In recent years, many Sherpas have built lodges in their villages and the standards of these accommodations have been improving continuously. Some are simple but many would vie in character and comfort with the equivalent European alpine huts. Staying in these family-run lodges will give you a true feel for the Sherpa people and their lives. In the lodges, you’ll have a private room but only some lodges feature private bathrooms, and hot water may not be available at every lodge. We provide you with good quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for extra comfort at all of the lodges. We also bring our own private cooking staff with us so all our lodge meals will be prepared for us by our own Wilderness Travel trained cooks.

      Camping:
      In our four nights in the remote Nangpa La Valley region, our accommodation is in our own private mountain-style tented camps, with a full-service camping and cooking staff. Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained Sherpa staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing a basin of warm washing water, and tea or coffee to your tent each morning.Sleeping bags, pads, and liners are provided for all members, but you are welcome to bring your own from home if you prefer.
      Our own experienced cook crew is part of the Wilderness Travel trekking staff, and all our meals at the lodges will be prepared by them. Our cooks are professionally trained and offer a good variety of hygienically prepared meals. Our drinking water is always boiled, and treated washing water is put out before every meal so you can wash your hands before eating. Meals are a blend of Nepalese and Western dishes. Breakfast is normally a light meal of porridge or granola, with hot milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, or cookies. Lunches may include potatoes, eggs, curried vegetables, cheese, local-style breads, fruit, tea, or a fruit drink. Dinner is typically soup and a main course such as a noodle dish, or meat or vegetable stew, depending on what is available in local villages. Dessert on trek is usually canned or fresh fruit.
      The tickets for your internal helicopter flights (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu) are issued by our local agents in Nepal and are given to you in Kathmandu with exact flight times/information. Weather, overbooking, and other factors beyond our control often result in a trekking group not being able to depart from or return to Kathmandu on the planned day. Wilderness Travel has, however, excellent contacts in both Kathmandu and Lukla to assist our groups should delays occur. If a delay occurs en route to Lukla from Kathmandu, Wilderness Travel will provide hotel rooms and breakfast in Kathmandu; lunches and dinners are at your own expense. In the event of a delay on the return from Lukla to Kathmandu, we will continue to provide food and lodging in Lukla until the group’s departure. However, the trip does officially end on the stated ending date. Regardless of flight delays, trip members remaining in Nepal beyond this date must do so at their own expense. Your invoice includes the cost of flights between Kathmandu and Lukla on the scheduled helicopter flights.

      Important
      : There is a 15kg luggage weight limit on internal flights, so please pack accordingly.
      Hiking distances on trek are normally measured in hours, not miles, since maps aren’t really accurate enough to assess how far we walk up and down winding mountain trails. On a typical trek day, wake-up is around 7:00 am. After packing up our duffels and having breakfast, we set off on the trail. We ask you not to hike ahead of the leader because trails are often not well-marked. We typically walk for three to four hours in the morning, then stop for a leisurely lunch of an hour or more (either in a lodge or picnic-style at a scenic spot on the trail).

      After lunch, we walk for another three hours or so until we reach our next night’s lodging, where we can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack on arrival. On our exploration days, we occasionally have more time in the morning or afternoon near the lodge to rest or for further individual exploration. Temperatures drop quickly as the sun falls behind the peaks, and it’s easy to get chilled after exerting yourself for several hours, so have an extra layer of clothing ready.
      There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to means of rapid evacuation, availability of medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Our Trek Leaders and support crew are experienced veterans of the Nepal Himalaya, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.

      We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.

      Extend Your Trip

      Client Testimonials

      "I can't say enough good things about Leila. Her experience and knowledge of Nepal made a great trip outstanding. She was greeted as a local everywhere we went, providing us with unique insight into the lives of the Nepali people."

      - Michael G.

      , Dartmouth, NS, Canada

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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With new monasteries sprouting up all around it, it is rapidly becoming a world center of Tibetan Buddhist study. Pashupatinath, with its triple-roofed temple, cremation ghats, and wandering sadhus (holy men), is set along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, whose waters flow south to join the mighty Ganges, the holy river of India. It is one of four major sites of Shiva worship on the subcontinent. After the tour, we meet for lunch in Thamel to do some last-minute gear shopping, if needed. Dinner tonight is on your own so that you can get organized for our very early morning heli-flight to Lukla. 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Many of the bridges in the Everest region were first built by Sir Edmund Hillary&rsquo;s Himalayan Trust and later replaced by metal suspension bridges. We&rsquo;ll have a hot lunch en route to Phakding, our final destination for the day. Overnight at Sonam Lodge in Phakding...BLD <br><strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 3 hours, 650' descent<br><strong>Helicopter Details:<\/strong> 45 minutes<br><strong><br>Day 4:<\/strong> Heading up the Dudh Kosi gorge, we pass through a number of small Sherpa villages of stone-built houses and officially enter Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, established in 1976 as the first national park in the Himalaya. Once inside the park, we have our first challenge: the ascent of &#8220;Namche Hill,&#8221; where steep, switchback trails lead up a forested hillside to Namche Bazaar, the heart of Sherpa country and home to many legendary Sherpa mountaineers. Halfway up this ascent&mdash;about 90 minutes&mdash; we may get our first glimpse of Everest, peeking from behind the Lhotse-Nuptse wall. We&rsquo;ll arrive at our lodge in Namche in time for afternoon tea and a little time to relax. Namche is magnificently set in a tiered, horseshoe-shaped bowl. Overnight at the Panorama Lodge...BLD <br>\r\n\n\n\n\r<strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 8-9 hours, 2,800' ascent <br><br><strong>Day 5:<\/strong> We enjoy a rest day in lively Namche to acclimatize and explore this center of Sherpa culture and its surroundings. We can hike up to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor&rsquo;s Center and Museum, where there are tremendous vistas of the icy summits of the Everest region. For the energetic, an optional longer hike brings us to the beautiful twin villages of Khunde (12,600') and Khumjung (12,400'). Above them rises the peak of Khumbila (18,800'), sacred to the Sherpa people and representing a Tibetan Buddhist protector deity. We visit the Hillary Hospital in Khunde, and in Khumjung, we may visit the Hillary School and the village monastery&mdash;with its purported yeti scalp. As well as visiting the sights of Namche, we may have the opportunity to drop in on some of Leila&rsquo;s oldest Sherpa friends, who no doubt will invite us into their homes, a great chance to experience the real local culture. Overnight at Panorama Lodge...BLD","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Tengboche (12,650')","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We&rsquo;ll hike out of Namche and travel through amazing rhododendron forests on our way to Tengboche. After Kangjuma, we begin a long, traversing descent to the bridge across the Imja River at Phunki Tenga, and as we descend, we&rsquo;ll keep an eye out for Nepal&rsquo;s national bird, the danphe, a brightly colored pheasant. Beyond the river and after passing a series of water-powered prayer wheels, we ascend through forest to the beautiful ridgetop site of Tengboche Monastery, one of Nepal&rsquo;s finest monasteries, totally rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1989. Tengboche Monastery (12,750') is the spiritual center of the Khumbu and a training center for new monks. Expeditions to the world&rsquo;s highest peaks have traditionally stopped here to receive the blessing of the Rinpoche. Tengboche is surrounded by spectacular mountains, with Kangtega (&#8220;Snow Horse Saddle,&#8221; 22,235') and Thamserku (&#8220;Golden Figure,&#8221; 21,674') looming directly over us. Ama Dablam (22,494'), one of the most spectacular peaks in the whole of the Himalaya, rises regally just up the valley. Everest and Lhotse can also be seen from the monastery. We&rsquo;ll have time to relax, visit with the monks in their cultural center, or simply enjoy the spectacular scenery. Overnight at Tashi Delek Lodge...BLD <br><br><strong>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 6-7 hours, 2,300' ascent \/ 900' descent<br>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Phortse (12,467') \/ Machermo (14,665') \/ Rest and Acclimatization Day","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 7:<\/strong> There&rsquo;s a good chance that we&rsquo;ll see some danphe pheasants, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr (wild goats) today. We&rsquo;ll head down to the Imja Khola River and then climb the hill up to the wonderful village of Phortse, where we&rsquo;ll have lunch before doing some exploring. Situated away from the main trekking trails, this village has made a special effort to keep their traditional way of life alive and well and it&rsquo;s a fantastic place to explore. As many of our Sherpa friends and crew have their family homes in Phortse, we will have plenty of opportunity to visit and immerse ourselves in Sherpa life and culture and visit the spectacular new Phortse gompa (monastery). Overnight at the Phortse Deng Lodge...BLD <br>\n\n <br><br><strong>Hiking Details: <\/strong>7-8 hours, 1,300' ascent \/ 600' descent <br><br><br><strong>Day 8:<\/strong> We make our way to the high village of Machermo, just below the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. We will spend two nights here in the comfortable Namgyal Lodge...BLD <div><br><strong>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 5-6 hours, 1,500' ascent \/ 500' descent <br><br><strong>Day 9: <\/strong>We&rsquo;ll use our &#8220;active&#8221; Rest Day to acclimatize and explore the valley leading up toward Machermo Peak. There is a magnificent view of this sharp peak from the village. Overnight at Namgyal Lodge...BLD <br><br><strong>Hiking Details:<\/strong> roughly 4-5 hours, depends on the hike we do on our &#8220;active&#8221; Rest Day<\/div>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Gokyo (15,600') \/ Gokyo Valley Exploration","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 10:<\/strong> A fairly short trek today takes us to Gokyo, located lakeside on the third of the six sacred lakes of Gokyo. We&rsquo;ll have lunch in Gokyo and the option to hike over the nearby moraine ridges and explore the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. The less energetic can bask in the sunshine of our comfortable lodge and read and relax near a cozy (yak dung) fire. Overnight at the Gokyo Resort...BLD<br><strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 3-4 hours, 1,350' ascent<br><strong><br>Days 11-12:<\/strong> We&rsquo;ll have two full days in the Gokyo region with multiple options to explore this amazing area. This absolutely stunning valley is dominated by views of Cho Oyu (the sixth-highest mountain in the world) and there are a multitude of fabulous day hikes, all with views of the Gokyo Lakes and\/or the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest in the Himalayas. Options include exploring the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes, and climbing to the summit of Gokyo Ri (18,000'), the highest point on our trip, for breathtaking views of five of the world&rsquo;s 14 highest peaks&mdash;Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu, all in one panorama with the massive Ngozumpa Glacier stretching out from the base of Cho Oyu, and the sparkling Gokyo Lakes below, gleaming deep blue and green. Overnight at the Gokyo Resort...BLD each day<br><strong><br>Hiking Details: <br><\/strong><strong>Day 11:<\/strong> 5-6 hours, 1,340' ascent \/ descent (Gokyo Ri summit hike)<br><strong>Day 12:<\/strong> 4-5 hours, 800' ascent \/ descent","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Renjo La Base Camp (16,700')","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Gokyo, we follow a grassy trail heading up to a glacial area at approximately 16,700 feet and then to an open area where we make camp. We&rsquo;ll have a well-deserved rest here. Weather permitting, we should have clear views of the Renjo La, our next objective, as well as stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse, and beyond. Overnight in tented camp...BLD<br>\n\n<strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 3-4 hours, approximately 1,500' ascent","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Crossing Renjo La (17,716') and Wild Camps in the Nangpa La Valley","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 14:<\/strong> Following a switchback trail up a glacier, we make a challenging ascent of the Renjo La, where we will be greeted at the summit with strings of fluttering prayer flags. Though the two-hour climb to the top is arduous, we are well rewarded with breathtakingly beautiful views: the Gokyo Valley, its stunning turquoise lakes, and panoramic views of a host of Himalayan giants of the Everest range! After spending some time atop the pass, we descend for about two hours to our lunch spot by a beautiful lake at 16,830 feet. Please note that today&rsquo;s trail conditions may be difficult: expect to cross rocks, snow, and ice (depending on weather conditions). We are very likely to need our Yak Traks today (traction cleats that attach to our hiking boots). After lunch, we hike to the first of our wild camps...BLD<br><strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 6-7 hours, 1,000' ascent \/ 3,600' descent<br><strong><br>Days 15-16:<\/strong> On these two days, we spend time exploring the remote Nangpa La valley, which is the old trading route from Tibet and has very little habitation. We&rsquo;ll adjust our camps and exploration depending on conditions and group interests. Overnights in tented camps...BLD each day<br><strong><br>Hiking Details:<br><\/strong><strong>Day 15:<\/strong> 3-4 hours, 1,000' ascent (wild camp)<br><strong>Day 16:<\/strong> 4-5 hours, 1,600' ascent\/descent (wild camp)","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Thame (12,540')","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 17:<\/strong> Today we&rsquo;ll follow the Bhote Khosi River as we make our way down to the old Sherpa village of Thame and the comfortable Valley View Lodge...BLD<br><strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 6-7 hours, 4,100' descent<br><strong><br>Day 18:<\/strong> We will have an extra &#8220;rest&#8221; day in Thame, which gives us time to visit and explore Thame Gompa, one of the oldest and most traditional monasteries in the Khumbu, built into the mountainside. It houses approximately 25 monks who provide valuable religious services to the surrounding communities. This will give us a nice chance to relax before our challenging hike up to Kongde on Day 19. Overnight at the Valley View Lodge in Thame...BLD","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":20,"Headline":"Kongde \/ Day Hike","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 19:<\/strong> Today&rsquo;s little-used but recently renovated trail follows the traditional route into the Khumbu used prior to 1950 and is completely off the beaten track. We&rsquo;ll be climbing up through forests of rhododendron and passing rushing waterfalls with spectacular views of our hiking trails from the last few days. With a packed lunch en route, we make our way up to Kongde at 14,000 feet, which sits on a high plateau flanked by the massive snow-covered Kongde Ri. The lodge here is the highest &rdquo;luxury&ldquo; lodge in the Khumbu region, with 15 rooms with room heaters and a restaurant with a spectacular view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and other giants of the Khumbu. Our hike takes about eight hours on a steep and undulating trail. Overnight at the comfortable Mountain Lodges of Nepal in Kongde...BLD<br><strong><br>Hiking Details:<\/strong> 8 hours, 2,500' ascent, 1,000' descent<br><strong><br>Day 20: <\/strong>After breakfast and coffee overlooking the fantastic views of the Everest range from our dining room, we&rsquo;ll take an optional day hike to a beautiful mountain lake located above the lodge, with a packed lunch en route. This is a view that is usually only seen by climbers as they ascend the difficult ridge of Kongde Ri. Thanks to the new lodge and trails, we&rsquo;ll be able to take advantage of this fabulous hike and view. Overnight at Mountain Lodges of Nepal in Kongde...BLD","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":21,"DayTo":23,"Headline":"Heli-Sightseeing of the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp \/ Kathmandu \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 21:<\/strong> After breakfast, we leave the stunning views of Kongde behind as we lift off in our chartered helicopter for a sightseeing tour of the Khumbu Glacier, Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall, including spectacular views into the Western Cwm. We will return to Kongde to refuel, then make the 45-minute flight back to Kathmandu (with another fuel stop in Lukla). We&rsquo;ll check into the Yak &amp; Yeti Hotel, with various options this afternoon, depending on when we arrive back in Kathmandu. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight at the Yak &amp; Yeti Hotel...B<br><strong><br>Scenic Helicopter Details:<\/strong> 45 minutes<br><strong><br>Day 22:<\/strong> This is an extra day in case our flight from Kongde is delayed by weather, and we can use it for independent exploration of Kathmandu. Our local representatives can help organize extra excursions for you during this free exploration day (at extra cost, which you can pay directly in Kathmandu). During your free day, we recommend a visit to Bhaktapur, a fantastic medieval city located outside of Kathmandu. A visit to Swayambu is also recommended. Swayambu was established as a shrine around 500 BC and by the 13th century AD, had become an important center of Buddhist learning. Its eyes, painted on four cardinal points, keep watch over the Kathmandu Valley. Lunch is on your own. We&rsquo;ll gather at the end of the day for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti...BD<br><strong><br>Day 23:<\/strong> Transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Kathmandu \/ Heli-Flight to Lukla \/ Trek to Namche Bazaar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Kathmandu, a spectacular heli-flight brings us to Lukla, where we start our hike up to the lively Sherpa trading town of Namche Bazaar (11,200'). We'll have an acclimatization day in Namche to explore this center of Sherpa culture.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Tengboche \/ Phortse \/ Machermo \/ Gokyo Lakes","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After visiting Tengboche Monastery (12,750'), spiritual center of the Khumbu, we hike up to the lovely village of Phortse, and then on to Machermo, just below the moraine of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Moving up into the stupendous Gokyo Valley, we'll have two full days for exploration, including an optional climb up Gokyo Ri (18,000'), the highest point of our trek&mdash;views here include five of the world's 14 highest peaks!<br>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Renjo La \/ Nangpa La Valley","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We make a challenging hike up and over the Renjo La (17,716'), with stunning panoramas of a host of Himalayan giants of the Everest range, then descend into the wild landscapes of the remote Nangpa La valley, the ancient trading route from Tibet.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":23,"Headline":"Thame \/ Kongde \/ Heli-Flight to Kathmandu","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We follow the Bhote Khosi River to the classic Sherpa village of Thame, home to the most traditional monastery in the Khumbu, then spend our last two mountain nights in Kongde, where our lodge has a privileged location atop the Khumbu Valley with unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse, and the entire range. A helicopter sightseeing tour takes us right from our lodge over the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp before returning us to Kathmandu.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/nepal-trek-the-sacred-gokyo-lakes-and-beyond-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/nepal-trek-the-sacred-gokyo-lakes-and-beyond-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore the unrivaled majesty of the Everest region on less-crowded trails","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":49841,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Meet Sherpas in their beautiful and remote villages and learn about authentic Sherpa life","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":49841,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike over the Renjo La Pass (17,716') for unique views of Everest","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":49841,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":4,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Walk on the moraine of the mighty 22-mile-long Ngozumpa Glacier","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":49841,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":5,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Climb Gokyo Ri (18,000') for views of five of the world&apos;s 14 highest peaks\u2013Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":49841,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":6,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Take an amazing scenic heli-flight over Mt. Everest and the Khumbu 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dinners and 2 lunches as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"A glass of wine or beer with dinner in Kathmandu ","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":7,"Type":"I","Description":"Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and 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Her experience and knowledge of Nepal made a great trip outstanding. 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For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of the enclosed Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"Please note that in addition to completing your own Medical Form, a signed Medical Practitioner Form is also required for your trip. Please find this form attached. You can also find this in the \"Documents\" tab in your Guest Portal (through the link above). Once you receive your physician's approval, please upload the signed form to your Portal (directions on how to do this can be found in your Portal).","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"Extra Service Request Form<li>Medical Practitioner Form<\/li><li>Namche Dental Clinic Information<\/li>","Custom_Welcome_Email-Insurance":"<strong>Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance: <\/strong>Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person is required for this trip. You can compare various insurance plan options at <a href=\"www.insuremytrip.com\">www.insuremytrip.com<\/a>. For your convenience, we also offer a comprehensive plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex that meets this requirement.","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"Your attached invoice includes an optional donation to Namche Dental Clinic of the American Himalayan Foundation in the amount of $50.00 per person. You can learn more about this worthy project on your online portal. Wilderness Travel strongly believes in preserving the environment and communities of the special places we visit, and we encourage you to join us in supporting this effort.","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<div><strong>Reading List:<\/strong> Elevate your travel experience by delving into this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-nepal-trek-the-sacred-gokyo-lakes-beyond\">curated collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure.<\/div>","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_ESC-Outfitter_Contacts_Left_Override":"","Custom_name_slug":"nepal-gokyo-lakes-renjo-la-trekking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"A Himalayan trek to the sacred Gokyo Lakes of the Khumbu. Cross Renjo La Pass to explore the Nangpa La Valley, with a scenic helicopter flight over Everest","Custom_List_Description":"A Himalayan trek to the sacred Gokyo Lakes of the Khumbu. Cross Renjo La Pass to explore the Nangpa La Valley, with a scenic helicopter flight over Everest","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Nepal: Gokyo Lakes Trekking Tour | Renjo La Pass & Nangpa","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"Kathmandu, Nepal<br><strong><br>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 1, by 3:00 pm<br><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader on Day 1 at 5:00 pm in the lobby of the Yak &amp; Yeti Hotel. <br>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"Kathmandu, Nepal<br><strong><br>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 23, anytime <br><br>A complimentary transfer will be provided from the Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti to the Kathmandu Airport. Please note that check-out at the hotel is by noon. <br><br>If you have booked extra services before or after the trip, an Extra Services Confirmation will be sent with your Final Documents.","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Kathmandu. Most trip members fly to Kathmandu via Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, or the Middle East. A forced overnight is normally required en route.<br><strong><br>Warning: <\/strong>We highly recommend you DO NOT book any flight schedules with Royal Nepal Airlines. Although they are operational, they have a history of last minute schedule changes and flight cancellations. <br><br>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito&rsquo;s website at <a href=\"www.exitotravel.com\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br><strong><br>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once tickets are purchased, please forward a copy of your email flight confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<br>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"nepal-trek-the-sacred-gokyo-lakes-and-beyond","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Nepal. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"<strong>Nepal Visa:<\/strong> US citizens need a visa for Nepal. Nepal issues 15-day, 30-day, and 90-day visas, depending on your length of stay. <br><br>A 30-day visa is required for this trip and can be obtained upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. In order to obtain this visa, $50 and one passport photo are currently required (and must be presented to the Nepali Immigration officials upon arrival). <br><br>If you plan to stay longer than 30 days (e.g. you are doing an extension or staying extra nights in Kathmandu), you will need a 90-day visa, which currently costs $125 and requires one passport photo. <br><br>We recommend bringing at least one photo with you (or two to be safe). Typically, you will be able to take a photo at the electronic immigration kiosks, meaning that you will not need an actual passport photo. However, if the machines are not working, you will need a physical photo.<br><strong><br>India Visa:<\/strong> If you are planning to visit India before or after your trip, a visa must be obtained prior to your departure from the US. Please call or email us for further details, even if you are just planning to transit through an India city. <br><br>If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements. <br><br>Please note that all visa requirements and regulations are subject to change.","Custom_Money":"We suggest you bring US cash and one or two major credit cards for any shopping and extra expenses on your trip. Having US cash is typically easiest and always best for minor expenses.<br><br>The currency in Nepal is the rupee. You can easily change money at the Kathmandu airport, the group hotel, or stores in Kathmandu. Please remember to keep all currency exchange receipts. You may need them to change any remaining rupees back into US dollars upon departure. You can usually reconvert only 15% of the exchange receipts you have, so try to use up all your rupees before leaving Nepal.<br><br>Shops, hotels, and restaurants may add a service charge of 3% or 4% when you use your credit card (Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than American Express). If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad. There are ATM machines in many locations in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley. They accept most international ATM and credit cards. Please note there are sometimes restrictions on the amount you can withdraw per transaction or per day. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Check with your bank before leaving to make sure your card and PIN number will work in Nepal.<br><br>You will need to budget spending money for gratuities, any meals not included in the trip itinerary (approximately $10-20 each for lunches and $15-35 each for dinners) and for personal items such as beverages, snacks, etc. A taxi from the hotel to downtown costs about $5, but should be paid in Nepali rupees. Taxis usually have meters, but they are often not used and you might have to bargain with the driver before departure. Tipping is not expected for taxi drivers.","Custom_Tipping":"<strong>In Kathmandu (On Own)<\/strong><br><ul><li>Hotel Porters: $1-$2 per bag<\/li><li>Restaurants: A service charge may already be included in your restaurant bill, so please check; if not, a 10% gratuity is recommended<\/li><\/ul><strong><br>On Trek<\/strong><br><ul><li>Trip Leader: $400-$450 per trip member<\/li><li>Sirdar (Assistant Trek Leader): $175 per trip member<\/li><li>Trekking Crew (porters): $225 per trip member (this is a pooled tip that will be divided amongst all of the crew members)<\/li><\/ul><strong><br>Optional Kathmandu Tour (Day 22)<\/strong><br><ul><li>Kathmandu Sightseeing Guide: $12-$16 per trip member, for a full-day tour; $6-$8 per trip member, for a half-day tour<\/li><li>Kathmandu Sightseeing Driver: $8-$10 per trip member, for a full-day tour; $4-$5 per trip member, for a half-day tour;<\/li><\/ul><strong><br> Please Note: <\/strong>All tips can be given in US dollar, if you do not have Nepali rupee on hand.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone<br><\/strong>The international dialing code for Nepal is 977. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use. <br><br><strong>SAT Phones<\/strong><br>Currently, SAT phones are allowed in Nepal, but must be declared upon arrival. A Customs duty will most likely be charged (rates vary, but can be expensive). In addition, Nepali authorities require that you register the SAT phone with a Nepali SIM card through an authorized company in Nepal. It is illegal to use an international SIM card (from the US) in the phone. Obtaining a Nepali SIM card can be very expensive ($250-$450 or more for 25-100 minutes of talking - exact rates cannot be guaranteed by Wilderness Travel).<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access<\/strong><br>Wi-Fi is available at your hotel in Kathmandu (this may come at additional charge). It is also available in the Everest region, but connection can be unreliable. Some lodges offer complimentary internet, while others will charge a small fee (please remember to bring rupees with you on trek for this purpose). Currently, there is an internet service provider that allows you to purchase a card in order to access the internet at higher elevations. This card can be recharged for amounts of $3-$10, which allows for a limited amount of data\/internet connection throughout the trek.","Custom_Electricity":"Nepal has 230-volt current. Plugs usually have three round pins in a triangular configuration or two round pins. Bring a plug adapter kit for appliance use. Please check your appliances to see if a converter is also necessary. <br><br>You can recharge batteries at the hotel in Kathmandu. While on trek, you can recharge camera batteries at the lodges, although we do recommend that you still bring extra batteries, just in case. Please note that the lodges may require a small fee for you to charge your electronic items (to be paid in rupees).","Custom_Laundry":"Laundry service is available at the hotel in Kathmandu. There is no laundry service available on trek.","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"Entry requirements are subject to change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. This provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans. We recommend you discuss the following with your physician: <br><br><strong>Polio: <\/strong>People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals). <br><br><strong>Hepatitis: <\/strong>The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries. <br><br><strong>Tetanus Booster: <\/strong>A booster is strongly recommended (effective for 10 years). <br><br><strong>Typhoid: <\/strong>The CDC recommends the shot or the oral vaccine, Vivotif Berna. You may not be able to take the oral vaccine simultaneously with mefloquine (for malaria prevention).","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"Malaria is a serious but preventable disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no risk of malaria in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at altitudes encountered on the trek, but all travelers visiting the Terai areas of Nepal (such as Royal Chitwan National Park, Royal Bardia Wildlife Preserve, or Biratnagar, which are below 2,000 feet in altitude), or India or rural areas of Thailand are urged take anti-malarial precautions unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Please discuss antimalarial medication with your doctor, who will explain various antimalarials and their side effects and recommend a regimen for you. In addition to medication, a further precaution against malaria is to wear long sleeves and long pants at dusk. Thin clothing should be sprayed with insect repellent, especially around the elbows and ankles. Use repellent containing DEET. <br><br>If, after returning from your trip, you have a persistent fever with chills, muscle aches, and headache, report to your doctor the possibility of exposure to malaria. <br><br>For further malaria information, consult your doctor or the CDC Malaria Hotline (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/malaria\/travelers\/\">cdc.gov\/malaria\/travelers<\/a>) or by phone at 888-232-3228.","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"<div>While on trek, our crew is well trained in hygienic practices. Boiled drinking water is provided and is safe to use at the lodges and during the trek. In hotels, do not brush your teeth with tap water; use bottled water. Don't use ice in your drinks unless you are sure it was made with treated water. When in doubt, ask our local partners or your Trek Leader for guidelines. <\/div><br>","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"There are two clinics in Kathmandu you might consider in case you have any medical problems:<br><br>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nepalinternationalclinic.com\/\">Nepal International Clinic<\/a> is located near the Narayanhiti Palace Museum in Kathmandu and is under the direction of Dr. Buddha Basnyat, a US board certified physician in internal medicine and our Nepal medical advisor, who has also led Wilderness Travel trips.<br><br>The <a href=\"http:\/\/ciwec-clinic.com\/\">CIWEC Clinic<\/a> is located just off Lazimpat, and has expanded its services from a small clinic to a full service hospital cum travel medicine center, providing both outpatient and inpatient care. CIWEC also has a second hospital in the heart of Pokhara, near the lake.","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"Individuals vary widely in their ability to acclimatize. Since physical fitness does not confer any protection or facilitate acclimatization, it is impossible to predict how you will adapt to the altitude. The greatest protection is avoiding rapid ascents and allowing time for acclimatization. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is not uncommon at the altitudes reached in the high Himalayas. Early symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, vomiting, dry cough, irregular breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling of the ankles and eyelids. <br><br>It is not uncommon to experience some of these symptoms when you first arrive at high altitude and then have them decrease in severity within a few days. It is important that you inform your Trek Leader immediately of any symptoms or discomfort, however minor, so that he or she can help you monitor the situation. While acclimatizing, avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. Pace yourself comfortably, rest often. You may find that you hike more slowly than others in the group, or more slowly than you are used to. <br><br>Proper hydration is essential at high altitude. You need to drink much more fluid than you are used to. Try to drink even if you're not feeling thirsty. Avoid caffeine, which is a diuretic, and avoid alcohol, which is dehydrating. Cut down on salt. Your appetite will probably decrease, but it is still important to eat well (especially carbohydrates), even if you're not feeling well. Sleeping pills and narcotic painkillers (such as codeine) should not be used at altitude because they depress respiration. <br><br>Severe progressions of AMS are high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Symptoms of HAPE include breathlessness that continues at rest, severe cough with watery or bloody sputum, and noisy, bubbling breath. Symptoms of HACE include extreme weariness, vomiting, severe headache, staggering walk, and changes in behavior. If any such symptoms develop, you must notify the Trek Leader immediately and descend to a lower altitude at once. <br><br><strong>Diamox (Acetazolamide)<\/strong><br>The prescription drug Diamox is now accepted as an effective prophylactic against the early symptoms of altitude sickness. Most people start taking it a day before going to altitude and continue until they feel they are comfortably acclimatized, although some decide to continue its use throughout their time at altitude. Consult with your physician for directions concerning proper usage and dosage. You can also read more about it at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.himalayanrescue.org\/health-problems\">himalayanrescue.org\/health-problems<\/a>. Please note: Diamox is not effective in dealing with more serious symptoms of altitude sickness and it is important you keep your Trek Leader informed of any symptoms you are feeling.","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-nepal-trek-the-sacred-gokyo-lakes-beyond\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"In Nepal, folk beliefs and religion merge until they become almost indistinguishable. It is difficult for travelers in Nepal to comprehend fully the practices, traditions and rituals involved in everyday life. A seemingly innocent act could be seen as offensive by the local inhabitants. Some situations may be quite confusing. If you will accept this, and take a relaxed attitude, you will enjoy your trip much more. Your local guide is experienced with the types of problems encountered in Nepal, and will no doubt counsel you on Asia's most important virtue: patience. <br><br>As in all travel situations, it is important to observe the local people carefully and use common sense. Ask before taking a photo, entering a temple, washing at a tap, or touching a baby. If you are in doubt about any of these situations, ask a local person. The Nepalese have a phrase: &#8220;God visits your home in the form of a guest.&#8221; You'll almost always find the Nepalese friendly and helpful, as they honor this adage. <br><strong><br>Greetings<\/strong><br>When two people meet in Nepal, they press their palms together in front of their chest and say \"namaste.\" The formal translation is &#8220;I acknowledge the divine light which shines from within you,&#8221; and this word is used for both meeting and parting. To greet someone is a sign of respect to that person. So it is proper for the traveler to say namaste first to elders, monks, priests, and people of higher government rank. If you deem the person to be of very high status, use the more formal \"namaskar.\" It is not improper to instigate the greeting to children, field workers, or other people thought to be of lower status, but it is considered more correct if they salute you first. You may find these people either too shy or bewildered at your appearance to muster a greeting. If you feel this is the case, greet them and you will receive a warm, somewhat surprised greeting in return. <br><br><strong>Body Language<\/strong><br>The Nepalese believe the body is sacred, and there are many taboos involving the body. As there is sometimes little toilet paper, personal hygiene practice is to cleanse oneself with the left hand. Therefore, nothing should be offered or accepted with the left hand only. The most polite way to give or receive an object is to reach out with the right hand while touching the left hand to the right elbow. A more common way is to extend both hands together. <br><br>When seated, it is not polite to show the bottoms of the feet, and it is especially rude to point them in someone else's direction. Therefore you should not stretch your legs out or cross them with the sole turned up or out. Also, never step over or on any part of a person as this exposes them to the bottom of your feet. The body is viewed as being cleanest at the head and becoming progressively dirtier down to the feet. <br><br>This also makes patting children or other people on the head ill-mannered. Touching a person of the opposite sex, even on the shoulder or hand, is easily misinterpreted. <br><br><strong>Clothing<\/strong><br>The Nepalese wear a wide assortment of clothing signifying tribal group, caste, religion, work, or marital status. The most important feature to remember is that a man dressed in white is mourning the death of a family member. He goes through many purifying rituals, and no one is allowed to touch him. It is also improper to comment upon a garment or piece of jewelry that a person is wearing. This may make the wearer feel they must present that article to the admirer. <br><br><strong>Water<\/strong><br>Drinking water, especially from springs, is considered sacred, and is protected by ritual. River and stream water is not subject to these taboos. Many villages, especially those on high slopes, have only small springs from which to draw their water. Usually these springs have an area of uncut forest above them and religious objects nearby. Statues, small temples, shrines, carved stones, printed prayer flags and colorful cloth may adorn the immediate area. Do not casually take water from these springs. It is best to receive permission from a local person. If the water source becomes polluted by careless practice, the consequences for the village are disastrous <br><br><strong>Shrines and Temples<\/strong><br>Along almost every street and trail you will find temples and shrines of all sorts. Regardless of their size, they are revered with great devotion. Always keep these structures on your right side, walking around them in a clockwise direction. The same applies to mani stones, the slates carved with inscriptions and placed in piles, walls, or along the side of a building, and to prayer flags. It is alright to touch stones or flags, but do not sit on them or place any other object on them. <br><br>At some trail crossroads you'll find a small crossed bamboo form with colorful threads woven in a design, with flour dumplings on the ground nearby. Do not touch or step on these, and keep them on your right hand side. If you find any unusual object whose significance you are unsure of, it's best to treat it as one with religious significance. <br><br>When entering a temple, ask about or observe local practice. In some, shoes must be removed. In some it is forbidden to wear leather of any kind, or to eat. Always leave a small donation (10 to 50 rupees). <br><br><strong>Homes<\/strong><br>Nepalese are very hospitable and it is common for them to invite travelers into their homes. Most Nepalese take off their shoes before entering a household or room; if your hosts do this, do likewise, making sure your shoes are placed neatly side by side; flipped or crossed shoes are thought to cause bad luck. Do not step on the threshold or stand with one foot inside and the other out, as this allows bad spirits to enter. <br><br>Inside, cooking and eating areas should be treated with special respect. Avoid the hearth unless specifically invited there; it is sacred, and home to a guardian spirit. Do not touch the fire area, adjust, blow on, dry your shoes by, point your feet at or burn trash in the fire. Do not touch food or eating utensils used by local people. Most Hindus cannot eat food that has been touched by a foreigner, so don't offer anything from your plate. <br><br>These rules may be bewildering in their complexity, but if you use common sense, ask questions when in doubt, and emulate the Nepalese (except when they are worshiping or performing rituals), then you will make few mistakes. Avail yourself of your Trek Leader's expertise in local customs and you will be rewarded for your efforts by a more meaningful cultural experience. <br><br><strong>Begging<\/strong><br>Children along popular trekking routes often ask for candy (&#8220;mithai,&#8221; &#8220;bonbon,&#8221; &#8220;chocolate&#8221;), pens or money. Rewarding this behavior sets up a barrage of requests for more, a dependency on products not locally available, and an increasing dental problem in a country which has practically no dentists. We therefore ask that you do not give anything to children on treks: no candy, pens, balloons, or money. Instead, we encourage you to contribute to the local community and its children by donating to monasteries and schools, which are often in need of repairs, educational materials, and so on. This can be a monetary contribution, or you can bring pens, crayons, large felt-tip pens, paper, maps, or postcards, to donate to schools we pass along the way.","Custom_Giving_Back":"Wilderness Travel strongly supports the concept of responsible tourism, and encourages all of our groups to be sensitive to their role in the changing, fragile environment of the Himalaya. We also believe it is our responsibility to give something back to the people who so hospitably welcome us into their villages and monasteries.<br><br>As part of this effort, we are pleased to support 50% of the annual operating budget of the Namche Dental Clinic, a project of the American Himalayan Foundation. This is one of the first dental clinics in rural Nepal, and the only one serving the Sherpa population of the Khumbu area, which has been impacted by tourism and modernization, resulting in changing diets and increased dental problems. The clinic is locally run and managed by Sherpa dental therapists who were trained in Canada, and offers basic dental care as well as an outreach program to teach school children how to care for their teeth. Members of our Everest-area treks have the opportunity to visit the clinic while staying in Namche Bazaar; ask your Trek Leader if you are interested. We also support the efforts of the American Himalayan Foundation throughout the Himalayan region.","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"There is an undeniable fragility to our planet, and tourism can have an impact either as a positive force for increased awareness and change, or as a contributor to cultural and environmental exploitation. At Wilderness Travel, we want to see the positive benefits of travel outweigh or even cancel out the negative impacts of tourism. We have instituted a number of policies designed to reduce the impact our groups have on the areas through which we trek. <br><br><strong>Bathing and Washing<\/strong><br>Please use biodegradable shampoo and soap. Dr. Bronner's Castille soap is a popular multi-purpose, biodegradable soap. <br><strong><br>Toilet Facilities<\/strong><br>On the trail, you will locate quiet spots for toilet purposes. Try to be at least 100 feet from any water source and bury or cover waste. <br><br><strong>Garbage<\/strong><br>Please carry a small plastic bag in your daypack to store your garbage throughout the day. Bring all tissues, wrappers, and other garbage with you to the lodge where the staff can bury or burn them. We ask that you carry your own non-burnable garbage, especially used batteries and plastic products, back home for proper disposal since there are limited facilities in Nepal. <br><br><strong>Be a Vocal Environmentalist<\/strong><br>Do not hesitate to express your conservationist concerns and help explain these guidelines to other Westerners. Let our Trek Leader know if you have any additional suggestions.","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"Souvenirs and handicrafts in Nepal are numerous and quite inexpensive. Good Tibetan hand-knotted wool carpets can be bought for about $100. More expensive rugs are also available. Other popular items include gems, wool blankets and sweaters, brass and copper ware, woodcarvings, paintings, and other artwork. There is good shopping in Thamel, Durbar Marg, and the shops at Bodhnath (Tibetan handicrafts in particular). Carpets are found in Thamel and at the Tibetan Handicraft Center. <br><br>Currently US citizens can import $800 worth of goods duty-free on your return to the US. If you decide to let a shipping company in Kathmandu handle shipping, they can pack items, take them to the Department of Archaeology for approval (if necessary), check them through Customs, and send them. We do not recommend shipping items home, however, as shipping can be complicated and unreliable. The safest thing to do is bring an extra roll-up duffel bag with you and carry your souvenirs home. Wilderness Travel assumes no responsibility for any purchases made or shipping arrangements, even if you have enlisted the help of our local partners or your Trek Leader in making them.","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>Passport<\/li><li>One other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>Extra passport photo(s) (see Visa section)<\/li><li>Expense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<ul><li>Duffel bag with a small padlock (must be unlocked for travel). We recommend a minimum size of 30&#8221; x 15&#8221; and a maximum of 36&#8221; x 18.&#8221; <strong>This duffel must be soft-sided with no wheels.<\/strong> Wheeled duffels cannot be used because they are rigid and can't be securely strapped to the pack animals on the trek. It is essential you have a sturdy duffel.<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a fleece jacket, rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail. It should be a shoulder pack (not a fanny pack) with a supporting waist belt. Packs with a capacity of 1450-2000 cubic inches are recommended.<\/li><li>Small extra roll-up duffel if you are an avid shopper. <\/li><\/ul><br><strong><br>Weight Limits<\/strong><br>All Nepal internal (domestic) flights have a <strong><em>total<\/em> weight limit of 15 kgs per person (approximately 33 lbs)<\/strong> - this includes both checked and carry-on baggage. You can have more than one checked bag as long as your total weight does not exceed 33 lbs. <br><br>While you are on the trek, a small amount of baggage can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu for your convenience (with your non-trekking clothes and souvenirs).","Custom_Clothing":"Dress on the trip is very informal, with the exception of city dinners for which you may want to dress up a little (jackets are not required for men). You should carry or wear your hiking boots on your flights to make sure they arrive with you. <br><br><strong>For Women:<\/strong> In Nepal's culture, women typically wear long skirts and do not show their legs. Tight, revealing clothes are generally frowned upon. Outside of Kathmandu, however, loose-fitting shorts are acceptable. Some women trekkers will want to hike in knee-length hiking shorts (as long as it is warm enough) while others will prefer long pants or a below-the-knee hiking skirt (skirts also provide some privacy on the trail for toilet purposes). Use your own judgment and hiking experience. <br><br><strong>For Men:<\/strong> Wearing tight running shorts or hiking shirtless is not appropriate. Knee-length hiking shorts are fine but shouldn't be worn inside temples or monasteries <br><br><strong>Fabrics<\/strong><br>An insulating base layer (top and bottom) beneath your hiking clothes will keep you warm and comfortable. Capilene, fleece, and other synthetic fabrics are excellent, as are lightweight wool insulating layers by Patagonia, Icebreakers, and SmartWool. Cotton is not a good insulator, especially as a first layer next to the skin. Once it gets wet from perspiration, it stays wet and keeps you cold. <br><br><strong>Shell Clothing<\/strong><br>Shell clothing includes jackets and pants that protect from rain and wind. Gore-Tex and equivalent fabrics are waterproof and breathable, so they are the best choice. Shell clothing should be roomy enough to fit over other layers of clothing. <br><br>Please note that most travelers find it to be colder than they expected, particularly in the lodges, so pack lots of layers! <br><br>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only; we encourage you to pack as lightly as possible. The temperatures in the high Himalayas can get extremely cold, especially at night at high altitudes, when temperatures at camp can drop to below freezing. Even if you do not use each item listed, it's better to be prepared. <br><br><ul><li>Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood. A poncho is not adequate.<\/li><li>Gore-Tex rain\/wind pants (preferably with leg zippers so that they can be taken off without removing your boots)<\/li><li>Down or fiberfill jacket with hood<\/li><li>Thick fleece sweater<\/li><li>Hiking pants. Synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice. Jeans are not suitable for trekking because they are made of dense cotton.<\/li><li>Lightweight cotton pants or jeans (for city wear)<\/li><li>Sturdy hiking shorts (baggy, knee-length)<\/li><li>Two sets of Polypropylene, Capilene, or wool long underwear, bottoms and tops. You will appreciate the extra set at camp and when you're sleeping. We recommend one medium-weight and one expedition weight.<\/li><li>Long-sleeved shirts. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are ideal.<\/li><li>T-shirts. Synthetics are best for the trek; cotton will get soggy with perspiration.<\/li><li>Shade hat with a wide brim<\/li><li>Fleece hat for warmth<\/li><li>Fleece or down mittens or gloves, for the lodges<\/li><li>Fleece neck gaiter<\/li><li>Medium to heavyweight hiking boots<\/li><li>Gaiters&mdash;to keep scree and snow out of your boots<\/li><li>Running shoes, Tevas, or other comfortable shoes (for city wear or for relaxing in camp)<\/li><li>Hiking socks. Thorlo hiking socks (moisture-wicking synthetic with padded toes and heels) are excellent, as are SmartWool.<\/li><li>Casual socks for city wear<\/li><li>Underwear; synthetics dry faster<\/li><li>Long underwear (can double as sleepwear)<\/li><li>Sleepwear<\/li><li>Sports bra(s) for women<\/li><li>Bathing suit (for hotel pool in Kathmandu)<\/li><li>Casual city\/hotel attire <\/li><\/ul><br>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"<strong>Your boots must be waterproof, warm, comfortable, and broken in, with an excellent tread!<\/strong> If you are uncertain about the tread quality of your boots, buy a new pair rather than risk slipping on rocky trails and scree. Please choose your boots carefully. It is a sensible precaution to wear or hand-carry your hiking boots on the plane. Nearly everything else can be replaced in case of baggage loss, but not a pair of well-fitted, fully broken-in hiking boots. <br><br>For this trip, you need medium- to heavyweight hiking boots designed for on- and off-trail hiking with multi-day hikes in mind. Lightweight boots don't offer the high degree of ankle support and foot protection you need. Full-grain leather is extremely water-resistant and durable and is preferable to split-grain leather or nylon. Remember that full-grain leather boots tend to be stiffer and will need a break-in period. If you are shopping for new boots, ask your store about boots with built-in Gore-Tex-type waterproof barriers that enhance water-resistance. If you have old full-grain leather boots, coat them with silicon waterproofing material to increase their water resistance. Waterproofing materials wear off over time and need to be re-applied. Gore-Tex boots are considered waterproof for one year unless the membrane is punctured. <br><br>If you're buying a new pair of boots, make sure a qualified salesperson gives you proper guidance in determining fit. Don't buy any boots that you are not permitted to return after wearing for several hours around the house. Blisters caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common and painful problem normally encountered on hiking trips. Before you depart, you should be able to wear your boots for a full, active day with no discomfort. Even boots you have owned for years can sometimes produce blisters when you are doing this amount of hiking. Limber up feet and boots before departure, and bring a good supply of Second Skin. <br><br><br>Running shoes are not sufficient for the hiking conditions you'll encounter, although they are comfortable to change into at night.<br><br>","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Two sturdy reusable water bottles, 1 qt. capacity, capable of holding boiling water (Nalgene brand is preferable)<\/li><li>Two pairs of good quality sunglasses with cases. Side shields are recommended for high altitude treks. One pair is a spare.<\/li><li>Yaktrax. These are rubber-metal traction devices that you can put directly on your boots. They are inexpensive and can make crossing the snow of the Cho La Pass much more enjoyable. We recommend \"Yaktrax Pro,\" as there are different types of Yaktrax. Here is a link to their website: yaktrax.com.<\/li><li>Personal toiletries, biodegradable soap<\/li><li>Small, quick-drying washcloth or towel<\/li><li>Strong headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries; cold temperatures are tough on batteries. Bring a spare bulb as well.<\/li><li>Assorted plastic bags to keep items dry in your duffel; garbage bags to use as a duffel liner for rain protection<\/li><li>Bandannas; good for protecting your neck from the sun and for use as handkerchiefs<\/li><li>Toilet paper (one roll). Tissue (Kleenex) pocket packs are handy. Local brands of toilet paper will be provided at camp, but you can bring your own for softer quality or for stops during the day.<\/li><li>Battery pack, as power does not operate 24 hours a day in most lodges<\/li><li>Biodegradable wipes for washing, as hot water is often not available<\/li><li>Converter\/plug adapter for appliance use<\/li><li><strong><em>Wilderness Travel will provide a sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and foam pad for the duration of your trek.<\/strong><\/em><\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><br><ul><li>Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Essential at high altitudes! We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>Lip balm with sunscreen and\/or zinc oxide<\/li><li>Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>Topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores<\/li><li>Insect repellent<\/li><li>Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>Vaseline for nose\/lips (for dry air at altitude)<\/li><li>Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing<\/li><li>Antihistamine such as Benadryl<\/li><li>Decongestant (daytime and nighttime types) for colds, sinus headaches<\/li><li>Cough drops (for dry throat caused by altitude)<\/li><li>Pepto-Bismol tablets for diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion<\/li><li>Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician.<\/li><li>Prescription medications properly labeled, enough to last the entire length of the trip<\/li><li>Contact lenses or prescription glasses; contact lens wearers should bring spare glasses (or extra disposable lenses) for dusty areas and at altitudes<\/li><li>Optional&mdash;Diamox for altitude acclimatization. See the Diamox section in the Altitude Considerations section.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Hiking poles. Hiking with collapsible hiking poles, such as those by Leki and REI, helps distribute body weight, taking pressure off the knees and improving overall balance. Some hikers prefer using one pole, while others like to hike with two poles.<\/li><li>Gaiters&mdash;to keep scree and snow out of your boots<\/li><li>Down booties<\/li><li>Fleece neck gaiter<\/li><li>Small, inflatable head pillow<\/li><li>Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad. We provide very comfortable sleeping pads; bring your own only if you have a strong preference for your own pad.<\/li><li>Camera, spare batteries, spare memory cards.<\/li><li>Reading\/writing material<\/li><li>Playing cards<\/li><li>Binoculars (small, lightweight)<\/li><li>Travel clock<\/li><li>Money belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><li>Your favorite between-meal snacks, such as trail mix or energy bars<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"<strong>E-Cigarettes:<\/strong> Please do not bring e-cigarettes (vaporizers), including e-cigarette refills. The countries of Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam have all outlawed the import and export of e-cigarettes (vaporizers), including e-cigarette refills. Travelers found with these items could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted. This applies to both entry and transit through these countries, which is why we recommend that you do not bring them with you, just in case. <br><br><strong>SAT (Satellite) Phones &mdash; India:<\/strong> SAT phones are not allowed to be brought into India. This also applies to travelers who are just transiting through India on the way to\/from their actual trip. If you bring a satellite phone to India, it will be confiscated and you could be subject to serious penalties, including arrest. <br><br>Please double-check current entry requirements into Nepal and any country you may be visiting\/transiting through during your trip.","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Over the Renjo La Pass into the Remote Nangpa La Valley with Leila Thompson","Custom_Lodging":"4 nights hotels, 14 nights Sherpa lodges, 4 nights camping","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 2 dinners and 2 lunches","Custom_Difficulty":"Strenuous hikes, 5-7 hours a day, altitudes between 10,000-16,000 feet, with a maximum elevation of 17,716 feet (crossing the Renjo La), plus an optional hike to the top of Gokyo Ri at 18,000 feet.","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"This trip is <strong>Level 6, Very Strenuous<\/strong>. A trek to the glacier world of the Gokyo Valley and the Nangpa La Valley beyond is very physically demanding. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 16,000 feet, and the maximum elevations reached are 17,716 feet (our crossing of the Renjo La Pass) and on the optional hike to the top of Gokyo Ri at 18,000 feet. <br><br><strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><br><ul><li>5-6 hours<\/li><li>1,200-1,500 feet ascent\/descent<\/li><li>Altitudes range from 9,000-18,000 feet<\/li><\/ul><br><strong>Challenge Days<\/strong><br><ul><li><strong>Day 14: <\/strong>3-4 hours, 1,000 feet ascent \/ 2,595 feet descent, 17,716 feet elevation (trail may be rocky, snowy, or icy depending on conditions)<\/li><li><strong>Day 19:<\/strong> 8 hours, ascent 2,500 feet, 14,000 feet elevation<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Terrain":"Trail conditions are often rough, not the well-maintained switchbacks you may be accustomed to, and there is a good bit of up and down (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). On our crossing of the Renjo La, trail conditions may be difficult: expect to cross rocks, snow, and ice (depending on weather conditions). For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover a normal maximum of 6 to 10 miles per day (4-8 hours of hiking). There are a number of days when the walks are shorter, as well as rest days, allowing opportunities for day hikes and exploring the beautiful surroundings.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging&mdash;you should be in excellent physical condition. Even though trip members carry only a daypack (with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities you may need during the day), we recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip by hiking, running, swimming, bicycling, or engaging in other forms of aerobic exercise well beyond your normal routine. Many activities get the heart and lungs into shape, but the most effective way of getting fit for hiking is to hike! Walking up and down flights of stairs is also an effective way to train for the steep ascents and descents in the Himalaya. Bending your knees as you go down stairs will help strengthen your quad muscles. At least two months prior to your trek, we urge you to go on weekend day hikes that involve long uphill and downhill walking. <br><br>For this trek, we require your doctor sign the Wilderness Travel Medical Form. Once Wilderness Travel has confirmed your place on the trip roster, no refunds beyond our standard fees will be made if your physician refuses to sign the form. It is very important that you and your physician fully agree that you are physically capable of undertaking a strenuous trek, and equally important that you undertake proper conditioning prior to the trek. <br><br>The Trip Leader has the right to disqualify any member from the trip at any time if it is medically necessary, to avoid endangering the group, or if the participant in question is physically unfit for the rigors of the trip. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.<br>","Custom_Weather":"The popular trekking seasons are fall and spring. Nepal lies at the same latitude as Florida, but altitude is the main factor governing temperatures. In the semitropical lowlands of Kathmandu (altitude 4,000 feet), daytime temperatures can be quite warm, in the 70Fs and 80Fs, with cool, misty nights. It rarely snows below 7,000 feet. <br><br>At altitudes of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, daytime temperatures can be in the 50Fs and 60Fs for fall trips and 60Fs and 70Fs for spring trips. Nights are cool to cold, often in the 40Fs. Skies are generally clear, although the spring has more precipitation (but Nepal&rsquo;s famous rhododendron forests are in full bloom in the spring). Clouds often form in the afternoons, disappearing at night to reveal brilliantly starry skies. <br><br>At altitudes over 10,000 feet, weather is unpredictable and the wind chill factor comes into play. Daytime temperatures at these heights can be in the 60s, but also as low as the 30s and 40s, especially if it is windy. Temperatures drop very quickly when the sun goes down, and evening\/nighttime temperatures at high altitudes often drop to around 15&deg;F and sometimes lower. We frequently encounter sub-zero nighttime temperatures on Khumbu treks and you should anticipate chronic cold weather. Snow is not uncommon at higher elevations, and rain is always a possibility throughout the trek.","Custom_Accommodations":"We stay in the lovely Yak &amp; Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu for four nights, in Sherpa lodges for 14 nights, and we camp for four nights. In recent years, many Sherpas have built lodges in their villages and the standards of these accommodations have been improving continuously. Some are simple but many would vie in character and comfort with the equivalent European alpine huts. Staying in these family-run lodges will give you a true feel for the Sherpa people and their lives. In the lodges, you&rsquo;ll have a private room but only some lodges feature private bathrooms, and hot water may not be available at every lodge. We provide you with good quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and liners for extra comfort at all of the lodges. We also bring our own private cooking staff with us so all our lodge meals will be prepared for us by our own Wilderness Travel trained cooks.<br><strong><br>Camping:<\/strong> In our four nights in the remote Nangpa La Valley region, our accommodation is in our own private mountain-style tented camps, with a full-service camping and cooking staff. Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained Sherpa staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing a basin of warm washing water, and tea or coffee to your tent each morning.Sleeping bags, pads, and liners are provided for all members, but you are welcome to bring your own from home if you prefer.","Custom_Cuisine":"Our own experienced cook crew is part of the Wilderness Travel trekking staff, and all our meals at the lodges will be prepared by them. Our cooks are professionally trained and offer a good variety of hygienically prepared meals. Our drinking water is always boiled, and treated washing water is put out before every meal so you can wash your hands before eating. Meals are a blend of Nepalese and Western dishes. Breakfast is normally a light meal of porridge or granola, with hot milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, or cookies. Lunches may include potatoes, eggs, curried vegetables, cheese, local-style breads, fruit, tea, or a fruit drink. Dinner is typically soup and a main course such as a noodle dish, or meat or vegetable stew, depending on what is available in local villages. Dessert on trek is usually canned or fresh fruit.","Custom_Transportation":"The tickets for your internal helicopter flights (Kathmandu\/Lukla\/Kathmandu) are issued by our local agents in Nepal and are given to you in Kathmandu with exact flight times\/information. Weather, overbooking, and other factors beyond our control often result in a trekking group not being able to depart from or return to Kathmandu on the planned day. Wilderness Travel has, however, excellent contacts in both Kathmandu and Lukla to assist our groups should delays occur. If a delay occurs en route to Lukla from Kathmandu, Wilderness Travel will provide hotel rooms and breakfast in Kathmandu; lunches and dinners are at your own expense. In the event of a delay on the return from Lukla to Kathmandu, we will continue to provide food and lodging in Lukla until the group&rsquo;s departure. However, the trip does officially end on the stated ending date. Regardless of flight delays, trip members remaining in Nepal beyond this date must do so at their own expense. Your invoice includes the cost of flights between Kathmandu and Lukla on the scheduled helicopter flights.<br><strong><br>Important<\/strong>: There is a 15kg luggage weight limit on internal flights, so please pack accordingly.","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"A Typical Trekking Day","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"Hiking distances on trek are normally measured in hours, not miles, since maps aren&rsquo;t really accurate enough to assess how far we walk up and down winding mountain trails. On a typical trek day, wake-up is around 7:00 am. After packing up our duffels and having breakfast, we set off on the trail. We ask you not to hike ahead of the leader because trails are often not well-marked. We typically walk for three to four hours in the morning, then stop for a leisurely lunch of an hour or more (either in a lodge or picnic-style at a scenic spot on the trail). <br><br>After lunch, we walk for another three hours or so until we reach our next night&rsquo;s lodging, where we can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack on arrival. On our exploration days, we occasionally have more time in the morning or afternoon near the lodge to rest or for further individual exploration. Temperatures drop quickly as the sun falls behind the peaks, and it&rsquo;s easy to get chilled after exerting yourself for several hours, so have an extra layer of clothing ready.<br>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"Safety &amp; Altitude","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to means of rapid evacuation, availability of medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Our Trek Leaders and support crew are experienced veterans of the Nepal Himalaya, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.<div><br><\/div><div>We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HWR_C8ga67Q\">\rlinked here<\/a>.","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer a comprehensive plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Mandatory_Emergency_Evacuation_Insurance":"","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific departures they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>At time of reservation: $600<br>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Minimum fee: $600 per person<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}