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 Take a flight over Nepal's mountain peaks • Watch sun shine on Mount Everest • Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp • Explore Sherpa Villages • Stay in charming mountain teahouses • Explore bustling Kathmandu • Discover remote monasteries. From ancient kingdoms to majestic mountains, this is the adventure of a lifetime. We start our trip on the busy streets of Kathmandu, then take a spectacular flight over Nepal's Himalayan peak's to the Everest region.
Over the next week we'll hike trails used by many Everest expeditions, visit famous monasteries, spending our nights at cozy tea houses in the world's highest inhabited villages. We'll even have the chance to trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4750m) where we'll enjoy magnificent mountain views of Everest.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in these activities, the cost will not be refunded.
• Group leader from beginning to end of tour
• 10 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
• Guided city tour of Bodhnath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kathmandu)
• Trek led by your group leader and supported by assistant guides and porters
• Return flight Kathmandu to Lukla
• Travel insurance package covering medical, trip interruption & baggage loss
Meals Included:
10 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the country you are visiting. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Although our groups tend to eat together, you are welcome to break away at any time.
• International Airfare
• Arrival & Departure Transfers
• Some meals
• Items not outlined in itinerary
Comfortable Hotels (3 nights), Simple Mountain Lodges (7 nights)
Our cozy mountain lodges provide comfortable twin share rooms, running/hot water, western toilets and hot meals, however they are not heated through the night in order to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment.
Joining/Finishing Point Hotel
Kathmandu Guest House, Kathmandu
 The Kathmandu Guest House has affordable accommodations conveniently located in the popular tourist district of Thamel. It features 6 dining options and free private parking. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
The Kathmandu Guest House was the first ever hotel in Thamel, and used to be a 'Rana' mansion. Kathmandu Guest House is a 15-minute drive from Tribhuvan Airport and Patan Durbar Square. Numerous dining options and the Kathmandu Durbar Square are within walking distance of the hotel.
The rooms are in a green area and are fitted with large windows. They include a private bathroom that has a hot/cold shower.
 Guests can purchase unique jewelry at the hotel's gift shop or rece beauty treatments at the salon.
Bahal Café in the hotel's courtyard provides buffet spreads and international dishes and Laskus restaurant features traditional Newari cuisine. Other dining options include pizza, mocktails and specialty coffee and breads.
Joining Point Instructions:
There is no airport bus service available at Tribhuvan, Kathmandu's International Airport. If you haven't pre-arranged a transfer, you will need to arrange a taxi upon arrival. This is very easy. There are two pre-paid taxi booths inside the terminal, one on each side as you exit the baggage claim area. They have fixed rates of 400 rps to anywhere in the Thamel area from 6am-8pm and 500 rps from 8pm - 6am. It's a 20 to 50 minute journey depending on the time of day and the traffic levels.
If you have pre-arranged a transfer through OUT Adventures, please exit the baggage area and look for a sign with your name or OUT Adventures. If you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your way to the joining point hotel using the above instructions. OUT Adventures will not be held responsible if your transfer is missed due to a delayed or cancelled flight, although our ground contact will do their best to accommodate.
Physical Rating
Be prepared for some serious trekking. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The more fit you are, the more you'll enjoy your holiday. You'll be walking at altitudes of up to approximately 3,800m/12,500ft above sea level (4,600m/15,000ft if you participate in Ama Dablam Base Camp day trek).
Altitude Sickness
Parts of your trip go to an elevation where it is common for travellers to experience altitude sickness - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please consult one of our Adventure Specialists for more information.
Group Size
Maximum of 16 travellers per group. Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling.
Budget
Allow USD $400 for meals not included.
Days 1, and 2
 Namaste! Welcome to Nepal.
With its monkey temples, living goddesses and markets of every kind, Kathmandu is a legendary city. We take a guided tour of Kathmandu and visit the Monkey Temple, Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Although we always recommend arriving at least 1 day early, you can arrive any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important group meeting at 17:00 where you will meet your group leader and other OUT Adventures travellers. Your leader will leave a note at reception, or on a welcome board near reception telling you where and when your group meeting will take place. Please be prepared to bring your passport, two passport photos (not required to be dated/verified), and an extra copy of your departing flight information so our local office can reconfirm your flight details during the trip.
 If you arrive early into this amazing, but equally culturally shocking city, we recommend that you meet up with others from the group that may have arrived early and head out for a half day trip to Patan Durbar Square where you will get a glimpse of some of the most stunning temples in Kathmandu. A vehicle can be arranged through our operating partner Himalayan Encounters who is located in the outside courtyard of the Kathmandu Guesthouse.
Kathmandu Life:
Kathmandu is a fascinating mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life where stalls and small shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. Kathmandu has been a travellers centre for many years which is reflected in the international flavour of the bright lights, clusters of signs and 'Coca Cola culture' of the central Thamel area where we stay.
 Gay Kathmandhu Life:
Although Nepal is on what seems to be the forefront for the fight for LGBT rights in Asia, there is very little in terms of organized gay life. As our friends at Mitra Cafe say, "We are just gay. We live our life and have no need to get involved in politics". This being said, we've been to Fire Nightclub (very close to Kathmandu Guesthouse) on a Friday night when it is said that local gays will go out on the town. It is primarily a straight club, although it welcomes everyone.
On Day 2 we start off the day with a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. We are transported by van to Swoyambhunath Temple (or the Monkey Temple), Bodhnath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Next up, we go on a guided walking tour of downtown Kathmandu and get to visit to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (not to be confused with Patan Durbar Square) where we see one of the royal palaces of the Kathmandu Kingdom.
Day 3
 This morning we fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m/9,200ft), gateway to the region of the Sherpas. We'll start trekking north up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river') towards Phakding with lunch en route in the picturesque village of Thado-Koshi, high above the river. We then descend from the small plateau into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some tantalizing views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) where we spend our first night. Approximate hiking time: 3 hours
Day 4
 Heading out of Phakding, we first cross to the west bank, climbing high above the river. Our walk takes us through magnificent forests of beautiful pink rhododendrons, giant fir and magnolia trees, and both in spring and autumn the ground is bright with flowers. After Jorsale (2805m/12,500ft) the trail climbs to cross the river, and we start the steep climb to Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Everest region - often called the 'Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu. Soon we should have the first view of the summit of Everest, appearing behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. Another 300m of climbing brings us to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,300ft), administrative centre of the Khumbu region and headquarters for Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Approximate hiking time: 6 hours
Day 5
 Today we hike to the Everest View Hotel, at one time reputed to be the highest hotel in the world. We'll continue through a maze of narrow lanes to the oldest monastery in the region, with a lunch stop on the way. Then, on to Tashinga (3,400m/11,100ft), a tiny, peaceful village set amidst pine forests with breathtaking views of the Dudh Koshi Valley. Approximate hiking time: 4 hours
Days 6, and 7
On day 6 we descend to the small hamlet of Phunki Tenga before crossing a bridge and beginning a steep ascent for about an hour and a half through a well shaded and cool forest to Thyangboche, which has long been a sacred spot. The Lama Sange Dorje, who first brought Buddhism to the region, is said to have flown from his monastery in Tibet over the Himalaya, landing here at Pangboche. Visitors should be careful to respect the spirit of this special place. We continue downhill to Deboche which marks the end of the tree-line, where we gradually ascend to Pangboche (3,930m/13,000ft). Approximate hiking time: 4 hours
 Day 7 is for rest, or an optional hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,900m/16,000ft). The trail descends to a bridge across the Dudh Kosi and then climbs up onto lower slopes of this stunning mountain. It's about 3.5 hours walk to the base camp where we may well see climbers at base camp and on the mountain. It was also in this area a Sherpa girl reported having seen a Yeti!
Approximate hiking time: 6 hours
Day 8
 We descend back down to the river and climb up to Thyangboche for one of our last panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. The trail then drops down to Phunki Tenga and climbs through Teshinga to Kyanjuma. We walk along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Kosi to Namche where we'll rest at our charming mountain home before our last day of hiking. Approximate hiking time: 6 hours
Day 9
 On our last day of hiking we trek back to Chaunrikhara, where we leave the main trail and climb the short distance to Lukla where we spend the night before flying back to Kathmandu. Approximate hiking time: 6 hours
Days 10, and 11
We take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu on day 10. The remainder of the day is free before our farewell dinner where we'll share stories from our adventure.
You are free to depart at any time on day 11, as there are no activities planned. We hope you enjoyed your time in Nepal with OUT Adventures!
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Trip Style - Active
As you'd expect, activity is key on an Active trip. But, we're not jumping off cliffs or paragliding - unless you want to, and hey, that's entirely your choice. You will, however, be exploring by foot. Active Adventures are the ideal way to travel if you want plenty of cultural interaction while staying physical.
Culture Shock
Please note that Nepal is a developing country whose infrastructure, values, customs and standards may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Expect poor road conditions and be prepared for some inconveniences such as restaurants and tourist sites being closed from time to time. Sometimes the transportation may be altered or the itinerary may be changed due to circumstances beyond our control.
Gay Rating
This trip travels to a somewhat conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind: Public Displays of affection are not common in this area however in some cases holding hands is acceptable. Gay-specific activities and gay-hosted events, meals or day tours may be included as part of this itinerary.
Physical Rating:
For the trek on this trip the general rule is you will need to be fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature.
This being said, we recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain walks or climbing long staircases with a pack is good preparation. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.
Domestic Flights:
Please note domestic airlines allow a maximum of 10kg check in luggage and 5kg hand luggage. Any excess luggage expense will be your own responsibility, however extra luggage can be stored at our hotel in Kathmandu.
At times due to adverse weather conditions flights to and from Lukla can be delayed or even cancelled. In the eventuality of flight cancellations for a period of time that may affect your travel itinerary gravely, we may have to resort to helicopter charter to transfer to and from Lukla, for which additional cost applies. To recover the unexpected expenditure arising from the conditions beyond our control, we will be proving you with a support letter to make an insurance claim.
Early Check-In:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, however this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
Health & Altitude:
Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling to high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water and don't attempt too much in a day. A comprehensive first-aid kit is carried by our support crew during treks, and senior staff are trained to prevent, detect and, if necessary, to deal with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Contrary to popular hype, AMS is not common – at least not on well-paced treks, however higher treks are equipped with a PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber). This inflatable, tube-shaped, pressurized, windowed bag creates low-altitude air pressure conditions. A trekker's one or two hour 'stay' can be sufficient response, however sometimes the person will need to descend, with an escort, at least 1,000m to better oxygenated conditions.
Two passport photos will be needed on this trip - one for trekking permits, which will be collected by your group leader on day 1 and one for your visa upon arrival into Kathmandu.
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our group leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions, however you can expect daytime temperatures between 15C/60F and 25C/80F.
Vaccinations:
There are no vaccinations required for this trip, however we recommend that you are up to date on your regular travel vaccines.
Visas:
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: multi entry visa valid for 15 days - $25 USD, or 30 days - $40 USD. If you are extending your trip, or continuing on an extension, returning to Nepal for your international flight, your visa must be valid for the full duration of your trip. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
**Please note that you will require a transit visa if overnighting in an Indian airport and wishing to stay at a local hotel, or with a layover longer than 24 hours. If your layover is less than 24 hours you are permitted to stay in the airport, but cannot leave or enter immigration. This is your responsibility to arrange.
Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping.
Money Exchange/Cash:
ATMs will be available primarily in Kathmandu, but note that charges are made for each transaction. Please check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are travelling to. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as - suspecting fraud - they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions.
Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to US$100 per day.
We recommend that you have approximately USD $400-500 USD or a similar amount converted to NPR for use on the trip. While you may not spend all of this money, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is also advisable to carry some cash in small denominations, for those times when ATMs may not be available. US dollars are the most readily changeable currency.
Credit Cards:
Credit cards will be accepted at most lodges, but cash is recommended.
Emergency Funds:
Please make sure you have access to an additional USD 400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside of our control (eg. a natural disaster or civil unrest) necessitate a change to our planned route. Currency exchange rates often fluctuate.
Tipping - Nepal
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many OUT Adventures destinations.
Overall, we recommend you bring approximately $200 USD for tips. The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Hotels: Service charges have been introduced in Nepal. Hence there is no need for tipping; except for porters, for whom $2-3 USD is adequate.
Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there's an addition of 10% service charge, there's no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 5-10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest that you budget a total of $2-3 USD per OUT Adventures guest, per day (approx $30-40 USD total) for local guides.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of $2-3 USD (approx $10 USD total) per person, per day is generally appropriate.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5-10 USD per person, per day (approx $70-$140 USD total) can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Trekking Crew: $4-5 USD per group member per day is recommended, and will be distributed by the head guide.
Health
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
Travellers don't always adapt to the change in diet that occurs when visiting a foreign land. In Nepal, this is aggravated by occasional poor hygiene practices at restaurants and at tea-houses along the busier trekking routes. Most people adjust quickly, however you may experience a mild case of stomach issues, which normally can be waited out without the need for medication. We live in an age of mega-antibiotics, now known to be over-prescribed; however, we sometimes find them necessary.
What to Take:
Generally speaking, we recommend that you pack as light as possible. On this trip you will be expected to carry your own luggage from time to time, and you must keep the weight of your main bag under 10kgs/22lbs for domestic flights. A small fee will be charged for up to 5kgs of additional weight. You may also want to bring a daypack for any items that you'll need throughout the day when you won't have access to your main bag. You will have the option of storing additional luggage at our hotel in Kathmandu, if necessary, but please ensure you have an extra tote/bag to do so, along with a lock.
Your OUT Adventures Group Leader
All OUT Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our gay or gay-welcoming group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best vacation possible.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. OUT leaders aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit - and who better to hear it from than the locals themselves? If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Your Fellow Travellers:
You will be travelling with other gay travellers and occasionally their friends or family. As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior the the pre-trip email approximately one month prior to departure.
Single Travellers
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation. For no additional cost, single travellers share with a roommate of the same sex for the duration of the trip in a twin room (2 beds). A single supplement is only available in Kathmandu on this trip
Issues on your trip
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit, sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner right away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
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